As a member in good standing with the National Guild of Hypnotists, Janet Harwell follows the NGH Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Read them here: NGH Code of Ethics
Q: What is hypnosis? A: Hypnosis is an altered state of mind in which the critical or
rational mind is suspended to allow access to the subconscious mind, which
is very suggestible. The subconscious mind controls 95-99% of all mental
abilities, and also controls the physical function of every part of the
body. All your habits and long term memories are in your subconscious
mind. Did you know you actually enter into some form of hypnosis several
times every day? Just as you are falling asleep or waking up, when engrossed
in a book or TV show, while meditating or even while driving.
Q:
How does hypnosis work?
A: Hypnosis is a tool to help you help yourself to cope with the normal
problems of everyday living. The critical, thinking mind, which acts as
a filter for everything we see, hear, feel or experience is bypassed to
allow the hypnotist access to the highly suggestible subconscious mind.
The Certified Hypnotist is trained and experienced in giving properly
worded suggestions to replace old, negative programming with strong, positive
suggestions to adjust habits of thought, feeling and behavior to achieve
the changes you desire. Hypnosis works easily, safely and effectively.
By moving from your wide-awake state (beta brain wave level) into a more
relaxed state of consciousness (either the alpha, theta or delta brain
wave level), suggestions are easily accepted by your subconscious mind.
These suggestions then carry over into your daily life, especially when
reinforced over a period of time.
Q:
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
A: You will not feel weird, strange, dizzy or like you're in a "trance."
Most hypnosis is accomplished through a relaxation process and it is a
very pleasant feeling. Most people report that they feel very relaxed
and awaken refreshed-like they had a "power nap." Absolutely every client
I've had says they feel great afterwards. They are always amazed at how
relaxed they feel.
Q:
What if I can't be hypnotized?
A: It is true that some people are more suggestible than others, but
with very few exceptions, if you WANT to be hypnotized, you CAN be hypnotized.
The best subjects have average to high intelligence. Yes, even strong-willed
and analytical people make excellent subjects. Remember, hypnosis is a
natural state of mind. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You ALLOW yourself
to be hypnotized. The exceptions are those who really don't want to be
hypnotized or who have an unwillingness to cooperate with the hypnotist's
instructions (close your eyes and take a few deep breaths). People with
organic brain disorders or certain mental abnormalities are not good candidates
for hypnosis.
Q:
What if I don't go very deep?
A: Depth has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the session.
Many people actually seem to benefit more from a light to mid-range level
of relaxation. Remember, you may not be able to tell how deep you are,
but I will be able to observe the signs that indicate how deep you really
are. You'll do just fine.
Q:
What if I get "stuck" and can't wake up?
A: You cannot get stuck in hypnosis. Any time you want to emerge from
hypnosis, for any reason, you will be able to simply open your eyes and
become fully alert. You may drift into sleep (delta brain wave level)
but would still awaken normally on your own, even if no one were around
to awaken you.
Q:
Will I remember what happened during the session?
A: Most people DO remember all or most of their session. Some deep
level subjects feel like they were asleep and are therefore unaware of
what was said. Even if you went into delta, which is sleep, your subconscious
mind was still hearing the suggestions because the subconscious mind never
sleeps.
An audio recording is made of most for you to use for reinforcement.
Q:
What if I'm afraid to let someone "control my mind"?
A: This is a common fear. You will not be unconscious or under the control of the hypnotist.
It is nothing like
the hypnosis or "mind control" portrayed in movies and fiction, and "brainwashing" requires the use of drugs, sleep deprivation, etc. You have great control
over what you will or will not do. Hypnosis is always a 100% consent state.
The truth is when you are in hypnosis, you are deeply relaxed physically,
but mentally, you are 100 to 300 times more alert. You can hear and respond
to everything and are an active participant in the session. A hypnotist
CANNOT make you do anything you do not want to do. Your subconscious mind
will not accept suggestions that go against your desires, morals or beliefs.
Q:
Will I be made to do something foolish?
A: This is another common fear. During stage hypnosis, audience volunteers are made to do silly stunts as part of the entertainment. The stage hypnotist is careful to select the most hypnotizable people. Those volunteering enjoy being part of the entertainment or having an excuse to do outrageous things. And of course, those not cooperating with the stage hypnotist are asked to sit down. Clinical hypnosis is nothing like stage hypnosis. No one can hypnotize you against your will. Hypnosis is always a 100% consent state. You will never be embarrassed or humiliated in any way during your individual hypnosis session.
Q: Will I blurt out all my secrets?
A: No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum and does not create any compulsion to "tell all your secrets." A person can lie under hypnosis the same as they could any other time. You cannot be made to say or do anything you do not want to.
Q:
Does hypnosis always work?
A: Hypnosis CAN work for everyone because we all have a subconscious
mind. Hypnosis is a tool you can use to tap into the power within you
to adjust habits of thought, feeling and behavior. For some it seems to
work like magic! For others, it is more of a process, requiring persistence
and patience to coax the subconscious mind into making the desired changes.
Q:
How many sessions are necessary? A: This depends upon the individual and the purpose of their hypnosis. Some habits or behaviors may require only one session. Certain problems may require a series of sessions, such as smoking, pain management, overcoming a fear or losing weight. Some people will come for one session, use their sleep CD for two or three weeks, then come back for a reinforcement session as needed. The success of the sessions depends a lot upon the individual's priorities and how consistently they listen to their sleep CD or come for reinforcement sessions.
Q:
How can hypnosis help me lose weight? A: Hypnosis can boost your motivation to exercise, drink more water, reduce stress, improve your self-esteem and confidence and eliminate cravings. It can be used to identify and clarify the physical, habitual and emotional factors for your weight problem and can help change those patterns. Positive suggestions are used to reprogram your subconscious mind to help you meet your goals in healthy, pleasant ways. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions are best in the beginning to keep you motivated and to reinforce your goals. A reinforcement CD is used between sessions. See [WEIGHT LOSS] for my individualized program.
Q: Can hypnosis help me quit smoking or dipping? Yes. When you have decided to quit smoking or using other tobacco products, hypnosis can reinforce that decision and eliminate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. For about 50% it seems to work "like magic." For some, it is more of a process requiring more effort the first few weeks. Either way, you are still a success! My Smoking Cessation Program utilizes a multiple session approach to ensure your success. The first session is a Preparation to Quit session to educate and reinforce your decision to quit. The second session is the actual "Quit Smoking" session with a follow-up session to reinforce it. My success rate more than doubled when I began using this multiple session approach in 2005. I have a very good success rate and receive many referrals from successful clients. Please refer to [SMOKING CESSATION].
Q: Does hypnosis help with chronic conditions, such as pain, nausea, itching, and headaches? A: Yes. Deep relaxation and visualization techniques are taught. A noticeable reduction in discomfort can be expected on the first visit, and even more as you practice your self-hypnosis techniques. Hypnosis is effective for relieving psoriasis, poison ivy, migraine headaches, nausea due to pregnancy or chemotherapy, chronic pain due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. A doctor's release is required prior to hypnosis for any health-related problem to avoid masking any symptoms requiring medical diagnosis and treatment. I am glad to work with your medical professional.
Q:
Does hypnosis work for drug or alcohol addictions? A: Yes. The most effective use of hypnosis is as an adjunct or addition to your recovery program. I am not a substance abuse counselor and hypnosis should not be considered a "quick-fix" for your addiction or a substitute for a recovery program. Hypnosis is an additional tool that can help you with withdrawal symptoms and reinforce your motivation to quit. I have had success in assisting clients overcome addictions to alcohol, marijuana, and some drugs such as sleep and pain medications. I offer a multiple session approach similar to my Smoking Cessation Program. Hypnosis can also help you forgive yourself and others, release the past, reprogram negative thought patterns, focus on the present, set goals, and powerfully build up positive feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.
Q:
What is regression hypnosis? A: Everything you've ever seen, heard or experienced is recorded in your subconscious mind. When necessary, with hypnosis, you can go back to an earlier time in your memory to recall and release perceived traumatic events, which may be contributing to current fears, stress, or behavior. However, it is not always necessary to recall past events in order to overcome them. Another use for regression hypnosis is to recall the details of specific events for forensic purposes. A more frequent use of regression hypnosis is to recover misplaced items. I've helped many clients recover misplaced jewelry, money and documents.
Q:
What is remote hypnosis?
A: If you live too far away or are out of town and cannot come for an in-person session, you can still receive the benefits of a one-on-one hypnosis session via the telephone. If it is your first session with me, you will receive an introductory CD to listen to before your session. Your problems or goals we are working on will also need to be discussed ahead of time, either by e-mail or telephone. Your hypnosis session will need to be scheduled at a time when you will not be disturbed for at least 60 minutes. A reinforcement CD of your session will be mailed to you the next day. These sessions are available at the same rates but require payment in advance due to the time commitment. Please refer to [REMOTE HYPNOSIS] for more details.
Q:
What can I expect at my first session? A: Your sessions will be pleasant experiences. The first session consists of an in-depth CLIENT INTAKE FORM which you can download and fill out in advance. You will watch a brief video which explains how hypnosis works and answers most of your questions about hypnosis. We'll then discuss your goals or problems in detail, as well as your expectations, and I'll answer any additional questions. A plan will then be recommended that will most rapidly achieve the desired results. You will then be guided into a deep state of physical and mental relaxation. You may be aware of everything going on around you, but most likely you will drift and daydream while positive suggestions for the changes you desire are given to your subconscious mind, replacing the old programming which is causing the problem. These new suggestions will become a part of you, allowing you to accomplish your goals and/or eliminate problems. You will then emerge from hypnosis with strong positive suggestions, feeling very refreshed and alert. A CD is usually made of your session to be listened to as you sleep to reinforce your session.
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