Hypnosis Q&A: Everything you've ever wanted to know about hypnosis

Hi, I'm Levana and I'm a hypnotherapist. Yes, that's right, I hypnotize people for a living. Having the ability to hypnotize someone is awesome for me, but life changing for my clients. I have people walk in to my office with lifelong pain that is relieved in one session (that is no BS, and not a one off- this happens often). I've worked with other people with crippling fears that were able to improve their quality of life significantly in a few sessions. Still others come back week after week to dig deep into their subconscious and uncover previously unrecognized roadblocks to success.

Hypnosis is pretty amazing and life changing to those that experience it.

I do get a lot of questions, doubts and concerns from people when I tell them I am a hypnotherapist, so I thought I would answer all of questions in one place.

Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotized?

A: A hypnotic trance is simply a very relaxed state. You will be able to speak, move, open your eyes and even end the session on your own if you choose. You just feel super, super relaxed and uninhibited. Your muscles will be loose and your mind will flow without all of your normal anxieties.

Q: Will I remember what happens while I am under hypnosis?

A. Yes you will. Remember, a hypnotic trance is just a very relaxed state of mind and body. Do you remember what happens while getting a massage? It's kind of like that. Actually, people have told me that they feel like they've just had a massage or taken a satisfying nap after their sessions.

Q: Do you control my mind while under hypnosis?

A: No, I have absolutely no control over your mind whatsoever. I can give you direction and suggestions to assist you in your session, but ultimately you decide what you would like to say, what you want to focus on and can even tell me if you would like to be doing something different in your session.

Q: What if something bad comes out in my session and I can't handle it?

A: The mind has an amazing way of protecting itself against feelings, thoughts and memories that are overwhelming. This continues to happen even while under hypnosis. In my work with clients who are uncovering painful emotions or who are making sense of painful memories, these are revealed at the time when you are best able to handle them. I have never worked with someone who felt worse after a session or who regretted what they worked on in session.

Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?

A: Absolutely yes! The only caveat to this is that you have to be a willing participant in the process. I cannot hypnotize someone against their will. If you come into session and don't believe that it will work, that it is stupid and that it's a waste of time, I probably won't be able to put you under hypnosis. Sometimes there are people who want to be hypnotized, but are very analytical and have trouble letting go of control. In these cases, hypnotherapy may be a slower process, but the process of learning to let go and trusting a therapist is very therapeutic.

Q: How do you hypnotize me?

A: You will lay in my big comfy reclining chair and get as comfortable as possible. Most people lay with their legs out and some even enjoy covering up with a blanket. I will verbally guide you to get you into an extremely relaxed state. I am trained to detect the signs of a hypnotic trance and will be able to tell if you are ready for your hypnotherapy session. There might be times when you don't even realize that you are under hypnosis because you are thinking clearly, but your body will tell a different story.

Q: How does hypnosis help me get rid of my problems?

A: When you are under hypnosis, you are more open to identifying the root cause of your emotional and physical pain as well as more open to suggestions about how to change. The work that is done under hypnosis is done directly with the subconscious, the part of you that is behind your habits, memories and underlying emotions. In traditional psychotherapy, you must work to uncover these things through various techniques.

Q: So.... hypnotherapy is a miracle cure, right??

A: Ummmmm, sorry no. Hypnotherapy takes work, emotional presence and vulnerability. It requires trust in a therapist and in a process that is often challenging to understand while it is happening. It requires you to make changes in your day to day life that are difficult, but worth it. So hypnotherapy is amazing to be sure, but it is not going to help someone who isn't prepared to do what it takes to get better.

Does that answer YOUR questions? If you have any other questions or are interested in scheduling an appointment, contact me now!