Question 1

What is somnambulism/a somnambulist?

Accepted Answer

By strict definition, "somnambulism" means "sleepwalking" and a "somnambulist" is someone who sleepwalks. But these terms have also been adapted for use in the hypnosis community. Until you have experienced hypnosis for yourself, often the closest thing you have to compare it to is that fuzzy state that is somwhere in between being awake and being asleep referred to as a "hypnogogic" state. Because of that, hypnotists often use the word "sleep" in conjunction with their work and terms related to sleep are generally easier for someone who does not have first hand knowlege of the effects of hypnosis to understand.

In the context of hypnosis, somnambulism can be defined this way:

**Somnambulism**
> A deep state of hypnosis, where the client may respond with amnesia, anesthesia, negative and positive hallucinations, and complete control of the senses. It is characterized by the eyes rolling up underneath the eyelids. Somnambulism IS NOT "sleepwalking" as sleepwalking often occurs without any conscious awareness. In the hypnosis context, "somnambulism" refers to the ability to transition smoothly and easily between the conscious and unconscious experience.

**Somnambulist**
> A person capable of reaching a profound state of hypnotic trance or somnambulism. Somnambulism can be "learned" with practice and experience. Somnambulists are able to quickly and easily slip in and out of various altered mental states that we recognize as "hypnosis".

**Natural Somnambulist**
> A somnambulist who is capable of reaching that level of hypnotic trance known and somnambulism without training or practice, generally during their first experience with hypnosis. In Kappasinian terms, this is most likely with a person who responds equally well to all suggestions, both direct and indirect, affecting both the body and emotions. This person would have a near 50/50 Suggestibility (50% Emotional Suggestible and 50% Physical Suggestible).

Want to know if you are a natural somnambulist? Take the test here: [Hypnotechs Kappasinian E&P Suggestibility Assessment](https://resources.hypnotechs.com/suggestibility).

Question 2

What should I expect the first session to be like?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, I schedule first sessions to be 90 minutes and subsequent sessions 60 minutes, but those times can be adjusted as needed.

For the first 30 minutes or so of the first session, we go over the paperwork that is required by Washington State, answering any questions you may have had while reading and signing that in the Client Portal. Washington requires that paperwork so that you know who I am, what I can do and what the rules area about hypnosis, hypnotherapy, and therapy are in this state. Since that paperwork is completed online, in advance of your session, we concentrate on just the questions you may have.

The next 30 minutes, we will talk about the Kappasinian "Theory of Mind" and how it relates to you. We will talk a bit about the history of hypnosis and hypnotherapy and we will discuss what you can expect to experience.  I will also likely ask you to answer some questions that will help me determine how your mind reacts to different types of suggestions so that I fine tune my approach to work the best for you. Finally, I may ask you to visualize a few different scenes to further adjust my approach.

In the final half-hour, I will perform an induction that is designed to work with the way your imagination works. Inductions are how the hypnotic state is entered and there are hundreds of ways they can be tailored to better match an individual. Once you are "in state", I will show you around a bit, have you experience and visualize a few things I think you might enjoy, then get down to the business at hand.

You may remember nothing, some stuff or everything from the session. That varies from person to person, but I am more than happy to summarize the session as we close.

Afterward, you will likely feel really relaxed, more so than you may have in a very long time. Some people state that colors are a little brighter and most people notice that the "chatter" in their heads is greatly reduced, leaving a more focused feeling.

One thing to note: After a first session, *most* people are uncertain if they were really hypnotized or not. This is normal too and is because the hypnotic experience is not what most people were expecting. They weren't unconscious, didn't lose control and weren't unaware of their surroundings. Don't worry, in subsequent sessions, you will know what to expect and will get better at maximizing the effect.

Question 3

Got a question that isn't covered in the FAQ? Ask it here!

Question 4

What do you mean by "Stage Hypnosis"?

Accepted Answer

Stage hypnosis can encompass several types of performances.

The most obvious is probably the stage shows you see at the fair, in a club, at a corporate event or even at a graduation party. The hypnotist tests the suggestibility of the audience members then brings those who most likely to put on a good show up onto the stage. From there the comedy begins, with routines that demonstrate hypnotic phenomenon in a humorous way. At it's best it's hilarious, fresh and a fun experience for all. At it's worst, it's demeaning, predictable, not funny and even dangerous.

Another type of stage hypnosis is the hypnosis demonstration. In this type of performance, the purpose is to educate, rather than to entertain. Hypnotic phenomenon takes front stage and the comedy takes a back seat. In this type of show, the purpose is for you to walk out with a better understanding of what hypnosis is and more importantly, what it is not.

The final category is the seminar presentation. The purpose of this type of performance is once again educational, but in this case, hypnosis is only used to prove a point about some other topic. A classic example is a performance given before a group of salespeople, where hypnosis is used to show illustrate how a mindset can have a large impact on the success or failure of a sale.

In stage hypnosis, the hypnosis is real, or at least it should be. It's highly unethical to plant "shills" in the audience, but it does happen.

Question 5

How can I reach/contact you?

Accepted Answer

Your best bet is email. I try to respond to email messages within 24 hours. [info@hypnotechs.com](mailto:info@hypnotechs.com)

I do not recommend phone calls. Because schedules are often tight, phone calls normally go to voicemail, where they wait until I get a chance to check them. Then, I need to find dedicated time in a quiet place to return the call, so there if often a signifcant delay. I want to hear from you and email works best.

Full contact details are on the Hypnotechs.com [Contact Page](https://hypnotechs.com/contact/).

Question 6

Can you really be hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that occurs in most people on a regular basis.

Many people associate hypnosis with a state of deep relaxation, but the process of hypnosis does not have to involve relaxation at all! In fact, one way to induce hypnotic trance is by using a "shock induction", which uses the startle reflex to make the mind open the suggestion.

If you have ever watched a stage hypnosis show and seen the hypnotist shout "SLEEP!" while yanking the arm of a subject, who then collapses in a heap, you have witnessed a shock induction.

Most people can be hypnotized. In general, if you have at least normal intelligence and even a bit of imagination, then you can too.

The process may vary between stage hypnosis and clinical hypnosis, but the end result is the same, a state of heightened suggestibility where hypnotic suggestions bypass the critical faculty and subconscious mind / unconscious mind act upon them.

For most people, the experience of hypnosis is profound. Your heart rate drops and smooths out and your brain activity settles into something closer to an active sleep state than full wakefulness. For many of us, the closest state we have to compare to in daily life is that of "lucid dreaming'.  Of course, the hypnotized subject remains in complete control and has an awareness of what is going on around them at all times.

If you'd like to experience hypnosis, reach out to your local hypnotist! We LOVE what we do. You don't need to be seeking some type of behavioral therapy, or need to change something in everyday life. Most of us are always looking for a new hypnotic subject and would be more than happy to gve you a demonstration of the power of your subconscious mind / unconscious mind.

Question 7

Is "deep" hypnosis required for therapy to work?

Accepted Answer

No. Most change work can be done at even the preliminary levels of hypnosis.

As long as the subconscious is open to suggestion, work can proceed and that happens in even the lightest trances.

You can see one system for measuring trance depth on my "[Arons Scale](https://hypnotechs.com/resources/arons-scale/)" page.

Question 8

Can you diagnose my mental health or conduct psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

No. Washington prohibits diagnosis and psychotherapy by hypnotherapists.

As a hypnotherapist, I am NOT credentialed to diagnose mental disorders or to conduct psychotherapy as defined in [WAC 246-810-010](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-810-010).

"Psychotherapy" means the practice of counseling using diagnosis of mental disorders according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and the development of treatment plans for counseling based on diagnosis of mental disorders in accordance with established practice standards."

I can refer you out if needed, but these things are not particularly useful in the practice of Subconscious Behaviorism or Hypnotherapy anyway.

Question 9

Okay, "Non sum qualis eram", what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

"Non sum qualis eram", it has become sort of a tag line for Hypnotechs. It's taken from [Horace's Odes, Book 4, 1](http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/horace/carm4.shtml):
> Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae

Which means: "I am not as I was in the reign of good Cinara."

Shortened to "Non sum qualis eram", it translates to "I am not what I once was."

It's fitting on several levels, I am not who I used to be, I've changed a lot over the years. But it also applies to anyone seeking to use hypnosis for change. Once you try hypnosis to change something you have been wanting to change, you will no longer be who you used to be either.

Question 10

Is it okay for a Christian to be Hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

I hear this question frequently and I cannot answer for you. It depends on your own beliefs and the teachings of the church you belong to. My best advice is for you to talk it over with your spiritual advisor.

I know of no prohibition against hypnosis in the Bible. Deuteronomy is commonly cited, but it refers to sorcery, witchcraft, and spells, none of which have anything to do with hypnosis. I do know that there are many examples of trances being described in the Bible and they always seem to involve greater spiritual awareness.

Here's a version of the Deuteronomy passage:

[Deuteronomy 18:9-13 ESV](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+18%3A9-13&version=ESV)
> When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.

I will state with no ambiguity that there are no dark forces at work in anything I do. Hypnosis is a force for good. Hypnosis has no burnt offerings, is not divination, fortune telling, interpretation of omens, sorcery or charming. Hypnotists are not psychic and don't commune with or raise the dead.

This passage seems to encourage exploring your mind:

[Romans 12:2 ESV](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=ESV)
> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The best summary I have found, by someone far, far, more qualified to speak on this subject is from Dr. Roger Barrier of ""Preach It, Teach It"" fame. It is quoted below and you can find the article in its entirety: [HERE](http://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/ask-roger/is-it-okay-for-a-christian-to-be-hypnotized.html)

***Is it Okay for a Christian to be Hypnotized? by Dr. Roger Barrier - Preach It, Teach It***

In many ways hypnosis is simply deeply-focused meditation where good things can take place. The Bible is filled with injunctions for Christians to meditate upon the word of God. Twice Peter entered into meditative states and the Bible approved his trances both times. Isaiah, Daniel, Paul and Jeremiah all experienced times of hypnotic trance and heightened awareness inspired by God to give them deep insights into his person and character.

**Is there any passage in the Bible that forbids hypnosis?**
No. Opponents of hypnosis turn to Deuteronomy 18:9-13. As the Israelites are entering into the Promised Land God gives them a warning not to enter into the practices in the pagan lands ahead. God said: let there be found no wanted sacrifices his child in the fire; stay away from those who practice divination and sorcery, engaging witchcraft; cast spells.

Opponents focus on the Hebrew term cast spells as being the same as hypnosis. Their interpretation is really a stretch.

**What Christian groups approve the use of hypnosis? Are there any Christians groups that expressly forbid it?**
Roman Catholics, the Anglican Church and Lutherans actively support and utilize hypnosis in helping people. On the other hand, the Church of Christ, the Seventh-day Adventists, the evangelical church, fundamentalists and charismatics tend to preach and teach against it. Most churches and groups are in the middle where hypnosis is really not an issue.

**What are the benefits of hypnosis?**
Since hypnosis is all about intense focus which removes peripheral distractions, we may use it as a tool for Christian meditation which is helpful in allowing us to experience the person and character of Christ. I suppose that this state is best produced through the process of self-hypnosis as opposed to the other kinds.

Let me recommend to you the book "Experiencing The Depths Of Jesus Christ", by a 15th century, fourteen-year-old French girl named Madam Guyon. Catholic Leaders of her time demanded that she recant the teachings of the book because her basic premise was that anyone, at any time, could come into contact with the living God, without having to go through a Catholic priest. She teaches us how to quiet our minds and move into deep meditation focusing on a Bible story, event, person, verse or phrase. What she's really doing is teaching us how we can experience Christ through the art of deep meditation, or what might be described as self-hypnosis.

**Can hypnosis open the door of my mind to a satanic attack?**
In spiritual warfare it's important to remember that every area of our lives not under the direct care and influence of the Holy Spirit is open to control by a demonic spirit. Notice the difference between control and influence. God intends for us to be free to make our own decisions. He will never take control of our minds. However he influences us by the Spirit who lives within us.

On the other hand, Satan desires to take control of our minds. That's why Paul warns us to take every thought captive: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Paul says that we must be careful to guard what goes into our minds lest we open up an unprotected area where Satan can gain control.

So the question is, Can hypnosis open my mind in any way that might allow Satan to get control of my thinking?

**Unexpectedly for many of us, the truth is that during hypnosis, we often have more control over our minds than ever before. Just because we may be more susceptible to suggestions in no way means that we lose control of our minds and do things that we never intended to do.**

**-- Dr. Roger Barrier**, A retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care.

Additionally,

In 1847, the Roman Catholic Church recognized hypnosis as a natural part of our own ability, and NOT the work of the devil! The decree from the Sacred Congregation of The Holy Office states;

> Having removed all misconceptions, foretelling of the future, explicit or implicit invocation of the devil, the use hypnosis is indeed merely an act of making use of physical media that are otherwise licit and hence it is not morally forbidden provided it does not tend toward an illicit end or toward anything depraved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first session going to be like?

I'm too _______ to be hypnotized. Right?