2. Understanding Hypnosis

Many people have their first introduction to hypnosis by way of seeing a stage hypnotist perform. This often leaves people with the impression that hypnosis is a strange form of exerting control over other people. People are left thinking that the hypnotist has powerful control and the people on stage are not in control of what they do and can be made to perform funny and embarrassing things.

People often will not consider hypnosis because they are afraid that they will loose control and act in strange and possibly embarrassing ways.

Let's look at some of these misunderstandings.

Hypnosis is NOT mind control or brainwashing. Hypnosis cannot make you do anything which goes against your values, beliefs, and morals. At Innerchange, each of our staff members is clinically trained and certified as a counselor and hypnotherapist. We are ethically bound to work with you in ways which are only in your best interests.

You are NOT immobilized during hypnosis. You are free to move, scratch, cough, shift about, open your eyes. You will be able to hear sounds around you. You will remain as aware and alert as you want to be.

Trance is not sleep. Some people tell say that they feel as though they fall asleep. That is all right, because another part of your mind will continue to listen and work during your session.

There is no right way to experience hypnosis. Some people say that they don't think they are 'doing it right' since they continue to hear the counselor's voice and sounds in the room. It is not always important to 'go deep' into hypnosis. The depth of hypnosis is not a guarantee of 'better' hypnosis. Some people do amazing work in what is described as a light state of hypnosis. Everyone's experience of hypnosis is unique. Yours will be too.

Hypnosis is not a quick fix, nor does it solve all problems. As with any type of counseling, you will need to do some conscious work and planning about the changes and healing you want. It may not be the appropriate approach for you. It is important to discuss this with your counselor.

Hypnosis has few risks. It is important to consult with you health care provider before using hypnosis for certain medical conditions.

The use of hypnosis is not recommended for the recovery of 'repressed memories.' The nature of memory is very fragile, inconsistent, and unreliable. The longer amount of time that has passed since the 'event', the more likely it becomes that events, scenes, and people are included in a memory that were not part of the actual experience. This is what happens with 'false memory'.

Hypnosis is, however, very effective in helping people heal from the effects of trauma. When a person seeks help to heal from trauma, it is important that he/she trust that their body has a memory of the event which may not be remembered by the mind. It is not always necessary to 'remember' in order to heal. We encourage people to focus on what they need to heal rather than trying to remember.

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