Hypnosis FAQ

What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be defined as a 'heightened state of suggestibility'. This heightened state allows thoughts, behaviors and habits to be changed when the suggestions given under hypnosis are accepted as true. (source)

The word 'Therapy' indicates an idea of healing. Hypnotherapy therefore is the use of hypnosis to move a person towards healing i.e. a state of health and wholeness. (source)

The understanding that most people have of hypnosis is from what they’ve seen or heard on TV, movies or stage shows.

There are many myths and half-truths about hypnosis. Please take some time to read the information below and write down any questions that you have that challenge your understanding of what hypnosis is and how it works. I will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have that are not addressed in this section.

What does hypnosis feel like?
You will often (but not always) feel completely relaxed as if you were asleep. You will be aware of all the words spoken to you and all the sensations in your body e.g. when in hypnosis you are able to sneeze, scratch your nose, feel emotion.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably, in clothes that will not distract to you.

How long will the session take?
Sessions run from 1hr to 1hr 15mins

How long till I feel better?
You will feel immediate changes and the process will continue over time as you commit to a more positive and healthy way of understanding your experiences.

What if I can’t be hypnotized?
Anyone who can follow simple directions is able to be hypnotized. As mentioned previously we have all experienced hypnosis before when we are relaxed and focused.

In a hypnosis session do I ever lose control?
No. Your brain has protective mechanisms in place at every level: conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. These functions will guide and protect you during the process of hypnosis. Healing is about regaining a sense of control in your life!

What is the success rate?
It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is not a ‘magic wand’. You as a client need to be committed to making positive change in order to maximize the benefit of your sessions.

I’ve tried other therapies, what’s different about hypnotherapy?
Part of the process information goes through before it becomes embedded in our mind is called the mind’s ‘critical factor’. The critical factor compares new incoming information with old information already stored in the brain. Our mind then chooses whether or not to continue to reinforce our existing habits, behaviors and beliefs. In hypnosis we are able to bypass this ‘critical factor’ by speaking directly to the subconscious mind. This allows us to change the way our subconscious mind thinks, challenging our old habits, behaviors and emotional reactions, allowing us to make significant changes in a short period of time. This can be contrasted with other forms of therapy such as ‘talk therapies’ that work primarily with the conscious mind.

How do I know hypnotherapy will work?
You will feel and notice a difference immediately. Following emergence from hypnosis you will demonstrate behaviors that will indicate that you have indeed been in hypnosis.

I don’t think I can be hypnotized
As mentioned earlier, you have likely already experienced hypnosis without knowing it, while driving, while reading, while watching TV. If you are determined to overcome a challenge in your life, and are willing to try your best to follow the advice and direction of a hypnotherapist then there is no reason for hypnosis not to work.

I’ve been dealing with this problem for a long time. How can you help me change in 5 sessions?
As your hypnotherapist I will work on the following areas during our five sessions:

• finding the source of the problem
• neutralizing the perceptions that have contributed to the problem
• helping you to release the pain that is necessary for healing to take place

Typically when clients first walk into my office, they have been engaging in behaviors that distract them from a deeper problem. In the process of trying to move on from the apparent problem other, much deeper issues are also resolved. Because the real, sometimes unknown, source of the problem is often addressed, healing can happen in a short period of time and in ways clients never expected.

What is the youngest age child you can help?
If a child has a reasonable command of language – typically from three years old - I can help them using hypnotic techniques. On children who are younger you may find tools such as EFT more effective.

What makes ‘Hope and Heal Hypnosis’ different?
The services offered at Hope & Heal Hypnosis are based on 5-PATH® Five Phase Advanced Transformational Hypnosis. The results and changes my clients experience are evidence of the effectiveness of the 5-PATH® system of hypnosis.

I also offer to all my clients the opportunity to learn 7th Path Self-Hypnosis®.

I am deeply committed to helping you heal. We have all faced different challenges in our lives. I am grateful to have been able to grow through my own challenging and difficult experiences. It is a joy and an honor to be able to assist others in doing this.

Should you have other questions please call Elissa Brinkerhoff C.H (949) 554 4653 for a free consultation.