Considering Hypnosis? Ten Most Common Comments from Clients
Many people are interested in hypnosis as a treatment method for various things such as weight loss, smoking cessation, etc. However, even though hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been around for a very long time, and has been approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) since 1958, most people have not been hypnotized in their lives. So the idea of being hypnotized may frighten them a little, because for the human mind, the unknown equals fear.
The best way to conquer that fear is with information. People are all different, so there is no single correct way to feel in hypnosis. Because everyone is different, whatever you experience in hypnosis is right for you. So, without further ado, here, David Letterman style, are the top ten things people say when they are hypnotized for the first time.
10. I thought I was only under for about (5 or 10) minutes! In fact, this is the most common comment I hear from clients. The reality is usually closer to 45 minutes and they are amazed. The fact is, the subconscious doesn’t sense time in the same way as the conscious mind. It also doesn’t tell past from present very well, which means that messages that were accepted into your subconscious when you were seven, are every bit as valid at 40, as far as your subconscious is concerned.
9. I felt really heavy, like I was sinking into the chair. This is a common reaction to the relaxation induced by hypnosis. However, everyone is different, and therefore …
8. I felt really light and tingly, like I could float away. Like I said, everyone’s different. Same phenomenon, different reaction.
7. (This one is after being counted out)… I feel the way I feel after a good massage.
6. Everything sounded so loud, like my hearing was on steroids. This is an effect of hypnosis, and why most hypnotherapists will tell you that sounds other than their voice are not important and will only cause you to go deeper. Hearing becomes very acute under hypnosis.
5. I got very cold. Some people react to hypnosis by feeling cold and shivering. If you haven’t been hypnotized before, ask your hypnotherapist if they have blankets handy, in case you react this way.
4. I got very hot, like I was flushed, and then that faded. Again, this is another difference between people.
3. I really could NOT open my eyes (or bend my arm, etc.) when you told me to! I won’t divulge the secret of this one, but if you are unable to open your eyes, or bend your arm, or whatever the challenge is that your hypnotherapist is giving to you, then you know you are indeed, in hypnosis. Which leads us to #2…
2. I didn’t feel like I was hypnotized. You are fully conscious during hypnosis; you hear everything. If your hypnotherapist gives you the suggestion to remember everything (which is common when working with habit control especially), then you will remember everything. Your mind may drift to other thoughts. But your subconscious is listening, and you ARE in hypnosis!
1. I don’t remember (anything, or a large portion of) what you said during the session. Hypno-amnesia is common under hypnosis. If your hypnotherapist does not suggest to your subconscious to remember everything that is said during the session, you may not. At least not at first. Chances are portions of it will come back to you over the next several hours. This is not a problem–your subconscious was listening, and it is your subconscious that will make the changes for you!
I am throwing a pencil now (ala David Letterman) even though you can’t see me!
Cindy Locher is a Certified Hypnotist in Apple Valley, MN, and an expert in the use of hypnotherapy for weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress relief. Find out more about how hypnosis can help you live a better and more fulfilling life at http://www.MN-Hypnosis.com
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