​Hypnosis is described as, "a focused state of concentrated attention that allows you to access the inner resources you need to achieve a desired goal, while filtering out the peripheral distractions."

 

Misconceptions About Hypnosis​​

Hypnosis is often misunderstood, thanks to how it's portrayed in movies, books, and stage performances. Many people believe hypnosis is about mind control or losing awareness, but these ideas are purely fictional. In reality, hypnosis is a safe, natural, and cooperative process that helps people access deeper parts of their mind for healing and growth.

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Benefits to Hypnosis:

• Stress relief

• Overcoming fears and phobias

• Breaking habits (e.g., smoking, nail-biting, over-eating)

• Improving sleep

• Boosting confidence and motivation

• Managing pain and physical discomfort

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The History Of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been used for healing and transformation for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Greece, practiced trance-like states for spiritual and medical purposes. In the 18th century, Franz Mesmer introduced "animal magnetism," sparking interest in hypnosis as a healing tool. In the 19th century, James Braid coined the term "hypnosis" (from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep) and studied its psychological effects, paving the way for modern hypnotherapy. He discovered that hypnosis was a psychological state, not a mystical force.

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By the 20th century, hypnosis gained scientific recognition, with pioneers like Milton Erickson refining its therapeutic applications. In 1958, the American Medical Association acknowledged hypnosis as an effective medical treatment. Today, hypnosis is widely used for healing, personal growth, and unconscious reprogramming, helping people overcome obstacles and align with their true potential.

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Here are some more definitions of hypnosis:​
William J. Bryan Jr., American M.D. - “Hypnosis is a normal physiological, altered state of consciousness, similar to, but not the same as being asleep, and is produced by the presence of two conditions: (1) a central focus of attention, and (2) surrounding areas of inhibition. The state of hypnosis, in turn produces three things: (1) an increased concentration of the mind, (2) an increased relaxation of the body, and, (3) and increased susceptibility to suggestions.”  

S. J. Van Pelt, Australian physician working in England
“Hypnosis is a peculiar psychological state in which the mind is particularly susceptible to suggestion. This state may be brought about by various means, by either the hypnotist or the patient himself, in which case it is known as auto-hypnosis.”  

Milton Erickson, American M.D. - “Hypnosis is a shrinking of the focus of attention.”

Dave Elman, American Hypnotist - “Hypnosis is the use of suggestion, whether direct or indirect, to induce a heightened state of suggestibility in which there is bypass of the critical faculty of the mind, and selective attention to suggestions given.”  

Conrad Adams, Alpha University Founder - “Hypnosis is, in the very simplest of terms, focused relaxation.”

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Can everyone be hypnotized? ​

​As reported in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY” (Jan./Feb. 2001):   "Contrary to popular belief, practically everyone – about 95% of all people  can be hypnotized to some degree.  The only question is how far." 

Have you ever driven a long distance and not remember a period of time?  Have you ever been involved in a good book and been unaware that someone had been speaking to you?  Have you ever become emotional while watching a movie?  Have you ever learned how to do something through repetition (walking, learning  your ABC's, driving a car, hitting a ball)?  Have you ever been in a class or seminar and found yourself daydreaming?  If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you have been hypnotized!  Actually, we drift in and out of the hypnotic brain wave state all throughout the day, and again as we drift off to sleep and as we awaken.  Some studies estimate that we are in a light "alpha" state up to 85% of the day!  So you see, you have been in hypnosis more than you realized.  Isn't it nice to know that you can learn to use this state, on purpose, to achieve positive changes in your behavior and in your health.

When you understand what hypnosis is, you come to understand it is a natural state of concentrated focused awareness which only requires a willingness to follow instructions by a skilled Hypnotherapist.  Unless someone is uncooperative, or has a severe mental disorder that renders them unable to understand and follow simple direction, they can learn to go into at least a light hypnotic state, and most people can be trained to enter deeper states with practice.  The usual reason someone feels they “can’t be hypnotized” is because of a false impression of what hypnosis is, or an experience working with a hypnotist with limited knowledge, skills and/or experience.  Most behavior modification and even pain management generally require only a light state of hypnosis. And it's important to keep in mind all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotherapist cannot force a person to go into trance who doesn't want to go or has hesitation. That is why it is key for good rapport and for the client to trust their Hypnotherapist.

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