Hypnosis FAQ's

All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. While in hypnosis, you are fully awake and hear everything that is told to you by the hypnotherapist. It is physically and mentally impossible to indefinitely remain in hypnosis. A hypnotized client will not violate his or her ethical standards. You may freely exit hypnosis simply by willing it to happen. Children for the ages of about 5 to 8 are in hypnosis most of the day! Hypnotherapy has over 300 applications, and it is the oldest of all therapies. Early civilization saw the establishment of Greek and Egyptian sleep temples where hypnosis took place. Hypnotherapy is recognized by the American Medical Association and by the American Dental Association. Hypnotherapy is perhaps the fastest growing alternative health modality for the 2000’s! Many leading medical and dental schools are teaching their students the basics of this discipline. The popularity of self-hypnosis is also on the rise. It is our hope that the information that you find here will answer questions that you may have about self hypnosis and its applications .

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our services and provide the answers here. If you need additional information please send us an email at dynamicmind@rcn.com, or call us at (508)478-8500

What is self-hypnosis?

Self hypnosis merely means that you make positive suggestions to yourself while your mind is in a highly suggestible state. In self-hypnosis, constructive, healthful thoughts are placed in your subconscious mind BY YOU! No one else is telling you how to behave. YOU are the one that drives your desire to change.

How Do I Know I'm Hypnotized?

Usually, a person being hypnotized for the first time won't think that they have been hypnotized at all, simply because they think it will result in being unconscious. This is not the case at all. Hypnosis is a state of complete relaxation. Some people sense a feeling of "heaviness", while others have a light or floating sensation. Although you are perfectly aware of surroundings and sounds, your attention becomes concentrated on the voice of the hypnotist and other sounds seem to fade away. Your ability to succeed in being hypnotized relates directly to how well you follow the instructions of the hypnotist.

Is it possible that I could not be brought out of hypnosis?

Absolutely not! The state of hypnosis requires that you concentrate on an outside stimulus, the hypnotist's voice. If that voice disappears for a few minutes with no other stimulus, you will naturally fall asleep and awaken after a short time. Because you are not "asleep", it is impossible for you not to "wake up".

Can I be hypnotized?

Everybody is hypnotizable. The key factor is you must want to be hypnotized and cooperate with the hypnotist in order to have success. The level of concentration that you achieve will depend directly on how well you follow the hypnotist's instructions.

Can hypnosis really help a person to stop smoking?

If you really want to stop smoking, hypnosis is one of the most effective tools. It helps you avoid the anxiety and irritability that usually accompany the process of quitting. It helps reinforce your reasons to stop, so those positive thoughts become more important than giving in to the urge to smoke. Literally millions of people have used hypnosis to help them stop smoking.

How effective is hypnosis in weight control?

Again, hypnosis alone will not make you lose weight. It is, however, VERY effective in helping you deal with the tensions and worries that may people "relieve" by running to the refrigerator. Hypnosis helps you improve your self image: a recognized factor in helping control your weight. When you posses self-confidence and are proud of how you look, you don't need the stress "crutch" that food can become. Hypnosis helps you visualize that slimmer, more attractive you.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis is no more dangerous than normal sleep. Many hypnotists begin with an initial suggestion that if any emergency occurs, you will be immediately alert and ready to deal with it. In this sense, it's safer than normal sleep. There is no evidence that hypnosis causes any physical, emotional, or psychological damage. Relaxation, which is the primary focus of hypnosis, actually helps relieve anxieties and allows greater relaxation in a far shorter period of time than natural sleep.

Are group hypnosis sessions effective?

There are two basic types of group hypnosis sessions.  The first type is perhaps the best known, the hypnotist who reserves hotel meeting rooms on a circuit he or she travels, doing smoking cessation or weight loss with perhaps 100 strangers who pay $75.00 to $125.00 each.  Although they often advertise 98% or better success rates, these are greatly inflated figures.  Realistic estimates are closer to 30% to 50% at the most.  But this is pretty impressive when you compare it to strategies in the medical model (e.g. nicotine gum or patches) which have a success rate of only 5% to 15%!

The other type of group hypnosis sessions occur in a stable group where members know each other and meet on a regular basis.  This type of group is common for weight loss.  Members may meet weekly for reinforcement until they accomplish their goals, then may come monthly for a period of time.  Obviously, in this setting more individual attention is possible and success rates increase.

However, one on one sessions where all strategies can be individualized are the most effective.  Depending on the issue, the therapies, and individual commitment, success rates of 80% to 95% are common.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not at this time.   Your confidentiality is greatly compromised when an insurance company is involved.    You enjoy the greatest possible confidentiality and treatment decisions are based upon your needs and desires, not a managed care company's needs or policies.   Currently, very few insurance policies provide coverage for hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

 How long will it take?

The average number of session for most issues is 4 to 5 sessions.  You will see great improvement after the first session, but the goal is to make life long changes so reinforcement is required.  Our goal is to provide you the assistance you need in the fewest sessions possible.  Our success is based upon your success and your recommendations to others.

What will my first session be like?

With hypnotherapy you begin with an educational session to dispel common fears and misconceptions regarding hypnosis.  Then your therapist will explain how hypnosis works to help you accomplish your goals, what hypnosis is and is not, and how to get the most from your hypnosis sessions.  This is followed by a pre-hypnosis interview to discuss your problem, needs, and goals.  After all your questions are answered and you feel comfortable, it will be time for the hypnosis session.  Most appointments are typically one hour in length.

You will use headphones and state of the art electronic audio equipment in your hypnotism. I will blend my computer-enhanced voice with special music and complex suggestions that will teach your unconscious mind to change. Both the music you will hear and my voice will be "pulsed" with a special beat that will assist you in achieving a deep state of self-hypnosis where wonderful things are possible. Throughout the experience you will be monitored by electronic sensors that will show exactly what techniques work for you. With trial and error eliminated, we achieve results rapidly.  There is no more powerful system of professional hypnotism available anywhere in the world.

Why is a physician referral sometimes necessary for hypnosis?

A physician's referral is always necessary when addressing medical conditions such as pain, irritable bowls syndrome, impotency to name a few.  The possibility exists that the symptoms could be related to a more serious condition that would not be addressed because the hypnosis would reduce or eliminate the symptoms, covering signs/symptoms important to proper diagnosis. These signals are important information for your doctor in diagnosing the problem and determining appropriate treatment.  Through a variety of mechanisms hypnosis is very effective in reducing or eliminating your perception of pain.  Thus, it is important for your physician to be aware you are using hypnosis for pain relief and to determine whether your pain is acute or chronic.

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