Hypnosis can simply be defined as a state of heightened receptivity in which you’re able to refocus your mind and body for success. It’s an integrative process of rebuilding habits and behaviors, as well as emotions, beliefs, and feelings.

Have you ever found yourself completely immersed in an activity to the exclusion of everything else? That is a natural trance state. Common examples of this are while watching a movie and becoming transfixed in the plot. Or in working intently and finding that the last four hours have flown by without your conscious awareness. Perhaps you have been reading a book and been so transfixed that you did not hear someone come in and speak with you. Perhaps they surprised you or “woke” you from the state of mind and had to repeat their salutation to you.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state you’ve already experienced thousands of times. It is not manipulation, mind control, or magic. It simply is a tool that will allow you to tap into the power of your mind and take control of your life.

Yes! Anyone who is willing to be hypnotized can experience the state. When working with an experienced professional, the techniques and program will be customized for you. My clients report they easily achieve the state and can use it for their continued success long after the sessions are over.

The words are interchangeable, and no title is better than the other. Nearly every major hypnosis organization gives their graduates who complete training courses the option of choosing either the title they want.

There is an ongoing legislation issue which has everything to do with the word “therapy” and nothing to do with the word “hypnosis.” It comes down an issue of title protection. Many forms of therapy are licensed. There is no licensing program for hypnotists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia. The trainings and regulationsare handled by private organizations. Once again, the choice between “hypnotist” or “hypnotherapist” is most often a student checking a box on a membership application form.

Many of my clients have informed me that they began their search looking for a “hypnotist” rather than a “hypnotherapist” as perhaps they had previously gone a therapeutic route and did find success. I appreciate the sentiment, though it is an unfair comparison as, once again, the words are interchangeable and equal.

As a business owner, I will openly share that online search statistics show that it’s a nearly 3:1 ratio of people looking for a “Hypnotist” versus a “Hypnotherapist,” and similar numbers of people looking for “Hypnosis” versus “Hypnotherapy.” I bow down to the Gods of Google, and that’s part of why I’m a Hypnotist and this is Virginia Hypnosis.

No. Hypnosis is a state of mind that requires consent. You will be aware of what I am saying during the session and cannot be made to do against your own morals. You cannot be made to tell secrets while experiencing hypnosis.

A common misconception of hypnosis involves a potential client thinking that they may be “too strong-willed” to be hypnotized. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The stronger your ability to focus and concentrate, the faster and easier you will go into hypnosis.

No. Hypnosis is actually a heightened state of awareness. The hypnotized subject is cognizant of their surroundings. You will hear cars outside or even voices from the room next door – confirming you are alert and in control the entire time. I also employ a number of techniques utilizing post-hypnotic suggestions, and you will remember everything that happened during your session.

Hypnosis is a natural ability of the mind that we all experience daily. The use of hypnosis was recognized by the American Medical Association in 1958. It is completely safe when practiced by an experienced, professional hypnotist. It is only dangerous if you are driving or operating machinery, so hypnosis audio products should not be listened to in those circumstances. There has not been one documented case of hypnosis doing harm to a person.

By definition, hypnosis is NOT a state of relaxation, but as many issues are related to stress or anxiety, we often create a profoundly relaxed state to assist in making the changes. Most people report feeling very relaxed or pleasantly lethargic. Many clients are surprised at how “normal” the experience feels, as many have been conditioned by movies or television to think there is a “magic feeling” that suddenly washes over you.

Your mind will be alert and perceptive of the suggestions it is receiving. Your focus will be directly on your experience or the words of the suggestions you are receiving.

The success of your experience is dependent on two factors – the client’s willingness for change and the skills of the hypnotist.

If the client doesn’t have an honest desire for change, such as a smoker who is only seeing a hypnotist at the urging of a spouse, they are not prepared to accept the suggestions for positive change. If, however, the smoker is fed up with the habit and no longer wants the cigarettes to be a part of their life, they are primed for success.

Rapid change is possible with hypnosis. Most of my clients are scheduled for a brief series of sessions, as my goal is to provide you with the most effective hypnotic process in the most efficient use of your time. This model allows for an effective series of sessions with continued reinforcement, self-hypnosis training, and proper customization for your unique set of needs.

Most people begin to experience benefits from the very first session, though hypnosis is a process.