Question 1

Is hypnosis "mind control"?

Accepted Answer

This misconception comes from what people see happening during hypnosis stage shows. It looks for all the world like the subjects are doing whatever the hypnotist tells them, no matter how ridiculous. If you look closely, however, you might notice that with almost every skit, there's at least one person who ignores the hypnotist and just sits there. That person has chosen not to participate for some reason. Usually, it's because they can't picture or imagine what the hypnotist is describing, they think it's too silly or it conflicts with something they believeÂ so they just choose to sit that one out.

The rest of the people are having a great time using their imaginations in the world the hypnotist is describing for them. They are having a great time playing along because, let's face it, playing is fun and using your imagination feels good, especially as an adult when you have practically forgotten what it's like.

In hypnosis, you are hyper-focused. There are no "hypnozombies". If you are given a suggestion you don't like, you will ignore it or even bring yourself fully awake. As hypnotists, we have to tread very lightly to avoid that by keeping our words congruent with what the subject expects otherwise they come right out of trance. That makes "mind control" impossible."

Question 2

Will you teach me "Self-Hypnosis"?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, I teach my clients self-hypnosis after a couple of sessions. But that is just a timeline I have found to be particularly effective. If you don't need to work on anything specific and want to learn right away, I am completely okay with that.

Just to note; I depart from the company of some of my peers in this respect. Some hypnotherapists believe that by teaching self-hypnosis they cutting of their own revenue stream by teaching you to do what you used to need them for. I don't see it that way.

It's your mind, learn how to use it!

Question 3

hat happens if "nature calls" while I am hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Subtitled: "I won't have an accident, will I?"

Okay, don't laugh. It's a common question and face it, when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Most importantly, no, you will NOT have an "accident". Unless you are prone to accidents already either while you are awake or when you are sleeping, in which case PLEASE mention that to your hypnotist in advance, all the normal warning systems remain in effect. You will feel all the normal symptoms and you won't ignore them to the point of an accident.

If you feel it coming and it's to the point or even beyond the point where it's distracting or is interfering with your ability to stay focused, simply tell your hypnotist you need a break, using whatever words you are most comfortable using. Your hypnotist will bring you up so that you can take care of the problem. When you return, you will go back under quickly and in all likelihood, even deeper than you were.

Relax, it happens and it's not a big deal.

Question 4

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 5

Can I adjust my position or scratch an itch while I am hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please do!

Get comfortable, clear your throat, scratch, sneeze, do what you need to do to get it out of your system and relax completely.

Each thing you do to be more comfortable will let you go deeper and there's a rule of thumb in hypnosis:

"The deeper you go, the better you feel. The better you feel, the deeper you go."

Question 6

What if I want the hypnosis to be over?

Accepted Answer

At any time, you can simply open your eyes and be done. Simply tell me that you don't think hypnosis is for you and I will count you out of it to make sure you are fully awake. That is your call and I won't be offended.

You can also say to yourself, out loud or in your head "One, Two, Three, Four, Five! Eyes Open! Wide Awake!" and you will end the session. I can do very little to keep you hypnotized if you don't want to be and I wouldn't anyway. If you are done, I will help you wake up.

Question 7

Will I give away all my secrets?

Accepted Answer

In many sessions, the client doesn't even speak. In those where the client speaks, they won't tell me anything they wouldn't have told me before the session.

The military actually invested a ton of money to see if hypnosis could be used in interrogation. As it turns out, it's useless for that application. The "client" can come out of it any time they want and they won't reveal anything. Not a single thing.

You family secrets, the skeletons in the closet and the access code for your debit card will remain in your head, safely out of reach.

Question 8

Where do I park when I come for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

There's tons of parking on the streets around the building, you might even get lucky and find a spot right in front of the door! However, if you happen to arrive at a busy time and all the street parking is full, feel free to park in the Duvall Hardware parking lot. Duvall Hardware is our landlord and they don't mind at all.

Question 9

My friend tried hypnosis and it didn't work. It's fake, right?

Accepted Answer

Okay, let's unravel this before we jump to any conclusions. There are lots of reasons your friend might have had a less than ideal experience.

What were the credentials of the hypnotist? Maybe it was some guy who once read a book and was trying an induction for the first time.

Maybe your friend wasn't in the right frame a mind.

Was there alcohol involved?

Most people are unclear about whether they were hypnotized after the first time because it wasn't what they expected.

Did the hypnosis not work or are you saying the suggestions didn't stick afterward? Either way, I am betting the hypnotist was inexperienced.

Question 10

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" page.