Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness; a state of focused inner attention accompanied by a feeling of deep relaxation and increased awareness. Hypnosis is a pleasant trance state in which the conscious mind is distracted and the unconscious mind becomes more open and receptive than in ordinary waking consciousness.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind that is experienced by human beings every day. Examples of naturally occurring trance states are that dreamy moment just before you fall asleep, being engrossed in a good book, watching television, listening to the radio, driving a car, daydreaming, or any activity where you are focusing your attention. Whenever this happens we experience a natural state of hypnosis. 

Two minds: Conscious and unconscious

The conscious mind is rational, and focused like a beam of light; it can only focus on a limited number of objects or thoughts at one time. The conscious mind is very small in comparison with the unconscious and only has a memory of about 20 to 30 seconds. The conscious mind filters for what thoughts or observations are relevant or needed in the moment and the vast majority of the available information is pushed down to the unconscious level and is available to be recalled at any time.

The unconscious mind is responsible for running our bodies, and is also the storehouse of memories; everything that ever happens to us is recorded into the unconscious where it can be accessed whenever it is needed. The unconscious often protects the conscious mind by keeping from it the things that it does not need to know or cannot deal with. This is like a safety valve in our mind.

The conscious and unconscious minds work together to create and animate the whole personality. A person in a hypnotic trance can directly access the unconscious mind and all its resources, bypassing the conscious mind. The human mind is incredibly creative and anything you can imagine when you are in a trance you can make happen in reality. When you learn to harness your imagination, your intelligence and abilities will bloom like a garden in spring. People create their own limitations like prisons in their minds, and they can also create the keys that open the locked doors and walk out into the fresh air and possibilities of a new life.

Myth: You can be hypnotized to do things against your will. Absolutely false. Nobody can be hypnotized against his or her will. You must be 100% cooperative in order to be hypnotized. In a state of hypnosis you can choose to accept or reject any suggestions given to you by the hypnotist and will not do anything that is against your values or ethics.

Myth: You may reveal some secrets that you don't want anyone to know. You will not reveal any information you don't want to. You are aware of what is going on around you and what is being said to you. Your awareness is actually greater in hypnosis than when you are awake; it is your body that is relaxed, not the mind. Because of this awareness you are in control of what you reveal to the hypnotist.

Myth: You may be made to act foolish. This myth comes from hypnotism stage shows. The people who volunteer are generally uninhibited, fun loving people, ready to put on a show. The stage hypnotist knows how to choose subjects that are willing to enhance his performance. The therapeutic hypnotist is interested in assisting the client to reach his or her goals.

Myth: Fear of not reaching the right state of hypnosis. Some people expect to reach a state of unconsciousness or sleep, which will not happen. In most cases, you should feel completely relaxed and aware of what is going on.

Myth: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized. False. The opposite is the truth. Intelligent people are easier to hypnotize, because of their ability to concentrate.

Myth: Under hypnosis you are unconscious or asleep. Not true at all. Under hypnosis you are awake and completely aware.

Myth: You can get stuck in hypnosis. Completely false. Since hypnotic trance is a naturally occurring phenomenon you will spontaneously come out when you are ready.

What can hypnosis be used for?

• Stop Smoking
• Stress Management Tension
• Weight Loss, Weight Control
• Memory and Concentration
• Take tests with confidence
• Pain Management
• Sexual Issues
• Overcome Shyness
• Improve Public Speaking
• Improve Sports Performance
• Build Self Confidence
• Improve Grades & Reading Skills
• Build Self Esteem
• Habit Control: Nail Biting; Substance Abuse.
• Sleep Well