FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPNOTHERAPY

What is Hypnosis?  Hypnosis is a state of profound mental and physical relaxation. It is a focused state of awareness directed towards a specific goal. We frequently drift into this meditative state daily without noticing such as while daydreaming or just before falling asleep. We make decisions, think and act with our conscious mind, while the subconscious controls our habits. Hypnotherapy is a tool for working with the subconscious mind to achieve desired changes. Hypnosis offers an effective, relaxing, drug-free choice for resolving personal issues and promoting health and wellness.  

What is Transpersonal or Spiritually-Based Hypnotherapy?  The transpersonal belief is that the soul already holds the key to its own answers which can be uncovered in the hypnotic state. Encompassing the mind/body/spirit as a whole in the healing process, as mental/emotional connections are made at the subconscious level, changes occur at the physical level. 

What is a Hypnosis Session Like?  A typical session consists of relaxing while being gently guided into a relaxed, dream-like state of awareness. Positive suggestions are made to the subconscious mind for desired changes.  Root causes of issues are identified and reframed in order to support the agreed upon desires and goals of the client.  As you are guided out of a state of relaxation, you open your eyes feeling refreshed, relaxed and wide awake. Integration of these changes continues in the hours, days and weeks ahead.  Its important to understand that hypnosis is not something that another person does to you; it is a collaborative effort.  The ability to concentrate and imagine aid in achieving success with hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy works with older children and teens too.  

Choosing a Hypnotherapist:  Not all hypnotherapists are the same.  There are several factors to consider when choosing a hypnotherapist: It’s important to choose a certified hypnotherapist, one who has successfully completed a solid hypnotherapy program.  Because the field of hypnosis has changed dramatically over the years, it’s be sure that they have completed a program which at a minimum required 100+ hours along with continuing ed.   The IACT currently requires 220 hours and continuing ed to become and remain a member.  A one-day course is not enough to provide the necessary training to become a hypnotherapist.  

You control your own depth so your comfort level is important in feeling safe to explore relevant issues and is key to your letting go to go into the hypnotic state.  Choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you have good rapport. Other factors to consider are whether or not they have experience with the issue you are working on. Browse their website to learn more about their training and experience.  Ask questions if you don’t see your particular issue listed. 

Bryn Blankinship's approach is one-on-one and utilizes a personalized induction (not a recording) for taking the client into the hypnotic state.  Sessions are built around the client’s goals at a pace they are comfortable with to give them the individual attention they deserve.   

Can Anyone be Hypnotized?  All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, even with a hypnotherapist. Although some people find it easier than others to relax and others may go into various levels of hypnosis faster, most individuals are easily capable of reaching the light to medium states of relaxation and receptivity necessary.  Clients access information at their own level of receptivity at the time of the session--no more, no less.  While it's normal to be slightly nervous or excited about the session, it's important to be open to the experience to get the most out of it.

With PLR, SESR and LBL sessions especially, an overly analytical/chaotic mind, ungrounded individuals and memory issues due to age can create barriers to the depth required for this deeper state and a session is not recommended. 

Will I Remember My Session?  Yes.  Clients are surprised at how quickly time passes while in deep relaxation and similar to their day-to-day lives, they recall the significant events.  While in hypnosis and upon returning to normal waking consciousness, you will be easily able to remember and I will provide suggestions to the subconscious mind so that this happens. 

Will I Lose Control, Become Unconscious or Get “Stuck” in Hypnosis?  No, you cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis. Hollywood has perpetuated many myths about hypnosis. Rest assured that under hypnosis, you do not reveal your deep, dark secrets or lose control.  A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything against your values or beliefs. 

In a hypnotic state you cannot be made to do anything against your will. Rather than experiencing a lack or loss of consciousness, you will quickly discover that, while in a relaxed state, all of your senses operate in a heightened state of awareness. A sense of calm and balance permeates your mind. Mind “chatter” is replaced with an expansive, centered awareness in your mind and body.  For anyone that has ever daydreamed, lost themselves in a good book or movie, experienced a pleasant lucid dream or simply “zoned out,” a light to medium hypnotic state will feel very familiar and comfortable.   

Is Hypnosis Safe?  Hypnosis is completely safe and natural. You are aware and in control at every moment and can terminate the session at any time. You cannot be made to do something against your will. Hypnosis is safe, relaxing and an enjoyable experience. 

How Long Does it Take to See Results?  Everyone is different. Some issues require just one or two sessions while others may require more. Sessions are tailored around a client’s individual needs. 

How is Hypnotherapy Different from Psychotherapy?  Psychotherapists are trained to diagnose, test and treat individuals with mental disorders, whereas hypnotherapists are trained in the area of personal development to work with individuals who want to change behaviors and improve the quality of their lives and relationships. Hypnosis is about turning inward to access inner awareness to tap into our incredible capacity to change.    

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