Hypnotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to help clients gain deep insights in a short amount of time. Hypnotherapy uses mindfulness and meditation techniques to assist clients into a calm and relaxed state, otherwise known as a state of hypnosis or trance. This trance state is a naturally occurring state that most people go in and out of for the majority of the day (i.e. daydreaming). With a clinical hypnotherapist present, clients are then consciously guided through the subconscious areas of one's mind. By bringing our subconscious minds more in connection with our conscious minds, we open up new channels from which to make big changes in our lives. I received my training in hypnotherapy at The Wellness Institute in Issaquah Washington.
Hypnotherapy FAQs
1. "Will I know and remember what has happened?"
You will remember and you will be able to speak throughout the session. You will not be unconscious. You will always be able to hear my voice. You will always know that you are in this room. You will always be able to wake yourself up if you want to. All you need to say is “1-2-3 STOP.”
2. "What if I can't be hypnotized?"
Everyone can be hypnotized. lf you are a human being, you can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. This is a common concern among people who have difficulties around not being able to accomplish things. We can work on this issue within the hypnosis.
3. "I don't want anyone else controlling my mind."
a. Hypnosis will enable you to control your own mind better. In addition, you will be able to recognize attempts by others to control your mind through 'hypnotic suggestions' such as through television advertising. Hypnosis will help you understand better how to reject suggestions that do not serve you. It's a lack of awareness or ignorance that allows other people to be able to control our minds. It's also a lack of assertiveness.
b. Hypnotherapy 'empowers' you. I validate the fact that all the 'answers' are within you already. I teach self-hypnosis and assist you in discovery of your own inner resources. You are always in charge of your process.
c. You always retain the power to 'reject' a suggestion. Also, you can always tell me what types of suggestions you would like to hear.
4. "What if I can't come out of it?"
a. There has never been a documented case of anyone being unable to come out of hypnosis.
b. 80% of the day you are going in and out of the subconscious mind.
5. "Are you going to make me cluck like a chicken?"
This is about a fear of embarrassment. It usually comes from seeing a ' Hypnosis Stage Show.' Hypnotherapy is not stage show hypnotism. This is for therapy, not for shaming anyone. I can help you work on your fear of being shamed.
6. "If I open my mind to hypnosis, I may lose control."
Whatever you focus upon increases in power. I will assist you in focusing on your internal strengths and resources instead of the fear of losing control. You always have a choice when you learn to use the full 100% of your mind!
7. "What if I discover things that I don't want to know?"
Hypnotherapy will help you identify and address what has been controlling your life. By identifying and addressing you are empowering yourself to choose whether you want to retain or release your discoveries.
adapted from the Wellness Institute FAQs
