Sarasota, FL
Jennifer Sault, MFA, MS/EdS, LMHC
941-266-5768
Hypnosis:
Frequently asked questions and additional information.
(Click on the links below for more information on the following subjects and questions.)
Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration and selective perception, in which the subject chooses to perceive only what is relevant to his or her task and allows everything not relevant to fade from awareness.
Thanks to movies, television and stage hypnosis, there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding hypnosis. When asked what they think hypnosis is, clients’ answers range from sleep to unconsciousness to surrender of mental power and control to magic and voodoo. Hypnosis is none of these.
Hypnosis is not sleep or unconsciousness. In most cases the subject is fully aware of communication and is able to respond either verbally or by a prearranged signal.
There is no surrender of mind or control. A person who does not want to be hypnotized cannot be hypnotized, or induced to do or say anything that violates personal standards of behavior or integrity.
There is no magic or voodoo. Hypnosis is in fact a natural state of mind, one that we have all experienced spontaneously many times.
Usually, a session begins with guided relaxation. You will feel very comfortable and relaxed and will remain in control at all times, though you may be less inhibited than in your normal state of waking consciousness.
The subconscious mind absorbs and stores, without judgment or analysis, all the messages we receive from our genetic, social or religious background from our experiences and from all the conflicts, major or minor, that enter our lives daily. This storehouse of memories, attitudes, and beliefs influences the way we think, feel and behave even though we may not be consciously aware of why we think, feel or behave in a certain way. The deeper levels of the mind also contain many untapped resources: wisdom, creativity and strengths.
Hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious and subconscious minds. It is a tool to bring to light dysfunctional “programs” so that they can be examined, understood, eliminated or modified. Through hypnosis we can also access inner resources to help in the solution of problems, in our growth and understanding, and in the creation of a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Are there any dangers or side effects?
Hypnosis is a powerful tool that is not to be taken lightly. There is a possibility of uncovering traumatic insights or producing strong emotions, and it is important to choose a hypnotherapist who is trained to prevent this when possible and to help you work through such insights or emotions should they occur. When the hypnotherapist follows your own inner guidance, hypnosis is probably the lowest risk procedure available.
Hypnosis is a valuable adjunct in psychotherapy and psychiatry, and is used in medical fields including obstetrics, emergency medicine, burn therapy, preparation for surgery, chemotherapy and others. It is finding increasing usage in dentistry and pain management. It is effective in dealing with habit control, stress management, insomnia, attitude modification, and fears; in building self-confidence, concentration, and motivation; in developing study skills, improving sports performance, goal setting and many other areas.
You are a unique individual with a unique set of strengths, challenges, and symptoms. Your hypnotherapist will first help you to clarify your goals. Some issues or conditions may be resolved in one session, others may require longer periods of work.
Using the power of hypnosis to eliminate the smoking habit.
Most people start smoking for what seems like a good reason at the time. Often the origin of the smoking habit is in adolescence, when the most important thing in the world is to be accepted by our peers.
Time passes, our needs change, we become more experienced and knowledgeable, and we know that our acceptance does not depend upon smoking, quite the contrary in the present social climate. We know that smoking is a danger to health, it is expensive, and it interferes with our ability to enjoy life to the fullest. We may wake up coughing, we may not have the breath or stamina to walk up stairs, and our clothes, house, car and breath—to be blunt—don’t smell very good. And we decide to quit. But how?
Cold turkey. Willpower, like moods and emotions, fluctuates. One day it’s strong, the next it may be weaker. The various aids to quitting smoking that are on the market—medications, nicotine gum and patches, self-help tapes and books—are mostly designed to help build up the personal power to resist or overcome the habit. Some, especially in combination, are effective. But it’s hard work, and in times of stress, or lowered resistance, an ex-smoker is likely to revert to the habit.
Group hypnosis. Group hypnosis relies on the power of suggestion, and can be effective if there is no subconscious program that contradicts the suggestion. But, since most smokers take up the habit for what seems like a good reason at the time, that reason or belief still lurks in the subconscious and can sabotage the decision to quit.
Individual hypnosis. An individualized approach will:
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Explore the reason why you started smoking, and change or eliminate the inner program if it is no longer valid for you.
- Uncover the beliefs and thought patterns around smoking, and change them, if appropriate.
- Explore the hidden benefits of smoking and develop substitutes.
- Create alternative and better ways of controlling stress.
- Recruit the resources of the mind to boost your body’s own healing and cleansing system.
- Use the power of imagery and visualization to practice—on a mental level—being a non-smoker, filled with health, energy and vitality.
What time is involved?
Often a single session is sufficient. You should allow two hours for a session.
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