QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural and normal state of the mind in which the body experiences a state of deep relaxation whilst the mind remains clear, alert and focused. In this altered state of awareness, the subconscious mind becomes open and suggestible. A person naturally enters this state many times during a normal day but most of us are not aware that it is happening. How many times have you been thinking about something whilst driving your car and suddenly realised that you have no recollection of actually steering/changing gear etc for the last few miles? When we watch a film we can sometimes become so caught up in the story that we forget that we are only watching TV. We may be reading a novel and be so engrossed that we don't hear someone knocking at the door. Most of us daydream from time to time too. These are examples of a natural state of hypnosis.
How can I tell when I'm hypnotised?
It depends on the individual. Some people are more aware of changes felt in their bodies than others. It also depends on how deep into the hypnotic state the person has allowed themselves to drift. You may experience sensations of feeling very light and floating, very heavy, tingling sensations, a dry mouth or just very pleasantly relaxed.
What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
It feels great! Most people will experience different bodily sensations ranging from just a dry mouth (like when you're asleep), limbs feeling heavy or light, or slight tingling sensations. Most people feel wonderfully relaxed and enjoy the hypnotic state very much indeed.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes. Any person of at least average intelligence and ability to focus and concentrate can go into hypnosis. The better a person is able to concentrate and focus and the more intelligent a person is, the easier it is for him or her to go into the hypnotic trance. Above all, the person must be willing. No one can hypnotise you if you don't want to be hypnotised. Your natural defences in your mind will prevent this from happening.
Will I be asleep or will I know what is going on around me?
No, you are definitely not asleep, though to an observer, your body may appear to be sleeping because your are in state of deep physical relaxation. You are completely awake and aware of your surroundings, however. You hear everything. Since all your senses are magnified eight times, you are actually more alert and aware whilst you are in hypnosis than you are in your normal waking state.
Can hypnosis bedangerous?
No, hypnosis cannot be dangerous! It is just a natural state of mind utilised by the hypnotherapist to help people to change unwanted habits or patterns of behaviour. The mind has natural defences built in which will automatically reject any suggestions it deems harmful. Hypnotherapy has nothing to do with, and must not be confused with, stage hypnosis which is used by a tiny minority of hypnotists for entertainment only.
Is hypnosis 'mind control'?
No, hypnosis is not mind control. The hypnotist cannot make you do or say anything you ordinarily would not do. You always remain in control and are awake and alert the whole time.
Will I lose control when I'm under hypnosis?
No, you will not lose control while you are in hypnosis. You are fully conscious and very aware of what is being suggested. You are always in control.
Aren't people who can easily be hypnotised just gullible or weak-minded?
Quite the opposite! A gullible, unintelligent or weak-minded person is incapable of maintaining the necessary focus and concentration necessary to go into the hypnotic state.
Won't being hypnotised make me become weak-minded or cause me to develop a 'weak will'?
No, hypnosis is often used to boost a person's concentration and will power.
How much will I remember when I wake up? Will I forget everything that went on?
Most people remember everything that went on whilst they were in hypnosis, but sometimes, if they went into a particularly deep state, they may forget what happened. Sometimes people have the misconception that they are supposed to forget everything, so they do- because they gave themselves the suggestion to forget!
How deep into a trance will I go?
That depends entirely on eeach individual as to how willing s/he is to enter into the hypnotic state. Some people are naturally able to enter a deeper hypnotic state, while others are capable of entering into deeper states because they have been hypnotised in the past, practise yoga or meditation. It is not important how deep you go, just that you are willing to give hypnosis the opportunity to work.
Does the hypnotist have any special 'powers'?
Absolutely not! The hypnotist is just an ordinary person; Jane, here at Mind Matters, was a teacher for many years before studying to become a hypnotherapist . During the training, hypnotists learn how to speak directly to your subconscious mind in a way that it understands. The hypnotist has no mystical or supernatural powers
Will I wake up afterwards- what will happen if I don't?
Yes, people who are hypnotised come out of the state when brought out by the hypnotist. On an odd occasion, someone will choose to remain in the hypnotic state for a couple of extra minutes because they either entered into a particularly deep state or it feels so good they want to remain in hypnosis; they wake themselves up naturally.
Can hypnotherapy help me?
If your problem is covered on my website, then the answer is yes! Clients are always amazed at how successful their treatment has been. Some have previously tried other things to help them to succeed (diets, nicotine patches, self-help books, counselling, avoiding worrying situations, sheer determined perseverence etc) and have failed every time to make permanent, positive changes. Hypnotherapy is successful! The main categories of treatments requested at Mind Matters are for weight loss, improving self-esteem and confidence, for sports performance anxiety (many riders come to Jane) , smoking cessation and for phobias. Practically any bad habits or behaviours can be removed via hypnosis.
WHY WAIT? email: jane@mindmattersweb.co.uk
Tel: 07904 566953 01773 746502