Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a special state of mind in which you are able to accept suggestions in a way that you normally could not. Hypnosis could be simply defined as a heightened state of suggestibility. Suggestibility is you ability to accept new information so that you can affect perceptions, habits and beliefs. When working with a professional hypnotist or hypnotherapist you can use the power of hypnosis to overcome misperceptions, useless or negative habits, and limiting beliefs, so that you can be much more successful in life. More information about hypnosis.

What is hypnotherapy?
Therapy could be defined as anything that you do to move yourself or someone else toward health and wholeness. So then, the use of hypnosis to help move someone toward health and wholeness is hypnotherapy. The term, "hypnotherapy" is quite broad and can cover the use of hypnosis to manage pain, to help individuals with stress, improve sports or other kinds of performance, as well as more well known issues such as weight loss and smoking cessation. The use of hypnosis was first approved by the American Medical Association in 1958, and is now used by doctors. More information about hypnotherapy.

What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis in and of itself doesn't really feel like anything. But, in most cases hypnotists and hypnotherapists use some form of relaxation in the hypnotic inductions that they use, so hypnosis tends to be a relaxing experience. Most people report that when they have spend some time in the state of hypnosis that they feel very relaxed and alert when they emerge from hypnosis.

How will I know if I am hypnotized?
Most people are unaware when they are hypnotized and tend to associate deep relaxation with hypnosis. But as I said above, hypnosis doesn't feel like anything. It is best if you don't worry about if you are hypnotized or how deeply hypnotized you are during your session. Thinking about that only distracts you from the instructions being given to you by your hypnotherapist, and in the end will tend to reduce the level of hypnosis that you have obtained. Most modern hypnotists conduct certain tests for depth of hypnosis and can discuss them with you after the session is over.

Is hypnosis safe?
No one has ever been hurt by simply going into the state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is as common as a daydream and just as safe. But, it is always beneficial to make sure that you are in the hands of a professional when doing hypnosis so that you can get the most from the process.

How can I find a qualified hypnotherapist?
We recommend that you work with someone who specializes in the use of hypnosis. Most doctors, psychologists and counselors only use hypnosis from time to time and do not reach the same level of expertise using hypnosis as specialists. In the state of California, these specialists are called "Hypnotherapists." In some other states they are called Professional Hypnotists. We also recommend that you look for certification by the National Guild of Hypnotists. When you work with one of these individuals you know that they have a minimum level of training, and they are also required to receive ongoing training each year to remain certified. Whenever possible we also recommend that you select a hypnotherapist who has received advanced training in his or her specialty, and example of such training is the advanced hypnotherapy training called 5-PATH™.

How can I receive more information about hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
You can call our Hypnosis Information Line for a recorded message which is about 10 minutes in length, or you may call our office. You can call the Banyan Hypnosis Center for Training & Services, Inc. There you will find professionals on staff who are eager to answer your questions about hypnosis an hypnotherapy, after all that is their job!

Banyan Hypnosis Center for Training & Services, Inc telephone number: (714) 258-8380.