What is Hypnosis?

When people think about hypnosis, the general image that comes to mind is a swirling black and white circle, a swinging watch, or a person not in control of their own behavior.  None of these is the case.  Unless you are a on stage as part of a Stage Hypnosis act, there is no swirling circle, no swinging watch, and in fact, during hypnosis, you may hear everything I say and be fully aware of your surroundings.  That is okay and quite normal, because you are still in a state of hypnosis. 

Many times during the day we all go into a form of hypnosis, or a trance-like state.  Have you ever been driving along the Interstate and missed your exit because you were thinking about something, into the radio program, or just simply “zoned out”?   Or, have you ever been so focused on your work that you lost track of time?  What about reading a really good book and you felt you were actually a part of that story?  You were still in control, and able to react to outside stimuli, but your focus was on what your mind was thinking about.  At that moment, you were in a state of hypnosis, or a state of consciousness known as Alpha. 

We spend most of our time in Beta, or a normal waking consciousness.  Upon waking, or just before you fall asleep, you are in an Alpha brain wave pattern.  Alpha is a deep state of relaxation when the mind is able to focus on one thing only.  You are no longer distracted by outside stimuli but are still able to respond and take action if needed.  It is also in this state when you are up to 200 times more suggestible than when you are fully awake in Beta.  This is the state you enter many times during the day while driving, watching TV, working on your computer, or while reading a really good book. 

Sometimes during hypnosis a person may have the feeling of falling asleep, or may actually fall asleep.  That is also okay and quite normal.  Recent research has proven that our hearing is still active even when we sleep, our subconscious is still open to suggestions, and most importantly we are still able to respond to situations around us if needed because our ears are still hearing and recording in our subconscious what is going on.  A great example of this in action is a sleeping mother.  Even though she is asleep, she is still able to react to her baby’s cries or the pitter patter of little feet down the hallway. 

There is no need to worry about not waking up after a session.  That cannot and, will not happen.  In a small percentage of the population, 10% to be exact, they will go so deeply into hypnosis that they disassociate and do not remember anything that happened during the session unless the hypnotist suggests they will.  This is a similar experience to what happens under anesthesia.  Called “somnambulists”, even these individuals will wake up from a session with ease.  

Hypnosis has been practiced for thousands of years.  The earliest evidence we have of hypnosis being used is from the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks who used the practice in their sleep temples to gain clarity and guidance.  In addition to being used as entertainment in modern times, it is also an approved treatment by the American Medical Association.  It is used for numerous treatments from weight loss to therapy to an alternative for anesthesia in dental and surgical procedures.  Many law enforcement agencies use hypnosis in investigations.  Recently, an Army Judge ordered a soldier who was accused of a crime to undergo forensic hypnosis to unlock buried memories of the incident.  A woman in Texas credits Gastric Bypass Hypnosis for her 140lbs weight loss.  In Europe, a singer who had to have throat surgery used hypnosis instead of anesthesia. 

Sometimes a person will go into deeper states of consciousness called Theta and Delta.  Most patients using hypnosis for surgery are in a Delta state.  Delta and Theta states are helpful, but certainly not necessary for a successful hypnosis session.  Remember, you are 200 times more suggestible while in Alpha.  That said, most people will transition between Beta, Alpha, Delta, and Theta during any one session. 

During hypnosis, you are ultimately in control and no one can make you do anything that goes against your core values.  Remember, you might hear and be aware of everything I say, or you may fall asleep, but in either case you are still in hypnosis.  

Please Note

The hypnosis practiced here is aimed at assisting you in accessing your higher consciousness and empowering you to achieve your goals. I am not a medical doctor, practitioner, psychologist, therapist, or mental health counselor, and I make no claims to that effect. I believe that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, a natural and innate ability within every individual. Despite research results suggesting otherwise, I do not make any claims regarding health benefits resulting from my services. I am a Metaphysical Practitioner with a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science and an ordained minister. Additionally, I am an Advanced Certified Hypnotist, with a special certification in Past Life Regression. Results may vary by individual. If you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, any mental illness, medical illness, or pain, please consult with your physician or mental health care provider to address those concerns.