What is it? Hypnosis is a state
of inward attention and focused concentration. It is often referred
to as trance or as an altered state of consciousness. When the mind
is concentrated and focused, people are better able to tap into
and utilize their inner resources, to make personal changes, and
learn how to better govern their own lives. Because hypnosis and
self-hypnosis allow people to use more of their potential, they
gain more self-control (it is a myth that people lose control during
hypnosis).
Can anyone be hypnotized? Everyone
has experienced some level of hypnosis or trance, although it may not be
referred to by that name.
If you’ve ever been absorbed
in thought, reading a book or watching TV, and failed to hear someone
talking to you—-you were in a trance-like state. Perhaps you
have been watching a movie at the theater, and lost track of the
fact that there are dozens of people nearby—another hypnotic-like
state of mind. These very focused states of attention are, in
fact, everyday experiences of what is called hypnosis. Clinical
hypnosis
is different only to the extent that you will be experiencing
it with the guidance of your Hypnotherapist, rather than spontaneously.
We do our very best to ensure that we provide the highest quality
hypnosis services available. We do this by constantly improving our
techniques and keeping up with the latest developments in the field
of hypnosis. Terry Richardson is certified by the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
(NBCCH) and is a charter member of the International Hypnosis
Research Institute. Diana Bray is certified as a
hypnotherapist by The Wellness Institute .
During your
first visit here at HEALTHePATH you will receive education
regarding the truth about hypnosis, in which Terry
or Diana will explain how hypnosis works, and why it is better than using
human will power alone. Please feel free to take notes, and if you
have questions, please ask. It is our goal that you be completely
comfortable prior to your first hypnosis experience.
Hypnosis is a very powerful process
that has helped thousands of Americans to make the kinds of changes
that they want to make in
their lives. However, hypnosis is not “mind control.” For
example, no one, not even the very best hypnotist, could make you
lose weight, or stop smoking if you really don’t want to.
Nor could he or she accurately predict how many sessions it will
take. Most people (but not everyone) begin to experience the
benefits from the very first session and most people are done
in three to
four sessions. We limit the number of hypnosis sessions for any
particular issue to six sessions in most cases. If it takes more
than six sessions, hypnosis may not be right for you. Ultimately,
you are responsible for the changes that occur as a result of
the hypnosis sessions.
This is both “good” and “bad.” It is “good” because,
after you have made the changes that you want using hypnosis, you
deserve a great deal of the credit, and this knowledge helps you
to make more changes in your life. But, on the other hand it is “bad” because
we cannot guarantee that the changes will come about. In fact, this
is true in any situation where a professional is trying to help
you. There is always a human factor. Doctors don’t guarantee
that you will get well. Teachers can’t guarantee that you
will learn, and lawyers can’t guarantee that you will “win” your
case. What we can guarantee, here at HEALTHePATH Associates,
is the very best service, using current information and appropriate
hypnotic techniques for your situation.