horizontal rule

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnosis is NOT
What is hypnosis?
How intelligent must I be in order to be hypnotized?
How much do I have to concentrate?
Will I be unconscious during the experience?
What does hypnosis feel like?
Is there any possibility of not being able to come out of hypnosis?
Will I remember what happened during my experience?
Will hypnosis weaken my willpower?
Is hypnosis effective in eliminating undesirable habits?
Do medical associates approve of the use of hypnosis?
For what medical conditions has hypnosis proven effective?
Why hasn't hypnosis been used more until now?

Hypnosis is NOT:

bullet

Loss of consciousness

bullet

Weakening of will or control

bullet

A process requiring a weak mind

bullet

A giving away of secrets

bullet

A process requiring gullibility

bullet

A permanent state

bullet

A magic wand or potion that can cause you to change a behavior against your will

Hypnosis is a naturally-occurring process or state of mind that most of us experience hundreds, if not thousands, times during our lives. This natural phenomenon of the mind usually contains all or some of the following characteristics:

bullet

Focused concentration

bullet

Increased physical and mental relaxation

bullet

Heightened physiological and emotional suggestibility

bullet

Heightened sensory awareness

Top of page

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural process during which the subconscious mind can be engaged to work to bring about a desired goal.

How intelligent must I be in order to be hypnotized?

Generally, anyone with normal intelligence has the understanding and comprehension required to experience hypnosis.

Top of page

How much do I have to concentrate?

Perhaps you have had the experience of watching a television program so intently or being so immersed in a book that you were unaware that someone spoke to you. You have probably also at some time discovered a bruise or cut on your body, but were unaware of how you received it. These things happen because your concentration was focused elsewhere at the time of the injury or interruption. Anyone having these types of experiences has the capacity of concentration necessary for hypnosis or relaxation.

Will I be unconscious during the experience?

No. Even though you will feel profoundly relaxed, you will actually be more acutely aware of everything that is happening. You will notice things that you may not have noticed before. Since many people expect that hypnosis causes unconsciousness, they are often confused about this.

Top of page

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis feels a lot like daydreaming. You are pleasantly relaxed, drowsy, and comfortable. In fact, it feels so good that most are eager to experience it again.

Is there any possibility of not being able to come out of hypnosis?

None whatsoever.

Top of page

Will I remember what happened during my experience?

Yes. Your subconscious mind stores all the experiences you have and can recall them. In the majority of cases, the conscious mind will also remember. The therapeutic value of hypnosis depends entirely on subconscious retention, and will be unaffected by whether your conscious mind remembers the experience.

Will hypnosis weaken my willpower?

No. In fact, quite the opposite occurs. Willpower is actually strengthened through the realization of the capacity of the subconscious mind to make up for the reduction in willpower caused by stress, anxiety, and tension in our everyday lives. With hypnosis, you can put this capacity to use to effect your desired change, whether that is to quit smoking, learn to relax, improve self-confidence, lose weight, or many other beneficial goals.

Top of page

Is hypnosis effective in eliminating undesirable habits?

Yes. It is a very effective means provided the person has a real, heart-felt desire to achieve permanent relief. Examples of successfully-treated habits: Overeating, smoking, nail biting, alcoholism, worry, fears and phobias, digestive disturbances, and burn out.

Do medical associations approve of the use of hypnosis?

Yes. The British Medical Association issued an excellent report on medical hypnosis in 1955. The American Medical Association approved hypnosis in 1958. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health recommended that hypnosis be incorporated to a greater degree in the delivery of health care.

Top of page

For what medical conditions has hypnosis proven effective?

Hypnosis has proven effective in the relief of: Cancer pain, insomnia, tension headaches, chronic pain, certain dermatological conditions, allergies, TMJS, myofascitis, and pain associated with childbirth.

Why hasn't hypnosis been used more until now? 

According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, lack of information and training within the medical community has played a role. However, the mind/body connection is now becoming more accepted as research reveals the effects of one on the other. Hypnosis Institute of Houston is always ready and willing to be a resource for those wishing to learn more about the possibilities of hypnosis as a beneficial adjunct to traditional therapies.

Top of page

 

 

horizontal rule

Hosted by

Webmaster 
 

Copyright © 2001 - 2008
Hypnosis Institute of Houston
All rights reserved.