My Hypnosis FAQ

Because I've been doing hypnosis for so long I was asked to write a FAQ article for a local magazine.

Here it is:

Hypnosis FAQ

by Hypnotist, David Barron

What is hypnosis?

There are a lot of definitions of hypnosis that all seem to fit very well.

One explanation of hypnosis describes it as being able to so vividly experience what is being described by the hypnotist so that it seems real. So, if you've ever watched a movie that got you so emotionally involved in that you laughed or cried you were under the hypnotic spell of a good movie.

Under that type of “spell” a hypnotist can describe a dramatically positive change in your behavior and it would feel so real to you that you would accept it.

It's more than just hearing the words of the hypnotist. It's about having a significant positive experience that allows change to take place.

Just like watching that emotionally moving movie, hypnosis is a state where you put aside your judgment and criticism about what you are hearing. In the midst of a tear jerker like “Titanic” you can get so involved in the story that nothing allows you to remember that you're in a movie theater watching projected images on a silver screen. No, when you are that involved in the movie you are in the movie!

So imagine becoming that involved in hearing powerful positive suggestions so much that you accept them as real. When that happens wonder changes can take place. People can stop smoking in an hours time, start a healthy life style, lose weight and end unwanted habits.

In short hypnosis is a mental state in which you can accept a suggestion as real. In that state you are able to change beliefs, habits and behaviors with relative ease. There is nothing magical about hypnosis because it is a state that we go into on a regular basis every day. For example any time you make a decision or change your mind you must go into you mind and, at some level, analyze the outcomes and then bring yourself to action.

How will I know I'm hypnotized?

Keep in mind that hypnosis is a natural state that we all go into every day. It's sometime more dramatic than others but you'll recognize it by the fact that there will be times when most of your awareness in NOT on your senses. In other words, you'll momentarily forget that sitting comfortably in a chair. You might get so involved in what the hypnotist is telling you that you'll briefly forget that this is all part of a hypnosis process.

What if I don't think I can be hypnotized?

Anyone with an average IQ and an attention span can be hypnotized. All it takes is a willingness to do so and a simple agreement to follow the directions of the hypnotist.

What does it take for me to be hypnotized?

Most hypnotists ask you to relax as part of the hypnosis but it's not always necessary. What is needed is your willingness to follow the suggestions of the hypnotist. What's required of the hypnotist is to keep you safe and comfortable and give you the right suggestions.

What does it mean when a hypnotist talks about “depth”of hypnosis?

Really there is no such thing as “depth” of hypnosis. What most hypnotists mean by depth is a greater degree of comfort and an increased willingness to follow the suggestions. So as long as you are comfortable and easily following the hypnotists suggestions you are certainly “deep” enough.