Most people have a limited understanding of the positive results that can be achieved in a professionally controlled hypnosis session. We would like to dispel some of the myths and answer the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis.

 

Q: Is hypnosis real?

A: The British Medical Association (BMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) approved the use of clinical hypnosis in the 1950ís. The old myths and misconceptions have given way to proven, scientifically sound applications. Today hypnosis is used in a variety of fields, including medicine, dentistry, law enforcement, professional sports, education and self improvement. Thousands of people have found hypnosis to be an effective way to stop smoking and change other unwanted habits.

 

Q: Is hypnosis safe?

A: Hypnosis is completely safe. You are aware and in control at every moment and can terminate the session at any time. Hypnosis is not sleep, nor can you get "stuck" in a state of hypnosis. You can't be made to do something against your will. Hypnosis is a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.

 

Q: How does hypnosis work?

A: Our minds work on two levels - the conscious and the unconscious. We make decisions, think, and act with our conscious mind. In fact, the conscious mind requires that we think first before we can consciously act. But the unconscious mind fires off conditioned responses faster than we can consciously think. It's the unconscious mind that controls our habits. In the relaxed state known as hypnosis, we can communicate more directly with the unconscious mind and enlist its help to change habits of a lifetime. That is why so many people have used hypnosis to help them stop smoking - and without the need for useless aids, gimmicks or unhealthy substitutes.

 

Q: Will I fall asleep or experience amnesia?

A: No. You will remain aware, be able to think and hear throughout the hypnosis session. You will remember everything.

 

Q: What if I am not hypnotizable?

A: Generally speaking, every normal person is "hypnotizable." Exceptions are people overly medicated or suffering from a severe mental disorder, or of course, anyone who chooses to not be hypnotized.

 

Q: How long does the hypnosis session last?

A: Our advanced stop smoking session typically takes between 2 and 3 hours. We always say plan on a good 3 hours because we will take whatever time is needed to ensure your success. The entire experience is easy, educational and very relaxing.

 

Q: What does hypnosis feel like?

A: You want to know what it feels like right now? Just close your eyes, take in a deep breath and exhale slowly and relax your body... then open your eyes. That's it! Nothing weird or unusual, you just feel relaxed. It feels a bit like when you first wake up in the morning - that sort of "in between" state.

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All of us experience forms of light hypnosis on a daily basis. For example, have you ever been so engrossed in a TV program that you didn't hear, or didn't want to hear, someone in the room trying to talk to you? Well, that was a light form of hypnosis!

 

Q: I'm confused... I've been told that for hypnosis to succeed I must truly want to stop but I also am experiencing cravings, does that mean I really do or do not want to stop smoking?

A: We understand exactly what youíre asking. If you have one or more serious personal reasons why you want to stop smoking, yet you are plagued with cravings, we would interpret that as "you do consciously want to stop smoking but you are being unconsciously sabotaged." Since hypnosis deals with the unconscious mind, you would be an excellent candidate to stop smoking with hypnosis. On the other hand, if your friends or family have been pressuring you to stop but you personally would just as soon keep smoking, then we would recommend that you wait and contact us only when you decide you really want to stop smoking for your own personal reasons.

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If you are still unsure, you can call (760) 644-5316 for a free phone consultation to help you decide if you're ready to stop. You won't be pressured or "sold" to - just the opposite - we only accept new clients who really do want to stop smoking.

 

Q: If hypnosis can't make me do what I don't want to do, then why can a stage hypnotist make someone cluck like a chicken?

A: Stage hypnotists are entertainers, not hypnotherapists. They create the illusion that they "control" their subjects. When a hypnotized subject is made to cluck like a chicken onstage, it sure looks like the hypnotist is controlling his subject! But in reality, stage hypnotists select volunteers who want to act silly and entertain an audience.

 

Q: Don't some hypnotherapists CLAIM a specific success rate?

A: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules frown on quoting a specific success rate because regardless of what the "average success rate" is, every individual is unique and results can vary. What we can say is that if so many of our clients were not succeeding at breaking the habit, then we could not afford to offer follow-up sessions at no charge. Other hypnotherapists can make whatever claims they want, but the question is do they back them up with a no-charge follow-up offer? The reason they don't - is because they can't.

 

Q: What about group hypnosis?

A: Group hypnosis can be less effective because it typically involves a very basic form of suggestion-only hypnosis, and in a group situation the hypnotherapist cannot tailor the program to your individual needs.

 

Q: What state guidelines govern hypnosis?

A: Hypnosis is a legal profession, recognized as a "Legal Complementary-Alternative Health Care Modality" by the State of California. Hypnosis does not require licensure by the State. Use of hypnosis is complementary to the healing arts licensed by the state. California Senate Bill 577 gives you access to unlicensed alternative or complementary health care practitioners and it requires that they follow certain guidelines and restrictions. Here are the things that unlicensed health care practitioners are NOT allowed to do:

• Perform any form of surgery, or any procedure that punctures your skin or harmfully invades your body.

• Use X-ray radiation.

• Prescribe prescription drugs, or recommend that you discontinue drugs that were prescribed by a licensed physician.

• Set fractures.

• Treat wounds with electrotherapy.

• Put you at risk of great bodily harm, serious physical or mental illness, or death.

• Imply in any way that they are licensed physicians.

• Diagnose, prescribe, or treat any medical condition or disorder.

 

Q: Have you helped people make other kinds of changes besides quitting smoking?

A: Yes, in addition to specializing in smoking cessation, we have experience helping people change other habits and behaviors. For a partial list of other types of changes hypnotherapy can help you with, click here.