During hypnosis, the body and conscious mind are in a relaxed neutral state
while the subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestions. Hypnosis
is an education-communication process to a person's mind that allows his/her
conscious and subconscious minds to believe the same message.
How does the subconscious accept hypnotic suggestions?
Hypnotic suggestions bypass the intellectual mind, call the
"conscious", and zero in on the subconscious. When given a new
suggestion that is within the bounds of a person's belief system and moral
orientation, the subconscious mind accepts it literally as a new reality.
How does hypnosis help people?
The ability to reprogram emotional attitudes and reactions is a latent talent
within every human being. Hypnosis is the most functional and reasonable way to
train life-long attitudes, rather than suffer a lifetime of emotional accidents
the conscious mind is unable to change.
Can any person be hypnotized?
People of average intelligence (unless there is some form of organic brain
damage) can be hypnotized in most cases if they are willing and do not resist.
The depth of hypnosis varies with a person's ability to respond. If you are not
a naturally responsive subject, you can improve your receptivity to hypnosis
with practice.
Is hypnosis medically approved?
Yes. The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric
Association have approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible
individuals. The British Medical Association also adopted hypnosis as a viable
therapeutic tool in 1958. The same year as the AMA.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
No. The induction of hypnosis is never dangerous to the subject, although
personal disappointments may arise because of unrealistic expectation or
preconceived misinformation.
Are the results of hypnosis permanent?
Suggestions stay with some individuals indefinitely, others need
reinforcement. The effects of hypnosis are cumulative: The more the techniques
are practices and post-hypnotic suggestions are brought into play, the more
permanent the results become. Self hypnosis training and reinforcement tapes and
CDs for home use also provide additional help.
How powerful is a hypnotist?
Hypnosis is a consent situation in which 10 percent of the effort is the
hypnotist's, and 90 percent is the responsibility of the client.