Hypnosis Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnosis Frequently Asked Questions
by Jon Rhodes Darwen, Lancashire

*What is a hypnotic trance?

*Can I be hypnotized?

Most people can go into a hypnotic trance. Whilst it takes practice to go into deeper trances, most people can quickly achieve a light to medium trance very easily.

*What does hypnosis feel like?

When in a trance you usually feel more mentally and physically relaxed. It is a very pleasant experience, and you can tell that you are still in control. You can still hear exactly what is going on around you, unless you choose to drift your attention away, like when absorbed in a book or film. You become aware that you can easily stand up, talk, or move whenever you want. A lot of people when they first experience a hypnotic trance move their fingers or hands in order to test whether they can move at will.

*Can I be made to do things against my will?

You could never be made to do anything against your will or contrary to your value system. If this was actually possible there would be many criminals learning the art of hypnotherapy in order to hypnotise their bank managers to opening the vaults and handing over a large sum of cash! In a trance, you would not unknowingly reveal your deepest secrets. You can even lie when in a trance, which is one reason why testimony in hypnosis is not permissible evidence in a court of law. It is only used by police to help with the investigation. A person will only act upon suggestions that serve them in some way or reinforce an expected behaviour, anything else their subconscious will just ignore. Most people develop these misperceptions from seeing or hearing about a Stage Hypnosis show. However they largely achieve their results from showmanship, selection of the more extrovert people, and peer pressure.

*Is hypnosis dangerous?

A hypnotic trance is actually a very natural state that almost everyone goes into several times per day. In 1955 the British Medical Association set up an inquiry which favourably reported hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. It even recommended that it should be taught at medical schools. Hypnosis was also approved by the Council of Mental Health of the American Medical Association in September of 1958 as a safe practice with no harmful side effects. Since then there has been acceleration in the establishment of hypnosis societies for doctors, dentists, and psychologists. No one has been seriously hurt with hypnosis.

*How long will it take before I notice a change?

In one session, you can expect to become more relaxed than you are right now. Most people do not relax enough, and some people never seem to relax! Being more relaxed can help most mental and physical problems that you may have. I have often had patients report back to me that people noticed that they seemed more relaxed after just one session. In the past I have significantly helped problems such as IBS, skin complaints, and addictions, simply by doing relaxation work.

Hypnosis can bridge the gap between your head and your heart, making your goals much more emotionally compelling, and therefore increasing your chances of permanent change. Depending upon the intensity of your session and the number of times you have listened to the recording, you will notice suggestions for the desired behavioural changes spontaneously popping into your conscious mind almost immediately. Whilst it cannot provide miracle cures, it can change your mind set to such an extent that it appears that you are miraculously cured!

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