Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to go into the hypnotic state?

As a matter of fact every normal person has many times been in state which is essentially the same as the hypnotic condition. You have at times been completely absorbed in something you were doing, e.g., reading a highly interesting novel. When you are in this state people may speak to you and you do not hear. Your attention is piled up on what you are doing. In medical hypnosis you give your attention to what your therapist is saying to you and other things do not bother you. You will certainly be able to go into the hypnotic state if you cooperate and concentrate on what is being said to you.

Will I lose consciousness?

No! You will no more lose consciousness in the hypnotic state than you did when you were paying complete attention to your reading. The word sleep is frequently used with reference to hypnosis but it is not the night-time sleep. To someone else you will appear to be asleep because your eyes are closed and you are relaxed, but you will know that you are not asleep like at night.

Will I have difficulty awakening?

No! You are at all times able to awaken yourself should you wish to do so. However, it is to your advantage to remain in the hypnotic state until your therapist asks you to awaken.

Is a weak will essential for hypnosis?

On the contrary, a strong willed person is more likely to be successful in hypnosis. Strictly speaking you put yourself into the hypnotic state. Your therapist can only be a teacher or instructor. It takes self-control to go into the hypnotic state and with repeated hypnosis you will learn better self-control. This will be useful to you in many other ways later on.

On repeated occasions will I find going into hypnosis easier?

Yes, because you will learn better how to go into the hypnotic state just as you learn other skills by practice.

Can I be Hypnotized against my will?

No! No matter how well you have learned to go into the hypnotic state you can always refuse to do so if you desire. You have learned to write but you do not have to write unless you wish to. Hypnosis is the same.

If I am in the hypnotic state and someone suggests I do an immoral act, will I comply?

No! It is unlikely that a person can be caused to violate a concept of morality to which he is strongly attached. However, an ethical hypnotherapist is a professional who is governed by a vey strict code and he would not think of asking you to do anything immoral.

If I do not believe that there is any such thing as hypnosis will that make any difference?

You do not have to believe in hypnosis in order to go into the hypnotic state. You must, however, be willing to go along with what your therapist tells you.

Some operations take several hours, can I stay in the hypnotic state that long?

Yes, if you are willing and the hypnoanaesthetist asks you to do so.

Is hypnosis new?

Hypnosis is probably as old as the human race, however some of it applications are fairly new.

Will hypnosis harm me?

Hypnosis can do you no more harm than night-time sleep. However, if you are hypnotized by an untrained person he might give you suggestions which may cause you discomfort. Always be hypnotized by those who are skilled in the use of hypnosis for medical, dental, or psychological purposes.

Are there different depths of hypnosis?

Yes! Some people go quickly into a much deeper hypnosis than others. However, a normal person can go deeper with practice.

Is it possible to hypnotize oneself?

Yes! Most people with a little practice and help can learn to do self-hypnosis. This is a valuable skill to have because with this ability people can control themselves much better than they might otherwise be able to do. Some people can even produce self-anaesthesia.

Will I remember what happened in the hypnotic state?

If you go into a very deep hypnosis, what went on while you were hypnotized may seem like a night-time dream which you forgot as soon as you awaken. It is to your advantage to forget unpleasant experiences.

If I undergo hypnotic anaesthesia will there be any after-effects?

One of the advantages of hypnotic anaesthesia is that there is no soreness as there is with the conventional drug injections. You will not get the jittery feeling which some people have from a chemical anaesthesia.

Should I use hypnosis for my problem?

There is no reason why you should not use hypnosis for your problem but, of course, it is up to you to make the decision. Your hypnotherapist would like you to be as comfortable as possible in his office, or in the hospital.