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Here are some of the Frequently asked Questions about Hypnosis:

Q: What is Hypnosis? Is it sleep?

A: Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus, concentration and inner absorption. Hypnosis is not sleep! When in Hypnosis, you will remain awake and aware throughout your session, you may usually feel calm and relaxed. You can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation.

Q: Why does it work?

A: Under hypnosis, you're more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to modify your perceptions, behavior, sensations and emotions. Therapeutic hypnosis is used to improve your health and well-being and is different from so-called stage hypnosis used by entertainers. Although you're more open to suggestion during therapeutic hypnosis, your free will remains intact and you don't lose control over your behavior. (source: mayoclinic.com)

Q: Is Hypnosis in harmful?

A: Hypnosis is very safe. In fact, both the British and the American Medical Associations (AMA) sanctioned the official use of hypnosis by physicians and recommended training for medical doctors and dentists.

Q: Can I be Hypnotized?

A: Anyone who wants to be hypnotized can
be Hypnotized. Simply follow the instructions
given by the Hypnotist in order to experience
the benefits. The only reason you can't be
hypnotized is if you are incapable of paying
attention due to extremely low IQ or brain damage.
This in no way means that every hypnotist can
hypnotize you however, simply that well trained and experienced hypnotist will be flexible enough to hypnotized a larger portion of the population. So contrary to what some think, being strong minded will simply make it easier for the hypnotist and more beneficial for you to achieve your goals even faster.

Q: Can I be stuck in Hypnosis?

A: You cannot get stuck in Hypnosis. Some people
enjoy the state of Hypnosis so much they simply
want to stay in that state for a while. The hypnotist can always emerge the client who will feel perfectly refreshed and energized.

Q: Do you lose control when in Hypnosis?

A: No! This is a myth, a crazy story, stage hypnotists and gossip have created the illusion that you lose control in hypnosis. In fact, when hypnotized, you are relaxed and focused – and able to choose to get up and walk away at any time. You choose to give your attention to the hypnotist, and you can withdraw it at any time. A Hypnotist cannot have you do anything that you
would not agree with. Now you might wonder about
stage hypnotism and think that there is no way the subjects would agree to do with it all, well you have to remember, they did run up to the stage, they are at least willing to follow instructions, those who don't are sent back to their seats.

When in Hypnosis, you remain in control, and can
emerge yourself from the process at any time.
Your Hypnotist cannot make you do anything you
do not want to do, and you will remember what takes place during the session.

Q: Can you be made to reveal secrets when in Hypnosis?

A: No, Hypnosis is simply a focused state of mind where you open yourself up to positive suggestions that you agree with yet retain the ability to hide things, keep secrets and even lie! If you do choose to talk about things that you want to keep secret however, rest assured our Certified Hypnotists and NLP Practitioners are held to client practitioner confidentiality.

Q: How long does a session last?

A: A session lasts about 1 hour, however the first lasts around 1 and a half hour as we establish your goals and talk about the desired outcome during the free half hour evaluation offered exclusively at Renaissance Hypnosis. Sessions are designed to help clients overcome problems quickly and completely.

Q: Are results guaranteed?

A: Like most services given by professionals (Doctors, Lawyers, etc.), we cannot and do not guarantee results as no one can guaranty one's actions with absolute certainty in any situation as psychology has proven, therefore we do not give refunds.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A:The length of the process is like most other procedures you may have gone through in your life. It will vary depending on the nature and severity of the situation. Treatment may be as short as one session for some things, to several sessions for other situations. One session does wonders but most people come see us to overcome bad habits, addictions, irrational fears etc and in such cases several sessions maybe required as a new habit must be created. We evaluate your situation with you and can then determine how many sessions may be required. On average, 3 to 5 sessions are ideal If you want to make a lasting change. Hypnosis is sometimes seen as a quick fix and or a way to reach your goals with no effort, it is indeed much faster then some  "Talk Therapy" techniques who can deal with such problems but does require that you fully involve yourself i the process. As with any "Talk Therapy", the client is responsible for his own results!

Q: I went to a hypnotherapist once before and it didn't work. Does this mean I'm not able to be hypnotized?

A: The most common reason for failure to induce trance is lack of rapport.  To overcome this problem, choose a Hypnotist that you instinctively trust. Other reasons are very obvious such as the Hypnotists knowledge of different techniques for different types of people. As a rule the more flexible the Hypnotist, the more people he can work with.

 


Hypnosis Articles:

MayoClinic.com on Hypnosis

Harvard on Hypnosis

What they say:


"If somebody told you there was a medication that could treat 100 different conditions, didn't' require a prescription, was free, and had no bad side effects, you wouldn't believe them," says Harvard Medical School psychologist Carol Ginandes, PhD. "I don't want to sound like a snake oil salesman , because hypnosis is not a magic wand. But it should be made available as a supplementary treatment for all patients who could benefit. Right now."

         - Prevention Magazine, March 2006

"These days, legitimate hypnosis is often performed by psychiatrists and psychologists though people in other medical specialties are becoming licensed in it, too. It can involve just one session, but often it takes several - or listening to a tape in which a therapist guides an individual into a trance-like state. Whatever the form it is increasingly being used to help women give birth without drugs, for muting dental pain, treating phobias and severe anxieties, for helping people lose weight, stop smoking or even perform better in athletics or academic tests. Many health-insurance plans, even some HMOs, now will pay for hypnosis when part of an accepted medical treatment."

         - Michael Waldholz, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal,

         October 7, 2003


"The technique has been accepted by the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. In addition to many encouraging clinical reports, there is now a growing body of research which helps clarify the nature of hypnosis and supports its use in a variety of areas.

We know that hypnosis has many useful applications in medicine, such as in the treatment of pain. It can lower an individual's level of arousal, and it helps in the treatment of stress. It is effective in the treatment of some forms of asthma and in certain skin disorders. It can even help modify the response of the body's immune system. Hypnosis is also used in psychiatry in a variety of ways: In the context of psychodynamic therapy, to uncover feelings and memories; in the context of behavioral approaches, to facilitate imagery. It is particularly effective in the treatment of anxiety and phobias."

         - Dr. Martin Orne, as quoted in:
           U.S. News & World Report

 

 
In accordance with the National Guild of Hypnotists and the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association's Code of Ethics:
  • The practitioner does not treat, prescribe for, or diagnose any medical condition.
  • The practitioner is a facilitator of hypnosis and is not practising any other profession that requires a license under the laws and regulations of the province in question.
  • Hypnosis is not a replacement for medical treatment, psychological services or counselling. A medical referral might be required for some services.

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