Can everyone be hypnotized?

Only people who want to be hypnotized can be hypnotized. There are three subgroups of the population that are difficult to hypnotize: those with an IQ below 70, someone who is intoxicated and someone who just doesn't want to be hypnotized.

Are there any risks in hypnosis?

No. Hypnosis is an exceptionally benign therapy because it is as natural as sleep. Every person goes into hypnotic trance numerous times throughout the day.

Can secrets be revealed in hypnosis?

No. A client will only reveal information they consciously want to reveal. For example, if a client wants to remember a combination to a safe because they have forgotten it, they will recall the combination and reveal it to the therapist. If on the other hand, an errant husband is accused of infidelity he will NEVER reveal information he does not want to reveal under hypnosis. In fact, he probably will not even go into hypnosis.

How does hypnosis work?

When hypnosis is induced, the critical faculty of the conscious mind is bypassed - the conscious mind is the filter of the brain where we learn, listen, reason, judge, and analyze. The conscious is the part you use to make decisions based on the experiences stored in the subconscious.

Hypnosis allows for communication directly with the subconscious, and allows for positive changes because the subconscious does not judge or analyze. This is why positive changes can take place rapidly and effectively.

Is hypnosis medical?

It can be. Some forms of Hypnosis are used as Medical tools. The most obvious one would be to help people find a calmness from within without using medication which could have harmful side effects or could be addictive. Hypnosis has no harmful side effects and is Medically Safe.

In 1958 the American Medical Association added Hypnosis to its catalogue of practices recognized in Medical Applications. We've come a long way since then, including Dental and Surgical anesthesia and Chronic Pain Management, Mindful Healing and other Medically useful applications.

Hypnosis has been approved by various medical associations outside of Canada, including the British Medical Association (1955), the American Medical Association (1958), and the American Psychiatric Association (1961).

Watch the surgery video.

Am I giving up control in hypnosis?

No. If anything unwanted occurred under hypnosis the client will automatically reject the notion and/or immediately emerge from hypnosis. At all times, the subconscious mind is operating to protect the individual. If you are driving in a hypnotic state and an unusual traffic situation occurs your conscious mind will always come into the forefront and deal with the emergency. Caution, never practice willful self-hypnosis while operating any kind of motorized vehicle or machinery.

Is hypnosis like falling asleep?

Hypnosis is not sleep, and you are not unconscious. Your body and your mind will be in a very deep state of relaxation. Mentally, you will experience a heighten awareness and clarity.

What are common physiological signs of being in hypnosis?

1. You may feel so relaxed that you don't want to move a muscle or even open your eyes.
2. You may feel a heaviness or lightness especially in your arms and legs.
3. You may feel tingling, dullness, or a sense of numbness in your feet or hands.
4. You may feel as if you are floating.
5. You may have a sense of detachment and your surroundings may feel distant.

What is stage hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is a specialized application of hypnosis. Practitioners use hypnosis to entertain an audience. Only highly suggestible volunteers are used in stage hypnosis. Every volunteer must be completely willing and completely comfortable with the suggestions given to him/her while they are on stage. The stage hypnotist starts with many volunteers and ends up using only the most suggestible candidates.

Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain and/or suffering from illness?

Pain is a warning that something is wrong with the body, and it needs to be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. Hypnosis is used to search for subconscious causes of the symptom(s). A written referral from an examining physician is required before ever using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms.

Does hypnosis ever wear off?

Yes and No. The actual state of being in a hypnotic trance does wear off shortly after the session, usually in a few minutes or so. The results of the therapy, however, actually get compounded after the session as you continue to make consistent and effective lifestyle changes. These results can easily last a lifetime with the appropriate reinforcement.

What is forensic hypnosis?

Courts in Canada generally do not accept evidence procured under hypnosis. However, hypnosis is frequently used to assist clients in remembering abuse or suppressed events. This information must be corroborated, and substantiated if it is to be used in a court of law.

What if I discover something that I don't want to know?

Your subconscious mind will only give you what you are ready to handle. Trust the integrity of your subconscious mind. When you are ready to address a particular issue, you'll find it very empowering to release it and move on with your life.

Will my workplace insurance cover my hypnosis treatment?

If your physician prescribes hypnosis as a treatment, some insurance companies will accept that treatment for coverage. You would have to contact your insurance company to determine the extent of their coverage and what services they would reimburse.