Is hypnosis safe?
How does hypnosis work?
What is a post-hypnotic suggestion?
What are the benefits of hypnosis?
Will I be under the therapist’s control?
How deep will hypnosis take me?
How do I know if I can I be hypnotised?
How do I test if I can be hypnotised?
What is self-hypnosis?
Is hypnosis a replacement for medical or psychiatric care?
How does hypnosis differ from psychotherapy?
How does hypnosis differ from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?
What is the difference between “clinical” and “transpersonal” hypnosis?
What is “spiritual” hypnosis?
What is Transpersonal Hypnotherapy?
How is Transpersonal Hypnotherapy used to support one’s spiritual journey?
What do I need to do to prepare for a hypnosis session?
Will hypnosis work in a single session?
Do you work with adolescents?
Do you work with children (preadolescence)?
Can I sit in on my child’s session?
Do you record sessions or can I record my session?
Can regression lead to “false memories”?
Are past life memories real?
Do you facilitate between lives sessions?
What is the difference between meditation and hypnosis?
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
What if I miss or cannot make my appointment or arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis, or structured meditation, puts your body in a relaxed, alert state on purpose. It is a pleasant state of relaxation combined with very focused concentration. In some ways, hypnosis is similar to sleep. There is a narrowing of attention accompanied by tranquility and inertia. Unlike sleep, patients never lose awareness and are conscious of what is being said. There is no proof that an unconscious mind actually exists. Hypnosis is not magic; it’s brain science.
Visit Hypnosis Is Science to learn more about what happens during “hypnotic trance”
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, very safe. Hypnosis is a natural relaxed state of mind. Contrary to how hypnosis is depicted on TV, movies, and stage acts, you can not get “stuck” in hypnosis (you would simply fall asleep and wake up rested) or made to do anything against your will. It simply does not work that way. Your conscious mind never leaves the session, is always on standby and you are in control. Hypnosis is a safe and enjoyable experience.
How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis activates nerve pathways in the brain that cause the release of natural morphine-like endorphins. These “opioids” modify, the perception of pain and a variety of symptoms. Under hypnosis, patients can regulate body functions over which they normally have no control. Hypnotic suggestions override responses of the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate, blood pressure and slowing breathing. It provides the brain with enough blood to experience calm and imagine positive changes. Blood flow enhances neurotransmitters in the cognitive centers, improving mood, reducing stress and creating behavioral change.
What is a post-hypnotic suggestion?
A good example of post-hypnotic suggestion is how it is used by people who want to quit smoking. During hypnosis, the therapist gives the patient a suggestion to be acted on after the session. For example, long time smokers have been known to quit after one session and never smoke again. A suggestion of healthy foods tasting better creates rapid weight loss. In most cases, post-hypnotic suggestions require two or three sessions for lasting change.
What are the benefits of hypnosis?
Hypnosis is effective, doesn’t hurt, isn’t invasive and doesn’t require expensive equipment or drugs. With the help of a qualified hypnotherapist, you can alleviate a myriad of medical and psychological ailments. Once learned, most patients can continue to assist themselves with self-hypnosis techniques.
Will I be under the therapist’s control?
Although hypnosis renders subjects highly relaxed, they are not under the control of the hypnotherapist. You are always aware and in charge of your behavior. A hypnotist can’t make you act in ways that would normally be objectionable to you.
How deep will hypnosis take me?
There are various stages or depths of hypnosis. When you are under “lightly” you won’t feel any discomfort when pinched, but it takes a deeper state to control severe pain, such as that due to cancer, surgery or fibromyalgia. Deeper trance states have been used as an alternative to anesthetic.
Somnambulism is a very deep state of hypnosis where remarkable achievements are made with ease. Visualizations are vivid and constructive. One in 6 people are naturally somnambulistic. Most patients, after a few sessions, can attain a somnambulistic depth of hypnosis.
How do I know if I can I be hypnotised?
The idea that only the weak willed can be hypnotised is a myth. Ninety percent of the population can be hypnotised, if they want to be and if they trust the therapist. Being intelligent and imaginative helps, too. A very high percentage of people are hypnotisable. The rate of induction and trance level will vary from client to client – some people relax very quickly while others may take a little more time – but a trained professional hypnotist has the skills and techniques to guide their client to the appropriate level of relaxation to ensure a productive and beneficial session. In many cases, a light trance is sufficient to bring about transformational change. Anyone who has read a book and watched TV or been to the movie theater has been self-hypnotised (all hypnosis is self-hypnosis). This is because when reading, watching TV or seeing a movie (or driving your car or mowing your lawn for that matter) you are intently focused on the subject at hand. This focused mind and concentration is a hypnotic (or trance) state.
How do I test if I can be hypnotised?
Dr. Howard Spiegel, a doctor in New York City who is a well-known hypnotist, claims that he can predict whether or not someone can be easily hypnotised. Here is how he pretests his subjects: he has them roll their eyes back as far as they can and lower their eyelids at the same time. The more white there is when the eyes are half-closed, the greater the ability to be hypnotised.
What is self-hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis is achieving a trance state without the assistance of a hypnotherapist. Reputable therapists recommend patients practice self-hypnosis between sessions. Many people find it useful to have a trained hypnotherapist give them suggestions so they can focus their mind on just listening.
Is hypnosis a replacement for medical or psychiatric care?
Hypnosis is not intended to be a replacement for medical or psychiatric care. We do not practice medicine nor do we prescribe drugs or related treatment. Hypnosis is an alternative approach to well being focusing on the mind, body and spirit aspects of health and is a unique and separate profession. Hypnosis or the term “hypnotherapy” is not counseling or psychotherapy. The term “therapy” as applied within the context of hypnosis (e.g., hypnotherapy) is defined as a non-medical, non-chemical, non-psychiatric, non-invasive holistic alternative to promote change, health and wellness.
How does hypnosis differ from psychotherapy?
Hypnosis uses trance, suggestion and instruction to adjust and correct unwanted habits of thought, feeling and behavior at the inner mind level. Psychotherapy is the diagnosis and conversational treatment of a psychological issue at the conscious level. In other words, a psychotherapist treats people by dialoguing and communicating with the conscious mind to affect behavioral change. Hypnosis on the other hand addresses the habits of clients wishing to improve their lives by affecting change at the inner mind level. It should be noted that many psychotherapists fully embrace the benefits of hypnosis and will employ both traditional psychotherapy along with hypnosis to assist in improving their client’s state of mental health and well being. To accomplish this, many psychotherapists will refer their clients to an experienced and certified hypnotist.
It’s important to emphasize that hypnosis is not a replacement for medical treatment. Those under the care of a psychotherapist or doctor should not ignore their therapist’s or doctor’s advice or treatment for mental health / medical issues. Clients should always consult with their physician or therapist before making any changes in his / her prescribed treatment.
How does hypnosis differ from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?
Many NLP coaches and practitioners work primarily with the conscious mind whereas hypnosis works at the inner mind levels. Due to your conscious mind’s filters and metaprograms, NLP behavioral change approaches must first get past the conscious mind’s gate keeping functions to reframe and implement the desired changes. This is not always easy and in fact can be very difficult. In my practice I apply various NLP techniques and modeling (Milton Model) at the inner mind level where behavioral change can take hold without interference from the conscious mind. This is because hypnosis reorients and implements the desired change at the inner mind level – unlike NLP which works primarily with the conscious mind. Remember, your inner mind is the source of your triggers and anchors which drives your behavioral patterns at the conscious level.
What is the difference between “clinical” and “transpersonal” hypnosis?
Both clinical and transpersonal hypnosis utilize advanced hypnosis methods and techniques to resolve client issues and inner conflicts. The clinical approach typically operates within the context of the client’s immediate perception of mind / body awareness. Transpersonal hypnosis on the other hand expands the state of consciousness beyond (“trans”) the immediate sense of identity (self) and taps into the higher realms of existence. This approach often expands the possibilities for resolving client issues or conflicts. Said another way, the transpersonal approach looks to integrate the deeper or higher aspects of the human experience to bring about healing and wellness. These deeper and higher aspects are commonly referred to as our expanded consciousness or our spiritual connectedness. For simplicity, we can define “spiritual” as that realm of the human spirit, that part of humanity which is not limited to just the bodily experience. Transpersonal hypnosis therefore extends beyond the immediate mind / body or clinical experience in search of solutions for client well-being and awareness.
What is “spiritual” hypnosis?
Spiritual hypnosis allows the client to explore their expanded consciousness. With a spiritual session the client connects into their spiritual realms (e.g., past lives or between lives). This connection allows the client to experience the spirit world where they can interact with their spiritual families, soul groups, guides, teachers and elders. This interaction and experience often results in renewed (and many times profound) awareness of our divine nature as we receive wisdom and understanding to help us better navigate our current life path.
What is Transpersonal Hypnotherapy?
Unlike simple medical hypnosis, which uses simple post-hypnotic suggestions, transpersonal hypnotherapy treats the body, the emotions and the spirit together. The patient and the therapist collaborate to design an individualised treatment approach. Techniques include guided imagery, age regression, active imagination and interactive trance and spiritual work.
Transpersonal therapy more deeply addresses personal change and life issues to create lasting change.
How is Transpersonal Hypnotherapy used to support one’s spiritual journey?
Under hypnosis many people experience a sense of universal oneness. Once this state is achieved, subjects can deeper finding solutions and healing. The therapist directs the patient to ask for spiritual wisdom. Clear information comes from the patient’s Higher Self, giving insightful solutions to difficult issues. Past life work can create a context to understand things lived today, reduce the fear of loss, and provide hope. The spiritual aspects of hypnosis include:
Quiet inner critic
Access trusted source/inner wisdom
Discern life purpose
Negotiate life transitions
Confront shadow personality
Integrate sub-personalities
Experience past lives
Eliminate fear of death
Achieve work/life balance
Enhance prayer/meditation
What do I need to do to prepare for a hypnosis session?
All that is required is an open mind and a willingness to make positive change. We will spend approximately 20-30 minutes understanding your goals and then simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the session. It’s best to wear clothing and foot wear you feel very comfortable in. Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks two hours before your session since caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to relax (e.g., coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated colas, etc.).
Will hypnosis work in a single session?
There are times when one hypnosis session can be effective in achieving your goal. However, hypnosis is a process and it may be unrealistic to expect lasting results in just one session. Sometimes multiple sessions may be required to achieve your desired objectives.
Do you work with adolescents?
Yes, I do. The key to working with teenagers is the desire to change must be their personal choice. When it’s their choice they are committed to making change. Personal commitment as a part of any wellness process can not be overstated. It is the most important aspect of goal achievement. If the adolescent feels there is no issue or they don’t want to change and they are coming to a session to accommodate the wishes of a parent or guardian, then this resistance will impact the odds of success. The best way to approach a teen is to ask them what would they like to be better at or improve upon. Framing the question in this context allows the teen to establish their goals which in turn often helps to reduce resistance when arriving for a session. When approaching the situation this way many parents (or guardians) will find their assessment of an “issue” (negative) synchs up with what the teen perceives as an opportunity for growth (positive). The divide is bridged by simply understanding the teen’s perspective.
Do you work with children (preadolescence)?
No, I don’t. The reason is because children, especially young children, have difficulty understanding and relating to the process. For example, most children do not fully understand why they are at a session. It often takes them time to acclimate and establish rapport with a practitioner and being children, relaxing and focusing in an unfamiliar setting is typically not intuitive to them.
Can I sit in on my child’s session?
Due to client confidentiality, all sessions are one on one. Also, the awareness by the client of someone else sitting in on the session (other than the client and practitioner) can result in suppression of information and can negatively impact the session. In other words, the child might be reluctant to discuss certain topics knowing a parent or guardian is in the room.
Do you record sessions or can I record my session?
With the exception of the past life and between lives regressions, we do not record sessions. The primary reason is because once the inner mind has accepted and validated the changes (reorients and re-frames) we do not wish to “relive” or playback emotional states or inner mind agreements which were reached. The objective is to make the shift and move forward. Going back and revisiting a session has the potential to impact your progress via conscious mind interference.
Can regression lead to “false memories”?
False memories refers to recall which is not real but constructed thought. False memories are rare but can can potentially manifest in one of two ways: 1) if the person conducting the session is inexperienced and asks the client leading questions (questioning under hypnosis should always be asked as open ended questions – never leading), and 2) if a client is under the influence of drugs or alcohol they may experience constructed thought. No hypnotist should knowingly conduct a session if a client is suspected of being impaired. This is why it is highly recommended that anyone seeking a hypnotist do their homework and select a properly trained, certified and experienced practitioner. At a minimum, the hypnotist should be certified by a major association like the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT) or the General Hypnotherapy Standard Council (GHSC).
Are past life memories real?
The benefits to the client from a past life session can be very profound. When I facilitate sessions it is apparent to me the insight and wisdom experienced by the client is streaming through a higher realm of consciousness. After a session, clients comment on how their past life memories were free flowing and spontaneous versus what is referred to as constructed recall. The spontaneity and “sense of knowing” aspect of the experience is a very common theme. Constructed recall is not spontaneous or free flowing since it takes time for the mind to piece together or construct images, scenes or events.
In the end, the determination of “real or not real” is a question each individual client will need to decide on their own. In my opinion, it is far more meaningful to focus on the benefits a past life experience brings to the client in the form of expanded consciousness, higher self-awareness, greater insight and new pathways to healing and opportunity.
Do you facilitate between lives sessions?
Yes, I do facilitate between lives sessions. For those unfamiliar with between lives regression, it is a way of experiencing your soul’s existence in the afterlife between physical incarnations (i.e., your soul’s life in the spirit world).
What is the difference between meditation and hypnosis?
Midday meditation hypnosis and meditation are both relaxed, focused states. The purpose of hypnosis is to use the power of this state to affect change in our lives. The purpose of meditation is to stop thinking for a while and glimpse the spirit within.
A daily meditation practice enhances the results achieved through hypnosis and is encouraged as a part of transformational growth.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
Prices vary depending on what treatment is required. Package pricing is available to suit your budget.
What if I miss or cannot make my appointment or arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
Except for extreme emergencies, cancellations or appointment changes must be made at least 24 hours in advance. If the 24 hour advance notice is not properly communicated (phone call or email) then the client is responsible for full payment of the session. This also applies to missed appointments (no shows). Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their scheduled session will be charged the full amount of the session and the session will be terminated. Les Fées d’Avalon reserves the right to unilaterally refuse treatment to anyone at any time.
Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
Not usually. Some insurance and Flexible Spending Programs will cover hypnosis ordered by a doctor.