What is Hypnosis? Hypnosis is a natural state that a person experiences several times throughout the course of a day. Simply put, Hypnosis is focused attention. Hypnosis is the life skill you were born with and taught to be afraid of. New information states, that after looking at your electronic devices for more than a minute, you begin to enter the lower brainwaves similar to hypnosis. Hypnosis is not sleep, but is a state of focused awareness. Other examples: Reading this right now, you are in a lite state of trance- focused attention! Watching TV or being so involved in a task that you don’t hear someone who is calling your name. Driving from point A to point B and not knowing how you arrived there. Forgetting much of the drive. Simply petting your cat or dog can put you into a state of relaxation or trance.
Is Hypnosis safe? Yes! The induction of Hypnosis is a naturally occurring process. It is happening to you throughout the day!
How does Hypnosis work? During hypnosis, the physical body and conscious mind are in a relaxed state while the subconscious mind remains in a heightened state of awareness and learning. Hypnosis is an education-communication process in which the mind allows the conscious and subconscious mind to reach an agreement to facilitate change.
Can anyone by Hypnotized? Yes. Everyone can be hypnotized to varying degrees. The level of hypnosis a person achieves is often associated with their desire to succeed, receptivity to suggestion, and ability to respond.
How powerful is the Hypnotist? Hypnosis is a contract between the hypnotist and client, whereby 10 percent of the effort is the hypnotist and 90 percent is the responsibility of the client. A therapeutic hypnosis session empowers the client to create the desired change(s), and the hypnotist is the coach, facilitator, or guide.
What has Hypnosis been used for? The answer is, almost anything you can think of! Issues that respond well to Hypnosis are: Weight reduction, Smoking cessation, sleep issues, anxiety related stress management, personal performance, pain management, dental procedures, fears and phobias. Other issues Hypnosis has been used for are: Self esteem and confidence building, child birth, anger management, headaches, learning skills, nail biting, performing arts.... and the list goes on! (Some issues may require a professional referral) Hypnosis is coached integrated healing. It pairs well with any other therapy you are already using, and may help increase its effectiveness.
Jessica presenting at HypnoExpo 2020 - Turtle Tracks and Rabbit Trails
What to look for in a Hypnotist: The uses of Hypnosis are a varied as the Hypnotists themselves. Some Hypnotists are more adept at working with various issues and techniques than others. Just like doctors specialize in certain areas, so do Hypnotist's! Preferably find someone who has been through what you've been through, they will have the best insight. But, don't sell others short, they are trained to assist as well. Criteria for being a Hypnotist also varies from state to state. Most states put Hypnosis under unlicensed complimentary health care. Many Hypnotist's are also: doctors, clergy, coaches, counselors, or therapists. There are a variety of Hypnosis schools out there. Online weekend study courses – two days to being a Hypnotist, or 6 month to 1 year programs with full accreditation. If your looking to have fun with Hypnosis: explore a past life, entertainment at a party, or just want to experience it, then find someone to do that. If you want to change a habit or work out a deep seated issue, or want to change your life path, then find a competently trained coaching Hypnotist and do that. Most Hypnotist's are trained to work in a variety of areas.
There are also several places to be certified through. Some good certifying groups are: The International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), International Association of Counselors Therapists (IACT), The National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), The American Board of Hypnotherapy, and International Hypnosis Federation (IHF), among others. They require continuing education credits for members. Also take note: There are several ways to study Hypnosis and call yourself a Hypnotist.
The cost per session will vary from person to person, but does not reflect the competency of the Hypnotist.
Ask lots of questions up front, but the most important thing in choosing a hypnotist is, do you feel comfortable with him/her? You are trusting them as a professional to help you navigate through issues, and need to be able to trust them to guide you on the journey or change.
So, back to what to look for?
The Hypnotist should be certified by at least one major Hypnosis certifying body.
Make sure the Hypnotist's certification is current with their organization.
The longer they have been in practice the better. (New hypnotist's can be just as good)
Are you comfortable with the Hypnotist?
Come be Trance-Formed by the renewing of your mind
What to expect when you choose to see me as your Hypnosis coach: For most people seeing a doctor or therapist increases their anxiety just because they don’t know what to expect. When you schedule an appointment to see me here’s what to expect:
The first session is 2 hours long
A warm greeting.
Enjoying a seat in my big comfy chair.
Water or tea if you would like some.
During the first part, we do intake. (You may have a friend or family member sit in with you if desired.) I ask several questions, which helps me understand who you are, the issue your wanting to work on, and the best techniques to use with you. You may also ask questions! This is your time.
I explain a bit more in-depth about how hypnosis works.
We take a bio break if needed, then we continue and do the hypnosis work. At this point I ask, if you are ready to do hypnosis? And if you want your friend or family member to stay in the room?
I turn off the overhead light and turn on a nice lamp. The overhead light usually bothers people, so I use soothing lamp light.
We work on proper breathing.
We play with some hypnosis phenomena! These help you learn about the power of your mind and how you do trance best.
If you are ready to continue with hypnotic work, then we induce formal trance and your healing journey begins!
After each session, you come out of hypnosis, and then we debrief.
No two sessions are the same. Each client is a unique individual and each session with you is different, because you are changing all the time. This is why I do client centered Hypnosis coaching. I do not plan the session in advance, because only you know what you need that day. I do my best work each session, within the scope of my training.
I Hope this answers a few questions and curiosities!
I look forward to working with you when your ready to make a change in your life. Jessica L Hanson CHt LLC