How Well Does Hypnosis work? A Comparison Study:

Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions

Hypnotherapy 93% recovery after 6 sessions

                                                                                                                                               - American Health Magazine

Since the American Medical Association (AMA) approved the use of clinical hypnosis in the 1950s thousands of people have found hypnosis to be an effective way to stop smoking, lose weight, relieve stress, build self-esteem, accelerate healing, manage pain and otherwise improve their lives.

Scientific Research about Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been recorded through a brain scan (EEG) and has been shown to be different brain wave activity during different thought processes.

Because of this, it makes sense that all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis… after all it is your brain.  What the professional hypnotherapist does is guide you or teach you how to guide yourself into the Alpha – Theta brain wave state described below.

This is something you do on your own all throughout the day, however in a professional session we have you focus on the goal you want to achieve such as losing weight, stopping smoking, and increasing self-esteem and self-confidence… you get the idea.

It’s important that the client have a strong motivation or desire to achieve the goal as well as the ability to follow instructions.

Research has shown there are four types of brain wave states (Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta):

BETA
Alertness and Concentration

You are wide-awake, alert. Your mind is sharp, focused. It makes connections quickly, easily and you’re primed to do work that requires your full attention. Beta waves range between 13-40 HZ.

ALPHA (light-trance state)
Relaxation, Visualization and Creativity

When you are truly relaxed, your brain activity slows from the rapid patterns of Beta into the more gentle waves of Alpha. Your awareness expands. You experience a liberating sense of peace and well-being. In biofeedback, Alpha waves range between 7-12 HZ. This is a place of deep relaxation, but not quite meditation.  Behavioral changes such as stop smoking can take place in light trance.

When we are drifting in and out of sleep in the morning and right when we go to bed in the evening- we are cycling through Alpha/Theta-  so we going in and out of a hypnotic state.

THETA (deep hypnotized trance state)
Meditation, Intuition and Memory

Theta state where brain activity slows almost to the point of sleep, but not quite. Theta is the brain state where magic happens. Theta brings forward heightened receptivity, flashes of dreamlike imagery, inspiration, and your long-forgotten memories. Theta can bring you deep states of hypnosis.  Theta waves range between 4-7 HZ.

DELTA (deep sleep state for rejuvenation)
Detached Awareness, Healing and Sleep

Long, slow, undulating. Delta is the slowest of all four brain wave frequencies. Most commonly associated with deep sleep, certain frequencies in the Delta range also trigger the release of Human Growth Hormone so beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep – deep restorative sleep – the kind that Delta frequencies help induce is so essential to the healing process.

Delta waves range between 0-4 HZ.

 

If you've ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you've probably witnessed several of the myths or misconceptions about hypnosis in action. Legitimate clinical hypnotherapy practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage; as explained above.

One misconception is that when you're in hypnosis, the hypnotherapist controls you.  The reality is you do hypnosis voluntarily for yourself. A hypnotherapist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator.

Another misconception is that when you're in hypnosis, you surrender your free will.  The truth is that hypnosis is heightened state of concentration and focused attention.  When you're in hypnosis, you don't lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength.

Hypnosis is an old word used to describe an even older naturally-occurring state of mind. Everyone experiences this state each day. Daydreaming; being completely absorbed in thought, reading, sometimes while watching television or during artistic expression; and drifting off to sleep at night – all are benefits of our natural ability to enter an altered state of mind.

When used therapeutically, this altered state of mind (hypnosis) features profound relaxation of body and mind. In this state, a highly productive, laser-like focus of attention can be guided by the hypnotherapist to help you achieve your important goals, such as programming better habits, uncovering personal truths, improving health, and becoming happier.

Hypnotic trance is achieved when the client follows the hypnotherapist’s instructions. Some people find it most effective to repeat the instructions in their minds with a "yes" mindset, wanting to experience hypnotic relaxation and knowing that it will happen. In this sense, it is self-hypnosis.

Each person’s experience of hypnosis is unique and it can change from one session to the next. Some people experience a lightness, some people experience a lethargic feeling- It's different from person to person. The potential of the subconscious mind unfolds more with each session. The client is always in control of his or her experience and results.

How does hypnosis work?

Our minds work on two levels – the conscious and the subconscious. We make decisions, think, and act with our conscious mind. The subconscious mind controls our habits. In the relaxed state known as hypnosis, we can communicate directly with the subconscious mind. This is why it is so quick and easy to change beliefs, behaviors, and habits of a lifetime with hypnosis.

How will I know if I am hypnotized?

Most people can’t tell the difference between the hypnotized and the waking states. Some people feel relaxed and lethargic, others feel a lightness. One thing that people do notice is an inexplicable change in their daily behaviors.

Is Hypnosis Safe?

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.