Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural and normal state of the mind in which the body
experiences a state of deep physical relaxation while the mind remains clear, alert
and focused. In this altered state of awareness, the subconscious mind becomes
open and suggestible. A person naturally enters this state many times during a
normal day - just most of us are not aware that it is happening. How many times
have you been thinking about something while driving your car and suddenly
realized that your exit was 3 miles back? Most of us go to the movies and get so
caught up in the drama of the story we forget that we are only watching a movie.
Most of us daydream from time to time. All of these are examples of a natural
state of hypnosis called "environmental hypnosis."

How can I tell when I'm hypnotized?

It depends on the individual. Some people are more aware of changes felt in
their bodies than others. It also depends on how deep into the hypnotic state the
person has allowed himself to drift. You may experience sensations of feeling
very light or floating, very heavy, tingling sensations, dry mouth or just pleasantly
relaxed.

What does it feel like to be hypnotized? - Does it feel good?

It feels great! Most people will experience different bodily sensations ranging
from a dry mouth, limbs feeling very heavy or light, or tingling sensations. Most
people feel wonderfully relaxed and enjoy the hypnotic state very much.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Yes. Any person of at least average intelligence and ability to focus and
concentrate can go into hypnosis. The better one is able to concentrate and focus
and the more intelligent a person is, the easier it is for him to go into the hypnotic
trance. Above all, the person must be willing. No one can hypnotize you if you
don't want to be hypnotized. Your natural defenses in your mind will prevent this
from happening.

Will I be asleep or will I know what is going on around me?

No, you are definitely not asleep, though to an observer, your body appears to
be sleeping because you are in a state of deep physical relaxation. You are
completely awake and aware of your surroundings. You hear everything. Since
all your sense are magnified 8 times, you are actually more alert and aware while
you are in hypnosis than you are in your normal waking state.

How does the hypnotist put someone into hypnosis?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and the power comes from within the mind of the
person being hypnotized. The hypnotist is merely the guide who directs and leads
the person into the hypnotic state. The hypnotist induces the hypnotic trance by
using certain words and phrases the subconscious mind understands, as well as
using various techniques like deep breathing, imagery and tone of voice.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

No, hypnosis is not dangerous. It is just a natural state of the mind utilized by
the hypnotist for purposes of entertainment (as in stage) or to help the individual
change certain habits or pattern of behavior. The mind has natural defenses built
in which will automatically reject any suggestions it deems harmful.

Is hypnosis "mind control"?

No, hypnosis is not mind control. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist
can not make you do or say anything you ordinarily would not do, unless you
wanted to. You always remain in control and are awake and alert the whole time.

Will I lose control when I'm under hypnosis?

No, you will not lose control while you are in hypnosis. You are fully conscious
and very aware of what is being suggested. You are always in control. The mind
will reject any undesired suggestions automatically.

Aren't people who can easily be hypnotized
just gullible, stupid or weak-minded?

Quite the opposite! A gullible, unintelligent or weak-minded person is incapable
of maintaining the necessary focus and concentration necessary to go into the
hypnotic state.

Won't being hypnotized make me become weak-minded
or cause me to develop a "weak will"?

No, hypnosis is used often to boost a person's concentration and will power.

How much will I remember when I wake up?
Will I forget everything that went on?

Most people remember everything that went on while they were in hypnosis,
but sometimes, if they went into a particularly deep state, they may forget what
happened. Sometimes the hypnotist will suggest that they will forget what
happened, and they do. Other times people have the misconception that they are
supposed to forget everything, so they do - because they gave themselves the
suggestion to forget!

How deep into a trance will I go?

That depends entirely upon the individual himself as to how willing he is to
enter into the hypnotic state and how far he is willing to let himself go. Some
people are naturally able to enter a deeper hypnotic state (somnambulists), while
others are capable of entering into deeper states because the have been
hypnotized in the past, practice yoga or meditation. It is not important how deep
you go, just that you are willing to give hypnosis a chance to work.

Does the hypnotist have any special "powers"?

Absolutely not! The hypnotist is just an ordinary person like you or me. He has
had special training to learn how to speak directly to your subconscious mind in a
way it understands. There are no Swengalis or hypnotists like you see in the
movies. The hypnotist has no mystical or supernatural powers. Anyone with the
same training can learn to hypnotize.

Can the hypnotist make me do things against my will
- like in the movies?

No! A hypnotist can not make you do anything against your will, morality or
ethics. What you have seen in the movies is fantasy. A hypnotist can not call you
up on the telephone and order you to rob a bank or murder someone (unless you
already wanted to do that.) Your mind has natural defenses against harmful
suggestions. It will always protect itself.

Will I wake up afterwards - What will happen if I don't?

Yes, the majority of people who are hypnotized will come out of the state when
brought out by the hypnotist. On occasion, someone will choose to remain in the
hypnotic state because they either entered a particularly deep state or it feels so
good they want to remain in hypnosis. They will drift into a natural sleep state
and wake themselves up naturally.

What can hypnosis be used for?

Hypnosis can be utilized in many ways, though the hypnotic state not always
called "hypnosis." Hypnosis is used for entertainment purposes (stage shows) or
in a clinical setting such as in hypnotherapy to make positive changes in a person's
life. It is used often in the medical and dental fields as well. It is used by
psychologists and psychiatrists as an adjunct to their treatments. Self-hypnosis
is an integral component in yoga, bio-feedback and meditation. Top athletes are
using self- hypnosis when they focus during competition to "get into the zone."

Can hypnosis help me?

Yes, definitely! Hypnosis can be used to make positive changes in your life.
Some examples are: stop smoking, lose weight, improve self-esteem and
confidence, improve sales ability and memory retention. Practically any bad or
destructive habits or behaviors can be removed via hypnosis. It can help ease
fears and phobias, improve relationships and communication - the list goes on and
on.

Can I learn self-hypnosis?

Yes, anyone can learn to do self-hypnosis since you naturally do it anyway.
Most of the time, however, we are giving ourselves negative suggestions (self
talk) instead of positive, uplifting ones. You can learn self-hypnosis from a trained
hypnotherapist or you can purchase Kevin's Self-Hypnosis CD.

I want to learn how to hypnotize someone
or perhaps become a stage hypnotist.
Where can I learn more about hypnosis and stage hypnosis?

Kevin offers a wide variety and selection of books and study materials available
on hypnosis , hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis. Contact Kevin to get the
information you need.