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These are some of the questions I am most commonly asked. If you have a question not answered below, please contact me.
1. How does hypnosis work?Hypnosis ~ essentially a deep state of relaxation and heightened awareness ~ allows us to communicate directly with the subconscious mind. We are more accustomed to working from our conscious mind, and thus the conscious mind believes itself to be in the driver's seat of our lives. In reality, however, it is the subconscious which is the source of our emotions, beliefs, habit patterns, self-esteem, and even physical health. Hypnosis allows us to forge a cooperative bond between the two minds, which in turn awakens us to our highest potential and reconnects us with our inner resources and wisdom. 2. What's the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?Hypnosis is a tool, like a surgeon's scalpel, and hypnotherapy uses that tool to connect directly with the subconscious mind. Once that communication is established, limiting beliefs can be transformed, stuck emotions and traumas can be released, and change can be effected in the outer world ~ therein lies the therapy! 3. What is Alchemical Hypnotherapy?Throughout history, Alchemists have sought to transform the common metal of lead into priceless gold. In our personal lives, that lead can be many things: fear, addictions, self-defeating patterns and habits, apathy, confusion, and pain. Alchemical Hypnotherapy uses hypnotic trance ~ a deep state of relaxation and heightened awareness ~ combined with Dr. Carl Jung's theories of Alchemy and Inner Guide work, Gestalt techniques, Regression Therapy, Energy Work, and Shamanism. An Alchemical session allows you to directly access your subconscious mind ~ the source of your emotions, beliefs, self-esteem, and physical health ~ to create positive change and personal growth. Alchemy is flexible, interactive, and often faster and more powerful than conventional "talk" therapies. 4. What types of things can be helped with hypnotherapy?When most people think of hypnosis, they usually think of quitting smoking or losing weight ~ hypnotherapy can certainly assist with both these issues. What limiting beliefs or counterproductive habit patterns would you like to eliminate? Are there any traumas or emotionally painful events in your past that still haunt you today? Do you suffer from addictions, phobia, or depression? Do you yearn to discover your life's purpose? Would you like to spark your creativity, improve your memory, enjoy greater prosperity, or have more love in your life? Do you struggle with chronic pain or illness? Are you curious about past lives? Hypnotherapy can help you with all of these issues and more! 5. How do I know if I'm really hypnotized?Everyone has a different experience of hypnosis. Some people feel physically different during trance, like their bodies are very heavy or floating, and others don't. Some people have bright Technicolor smell-o-rama visions, and some just get brief glimpses or a "feeling" about something. Hypnotic trance, especially the alert trance state used in our work together, will feel familiar to you if you've spent some time in meditation or in prayer ~ or more prosaically, “zoning out” in front of the television. One common observation is that time seems to pass more slowly (or for some people, quickly!) while in trance. Whatever your experience, the important thing is not to judge how you feel or what comes up for you, just relax and allow. Back to Top6. Who can be hypnotized?Almost everyone can be hypnotized ~ only about 5% of the populace cannot be, primarily due to severe psychological disorders. The remaining 95% who are hypnotizable will vary in susceptibility (responsiveness to trance), depending upon their levels of trust in hypnosis, their hypnotherapist, their environment, and themselves. 7. Is hypnosis safe?Absolutely. In the entire recorded history of hypnosis there has not been one single instance of someone coming to harm from being in trance. Even in worst-case scenarios, you will always remain aware and able to react accordingly. For example, in the highly unlikely (and for me, highly undesirable!) event that your hypnotherapist should drop dead while you are in the middle of a trance, you will automatically and naturally return to a conscious state (hopefully in time to call 911!). 8. What happens if my emotions get out of control during trance?It is very common for strong emotions to surface during our work together ~ emotional clearing is often essential to the healing process. There are safe ways to release deep emotions without “going crazy” or harming yourself or others. Your body has a built-in safety mechanism that simply won’t allow you to experience more than you can handle in any given moment. 9. Does a hypnotized person have to give up control?No, you are in control of your session. You cannot be made to do anything you don’t want to do, and you will remember everything that happens. Your physical and emotional safety is always our top priority. Back to Top10. Will you make me quack like a duck?Nope, nor will I make you impersonate Elvis, or mistakenly believe the bald guy in third row to be Julia Roberts ~ that is the purview of the stage hypnotist, whose goal is to entertain. I choose to focus instead on therapy and empowerment. I will, therefore, be happy to explore with you why you would want to quack like a duck. . . J 11. What if I'm uncomfortable revealing my secrets to a stranger?Actually the opposite is almost always true: it's easier to talk about deeply personal subjects with an impartial, non-judgmental observer ~ that's why therapy works so well. The bottom line is that you cannot be made to share more than you want to, and it is even possible to lie while under hypnosis. 12. What can I expect to happen during a session?Each session begins with a brief check-in and clarification of our intent. I will guide you into a trance state, using suggestions and visualizations to relax your mind and body. The next portion of the session, the trance work portion, often reminds me of that Far Side cartoon of the scientists looking at the blackboard with a complex equation that reads "and then a miracle occurs" in the middle of it! No two journeys are alike, as our work is client-centered and specific to the intent and underlying issues we discover within your inner world. After a resolution has been reached, I will bring you out of trance, giving you suggestions that you will easily remember everything you need to remember about your journey. We will then spend a few minutes discussing ways for you to integrate the shifts and resources resulting from the session. Back to Top
FAQ by Shannon Lee.
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