Hypnosis FAQ

What is Hypnosis? In my practice, I use two different kinds of hypnotic techniques:

Trance Hypnosis — Most people are somewhat familiar with this mode which could be described as a sustained meditation, a mildly dissociative state in which selective perception allows for elaborate mental multi-tasking. For example, operating a motor vehicle at highway speeds while also mentally time-traveling back to your high school prom, and then experiencing time distortion when you arriving at your destination with no recall of the route you took or the traffic you encountered! This is a hypnotic state, but you were not “asleep” or “under” or incapacitated in any way. In this particularly right-brain state of mind, people tend to be much more receptive to simple positive suggestion.

Conversational Hypnosis or NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) – A much less obvious (and in some ways more powerful) collection of hypnotic techniques which can be used in the course of direct verbal interaction to help a person change the way they think and feel about something. Often the specific suggestion work is not really noticeable to the client (so this mode is sometimes called “Covert Hypnosis”) except for increased awareness of experiencing progress toward the desired state of mind. The specialized use of Transformational Grammar and Conversational Hypnosis represents a very important component of the HypNoSmoke process. With effective use of NLP, a client will experience major shifts in behavior, attitude and perception which then allows Trance Hypnosis to be applied in its most effective role as motivational reinforcement.

Why Hypnosis? Hypnotic techiques connect with the “right brain” power of the emotional mind, the real energy behind all true change — the deeply intuitive part of your brain that is capable of making and breaking habits instantly, easily and permanently. We all have the power to change behaviors immediately once the mind truly accepts the personal relevance and positive rewards — that’s the change that allows you to feel great about being a non-smoker.

Why HypNoSmoke? While hypnotic techniques can be very effective across a wide range of applications, it’s important to remember that a hypnotic trance state does not automatically produce behavior change. To achieve specific results, you need to work with a therapist who has relevant expertise about behavioral change in the particular area you want to address.

Can I Be Hypnotized? Yes! If you have the desire and the willingness to follow simple instructions, you can experience hypnosis. It is NOT true that “strong willed people can’t be hypnotized.” All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and people who are accustomed to achieving what they put their minds to will naturally achieve superior results. Anyone can easily resist hypnosis at any time, and everyone experiences levels of natural hypnosis every day, such as while driving, reading, or watching TV.

Will I Be Asleep? No! You’ll be physically and mentally awake and relaxed. For our purposes, the level of hypnosis is similar to daydreaming and resting comfortably. You will be able to speak or move at any time, though most people prefer to enjoy the relaxed feeling that there’s no need or reason to do either. Body asleep, mind alert.

Will I Know What’s Happening? Yes! Hypnosis can also be described as a state of hyper-attention. You will most likely hear everything that is said, though it’s not necessary to study or memorize anything. It’s unlikely that you will recall every word, but of course you’ll remember how and why you became a nonsmoker!

Will I Lose Control? No! You are completely in control the entire time. Your sensibilities are fully intact and you would automatically reject any suggestion that was inconsistent with your personal values, best interests and better judgement. You can easily resist any suggestion at any time, you will only respond to those suggestions that you find helpful in achieving the results you desire.

Learn More About Hypnosis @ howstuffworks.com:“How Hypnosis Works”