HYPNOSIS Hypnosis is best defined as a heightened state of awareness. It is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It is important to remember that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Every day we go in and out of hypnosis without even realizing it. You may be surprised to learn that day dreaming is a form of hypnosis. During each session, the client and the hypnotist discuss therapy goals and what the client would like reinforced during hypnosis. Through suggestions given by the hypnotist, the client reprograms his/her mind. These suggestions are given to the subconscious mind and the subconscious mind accepts them. This is where positive change begins. Clients have been know to feel positive results after only one session. MYTHS OF HYPNOSIS • Hypnosis is caused by the power of the hypnotist and hypnotists work miracles. The hypnotist may use his or her communication and rapport building skills, making it more likely that the client will accept guidance through a suggested experience, but only to the degree that the client permits. Amazing things may occur during hypnosis, however this is, again, due to the willingness of the client. It is clearly a relationship of mutual responsiveness. • Only certain kinds of people can be hypnotized. In practice, there are definitely some people more difficult to induce hypnosis in than others, but this does not mean they are less capable of being hypnotized. It merely indicates their resistance for one of many possible reasons, (e.g., fear of losing control, difficulty in distinguishing internal states such as relaxation or tension,negative situational factors, fear of change, etc.) Once the nature of the resistance is identified and resolved, the client becomes able to experience hypnosis satisfactorily. • Once one has become hypnotized, one can no longer resist it and surrenders their personal will. This is, or course, not true. If a client chooses not to go into hypnosis, for whatever reason, then he or she will not. Prior experience with hypnosis, good or bad, is not the sole determining factor of whether hypnosis is accomplished or not. Even the most responsive clients can refuse to follow the suggestion of a hypnotist if they choose to. • One can be hypnotized to say or do something against one's will. Since the client retains ultimate control of his or her self, it is not possible to hypnotize someone to do something against their will. • One can become "stuck" in hypnosis or might not "wake up" from hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, either inwardly or outwardly directed. The client can initiate or terminate the experience any time he or she chooses and is in complete control. • Hypnotized persons will tell secrets or will always tell the truth. Hypnosis will not compel a person to tell secrets or share any other information if they don't want to.