FACTS

Last updated on... 03-04-05

FACTS and ANSWERS

Hypnosis - Named after the Greek God of sleep, Hypnos. It was around 1843 a surgeon by the name of James Braid, of Manchester, who coined the term, Hypnosis (from previous use of French researchers).

Sleep - Is not to be confused with Hypnosis. You will feel extremely tired and relaxed during Hypnosis, however, you do not need to have your eyes closed! During sleep you will drift off, while in hypnosis you are alert to your senses and still interested in the sounds of the therapists voice etc. Hypnosis may look like sleep because you may have been told to focus on an image, which is easier to do so while your eyes are closed.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterised by heightened susceptibility to suggestion. It is through suggestion to our Sub-Consciousness, that we can create an influence to meet our desired result.

Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotised?

A: This was described by a client of mine only a few days ago after a quit smoking session - "I believe, I have been hypnotised. But its weird... I don't feel like I've been hypnotised..." I stated to him that perhaps he was expecting something magical to happen. When all that he literally has been doing is almost like a deep meditation. Allowing his mind to function, senses to still be aware. He also mentioned posthypnotic amnesia. Remembering what he needed to, but not some parts of the session, such as the induction was not clear. This does happen, but not to all. Everybody has a different experience, we all are unique after all! Some describe a feeling of complete relaxation and could quite happily go off to sleep after the session. For me personally, I feel a little disappointed when the session is about to close, because I enjoy the feelings of total relaxation and calmness.

Q: Was I really hypnotised?

A: Practically every good therapist should do various exercises before hypnosis to determine the best methods to apply with you pacifically. During hypnosis they will also get you to do perhaps a task such as an IMR ( Ideo Motor Response). This is basically to get you to use your subconscious to perform a simple task such as moving your arm/fingers etc. This is only if your mind permits it. These 'exercises' are to help the session along, often used as communication whilst you are under. Other methods could be, to create pre-post amnesia. This is often used by Stage Hypnotist to confuse. But it does make you clearly believe that you were indeed hypnotised.

Q: Can a Hypnotist make you perform a task that you do not want to carry out?

A: No. We all have our own personalities and as such, we may be prone to doing odd things now and then. But there is no way a Hypnotist could make you do something against your morals. Killing for instance, or "jump over the rail guard of that bridge..." That suggestion would only ever be met with resistance and not be carried out. The client would awaken or just not carry out the task.

Q: But how does the Stage Hypnotist get people to behave in such a bizarre manner?

A: Through a clever selection process. Lets say there is an audience of 100 people, out of that you get 20 volunteers. Those 20 people already don't mind the fact that they are going up on stage in front of the rest of the audience. Yes, they might be a bit nervous, but they are still up there in the stage lights! Then of course, not all are going to be chosen, perhaps 10. So the Hypnotist goes through various exercises to determine the more suitable candidates. Of course this would be the more extrovert to make matters more amusing. On a drunken night out, chances are those very same people would again be jumping around, being the Jesters of society.

Q: What if I cant wake up?

A: In the unlikely event of the Hypnotist suddenly having a heart attack (heaven forbid), the client would (after not hearing the voice of the Hypnotist), after a few minutes fall into their own sleep patterns. Obviously waking up once their nap was complete.

Q: If I get Hypnotized regularly, will there be side effects?

A: No, there will be no side effects. Almost everyday we all Hypnotise ourselves. When we watch TV and 'drift off', this is similar to the trance-like state of consciousness you would experience during Hypnosis.

Q: Could you get secrets out of me while I'm under Hypnosis?

A: Would you tell your work colleague your pin number and give him your bank card if he/she asked? No? Well most normal people wouldn't. And so, neither would you give up that kind of info to a therapist you hardly know. Again, it would be against your morals and you would awaken or just not carry out the task.

Any further questions, please, even if they seem silly, do not hesitate to contact me.

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This site was last updated 03-04-05