Facts and Fallicies of Hypnosis

One must understand the facts and fallacies of hypnosis to be an effective Hypnotherapist.  A full knowledge of what hypnosis can and cannot do is imperative.  One must be knowledgeable and able to answer a client's questions and alleviate their fears.  Clients often have preconceived ideas which may or may not be factual.  It is your job to educate.

Definition of Hypnosis:  Hypnosis is a level of relaxation between waking and sleeping in which the critical faculty of the mind is bypassed and allows effective communication between the concious and subconcious minds.

All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis, even in a clinical setting.  The hypnotist or therapist is only a guide.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state.  Everyone passes through hypnosis going from waking to sleeping and from sleeping to waking.  This means the client is already a master of Self-Hypnosis.

The subject is always totally and completely in control at all times.

Hypnosis and Suggestion will not cause the client to do anything against their morals or good judgement.

Stage Hypnotists sometimes make it appear that the subject is in their control.  This occurs when the subject has a subconcious desire to be an entertainer and chooses to carry out the suggestion.

Hypnosis is NOT sleep.  It is a shift in awareness that permits a more intensive concentration upon a designated goal.  Hypnosis is an altered state of attention which approaches peak concentration capacity.

A Client will never get "stuck" or "trapped" in hypnosis.  The worst that could happen is that they may go so deep into hypnosis that they would fall asleep.  No one can be controlled when they are asleep.

Fallacy:  One might reveal intimate Secrets about oneself or their private affairs.
Fact:  The client is in complete control and chooses what they share with their hypnotherapist.  Hypnosis is not a "Truth Serum".

Fallacy:  A person can be told anything under hypnosis, and they will believe it.
Fact:  There is no connection between Hypnosis and Gullibility.

Hypnosis occurs regularly to everyone on a daily basis.

These help to induce Hypnosis:

1. Slow, Regular Breathing
2. Regular or rythmic sound such as a fan or Air Conditioner
3. Light patterns:  Strobe light effects, or light shining through evenly spaced trees
4. Regular, tactile motions such as back or foot massage
5. Rhythmic movements such as rocking, a boat moored, or walking
6. Focusing on breath or heartbeat
7. Intense Concentration
8. Boredom
9. Routine, repetitive tasks like assembly line work, house work, or highway driving
10. Eye fixation:  staring into a fire or at ocean waves, computer screen, or video poker machine
11. Relaxation of the body and mind
12. Stimulation Overload (burnout)
13. Going into or out of Sleep
14. Mental Confusion or something Startling
15. Energy work (Reiki, etc)     

Anyone can be hypnotized.  Fear of losing control is what holds them back.  Fear of losing control is a remembered response from an earlier experience.  Discussion of that experience and how it is currently affecting you is usually all that is necessary to relax into Hypnosis.

Hypnosis or relaxation allows the surfacing of emotion connected with traumatic events.

It is important to know that a client can end a session at any time if they desire.

Clients may experience numbness in their hands and feet or other parts of their body.  If they need to scratch or cough it will not stop the relaxation process.  It will only allow them to be more comfortable.

3 requisites for clinical hypnosis:

1. Permission from the subject
2. Good Rapport
3. Freedom from fear