FAQ–Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy

1. What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural altered state of consciousness where your focus becomes highly concentrated, distractions fade, and your mind is more open to helpful suggestions.

It’s not sleep you remain aware, but your brain activity shifts into alpha and theta wave patterns, allowing more direct access to subconscious processes.

Scientific studies using brain imaging show changes in:

• Anterior cingulate cortex – attention and emotion regulation

• Prefrontal cortex – decision-making and self-control

• Sensory and limbic areas – perception and emotional memory

2. How will I know I’m hypnotized?

You may notice:

• Deep relaxation

• A sense of time moving differently

• Feeling absorbed, like “being in the zone”

• Heightened responsiveness to guidance

3. Can anyone be hypnotized?

Most people can, provided they are willing, motivated, and open to the process.

4. Will I be asleep?

No, you will be in a relaxed but alert state, aware of everything being said.

5. What happens during hypnosis?

Your conscious, analytical mind takes a step back, allowing easier communication with the subconscious where habits, emotions, and automatic responses are stored.

Suggestions are then given to help you reframe patterns or achieve specific goals.

6. Is hypnosis dangerous?

When conducted by a qualified professional, hypnosis is safe. Risks mainly come from untrained practitioners making inappropriate suggestions.

7. Is hypnosis mind control?

No. You cannot be forced to act against your morals or will. Hypnosis is a collaborative process.

8. What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis to help address specific issues, emotional, behavioral, or physical by working with subconscious patterns.

It’s supported by research for conditions well beyond stress and anxiety.

9. Is hypnotherapy only for stress and anxiety?

No. While effective for emotional wellness, hypnotherapy is also used for:

• Behavioral change: smoking cessation, weight management, habit breaking

• Pain management: arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, post-surgical pain

• Medical symptom relief: IBS, nausea, functional GI issues

• Performance enhancement: sports, public speaking, creative focus

• Recovery support: wound healing, surgical preparation, rehabilitation

10. When should hypnotherapy be combined with medical or psychological referral?

If you have a medical condition, psychiatric diagnosis, or symptoms that require ongoing care, hypnotherapy should be done with your provider’s knowledge and approval. This includes:

• Chronic pain disorders

• Functional digestive conditions

• PTSD and trauma recovery

• Depression, OCD, or anxiety disorders

• Sexual pain disorders

• Pre- or post-surgical recovery

11. Who should not use hypnotherapy without medical supervision?

• People with active psychosis or schizophrenia

• Those with untreated severe depression

• Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder

• Anyone trying to replace essential medical care with hypnosis alone

12. Does hypnotherapy replace medical treatment?

No, it is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological care.

It’s most effective when part of a multi-disciplinary approach that may include doctors, therapists, and other health professionals.

13. Does it work for everyone?

Not in every case. Success depends on your openness, trust in the process, and realistic expectations.

14. Can it be done online?

Yes. Virtual hypnotherapy is as effective as in-person sessions when you have a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection.