Hypnosis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hypnosis Questions:

Hypnosis Answers:

How Does Hypnosis Work?

Thoughts themselves have power. Often it seems like we have no control over our thoughts. Our minds run around like wild children on the playground without supervision. Sometimes they run out into the parking lot, in front of cars, beat up other kids, or kick and scream on the pavement or seem to do nothing.

If we learn to guide our thoughts when we want, so that we become the master of our thoughts and emotions more often instead of them so often running over us, this becomes a huge advantage. As we use our thoughts and feelings more creatively, uniquely, wisely, and positively, we obviously become happier and more efficient. We also help the world in general, don’t you think?

Training your self-talk and your thoughts is a skill and a practice. It’s an exercise, the way fitness, lifting weights, dance, and doing yoga are all exercise. And also like brushing your teeth, it should be a daily practice.

Hypnosis is a state characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination. In reality, it is more like daydreaming, or the feeling of “losing yourself” in a good book or movie. You are fully conscious, but you tune out most of the stimuli around you. You focus intently on the subject at hand, to the near exclusion of any other thought. In the everyday “trance” of a daydream or movie, an imaginary world seems somewhat real to you, in the sense that it fully engages your emotions.

Imaginary events can cause real fear, sadness or happiness, and you may even jolt in your seat if you are surprised by something (a monster leaping from the shadows, for example). Some researchers categorize all such trances as forms of self-hypnosis. Milton Erickson, the premier hypnotism expert of the 20th century, contended that people hypnotize themselves on a daily basis. In conventional hypnosis, you approach the suggestions of the hypnotherapist, or your own ideas, as if they were reality.

If the therapist suggests that you are drinking a chocolate milkshake, you’ll taste the milkshake and feel it cooling your mouth and throat. If the therapist suggests that you are happy, you may feel excited or start to smile. But the entire time, you are aware that it’s all imaginary. Essentially, you’re “playing pretend” on an intense level, just as children often do. In this special mental state, people tend to feel uninhibited and relaxed. This is because they tune out the worries and doubts that normally keep their actions in check.

You might experience the same feeling while watching a movie: As you immerse yourself in the plot, worries about your job, family, etc. fade away, until all you’re thinking about is what’s up on the screen. In this state, you are also highly suggestible. That is, when the therapist tells you do something, you’ll probably embrace the idea completely.

This is what makes stage hypnotist shows so entertaining. Normally reserved, sensible adults are suddenly walking around the stage clucking like chickens or singing at the top of their lungs. Fear of embarrassment seems to fly out the window. The subject’s sense of safety and morality remain entrenched throughout the experience, however. A hypnotist can’t get you to do anything you don’t want to do.

Simply stated, hypnosis is nothing more than a way to access a person’s subconscious mind directly. Normally, you are only aware of the thought processes in your conscious mind. You consciously think over the problems that are right in front of you, consciously choose words as you speak, consciously try to remember where you left your car in the parking lot. But in doing all these things, your conscious mind is working hand-in-hand with your subconscious mind, the unconscious part of your mind that does your “behind the scenes” thinking.

Your subconscious mind accesses the vast reservoir of information that lets you solve problems, construct sentences or locate your automobile. It puts together plans and ideas and runs them by your conscious mind. When a new idea comes to you out of the blue, it’s because you already thought through the process unconsciously. Your subconscious also takes care of all the stuff you do automatically.

You don’t actively work through the steps of breathing minute to minute — your subconscious mind does that. You don’t think through every little thing you do while driving a car — a lot of the small stuff is thought out in your subconscious mind. Your subconscious also processes the physical information your body receives.

In short, your subconscious mind is the real brains behind the operation — it does most of your thinking, and it decides a lot of what you do. When you’re awake, your conscious mind works to evaluate a lot of these thoughts, make decisions and put certain ideas into action. It also processes new information and relays it to the subconscious mind.

But when you’re asleep, the conscious mind gets out of the way, and your subconscious has free reign. The deep relaxation and focusing exercises of hypnotism work to calm and subdue the conscious mind so that it takes a less active role in your thinking process. In this state, you’re still aware of what’s going on, but your conscious mind takes a backseat to your subconscious mind.

Effectively, this allows you and the hypnotist to work directly with the subconscious. It’s as if the hypnotism process pops open a control panel inside your brain. The subconscious regulates your bodily sensations, such as taste, touch and sight, as well as your emotional feelings. When the access door is open, and the hypnotist can speak to your subconscious directly, he or she can trigger all these feelings, so you experience the taste of a chocolate milkshake, the satisfaction of contentment and any number of other feelings.

What’s the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

A hypnotherapy session is a hypnosis session with programming added. You can be put into hypnosis with no objective, this would simply be hypnosis. But, when programming is added to achieve an objective (lose weight, stop smoking, etc.) then the session is hypnotherapy. Dr. Steve refers to the programming part of the session as the script.

Can Everyone be Hypnotized?

YES. The lightest state of hypnosis (Alpha) is achieved easily. Everyone enters a hypnotic state every day, several times per day. It’s that state you are in when you are watching TV, reading a good book, playing video games, and, yes, even driving. It’s the state you are in when you are just waking up or just going to bed. You are not fully conscious, but you are not fully unconscious either.

In this state you’re up to 200 times more suggestible than when you are fully awake (Beta). Many people, when they hear about hypnosis, say, “Well, I can’t be hypnotized.” These people have been misinformed, mostly by Hollywood, about what hypnosis is and is not.

It is not necessary to be in some sort of an otherworldly trance to be in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state which everyone moves in and out of throughout each day. Many of our everyday normal activities are actually performed under hypnosis without us being aware of it. Hypnosis is just like the state you are in when you have been driving a car for a long distance. You know that feeling. It’s not that you are oblivious to everything, it’s just that you have tuned out all of the unimportant stimuli. Your focus is the road.

If something were to happen which required your attention, such as a car trying to pass you, your body and mind would be able to properly respond. Also, you would be able at any time you chose, to notice the beautiful trees or old farm mills or anything else you may be driving past. Another example of hypnosis is playing video games. Some people can play video games for hours in one sitting. If someone were to talk to you while you were in a video game session, you would be able to respond.

A third good example of a hypnotic state is being on the computer. People who are using a computer are focused on what they are doing, but can intelligently answer the phone when it rings. So, hypnosis is no different than driving a car, playing video games, or working on a computer. Most people engaged in these activities would not think they are in a trance, but they are. They are in a light hypnotic trance known as Alpha.

Oh, by the way, reading a fascinating article (like this one) is another form of hypnosis…surprise! You’re in hypnosis!!! In alpha, your mind is slowed down just a little, your focus is narrow, your breathing is slow, and you are relaxed.

Most people have either driven a car, played a video game, worked on a computer, or read a really good article; therefore, to say that you cannot be hypnotized is to misunderstand the true nature of a hypnotic state. Since you are up to 200 times more suggestible even while you are in the light state of alpha, anything beyond this is unnecessary for most purposes (i.e. programming someone to lose weight, stop smoking, overcome fear of flying, etc.). You can have an extremely effective hypnosis session while being aware of and able to recall every word spoken by the Hypnotherapist.

What if I fall asleep during the hypnosis session?

That was a valid question a few years back, before we had advanced research on the topic. It has been discovered by several research groups that the hearing acts like a surveillance camera. Your eyes close, but you ears cannot close. They remain open always, taking in information constantly. When a mother is “asleep” and hears her baby cry, she will “awaken” immediately.

The truth is, we never really sleep, a part of our brain is always alert. That part is our hearing. It stays alert to protect us and or offspring. If someone breaks into your home while you are “asleep,” you will be alerted as soon as you hear a noise. Your hearing is “on” 24/7, taking in information and recording it. In hypnosis, we use this to your advantage, so even if you fall “asleep” during the session, your brain is still recording all of the information in your subconscious mind.

What if I’m too intelligent for you to be able to “put me under?”

Intelligence is directly correlated to suggestibility. The more intelligent you are, the more easily you can be hypnotized. People of a below-average IQ find it difficult to go into a hypnotic state. Geniuses are naturally close to a hypnotic state of Alpha most of the time and therefore enter hypnosis easily. This accounts for their ability to transfer information from their subconscious mind to their waking like and bring to the world their creations.

What if I get into a hypnotic trance and can’t wake up?

This cannot happen. Less than 10% of the population achieves such a deep trance state that they dissociate or “black out” like they do when they receive anesthetic. Such people, called “somnambulists,” do not consciously remember what happens during hypnosis unless the hypnotherapist suggests that they will. Even these people will wake up at the end of a session. Most people, however, achieve a light trance state (alpha) in which they are aware of what is happening although they are completely relaxed and focused.

What is hypnotherapy?

What can hypnotherapy do for me?

Research is constantly being conducted to answer this question on a variety of topics. Hypnotherapy can help you make changes in your life. It allows you to focus your attention on a particular goal and you are more likely to follow the suggestions during a hypnotic state. Hypnosis has medical, therapeutic, physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

What’s the difference between daydreaming and hypnotherapy?

The two states are essentially the same. There are however two differences. One, in hypnotherapy you are being guided into the state as opposed to daydreaming in which you drift there by yourself. Secondly, while in hypnotherapy you are given positive suggestions for change.

What if it’s difficult for me to relax during a hypnosis session?

If you are finding it difficult to relax during the relaxing part of the hypnosis session, then you may need to change a few things. You may want to lie down and clear your mind for a little while before you start the session. You will want to create a relaxing place where you will not be interrupted. Be aware of any thoughts that are distracting you and turn your attention away from them while practicing hypnosis.

Is hypnosis appropriate for everyone? Are there any drawbacks?

Hypnosis is appropriate for most people. There is controversy over the use of hypnosis for people with epilepsy or who have schizophrenia. There are no drawbacks to hypnosis if you do not have these disorders.

How can I motivate myself to get in the mood for hypnosis, if I’m not?

Like making any change in your life, you have to stick with the program to see results. Reaching a hypnotic state does not take motivation, it takes an open mind.

Will I have free will during the hypnosis session?

Yes, you will always have free will. You will be less aware of your surroundings because you will be focused on suggestions, but you will be able to exit the hypnotic state at any moment.

Can I engage in other forms of therapy while I’m using hypnosis audios?

Yes, however you should focus on only one hypnosis recording topic at a time to see the best results. You can also use other forms of therapy such as relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, acupuncture, etc.

Will there be any negative after effects from hypnosis?

You will be in a relaxed state of consciousness under hypnosis. Some people do end up falling asleep and this is okay because your subconscious mind will still hear the suggestions.

If I’m in a state of hypnosis, will I be aware of my surroundings?

It’s not that you won’t be aware of your surroundings, you will experience a heightened state of concentration on suggestions, instead.

Will I lose control under hypnosis?

No, you will always be in control.

Will there be any negative after effects?

Some people report having more vivid dreams.

What are the signs, once I’m under hypnosis?

Most people experience slower breathing, slower heart rate, sleepiness, and in rare instances people report a spinning or floating sensation. All of these signs are normal and are considered part of the responses to the hypnotherapy.

Can I use hypnosis instead of seeing a doctor?

No, you should always seek the advice of a medical doctor before making a major change in your life.

Is there any challenge that you can’t handle with hypnotherapy?

Anything that anyone is experiencing which is a psychosomatic nature (ie: the body being affected by the mind) is easily relieved with the use of hypnotherapy. This list is limitless (ie: nervousness, sleeplessness, weight gain, etc) also habits that are controlled by the mind are easily limited (i.e.: nail biting, smoking, chewing tobacco).

If a client has a medical problem which is purely of an organic nature (ie: a problem resulting from brain damage or any other damage to the body) the use of hypnotherapy can still of value, however the results can be somewhat mitigated by the presence of the physical damage. In the presence of damage to some part of the body, it is strongly emphasized that you should seek the knowledge of a medical professional in addition to or instead of hypnotherapy.

Are medications needed or used during hypnosis?

Medications are not needed to enter a state of hypnosis. You should always seek the advice of a medical doctor if you wish to stop using medication.

What if I believe I’m too old to change?

Your subconscious mind does not have an age and this is what hypnosis target. Hypnosis can help you change no matter what your age.

What if I don’t believe in hypnosis?

If you are purposefully resisting hypnosis, it won’t work because you are always in control.

If I’m not sure I really want to lose weight (stop smoking, relieve OCD, control alcohol use, improve sex drive, etc.), will hypnosis work?

It can still work, but your results will be better if you are on board with the program.

What makes a person a good hypnosis treatment candidate?

Anyone who wants to make a change in his or her life is a good candidate for hypnosis.

If I purchase several of your recordings with different objectives, how do I manage these for optimum results?

Ideally, you would listen to each hypnotherapy CD or MP3 exclusively for three weeks. However, if you want to combine hypnosis recordings, simply group them in logical categories (i.e. the recordings pertaining to confidence, the recordings pertaining to positive change, the recordings related to finances, etc.) and listen to a different hypnotherapy CD or MP3 from that particular group each night for three weeks. Then switch to the next category, then the next, etc. in three-week cycles.

Do I have to use headphones when listening to the hypnosis audio recordings?

No. Unless there are others in the room who do not want to hear the recording.

Do I have to listen to your hypnotherapy recordings at night?

The hypnotherapy recordings are designed for nighttime use. There is a suggestion at the end of each one telling you to go to sleep and wake up in the morning. You can listen to them in the daytime. But, I suggest setting an alarm so that you will wake up at the end. Whether you listen to them in the daytime or nighttime makes no difference in their effectiveness. ry script begins in the left ear. The secondary script (1 of 4, chosen randomly) starts in the right ear. The two scripts remain separate at any given time by using the stereo field and hard panning. We use dynamic panning (which means it changes throughout the recording) to make the recording less objective and safer to listen to during the day or in a car.

Can I use hypnosis mp3 downloads during the day?

These hypnotherapy recordings, created by Dr. Steve G. Jones, are designed for nighttime use. There is a suggestion at the end of each one telling you to go to sleep and wake up in the morning. You can listen to them in the daytime. But, I suggest setting an alarm so that you will wake up at the end. Whether you listen to them in the daytime or nighttime makes no difference in their effectiveness.

Can I play the hypnosis recording downloads in a moving vehicle?

No. If you want something you can play in a moving vehicle, use our Daytime Affirmations.

Can I use these recordings while I jog or do housework?

No. If you want something you can play while doing activities, we suggest Daytime Affirmations.

Where is the best place to listen to the mp3s? In bed? On a chair? On a sofa? On a mat?

In bed because at the end of each recording, Steve gives the subconscious mind the suggestion to fall into a deep sleep. Never listen to hypnosis recordings in the car.

What should I do if someone interrupts my session?

You should start the session over again or wait until the next night to listen to it.

Can I have something to drink before I begin? Something calming like herbal tea?

Yes, however, Dr. Steve’s Platinum series hypnosis recordings are one hour long, so if you think you might need to use the restroom, you might not want to have something to drink before starting the hypnosis session.

Can soft soothing music play in the background while I listen to you?

Yes. However, there are binaural tones in the Platinum recordings, as well as music. The recordings are are designed to put you in a more relaxed state, without the need for additional sounds/music.

How long are the sessions?

60 minutes.

How many are needed?

Listen for 21 nights in a row and then on an as needed basis. Listen on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis for reinforcement after the initial 21 nights.

What happens when I come out of the session?

At the end of each recording, Steve suggests that you fall into a deep sleep. You may or may not fall asleep directly after the session.

What’s your success rate?

Although success rate is not tracked by our office (since we have over 4,000 recordings) we do regularly receive positive feedback from people whose lives have been changed thanks to Steve’s recordings. Please visit our testimonials page to view the positive feedback from clients throughout Steve’s career.

Will this work forever, or will I have to listen again for a refresher at some point?

It varies from person to person. Some people will never have to listen to it again after 21 nights. Others may need to listen to it on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to continue to maintain the change.

What does it feel like?

You will feel relaxed and as though all of your attention is focused on the suggestions. The binaural tones will help you reach a deeper state and experience less brain activity. Your attention will be highly focused.

How quickly will I see results after I start using hypnosis mp3s?

Results vary. Some people begin seeing results right away. Most people see results within 21 days. And a small percentage of people have to listen to the recordings for a longer period of time.

Will my insurance cover this?

You will have to check your insurance carrier if they cover hypnosis recordings, but we have not found one that covers them.

Will I remember what you say?

No, these recordings are designed to make your conscious mind forget the suggestions so that it does not interfere with your subconscious.

Will I feel silly or will you make me do silly things during hypnosis?

No, you will not be told to do anything silly. These recordings are for clinical use and are designed to help you.

How will I know if it’s working?

You will notice changes in your life. They may be small at first and then you will see complete change within 21 nights.

Who is in control when I listen to hypnosis recordings?

You are always in control. While using the hypnosis recordings, your attention will be highly focused, but you will still feel and be in control.

Is hypnosis safe for children?

Yes, all of Dr. Steve’s recordings are safe for children to use. When buying a recording for a child it is important that you answer their questions and make sure they feel comfortable with hypnosis. Children are highly suggestible and usually see results quickly.

Anything we missed? Please email our office at [email protected].