What is Hypnosis

Most hypnotists, on interviewing a new client will ask the client what he or she thinks hypnosis is. Replies range from sleep to unconsciousness, to surrender of mental powers and control, to magic, to voodoo. All are in error.

Hypnosis cannot be sleep. In most cases the subject is fully aware of communication and is able to respond on request either verbally or by signal. Nor is unconsciousness involved. A subject asked to make a specific movement will comply with the request unless it is objectionable, in which case there will be a refusal.

There is no surrender of mind or control. A person who does not want to be hypnotized cannot be hypnotized or be induced to do or say anything, which violates personal standards of behavior or integrity. There is neither magic nor voodoo involved. Any hypnotist can explain the actions or behaviors seen in stage, film or television shows, where the subject seems to follow directions mindlessly.

Actually, hypnosis is better described than defined. It is often considered an altered state of consciousness featuring “selective perception”, a process in which the subject (who is in control) chooses to see only what is relevant to his task, blocking out everything else. Hypnosis involves guided concentration.

In essence, hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. Many human problems, habits, stresses, fears, attitudes or apparent deficiencies can be traced to interpretations by the subconscious mind which, when understood by the conscious mind, can reduce specific problems.

A major benefit of hypnosis is its ability to uncover and bring into the light of understanding the buried information or experience which may be the cause of troublesome issue.

In your hypnosis session your hypnotist will hypnotize you and give you suggestions designed to help you achieve the desired result. It is important to remember during the entire process YOU ARE IN CONTROL

* Information contained above provided by National Guild of Hypnotists, Merrimack, NH 03054