How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works using deep relaxation and visualization techniques designed to quiet the conscious mind. As your usual perceptions of the world around you (often limiting or outmoded) are temporarily suspended, you are free to access your subconscious mind with its vast reservoir of resources—your inner healer.

Hypnotherapy makes use of this shift by first enabling you to uncover beliefs, habits or attitudes that prevent you from making changes in your life such as giving up cigarettes or managing a disease like diabetes. You can also ask your subconscious to call up memories or past events that are troublesome. Thanks to the rich stores of intuition, imagination and other "right brain" functions of the subconscious mind, you gain access to powerful tools for self-change.

Completely. There are many myths surrounding hypnosis, including the ideas that people in a hypnotic state may act against their will or reveal private information. These scenarios, often portrayed in books or movies, are fabrications meant merely for entertainment. In truth, the hypnotic state is more like a vivid daydream—where you remain in control and able to direct the thoughts and images that flow through your mind. Morals and ethics remain intact, as does your sense of privacy.

Gentle and safe, hypnosis was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958 as an effective therapy. Best of all, hypnosis is non-invasive and has no side effects. Most people are not aware that they actually undergo hypnosis every day. The trance-like feelings you experience while reading a book, watching a movie, or daydreaming are all hypnotic states characterized by focused attention.

Can I be hypnotized?

Anyone can be hypnotized. Because all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis, a person must simply allow her- or himself to experience it. In fact, you already have. Anytime you drift off to sleep, find yourself absorbed in a book or movie, or drive on “auto pilot” you're in an everyday hypnotic state of focused attention.

While some people have an extraordinary ability to enter hypnotic states (some are even able to undergo surgery or dental work without anesthesia), most people respond to hypnosis techniques much the same way they do to a good book or movie—becoming enjoyably absorbed and free from distractions around them. To ensure you are successful, bring an open mind and sense of willingness to your sessions. Consciously choosing to enter a state of hypnosis will allow you to communicate with your subconscious and its healing abilities.

How will I feel?

People often describe hypnosis as a highly pleasurable experience—much like an enjoyable daydream. As a result of relaxation, breathing slows and deepens, muscles loosen and sensations of tingling or warmth may occur throughout the body. You may notice an increased ability to visualize, and find yourself drifting away into pleasant memories or imagined scenarios. While in this state of focused attention, you may also be aware of the everyday sounds around you, such as traffic noise as well as the voice of your hypnotherapist.

Changes in brain patterns also occur. Studies show that activity decreases in the left hemisphere of the brain during hypnosis while it is heightened in the right hemisphere. This means you will perceive your circumstances in a less analytical way and more in terms of emotions and images. When you emerge from your session, you can anticipate feeling relaxed and rested, as though you've just had a short nap. Often, the perception of time is altered, so your sessions may appear to pass more slowly or quickly than they actually do.

No. Because you remain in control at all times while under hypnosis, you have the power to emerge from your relaxed state at any time. Even if the person guiding you through hypnosis were to stop talking or leave the room, you would naturally return to a state of full alertness whenever you were ready. And as hypnosis is an enjoyable experience, you could simply drift off to sleep. But if you needed to regain full consciousness, during an emergency for example, you would emerge instantly and find yourself able to take appropriate action.

Hypnotherapy is a powerful resource for any individual who desires change in his or her life. By allowing you to replace outmoded attitudes, beliefs and habits with healthier alternatives that support a life you love, hypnotherapy can help you.