
When a client makes that first contact, usually by telephone, most of them of course want to know what to expect when they arrive on the day of their appointment. I think that's a very reasonable request; I don't mind at all explaining, as well as you can over the phone, exactly what to expect in a hypnosis session with me.
There are several common questions which people ask, and I'll cover some of them in this blog.
They usually go something like this:
- Will I be awake?
- Will I hear what you're saying?
- Am I able to drive after a session?
- Will I be unconscious?
- What would happen if you (that's me) drop dead? (Yes, really!)
- Can I 'get stuck' in hypnosis?
- Will I cluck like a chicken?
- Is everybody hypnotisable?
- Can you make me do something I don't wish to do?
These are the most commonly asked questions, and I'll answer them as briefly as possible.
The state of hypnosis, or trance, is a common every day sensation which we all experience. It's very similar to daydreaming, or, that sensation of being totally engrossed in a good book or movie. In this state, our conscious mind has 'slipped into neutral' for a while. We are aware of externalities, but they become distant. Our subconscious mind has taken over for a while, and we could say we're disassociated from some of those things we'd normally be aware of. For instance, speaking to a friend or partner in such a state is usually an exercise in futility; they hear you, but don't hear you consciously, and may not respond.
You are not, however, unconscious. Your body is still ticking along nicely, albeit in a very relaxed state. This relaxation is accompanied by a very pleasant stillness, and a sensation of deep calm. The body may feel heavy, or, conversely, very light with a floating sensation.
My voice becomes a part of the experience, and is at all times heard by the client. Having said that, not everything I say will be remembered consciously after the session. It is however retained by the subconscious mind, which is important of course, and is critical to the therapeutic process.
It is not possible to 'become stuck' in hypnosis. Left quietly to it's own devices for a few minutes, in which the therapist remains silent, the client's mind will gently reorientate back into a conscious state.
As for clucking like a chicken, eating onions, standing on one leg, and all of the other stage orientated phenomena, which many people associate with hypnosis, the answer is a definitive, no. Any person in a hypnotic state maintains their freedom of will, and their own personal internal 'code of ethics'. At no time, let me repeat, at no time will a person in a hypnotic state doanything which conflicts with their ethics, morals and personal choice. You do not become a mindless zombie in the hypnotic state. You will, however, entertain those changes within yourself which you deem to be necessary and therapeutically positive in nature. The human mind functions on the pleasure principle, and given the opportunity, will accept anything beneficial for it's host. This is called 'therapy'.
The question of hypnotisability is a relatively easy one. Anyone who is able to focus on something externally, or internally, or both, and can comprehend simplistic instructions, has the ability to fall into a hypnotic trance. The only people with these attributes who will not be hypnotised are those who don't wish to be! It's as simple as that.
Come and sample the experience ........
Call any time on 0414 856 278, and leave me a message if I'm engaged, or, feel free to email me at hypnotherapy@iprimus.com.au