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Below are answers to some questions people who are unfamiliar with hypnotherapy often pose. If your question isn't addressed here, call or email me.
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206-499-3057 • LM@MillsHypnosis.com
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What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a completely natural state of consciousness. Most people experience hypnosis thousands of times during their lives - they just don't know it! Whenever you lose yourself in a good book or movie, whenever you drive right by your exit without noticing, that's a form of hypnosis. Moreover, you experience the low-frequency brain wave pattern that is characteristic of hypnosis at least twice each day: when you are just drifting off to sleep, and when you are just beginning to awaken in the morning.
In a sentence, hypnosis is a meditative state in which a person becomes more aware and focused and is more open to suggestion. It feels a lot like daydreaming. When in the hypnotic trance, you can enjoy a profound state of relaxation and heightened imagination. The hypnotherapist uses this to guide you through barriers and difficulties that may be blocking your success.
I've seen shows at the fair. Is that what this is?
No. Stage hypnosis is a show that utilizes willing participants and the hypnotic trance strictly for the purpose of entertainment. While it is an ample demonstration of the power of the subconscious and the imagination, it does not employ therapeutic techniques to assist you in achieving your goals.
What hypnosis is not, is the popular depiction in movies: a sinister, goateed man dangling a pocket watch in front of a subject who is powerless to resist. Bunkum. While this may sell movie tickets, it gives a complete misrepresentation of what hypnosis is, and what it can do for you.
Contrary to popular misconception, you never give up your self-control when in hypnosis. Rather, you are empowered to fully realize your power of choice. No hypnotist can ever make you do, say, or believe anything that is contrary to your ethics and value system.
Why should I use hypnotherapy?
My goal is to use modern clinical hypnotherapeutic practices to empower each client to discover the power the mind has to accomplish great things. Hypnosis can help you access this profound ability that everyone has to accomplish what might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
What should I expect from hypnotherapy sessions?
Our relationship might begin with a free 15 minute phone consultation. You and I will talk about your issues and the therapeutic process. We will decide if hypnotherapy is appropriate and discuss the possible therapeutic paths we might take to achieve your goal. Should we decide to proceed, we will make an appointment for our first session.
Hypnotherapy is not a process that takes months or even years to have a positive effect. Typically we will spend 2 to 5 sessions in the accomplishment of your goal. Each session lasts approximately 1-2 hours. Some individuals and issues require fewer sessions, while others need more.
Sessions take place in my cozy home office. As we begin hypnosis, soft music will play in the background as you relax in a recliner. I'll use any of a number of techniques to guide you into the deeply relaxed, highly focused state characteristic of hypnotic trance. From there, we'll address your specific issues. At the end of the session, I always give post-hypnotic suggestions for you to feel wonderful! Usually, you'll remember everything that takes place during a session.
Can I use hypnotherapy if I'm seeing a psychiatrist or medical doctor?
Hypnosis is a great adjunct to cognitive therapies as well as medical therapies. Hypnosis has been recognized by the AMA (American Medical Association) since 1958 as "a legitimate and safe approach to medical and psychological problems." Stress and pain management, for example, are used extensively with hospice patients to greatly improve their comfort during the difficult end of life. Many hypnotherapeutic techniques prove to be of great benefit to those addressing depression or disease. In fact, hypnosis has been used throughout the world to induce analgesia or anesthesia in medical and dental patients. Many expectant mothers learn hypnotic techniques to enjoy a stress-free and trauma-free birthing experience. Hypnosis is also used with great success for people who have cancer, fibromyalgia, IBS, AIDS, and other immune system disorders/diseases.
Hypnotherapy is not a primary medical methodology, it is an auxiliary methodology. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric issue, consult your primary care provider.
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