Movies, television and books have created a number of myths around hypnotherapy. I’d like to share some of the most common questions about hypnosis and my take on them.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Most people can, providing they are willing to follow my instructions and are ready to make the changes they want.

Can I be made to say or do anything against my will in hypnosis?

No, in hypnosis you are free to accept or reject any suggestion I give you.

Are hypnotherapy sessions guaranteed?

No. Success in hypnosis depends as much on you as the client as it does with me as the hypnotist. This means that if you have the desire to be successful, you can be. But, I can’t control what you do when you leave my office.

I will ask you to rate your motivation on a scale of 1 to 10.

Ten equals extremely motivated. And I ask you to be honest with yourself – the number has to be true to you.

The higher that number is, the better the chances for success. I prefer not to work with people who rate their motivation 8 or lower.

Will I be unaware of what is happening?

Absolutely not! When you are in hypnosis, you will be aware of what is going on around you.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

Getting “stuck” in hypnosis is a myth. You are in complete control in hypnosis. As a result, if you want to emerge at any time, you can.

Hypnosis works when you focus on my voice. This means that if I left the room or stopped talking to you for an extended period of time, you would emerge on your own.

Will I be able to drive after my hypnotherapy session?

Yes. But I suggest that clients wait for 15 to 20 minutes before driving as you will still be in a hypnotic state after emerging.

Is hypnosis sleep or a state of complete unconsciousness?

Not at all. As a matter of fact, you are fully aware at all times of what is going on around you.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Absolutely not. Forget about what you’ve seen in movies, on television or read in fiction novels. Hypnosis is very safe.

Can hypnotherapy replace traditional medical care?

Anyone with a severe psychiatric issue should see a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Your family doctor should address any physical problems. They may suggest hypnosis, you should check with them first.

It’s important to understand that hypnosis is not a replacement for medical care.

I’ve never been hypnotized before, have I?

Hypnosis is something everyone experiences many times a day.

For example:

• You are in a state of hypnosis just as you are waking up and falling asleep.
• If you’ve ever driven somewhere and arrived at your destination and didn’t remember most of the trip, you’ve experienced highway hypnosis.
• Have you ever been so involved in a project or task that you didn’t hear someone speaking to you? That focussed attention is a state of hypnosis.
• If you’ve ever cried at a sad movie, you were in a state of hypnosis. Your subconscious mind thought what you were seeing was real even though your conscious mind knows that a movie is just actors performing.
• Have you been looking for something and couldn’t find it and it was right in front of you? That is called a “negative hallucination” and it’s a form of hypnosis.

Have I alleviated your concerns?

Yes? Then, I invite you to book a free strategy call to discuss what you would like to change in your life and how hypnotherapy can help you.

No? Please book a strategy call to ask any additional questions.