Question 1

How many sessions should I expect to need?

Accepted Answer

That's a completely fair question, and I hate having to answer this way; "It depends."

Okay, now we have that out of the way, let's explore what that means. First, let's acknowledge that there are no "hypno-miracles."" With some issues, with some people, there is dramatic reduction and even elimination of the complaint during the first session. But I ALWAYS recommend at least one follow-up session, even in those cases. Some issues, like phobias, tend to see results in fewer sessions than others. From there, "it depends."

I would love to be able to say with precision; "this will be resolved in x sessions," but in most cases that is not practical. You need to know how long/how much and I don't have enough information to get there.

So, in an attempt to resolve this dilemma, here's our best bet:

Let's discuss the details around what you are facing and what you want to accomplish. Email is fine, or we can talk on the phone. Between what you offer and the answer to questions I will ask, I can usually get to the point where I can say; "At least x sessions..."

I want to give you an exact number just as much as you want that number, but anyone who quoted a number for me without knowing the specifics about me would immediately raise my suspicions.

Question 2

What is trance capacity?

Accepted Answer

"Trance Capacity" generally refers to the aptitude of an individual to achieve hypnosis or "trance".

For more information, search Hypnotechs.com for "Arons Scale", a way to measure hypnotic depth and the "The Spiegel Eye Roll Test for Hypnotizability". Both pages discuss the concept of hypnotic depth/trance capacity.

Question 3

What percentage of people respond to hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

71% of patients initially responded to therapy. Of these, 81% maintained their improvement over time while the majority of the remaining 19% claimed that deterioration of symptoms had only been slight. With respect to symptom scores, all items at follow up were significantly improved on pre-hypnotherapy levels (p

Question 4

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 5

Do you accept everyone as a new client?

Accepted Answer

Some situations require that we decline to work with certain people from time to time. Those reasons may include, but are not limited to:

If you have any doubt, please contact us to discuss your situation before booking.

If during your first appointment it is determined that we will not be able to accept you as a new client, your payment will be refunded in full and subsequent sessions canceled.

Unfortunately, we must reserve the right to refuse or discontinue service at any time, at our sole discretion.

Question 6

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

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.

Question 7

I can't be hypnotized!

Accepted Answer

It's a little known fact that hypnosis works with anyone who has average or better intelligence and even the tiniest bit of imagination. Period.

So, if you "can't be hypnotized", well, I will let you read between the lines...

When someone tells me "I can't be hypnotized!", I will admit to smirking a bit, (on the inside only). On the outside, I know what they really mean is "I haven't been hypnotized." And that is something I can work with and help them out with.

If you've managed to read this far, you CAN be hypnotized if the hypnotist knows what they need to do to reach you. The VAST majority of failures to hypnotize are the fault of the hypnotist, not the subject. Sure, as I describe elsewhere in this FAQ, you can resist and even prevent hypnosis, but assuming that you are willing to go along with the process, you will go into hypnosis just like the rest of us.

Question 8

What is an "induction"?

Accepted Answer

"Induction" just means an "entry point". Dictionary.com defines it as: "the process or action of bringing about or giving rise to something".

A hypnotic induction is just a technique to transition a subject into a hypnotic trance. There are hundreds of techniques that work.

Some inductions happen slowly, relying on relaxation to ease the subject into a trance. Others use the "startle reflex" to surprise the client into transitioning into a trance. Still, others use a monotonous action, like a pocket-watch swinging to bring about a trance.

The best induction is the one that works for you. Some people react better to one method than another and it's my job to figure that out before we start.

Question 9

Are some people better at hypnosis than others?

Accepted Answer

Most certainly.

There is a natural ability inherent in hypnosis, but willingness goes a long way toward overriding that.

I would rather work with a willing participant who is low on the hypnotizability scale than someone with a ton of natural ability who won't do the work.

There are people who are naturally gifted at hypnosis. They are known as "somnambulists" or "sleepwalkers". While somnambulists have a natural ability to experience hypnotic trance, it is a skill that can be learned and improved by anyone who is so inclined. Practice, practice, practice.

Question 10

Altoids, what's with them? Why do you keep offering me one?

Accepted Answer

"Do I need one? Is my breath bad? Are you trying to tell me something subtly or not so subtly?"

Sorry... No, I don't mean anything by it. I like Altoids and almost always have a tin of them around my office. Usually, when I want one, I will offer one to whoever is with me in the office as well.

Please don't read anything more into it. When I offer, take one, don't take one, no matter to me. If you see them sitting out, you may have one, you don't even have to ask.