What is hypnosis?

That's a difficult question without a fast, easy answer. It's not so much a "trance" or "altered state of consciousness" as achieving a relaxed, focused state to absorb and alter feelings.

Is hypnosis real?

Short answer: yes! Hypnotic suggestion alters people's sensations and perceptions. Studies that measure brain activity show that hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions alter how the brain processes information.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes, everybody can be hypnotized - some more than others. We'll work together to discover the techniques and processes that work best for you to maximize your benefits from every session.

Can you become easier to hypnotize?

Researchers continue to tackle this issue, and there's no concrete way to make someone more prone to hypnotism. It's related, in part, to patterns in the brain, beyond your control.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis is not a dangerous procedure. The risks associated with hypnosis (some participants occasionally experience a mild headache) are similar to those associated with attending a university lecture.

Can hypnosis make me do things?

The simple answer is no, you can't be made to do anything you don't want to do in hypnosis. In hypnosis, you retain power over your ability to act upon suggestions, you have to allow yourself to act.

Is hypnosis like sleep?

The short answer is no. Hypnosis might appear to be like sleep to observers because deep relaxation is part of the hypnotic routine. Hypnotized people are in a state of wakefulness but emerge from the state refreshed and renewed.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis feels different for everyone. People commonly experience relaxation, as though their body is very heavy or very light. People typically report feeling very focused or absorbed.

Can I get 'stuck' in hypnosis?

There is no evidence that anybody can become stuck in hypnosis. You may fall asleep due to a state of deep relaxation, at which point the hypnotic state ends.

What conditions can hypnosis treat?

Hypnosis isn't a treatment in its own right but can be helpful in treating: pain, anxiety conditions (including phobia, panic, PTSD), depression, stress, addiction, and more.

Can hypnosis help me to stop drinking alcohol?

There's little evidence for hypnotism as an effective treatment for alcoholism. But we can address the underlying causes of addiction, such as latent pain and trauma in your subconscious.

Can hypnosis cause sleep disorders?

There are no recorded cases of hypnosis causing or playing a role in the creation of a sleep disorder.

Are people forced to speak the truth under hypnosis?

No more or less than they do when they are not under hypnosis. Hypnosis cannot compel people to do things they don't want to do, and it can't force them to be truthful either.

Is hypnosis a one-session "quick fix" for a problem?

The answer to this will depend a lot on the problem. Someone is more likely to give up smoking after a single session than they are to recover from a more serious mental health problem such as chronic depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).