Question 1

What is "Kappasinian" hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

John Kappas attained his orientation to hypnosis from stage practice whose exponents assumed that only half the population could be hypnotized. Through practical experience, Kappas realized that direct suggestion was resisted by the half of the population that is left-brain dominant (analytical). This led Kappas into a lifetime of study of suggestibility, drawing upon personal experience treating tens of thousands of clients. Those cases covered both behavioral and psychological disorders. In recorded training seminars from the seventies, Kappas frequently stated that psychosis was due to hypersuggestibility - a chronic state of hypnosis - that makes the client unable to distinguish real and imaginary experiences.

The dominant factor in suggestibility is brain bilaterality (left/right dominance, generating respectively the "Emotional" and "Physical" patterns of behavior). Kappas saw hemispheric dominance as arising from nurturance, with natural complementarity arising between mother and infant. Preferential laterality carries through to our mature relationships, where we seek similar friends but complementary partnerships. Unfortunately, dysfunctional partnerships tend to exacerbate laterality, leading to alienation. Extending these insights to sexual behavior, Kappas was a successful marital therapist.

Kappas characterized hypnosis as a state of mind - our ideal learning state. Kappasinian therapy is built upon theories of personality development, most respectably the Ericksons' Stages of Development. The stages are extended with accessible theories of the subconscious and mind-body syndromes. These elements are introduced in dialog to increase client receptivity to suggestion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnotherapy

Question 2

Where did Rob get his education?

Accepted Answer

Rob's Diploma in Hypnotherapy came from Hypnosis Motivation Institute, but he has certifications from many places.

You can read all about Rob's credentials here: https://hypnotechs.com/about/credentials/

Question 3

Is there anything that you won't work on with a client?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I've got an open mind, but there are limits. If you are already lower than your ideal weight range and you want to work on weight-loss, I will suggest to you that we work on body image instead. If you insist, I won't be able to work with you.

Otherwise, I am open to a wide range of things. I won't do anything that I feel will endanger your health, sanity or well-being, or that of another. I won't do "past lives" or anything else that crosses the line into the mystic or metaphysical. I just don't have the temperament for it.

I don't have a lot of hard limits. Ask. I promise that the worst I will say is that I am not interested.

Question 4

What Is Hypnotherapy Used For?

Accepted Answer

I started keeping this list on my "General Hypnosis" page and I add to it as I wander across new uses.

Abandonment Fear of Loss of Control Moodiness Self-Control Addictions Fear of Needles Motivation Self-Criticism ADD/ADHD Fear of Success Nail-Biting Self-Defeating Behaviors Age Regression Fear of Surgery Nausea Self-Esteem Aggression Fear of Water Negativity Self-Expression Agoraphobia Forgiveness Nightmares Self-Forgiveness Anesthesia Frustration Obsessions Self-Hypnosis Anger Gagging Obsessive-Compulsive Self-Image Anxiety Gambling Overeating Self-Mastery Assertiveness Guilt Overly Critical Sexual Problems Assist Healing Hair Twisting Pain Management Shame Attitude Adjustment Headaches Panic Attacks Skin Problems Bedwetting Helplessness Passive-Aggressive Sleep Disorders Biofeedback Hopelessness Past Life Regression Smoking Breathing Hostility Perfectionism Social Phobia Career Success Hypertension Performance Anxiety Sports Change Habits Hypochondria Pessimism Stage Fright Childbirth Immune System Phobias Stress Chronic Pain Impotency Postsurgical Stubbornness Communication Improve Health Premature Ejaculation Study Habits Concentration Improve Sales Presurgical Stuttering Controlling Indecision Problem Solving Substance Abuse Cramps Inferiority Procrastination Sugar Addiction Cravings Inhibition PTSD Superiority Creativity Insecurity Public Speaking Tardiness Death or Loss Insomnia Reach Goals Temptation Discouraged Irrational Thoughts Rejection Tinnitus Dreams Irritability Relations Test Anxiety Exercise Jealousy Relationship Enhancement Thumb Sucking Fear of Animals Lack of Ambition Relaxation Tics Fear of Death Lack of Direction Resistance to Change Trauma Fear of Dentists Lack of Enthusiasm Responsibility Ulcers Fear of Doctors Lack of Initiative Restlessness Victimization Fear of Failure Lower Blood Pressure Sadness Weight Loss Fear of Flying Medication Side Effects Self-Awareness Worry Fear of Heights Memory Self-Blame Writer's Block Mistrust Self-Confidence

Question 5

What Does It Feel Like To Be Hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Focus

Probably the most common element of hypnosis an intense level of focus. When James Braid coined the term "hypnosis" in 1841 he quickly realized that wasn't quite the right name, since hypnosis has very little to do with "hypno", or sleep. He tried to rename the state "monoideaism" or "single focus", but it was too late, "hypnosis" had caught on. People who have been hypnotized report having been able to concentate with singular effectiveness, often to the exclusion of everything else.

Open-mindedness

In the hypnotic state, we call it "trance" as a sort of shorthand, much of the critical factor of the conscious mind has been bypassed. That doesn't mean that that the hypnotized will fall for anything, they won't, but rather that a principle we call "trance logic" is in play. You won't fork over your deepest secrets, but you might be willing to connect the dots leading you down the path to beleive that going to the gym is going to be a fun adventure that you have actually been looking forward to experiencing for a long time.

Detachment

Hypnotized people have an easy time letting things go. It's easy to take a step back and watch a reply of something that got you really worked up, but do so as an observer and actually create a commentary on what might have been done differently. Imagine experiencing something very stressful. Now imagine watching that same thing on TV. That is the same sort of detachment that many people experience in hypnosis.

Sensory Changes

I LOVE this one. Synesthesia is common. Synesthesia is a mixing up of your senses. Some people can "see" sounds while in trance. Others experience smells as sounds. Synesthesia doesn't happen for everyone, but it's pretty common and even if you don't experience it, sounds are often more intens, colors brighter, light often has "halos" around it and so on.

Relaxation

Okay, hypnosis is not relaxation and relaxation is not hypnosis. Hypnosis can occur in ways that would seem to preclude relaxtion, like onstage in front of hundreds of people. But, in a therapy environment, relaxation is the number one sensation that most people report feeling. Cares and troubles fade into the distance and just don't matter anymore.

Question 6

What Are Affirmations?

Accepted Answer

Positive affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself in the hopes that they will transfer from your conscious mind to your subconscious mind. They can be related to self-esteem, changing a habit or eliminating negative self talk.

This process of self affirmation can be made as simple as reading the statements off a sticky note on your mirror as you brush your teeth, or made part of a dedicated period of repeating daily affirmations while doing nothing else.

In general, it is suggested that positive affirmations tend to be more successful, especially for beginners or in the areas of self-esteem and self affirmation, so most experts recommend you create them as positive statements rather than negative ones.

Many have pointed out similarities between the power of affirmations, so called "positive thinking" and even the "law of attraction", so whatever your choose to call them, maybe a few positive affirmations are just the thing your subconscious mind has been waiting for to break a habit or start a new one.

Question 7

Will you need to talk to my doctor or mental health professional?

Accepted Answer

Depending upon the subject matter of your hypnotherapy, we may ask to coordinate with your doctor or mental health professional.

For some types of hypnotherapy, you may be asked to allow Hypnotechs to contact your medical doctor, mental health professional, personal trainer, nutritionist, dietician or other providers to coordinate services. This request will be made in writing and will list specifically who is covered by the agreement. You may decline this request or revoke it in writing at any time.

Question 8

What if I want to experience hypnosis, but don't need therapy?

Accepted Answer

That's fine.

Sometimes you just want to try something. I get it. We still have to do all the required paperwork, but if you don't have anything specific to work on that's completely okay. I can demonstrate some hypnotic phenomenon, show you what real focus feels like and send you away to sleep like a baby that night.

Question 9

What happens if something you tell me conflicts with the advice of my doctor?

Accepted Answer

You must ALWAYS follow the advice of your doctor. Hypnotherapy is considered to be an "adjunct" therapy. That is, it is designed to compliment the services of your doctor or mental health advisor, not overrule them.

If you become aware of a conflict, inform me right away so that I can correct my approach to better align with the wishes of your doctor or even ask to speak with your doctor to make sure we are "on the same page".

The instructions of a medical doctor or mental health professional must always override those of your hypnotherapist, up to and including the discontinuation of the use of hypnosis.

Question 10

Does hypnosis work best on someone with a "weak" mind?

Accepted Answer

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The more intelligent and imaginative you are, the better subject you are likely to make.