What is hypnosis?

It’s a state where the subconscious mind is more available in one's usual waking consciousness.

 

The subconscious mind is where we store important ideas about ourselves, others, and life in general.  These ideas shape how we think and what we do in our waking consciousness.

 

The analogy that I like is that our mind is like a building, which has a doorman.  If you’ve ever been to New York, you know exactly what I mean.  The doorman has become rather controlling over time and has become reluctant over time to either let people in or out of the building.  The doorman is a metaphor for the conscious mind, which tries to control waking consciousness.  The problem is that inside the building, which is a metaphor for the subconscious mind, is a mix of really brilliant ideas and ideas which have become outdated and need to be replaced.  Hypnosis is a process which sends the doorman on a little mini-vacation so that the subconscious mind can be refreshed.

 

Can anyone be hypnotized?

 

Yes.  Milton Erikson, the father of modern hypnosis, said it best, if you are human, you can be hypnotized.

 

Dreams are a glimpse into the subconscious and are a very deep hypnotic state.  It’s a strange and wonderful world that lives in there.
 

 

Can you be hypnotized so that you will do things you don’t agree with or are mis-aligned with your values?

 

No.  People cannot be convinced in hypnosis to do anything that they don’t want to do. 

 

Does it always work?

 

Not always in the timeframes and ways that we plan.  People are complex beings, who have complex histories, ideas, values, beliefs, abilities, knowledge, and experiences.  There is an artfulness in working with the subconscious mind.  As Milton Erikson said, the answer lies within you.  It’s always there.  Sometimes it takes some work and time for the answer to become obvious.

 

Can people hypnotize themselves?

 

Yes.  It’s a great way to improve the quality of life. I will teach you how to do that. 

 

Do people lose control in hypnosis?

 

No.  In fact, no one can be hypnotized unless they want to be hypnotized.  You cannot be forced to do anything you don’t want to do.

 

Will you remember what happened?

 

Yes.  That is an important part of the process.  I will teach you techniques that you can using during sporting events.