Who can be hypnotized? Accessing a trance state is considered a skill. Some people are naturals and go into trance very easily. Others can develop this skill with practice, guidance and familiarity. The real question is, "Do you want to allow yourself to be hypnotized?" It is important to choose your hypnotherapist with care in order to develop the trust needed to access trance. If there is resistance, it is possible to address and resolve that resistance. For those who have concerns and want to learn more about going into hypnosis, please read, "A Woman's Vision Quest" on the "Hypnotherapy in Action" page.
Will hypnosis cause me to lose control or do something I don't want to do? Contrary to what many believe, hypnosis is actually about being more in control rather than less. It engages your free will. You're always in charge of how deep you want to go. Because I use the "empowerment model", this puts the control even more fully in your hands. I serve as your guide, but ultimately it is your trance state. Hypnotherapy, like other therapeutic modalities, is an intimate process. Appropriate boundaries are always part of the foundation for success so it is important that you choose your hypnotherapist wisely so that trust can be established.
Will hypnotherapy fix anything? No, hypnosis is not a magic bullet. However, the magic exists in you. Hypnotherapy is a way to help you access it. Because working with a hypnotherapist is interactive and collaborative, the process often has an excellent chance of succeeding. It is not, however, indicated for those who are actively suicidal, in a state of clinical emergency or in the throes of active addiction. However, once a person has stabilized, hypnotherapy can become a viable option.
What is the difference between the conscious and subconscious? The conscious mind—your everyday logical, analytical mind—compares new information with old. Its memory is temporary and it has temporary will power. It is only aware of "right now." For these reasons, depending on your conscious mind alone is not effective in dealing with many deeper issues. There is simply not enough information or energy to support changing core habits through your conscious mind. With underlying core issues, your conscious mind isn't equipped to come up with new options.
Subconscious mind characteristics include being open, child-like, non-judgmental without conscious barriers. It tries to keep its practices from consciousness because it knows how judgmental the conscious mind can be. The subconscious doesn't know the difference between fantasy and reality, is literal, holds all memories and beliefs without judgement, and its memory is permanent. It makes permanent changes, responds to imagery and is open to suggestion. When these two parts of your mind are in partnership rather than in conflict or obscured from one another, a powerful foundation for growth and change is created.
What is the difference between Ego Mind and Higher Self? What is ego mind and how can you tell the difference between ego mind and the higher self? The differences are actually very clear: the ego mind bullies, judges, limits, is status seeking, tests, pushes, postures, excludes, tries to control and makes choices for you. In contrast, the higher self empowers, respects, suggests, guides, is expansive, promotes independence, is supportive of your growth and development and generates energy for your greatest good. It is a powerful ally to recognize, befriend, learn to trust and is central to the empowerment model.
Which part of your mind do you tend to live in? To listen to and to trust? Who, or what, in you guides you? Through developing and creating a more conscious connection with your higher self mind, with practice you can carry this relationship into your daily life as your growth continues to evolve.
The state of California requires me to inform you that Hypnotherapy is a self-regulated and a certified, not a licensed, profession. This means that I have successfully passed the 200 hour program at HCH Institute in Lafayette, CA and am certified as a Hypnotherapist by that State-approved and licensed school. I do not provide medical diagnoses, nor am I a licensed physician or medical practitioner. I provide hypnotherapy services, which give high-quality alternatives for people seeking to work with beyond their conscious minds alone.