What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be described as a state of concentrated, focused attention. It is usually (though not necessarily) characterized by deep relaxation. The mythology of hypnosis often calls it a sleep state, but this is not the case. In fact, hypnotic subjects are often fully awake and aware of all that is going on about them. Stereotypes of hypnosis create the impression that the subject is completely passive and accepts all of the suggestions that the hypnotist gives. In truth, the subjects is actively engaged (either consciously or unconsciously) in considering the suggestions offered and using those that are helpful and rejecting those that are unacceptable.

Can anyone be hypnotized?
Yes. In fact we've all been in hypnosis more often than we realize. Hypnosis is a natural phenomena. Everyone enters into hypnotic states many times throughout the day. Most of us have had the experience at one time or another of becoming so engaged (focused) in a book or television program or other activity that we loose awareness of things going on around us and perhaps expereince a distortion with regard to the passage of time. It has been proposed by recent researchers that we all enter into hypnosis at least once every 45 mintes or so.

What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy involves using the hypnotic state as an access to unconscious processes for therapeutic purposes. Hypnosis is not therapy in and of itself. Hypnosis is induced and then the therapy is performed. For this reason, it should not be assumed that just because an individual practitioner is capable of inducing hypnosis in a client, that the hypnotist is capable of doing effective therapy. It is one thing to hypnotize someone and another to skillfully use the hypnotic state to effect meaningful changes. From time to time I have heard someone state that hypnosis doesn't work for them because they went to a hypnotist to lose weight (or some other purpose) and didn't get any results. This is not an accurate statement about the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. It is about the particular therapy used by that particular hypnotist.

What is hypnosis useful for?
Hypnotherapy has been used effectively for a wide range of issues. Everything from increased motivation, greater confidence and self esteem, smoking cessation, weight loss, habit control, improved athletic performance, as well as the resolution of deep psychological issues has been accomplished with hypnotherapy facilitated by a skilled professional .