Hypnosis

 Some Questions and Answers
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            Medical Science is always looking for new methods to treat and help mankind.  In Recent years, hypnosis (in a sense) has been rediscovered, for it is now receiving recognition and approval from almost all fields of endeavor. Hypnosis is certainly not new to our society, because it has been with us in one guise or another for many years.  Lay and medical hypnotists have kept this art alive, and it is now, that hypnosis is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
            For years, hypnosis has been a last resort science.  Hypnotists are accustomed to hearing one of the phrases, “I’ve tried everything else and here I am, or I’ve spent a fortune and nothing has worked.”  The working hypnotist knows that hypnosis is not a panacea for all the illnesses of mankind, but he also realizes that because of the many misconceptions caused by rumors, television, movies, novels, etc., that the average client expects miracles.  Any person not versed in the techniques and methods use din hypnosis may have many unanswered questions.  It is for this purpose that I will try to shed some light on the subject, and also, to dispel some of the misconceptions by giving the answers to some of the questions most often asked about hypnosis.
Perhaps the best possible answer is that hypnosis is an induced relaxed  state of mind, therefore,  suggestions are  accepted without the usual critical examination and doubts, a sort of controlled daydreaming. 

 
     Q.   Who can be hypnotized?
Anyone willing to co-operate can be hypnotized to some degree, although some people make better subjects for hypnosis than others.

     Q.   How does hypnosis feel?
Most people claimed they have felt very relaxed during a session.  The comment most often heard at the end of a session is “WOW” or something similar followed by a description of the various sensations experienced.  Since hypnosis is subjective, different clients have experienced different feelings, even though they were hypnotized at the same time by the same hypnotist.  Almost without exception the comments are favorable

Q.   Will I sleep?

One may have the appearance of being asleep, but if anything, he or she will be more alert and aware than in their normal waking state. He or she will hear all suggestions.  In fact, one must hear these suggestions or one cannot be helped.  If you are asleep, you won’t hear them.

   

      Q.   Will I tell secrets while under hypnosis?
No.  It has been my experience that information is not given unless it would also be given in the waking     state.

 

      Q.   Must I be weak willed in order to be hypnotized?
 An emphatic NO!

 Q.   Does a person’s intelligence affect his ability to enter hypnosis?

Yes.  It has been found that intelligent, creative people make some of the very best subjects for hypnosis.

     

       Q.   If I failed to be hypnotized before, does this indicate that I can never be hypnotized?
 No.  There are many cases where one hypnotist succeeds while another has failed.  There are many possible reasons for failure - resistance, fear, etc.

     

       Q.   Will hypnosis harm me?
To the best of my knowledge, there is no case where hypnosis properly administered has cause harm of any sort.

     

       Q.   Why isn’t hypnosis used by all medical practitioners?
There are many therapeutic tools used by some and not by others.  Hypnosis, is but one of these tools.

     

       Q.   Is hypnosis recognized by the American Medical Association?
Yes, and has become accepted as a therapeutic tool of value when used properly.

    

       Q.   What is Post Hypnotic Suggestion?
The suggestion given during hypnosis that is followed after the hypnotic session is terminated.

    

       Q.   Why do some people resist hypnosis?
As a general rule, resistance is due to some fear or misconception that has not been explained.

  

      Q.   To receive the beneficial results from hypnosis, will it be necessary for me to be in deep hypnosis?
This depends on the results desired, but much hypnotic therapy is accomplished in the light to medium stages.

              

      Q. What obligation does the hypnotist have to me?
First and foremost, to respect and not violate the trust, confidence and the confidentiality one has given him or her.

    

      Q. Is it possible that I won’t come out of the hypnotic state?
No.  The suggestion that one awakens will terminate the hypnotic state.

    

      Q.   Is hypnosis addictive?
No.  It is a normal, natural state unlike drugs or narcotics.

    

      Q.   Can I be hypnotized against my will?
No.  The first requirement of hypnosis is co-operation.

    

      Q.    Can I be forced to commit acts against my moral, ethical, or religious beliefs?
You will not perform any acts under hypnosis that you would not perform in the waking state.  This includes sexual or criminal acts.

    

      Q.   Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, when properly used, hypnosis is perfectly safe.

    

      Q. Why do some people feel they weren’t hypnotized?
Since some stages of hypnosis produce feelings similar to daydreaming or drowsiness, some subjects doubt they’ve entered hypnosis.  There are many tests that can be used to confirm hypnosis.

I realize that I cannot answer all the possible questions regarding hypnosis in this paper.  But if it has cleared up some of the doubts and misconceptions and has answered some of the questions, it has served its purpose.          

If you have any questions on hypnosis please feel free to call or write me anytime.   I will be happy to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

E. S. Ferri

Hypnotherapist