1. What is hypnosis?
It is a pleasant, voluntary, state of relaxed attentive concentration, an altered state of consciousness, during which the conscious critical mind is relaxed and relatively inactive, and the doorway to the subconscious, inner mind is opened with a person’s permission. In this comfortable state, suggestibility is heightened, mental absorption is increased, the senses are heightened, and the imagination is activated in a controlled manner. The inner mind is more receptive to acceptable, beneficial suggestions.

2. Can a person be hypnotized against his will?
No. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. You must be a willing subject. Your hypnotist must have your full cooperation.

3. Will a hypnotized person perform any anti-social, criminal or immoral acts while under Hypnosis?
o. People who are hypnotized will not do anything in Hypnosis that they would not do in the waking state. This applies as well to sexual acts. Hypnosis is not a master-slave relationship. When you are in hypnosis, you are aware of everything that is going on and you continue to retain your values and morals

4. Does a weak-minded person make a better subject than a strong-minded person?
No. Strength of mind really has little to do with it. Either a weak-minded or strong minded person who resists will make a poor hypnotic subject. On the other hand, a weak or strong-minded person who cooperates will be a good subject. However, because Hypnosis helps a person gain greater control over both mind and body, it can help a person develop a stronger mind.

5. Will I be asleep?
No. When a person is in Hypnosis, he is not asleep. He or she is very much aware of all that is going on. In actuality, in Hypnosis, one’s senses become heightened and more acute. Of course, if a person is tired, it is possible to fall asleep during hypnosis. However, then, the subject is asleep and no longer in hypnosis. In actuality, when this occurs, the state of sleep is a light but relaxing state of sleep. A simple suggestion to wake up given by the hypnotist is all that is required to rouse up the subject.

6. Is it possible that a subject could not be brought out of Hypnosis?
No it is not possible. You cannot get stuck in Hypnosis because you do not lose control when you are hypnotized. Hypnosis is a cooperative relationship. When you are hypnotized, you retain full control over your mind and your body. Sometimes, people feel so relaxed and comfortable in Hypnosis that they may wish to remain in that state for a little longer. However, a simple suggestion for awakening (or alerting) is all that is needed to bring a subject back into the Waking State even if the subject has fallen asleep. Additionally, when the hypnotist stops talking, the subject will soon awaken on his own. Most importantly, you can come out of hypnosis any time you want.

7. Will I tell any secrets under hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You retain full control over what you say. Subjects in Hypnosis reveal no secrets in the Hypnotic State that they would not reveal (because they want to) in the Waking State.

8. Can a person in Hypnosis be made to bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken?
No. This is not what happens in Therapeutic or Clinical Hypnosis. On the other hand, volunteers during Stage Hypnosis Show, which is for entertainment purposes only, will typically go along with the Stage Hypnotist’s suggestions as long as it is all in good fun and for entertainment purposes. This is not the context of Clinical Hypnosis.

9. Can a person be made a "slave" to a hypnotist?
No. Hypnosis is not a master-slave relationship or a power relationship. It is not about "zap, you are under my power!" like Svengali type stuff. Hypnosis is a cooperative and collaborative relationship. The subject retains full control and responsibility for his or her actions at all times. This myth comes from old movies and novels such as the old novel "Trilby".

10. Can a person become addicted to Hypnosis, or is it habit forming?
No. A person can resist going into Hypnosis or being hypnotized anytime he or she desires, regardless of how many times he has been hypnotized.

11. What is the best age for being hypnotized?
People can be hypnotized at any age. However, on the average, the years between 12 and 20 are a developmental stage when pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults are most fantasy prone and capable of employing that trait to benefit from hypnosis. Nevertheless, children can be helped to solve their problems with the tool of hypnosis as can middle aged and older people.

12. Can an "insane" person be hypnotized?
Persons who are clinically insane are typically out of touch with reality and have difficulty concentrating. The ability to sustain concentration and the ability to follow instructions are necessary prerequisites to being able to be hypnotized. Thus, clinically insane persons can be very difficult subjects. Nevertheless, there are clinical practitioners who specialize in working therapeutically with this population, and some of these practitioners do have the training to use the hypnosis tool effectively and therapeutically in selected cases.

13. Who can be hypnotized?
Anyone who can pay attention and follow instructions can be hypnotized if they want to be. People will vary however, as to the extent or depth to which they can be hypnotized.

14. What are the requirements of a good Subject?
They are mainly the desire to be hypnotized and to experience Hypnosis, the ability to concentrate, the willingness to cooperate and follow instructions, and the relative absence of mistrust and fear.

15. Is deep Hypnosis necessary?
For most purposes, deep Hypnosis is not necessary. For most purposes, in a therapeutic setting, a light degree of Hypnosis is all that is necessary for experiencing the therapeutic benefits of Hypnosis. In other words, we typically do not need or aim for Deep Trance. The therapeutic subject (the patient or client) is awake and aware of everything that is going on, but very relaxed.

16. Can "poor" subjects become better subjects?
Most definitely yes. Repeated conditioning can improve the depth of relaxation, concentration and absorption that a patient or client can attain. Also, strong motivation is a plus. A poor subject with a strong desire to benefit from Hypnosis to get relief from a problem can become a very good subject. Additionally, a "poor" subject can become a better subject to the extent that the Hypnotist instills confidence and helps the subject diminish anxiety and fear.

17. What is Self Hypnosis?
This is Hypnosis induced by a person by himself without the help of a hypnotist. Some experts say that all Hypnosis is Self Hypnosis since the hypnotist is in actuality not doing anything to the subject, but rather guiding the subject into the hypnotic state of consciousness with the subject’s permission. Because the subject permits it to happen, he is really hypnotizing himself with the assistance of the hypnotist.

18. How can one learn Self Hypnosis?
You can learn Self Hypnosis from a good CD or even a book authored by a competent Hypnosis professional. However, your best bet is to have the experience first of being hypnotized by a qualified Hypnosis professional, and then learn from that hypnotist how to enter the hypnotic state on your own. At that point, tapes (CDs) and books can be very useful aids, guides, and sources of information and inspiration.

19. What are the benefits of Self Hypnosis?
The premier benefit of learning and practicing Self Hypnosis is to initiate and continue the process of positive self-change. The regular use of Self Hypnosis facilitates the continuation of healthy changes in behaviors, feelings, beliefs and attitudes. When you practice Self Hypnosis you enter a state of self relaxation. When you are relaxed, you cannot be uncomfortable or anxious or stressed or in pain. Relaxation is the physical and emotional opposite of these negative feelings. Practicing Self Hypnosis conditions your ability to relax at will. It builds your ability to control your mind and your body. More control is the goal, and with more control, you gain greater ability to control your symptoms. Additionally, when you are in a state of Self Hypnosis you are able to give yourself positive suggestions and use positive imagery for positive self-change.

20. Can anyone learn Self Hypnosis?
Any normally intelligent person who can concentrate and follow instructions, and who is motivated and willing can learn Self Hypnosis.

21. What is Hetero-Hypnosis?
This is Hypnosis wherein one person, the Hypnotist or Hypnotherapist, hypnotizes (induces the Hypnotic State) another person who is the subject or patient (or client). To do this, the Hypnotist uses an appropriate hypnotic induction, which is a method for inducing the state of hypnosis. For many types of problems where Self Hypnosis is taught, the Hypnotist teaches Self Hypnosis to the patient while he or she is in the hypnotic state.

22. What is a hypnotic induction?
It is a method of inducing the hypnotic state. There are numerous ways of inducing hypnosis. Most clinicians who practice hypnosis have their favorites. However, it is important for a clinician to choose an hypnosis induction method that fits the needs of the client or patient. The hypnosis professional gives you carefully worded instructions to follow with the goal of helping you enter a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. This is called the hypnosis induction. For this hypnosis induction to be effective, you must cooperate as an active participant in the process.

23. How does Hypnosis make a person more suggestible?
This occurs first and foremost with the subject’s permission and cooperation. By following the "hypnotist's" instructions, you become more suggestible. When you are in this altered state of increased suggestibility, your mental "clutter" is cleared away so that you can pay attention to the hypnotist's suggestions and be open to experiencing new perspectives and solutions to your problem. In this "hypnotic trance state", you remain aware of everything that is going on, but at the same time, you become increasingly absorbed in using your imagination as directed by the "hypnotist".

24. How does Hypnosis work?
Once the Hypnotic State is induced and the doorway to the Subconscious Mind is opened, with your permission, the competent Hypnotist can provide information, in a language and form that the Subconscious can accept, to help you change the behaviors, feelings and thoughts that you want to change. We utilize the fact that the Subconscious Mind has the ability (actually the tendency) to accept what it imagines as real. This can greatly reduce the felt stress of changing unhealthy habits to healthier habits.

25. What role does the Subconscious Mind play?
The Subconscious part of the mind, or the Inner Mind, controls all of our living functions that keep us alive, as well as all of our automatic behavior patterns. But, the Subconscious is not as easily communicated with as is the Conscious Mind. Information is imprinted in the Subconscious essentially in three ways: through trauma, through repetition, and through the language of Hypnosis. Thus, Hypnosis is the quickest and most efficient way to impress the Subconscious and imprint changes in behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and feelings. The upshot is that making changes in long-standing, core habits (e.g., eating patterns, smoking, emotional reactivity, coping responses) often creates internal discomfort and stress. Old habits cling and typically resist efforts to change them. This can be because of Conscious conflict about changing, but it can also be the result of conflict between the Conscious and the Subconscious parts of the mind. That is, you consciously may want to change and may have decided to change, but the Subconscious does not know this. If it did, it would help you, but it often has no way of knowing that you consciously want to change. So, it continues to control the old behavioral habits and this creates and perpetuates inner conflict. Once the Subconscious is informed that you want to change, and once it knows that it is in your best interest to be helped to change, it has no choice but to help you change. Then, the two parts to the mind, Conscious and Subconscious, can work together in cooperation with little tension, upset, or stress. Remember, what you can conceive you can achieve, and the Subconscious has a tendency to accept what it imagines as real.

26. What are some of the benefits of Hypnosis?
There are many benefits and uses for Hypnosis. To mention but a few of the more common uses:

  • induce relaxation
  • relieve tensions
  • relieve pain
  • in childbirth
  • diminish and control anxiety
  • eliminate phobias
  • treat depression
  • improve self-confidence
  • control mood swings
  • modify or change hurtful baits
  • stop smoking
  • lose weight through changing eating and other habits
  • improve concentration and memory
  • improve study habits
  • develop natural abilities
  • relieve insomnia
  • aid police work
  • stop fingernail biting
  • stop bedwetting
  • in dentistry
  • in optometry
  • stop bruxism
  • preparation for surgery or other medical procedures

27. What can Hypnosis "cure"?
Hypnosis by itself is not a "cure". It is a tool to be used in therapy or treatment by a professional who is qualified to render that treatment. Medical treatments must be supervised by a medical physician. Similarly, psychological treatments for emotional or psychological problems must be supervised by a qualified psychology or mental health practitioner.

28. If you decide that you want to see a clinical hypnosis practitioner, how should you go about finding someone who is qualified?
Do Your Homework! When choosing a qualified clinical hypnosis practitioner, it’s best to make sure you’ll be working with someone who is properly trained and with whom you’re comfortable. Consumer Beware. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), the largest national organization of licensed health professionals who use hypnosis, advises on its official Web site (http://www.asch.net) that, just as in choosing any health professional, you exercise care in selecting a clinical hypnosis practitioner. Unfortunately, the practice of hypnosis is not regulated by most states as is the practice of other healing arts. Therefore, in most states, clinicians and therapists who use hypnosis are not licensed in hypnosis. The implications of this are that anyone can call themselves a "certified hypnotherapist," or "clinical hypnotist," and hang out a shingle. Beware of quacks.

"Lay hypnotists" are people who are trained in hypnosis but lack formal medical, psychological, dental, or other professional health-care training and lack state licensure. There is no way to evaluate the nature, quality, quantity, continuity, or validity of their hypnosis training or previous academic background and schooling, since their practice is not state regulated. A lay hypnotist may claim to be "certified in hypnotherapy," and start a hypnotherapy or hypnosis practice after just taking a three-day weekend course!

Most licensed health-care professionals first attended college for four years and earned a bachelor’s degree before continuing on to graduate, medical, or dental school for professional training. Graduate level professional training typically takes two years for a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Nursing, four years for an M.D. or D.O. doctoral degree in Medicine, or a D.D.S. or D.M.D. doctoral degree in Dentistry, and four to five years for a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.

After completing their graduate, medical, or dental school training, most state licensed health professionals went on to take one to four years of clinical internship and/or residency training in their specialty, plus at least one to two years of supervised experience, before becoming eligible to sit for the state licensure examination. These are the steps that must be passed to be eligible for licensed independent practice. By the way, a psychologist is a mental-health professional with either a master’s degree or a doctorate in psychology (a Ph.D., Ed.D., or Psy.D.) who has taken post-degree internship or residency training in clinical or counseling psychology. A psychiatrist is a physician with a medical doctoral degree (an M.D. or D.O.), who has taken post-doctoral internship or residency training in psychiatry.

Screening a Practitioner’s Qualifications. Careful questioning on the telephone can help you avoid falling into the hands of unscrupulous persons who engage in fraudulent or unethical practices. First, ask the person what his or her primary health-care field is. If the person answers that it is hypnosis or hypnotherapy, the person is a "lay hypnotist." If the person states that it is medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, psychology, clinical social work, or nursing, ask if he or she is licensed in his or her field by the state. If the person is not licensed by the state, he or she probably lacks the education required for licensure or has lost his or her license.
Find out what the person’s degree is in. If the person states that it is in hypnosis or hypnotherapy, as opposed to a state-regulated health-care profession, the person is a "lay hypnotist." If the person is licensed in one of the above health-care fields, check for membership in the major professional organization for their field (for instance, the American Medical Association, American Dental Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers, etc.). Also, check for membership in the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. These are the only nationally recognized organizations in the United States for licensed health-care professionals using hypnosis.

If you have doubts about the person’s qualifications, keep looking.