Does Hypnosis Work and Will it Make me Quack Like a Duck?

Everything you want to know about hypnosis but were afraid to ask!

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works by lowering the conscious state by relaxing the body and mind, putting you in a state of heightened suggestibility.

This state is called a trance. Hypnosis works on belief systems. Suggestions for change are much more potent to the subconscious mind than to the conscious mind, because the subconscious mind doesn't filter out suggestions the way the conscious mind does.

Is hypnosis safe?

Hypnosis is in no way harmful.

Your subconscious mind will not allow you to violate your personal values and beliefs. Because you choose to be hypnotized, you can also choose to terminate hypnosis at any time.

What is the subconscious mind?

Your subconscious mind is that part of your mind that stores the sum of all your past experiences.

It also allows you to perform automatic functions without thinking about them,such as driving a car while thinking about something else.

The subconscious processes our thoughts that enter our conscious mind. Your subconscious mind takes thoughts that enter the conscious mind and processes them for you to act.

When suggestions enter the subconscious mind, they are not filtered the way they are in the conscious mind.

Can I be made to do something I don't want to do?

No, you can not be made to do something that is against your core beliefs or that you don't want to do.

Hypnosis works on a belief system.

First, you have to desire to make the change and you then must believe you can do it. The hypnotist does not control the subject.

Does hypnosis work if I don't feel like I'm hypnotized?

There are many different levels of consciousness. Many clients have told me that they were awake and aware, yet they still were highly suggestible and make their desired changes. Every person is different and will experience different levels of consciousness.

What does "going down" mean?

"Going down" is being induced with relaxation,imagery, deepening techniques to a place of inner focus so your sugggestions with reach your subconscious mind.

What are the levels of consciousness?

There are six basic levels of consciousness, but in reality there are many more. The first level is the hypnoidal level, which is very light you feel completely awake, yet susceptible to suggestion. The sixth level is profound sonambulism.

How should I feel when I am hypnotized?

Everyone's experience is different.

What is importantis that you focus on your inner self and let the outside world go.

You may experience sleepiness, limpness in your muscles, warmth or coldness, tingling, floating, eyes stuck shut, or none of these and something totally different.

Will I give up my innermost secrets?

No. You can not be made to do something you do not want to do.

If I am suggestible, does that mean I'm weak?

No. It just means that you are a good subject for hypnosis. Some types of peple who would not be good subjects would include children under six years of age, psychotics, the mentally retarded, and those who are distrustbul or suspicious. Also, if you are a controlling person, you most likely would not be suggestible.

Does hypnosis work if I haven't been able to accomplish goals through sheer will power?

Yes. Remember, you are accepting the suggestions for change through your subconscious mind, not your conscious one.

How can I tell if I can be hypnotized?

There are several different suggestibility tests that you can do or someone can do with you to check for suggestibility.

If you are being hypnotized by someone else, it is important for the hypnotist to test you to see if s/he should use authoritative suggestions or permissive suggestions.

Does hypnosis work without autosuggestion?

Using autosuggestion is important because it continually provides a conscious avenue for you subconscious mind to absorb positive suggestions and work on a positive outcome for your goal.

How often do I have to do self hypnosis?

You should self hypnotize daily for a week or two, and then several time a week. After that, you should self hypnotize as needed until your goals are accomplished.

Does hypnosis work without a self hypnosis recording?

Yes, hypnosis works without making your own self hypnosis recording. However, making a recording in your own voice allows you to play it whenever necessary and helps to enhance the suggestions and make then more powerful.

Where can I learn more about hypnosis?

You can subscribe to my ezine to keep up to date on hypnosis. Information is also available on the National Guild of Hypnotists website, as well as the website of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists.

The American Society for Clinical Hypnosis is specifically for mental and health care professionals.

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