Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be aware of what's happening while I'm in hypnosis?
Yes, in fact, within the hypnotic state we are actually hyper-aware of what is going on around us.

Will I lose control of myself while in hypnosis?
Absolutely not! If an idea or suggestion is presented that does not ring true with you in hypnosis, you will reject it in your mind -- sometimes even removing yourself from hypnosis immediately.

Can I be 'trapped' in hypnosis?
No, you can not. If you were conducted into the hypnotic state, and then the hypnotist left you alone, you would eventually just emerge on your own from hypnosis, much the same way we emerge from a nap.

Will I be made to do something foolish in hypnosis?
It's unlikely that you will find yourself 'clucking like a chicken,' following a hypnotic session. In cases of stage hypnosis, where the hypnotist has given an entertaining suggestion to audience members, they comply because they are willing, just for the fun of it. If the hypnotist invited people onto the stage to help them feel happier, they'd be unlikely to get another booking for the entertainment value!

Can I be hypnotized against my will?
Absolutely not! All hypnosis is considered to be self-hypnosis, so you cannot be hypnotized unless you wish to be.

Hypnosis has nothing to do with magic, metaphysics or religion. It is merely the most graceful, powerful and effective tool for accessing our vast internal capability, in order to easily make the positive changes we want to make in our lives.

Who can be hypnotized?
It's understood that people who are of average and above intelligence and who haven't any brain damage may be hypnotized. Those who may have difficulty achieving the hypnotic state include people under the influence of heavy narcotics, people who suffer from some psychotic conditions or those who have sustained some form of physical damage to the brain. As far as is known, the only others who may not be hypnotized are those who do not wish to be hypnotized.

 [Credit Note: This Q & A is the work of Patricia M. Reynolds Sørbye CHT. Patricia has a practice in the Lake Merritt area, Oakland California. You can visit her web site at www.watervox.net ]