Brian K Proulx, CCHt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below, we address a comprehensive set of common questions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy, combining insights from our practice and client concerns to help you feel informed and confident. These answers clarify what hypnosis is, how it works, what to expect, and how it can support your goals Hypnosis.

Q: What is hypnosis?
A: Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened awareness that we all experience daily, offering numerous benefits for personal growth. It’s like zoning out while driving to your favorite song, missing your exit because you’re absorbed in positive memories, or getting lost in a TV show, movie, book, or daydream, where you focus deeply and tune out surroundings. In hypnosis, you enter a relaxed, focused state that enhances communication with your subconscious mind, making it receptive to positive change. For a deeper exploration, visit the post at www.brianproulxhypnosis.com.

Q: What is hypnotherapy?
A: Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy that uses positive suggestions to create subconscious changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s a cooperative process between you and your hypnotherapist, where we relax your conscious mind and focus your subconscious on desired outcomes, like reducing stress or breaking habits. Using skilled relaxation techniques and verbal communication, we guide you into a heightened state of awareness to support your goals, ensuring a personalized, empowering experience.

Q: What are the benefits of hypnotherapy?
A: Hypnotherapy offers a wide range of clinical benefits, driven by your willingness for positive change. It can help with smoking cessation, nail-biting, weight control, healthy eating, work or sports performance, memory enhancement, self-confidence, goal achievement, phobias, compulsions, emotional issues, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, lower blood pressure, IBS, painless childbirth, skin conditions, pain management, minor surgeries, dentistry, and arthritis pain, among others. By changing how you think, hypnotherapy can transform your life. For example, a client might use hypnosis to manage chronic pain, visualizing relief to reduce discomfort.

Q: Does hypnotherapy work?
A: Yes, hypnotherapy is highly effective, as shown in a survey by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D., reporting a 93% recovery rate after 6 sessions, compared to 72% for behavior therapy after 22 sessions and 38% for psychoanalysis after 600 sessions. Clients have successfully addressed issues like anxiety, habits, and performance goals in fewer sessions than traditional therapies, with results depending on your commitment and openness to the process.

Q: How does hypnotherapy work?
A: During a hypnotherapy session, you enter a deeply relaxed state where your conscious mind is calm, allowing your subconscious to become receptive to positive suggestions. This enables us to replace negative beliefs with empowering ones, aligning your subconscious with your goals. For instance, a client overcoming a fear of public speaking might visualize confident performances, embedding new beliefs in their subconscious. We use tailored suggestions and imagery to facilitate lasting change, guided by your active participation.

Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
A: Hypnosis feels like a relaxed, personalized state that varies for each person. It might resemble a pleasant nap, daydreaming, or being so absorbed in a task that you forget your surroundings, similar to the moments before sleep when your mind rests. Some clients feel completely relaxed and at peace, in a dream-like state, while others feel weightless or heavy, unable to move voluntarily. Regardless, you’ll feel rested, refreshed, and relaxed post-session, with a unique experience tailored to your level of hypnosis.

Q: Will I lose control or be forced to do things against my will in hypnosis?
A: No, you cannot lose control or be forced to act against your will in hypnosis. It’s a voluntary process requiring your desire, trust, and willingness to accept suggestions. You retain full autonomy, rejecting any suggestion that conflicts with your values or morals . For example, a client working on confidence might choose to visualize success but dismiss any suggestion they find uncomfortable. I ensure you’re an active partner, guiding you in a safe, empowering environment.

Q: Can I say or do anything I don’t want to in hypnosis?
A: No, you remain fully conscious and in control during hypnosis, never saying or doing anything against your will. Your ego protects your privacy, ensuring you only share what you choose, and you’ll remember the entire session afterward. For example, a client working on confidence won’t disclose personal secrets or act contrary to their values, as hypnosis respects your autonomy. We create a safe space where you guide the process.

Q: Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
A: No, you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. It’s a voluntary state you can exit at any time by opening your eyes, standing up, or walking away, with no risk of being trapped. For instance, if a client feels uncomfortable during a session, they can end it immediately, though continuing is often beneficial for their goals. I ensure you feel empowered and in control throughout.

Q: Can I be hypnotized?
A: Anyone who wants to be hypnotized can be, as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. By following simple instructions and actively participating, you can enter a hypnotic state. People who easily tune out distractions or shift to creative thinking (right brain) often enter hypnosis more readily, but everyone has the potential with guidance . For example, a motivated client seeking stress relief can achieve hypnosis by focusing on our suggestions, regardless of prior experience. We tailor sessions to your unique responsiveness.

Q: Does hypnosis conflict with my religious or spiritual beliefs?
A: Hypnosis is a neutral, therapeutic tool with no religious connotations, compatible with most faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, when used ethically. It focuses on your goals, like reducing stress or building resilience, and respects your spiritual beliefs. For instance, a client might incorporate faith-based affirmations, like inner peace, into their session, aligning with their values. We tailor sessions to honor your beliefs, ensuring a respectful, inclusive experience.

Q: Will hypnosis cause me to lose my memories or hearing?
A: No, hypnosis enhances sensory awareness and memory, not diminishes them. You’ll remember sessions clearly, feeling rested and refreshed, with no impact on hearing or cognitive function. For example, a client using hypnosis for focus might vividly recall session details, like a mental image of success, with heightened clarity. We ensure transparency, addressing concerns to build trust and dispel fears of sensory or memory loss.

Q: Do I need to be in a deep trance to benefit from hypnosis?
A: No, you don’t need a deep trance to benefit. Positive results can occur in a light trance, where you’re relaxed and focused, accepting suggestions that align with your goals. For instance, a client seeking better sleep might achieve results in a light trance, visualizing restful nights. We adapt to your comfort level, ensuring effective outcomes regardless of trance depth.

Q: Will repressed trauma memories surface uncontrollably during hypnosis?
A: No, hypnosis doesn’t automatically trigger repressed memories; they only emerge if you’re ready and if intentionally sought by you or the hypnotherapist. You remain in control and won’t face memories unprepared. For example, a client addressing a fear might choose to explore related memories for healing, guided gently to ensure comfort. Our practice prioritizes emotional safety, using hypnosis responsibly.

Q: Is hypnosis unnatural or tied to supernatural forces?
A: Hypnosis is a natural state we all experience, like zoning out while driving or reading, with no supernatural elements. It’s a therapeutic tool that accesses your subconscious to support goals, grounded in your mind’s natural abilities. For instance, a client enhancing creativity might find hypnosis feels like their usual brainstorming flow, just guided. We present hypnosis as a practical, empowering process, free from mystical associations.

Q: How is hypnotherapy different from stage hypnosis?
A: Stage hypnosis is designed for entertainment, using willing volunteers to perform fun acts like dancing or singing, often with pre-screened participants who enjoy the spotlight. Hypnotherapy, in contrast, is a therapeutic tool focused on your personal goals, such as managing stress, improving sleep, or boosting confidence. Our sessions prioritize your privacy, well-being, and empowerment, with no performative elements. For instance, a client addressing social anxiety would focus on visualizing calm interactions, not public displays. I create a safe, professional environment tailored to your needs.

Q: How should I prepare for my first hypnosis session?
A: Preparing for your first session is simple. Come with an open mind and a clear idea of your goals, such as reducing anxiety or improving focus. Wear comfortable clothing, ensure you’re well-rested, and avoid caffeine or heavy meals beforehand to enhance relaxation. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your objectives and answer questions, helping you feel at ease. For instance, a client preparing to address fear of flying might reflect on specific triggers to share, aiding a tailored session. No special skills are needed—just a willingness to relax and engage.

Q: What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
A: In your first session, you’ll complete an intake form, and we’ll discuss your focus issue and goals. We’ll explain hypnosis and how the mind works, then collaboratively develop suggestions, positive beliefs, action steps, and guided imagery to achieve your goal, envisioning how you’ll feel upon success. I’ll guide you into a relaxed hypnotic state, deliver tailored suggestions to your subconscious, and count you out of hypnosis. We’ll discuss the session, which is recorded for you to listen to between visits to reinforce reprogramming. Follow-up sessions may address blocks preventing goal achievement, customized to your needs. Each session is a step toward lasting change, guided by your active participation.

Q: Do you accept insurance, and are there tax benefits for hypnotherapy?
A: I do not directly accept insurance, but many insurance providers allow claims for reimbursement for hypnotherapy sessions—check with your provider for details. Additionally, U.S. tax laws since 2003 offer a 100% tax credit (not deduction) for out-of-pocket expenses for smoking cessation (cigarettes, pipe, cigar, chewing tobacco) and physician-advised weight loss programs. To claim this credit, complete IRS Form 8885, attach it to Form 1040 or 1040NR, and include invoices and proof of payment (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs). Note that expenses used for this credit cannot be claimed for medical deductions, self-employed health insurance, or Archer MSA distributions. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

Q: Will hypnosis work if I’ve tried other therapies without success?
A: Hypnosis can be effective even if other therapies haven’t fully worked, as it targets the subconscious mind, where habits and beliefs are stored, offering a unique approach. For instance, a client who struggled with talk therapy for anxiety might find hypnosis helpful by visualizing calm responses, bypassing conscious resistance. Success depends on your openness and our tailored approach, and we may combine hypnosis with other strategies for optimal results. We’ll assess your history during the consultation to ensure hypnosis aligns with your needs.

Q: Are the effects of hypnosis permanent?
A: The effects of hypnosis can be long-lasting, especially with reinforcement and practice, but they’re not always permanent, as new experiences or stressors can influence your subconscious. For example, a client who uses hypnosis to stop nail-biting might maintain the change with periodic sessions or self-hypnosis techniques, but major life stress could require additional support. We provide tools, like affirmations or recordings, to sustain progress, and follow-up sessions can reinforce results. Your commitment to applying insights enhances durability.

Q: Can I learn to do hypnosis on myself?
A: Yes, self-hypnosis is a valuable skill that many clients learn to reinforce session outcomes or manage daily challenges. It involves entering a relaxed state and using affirmations or visualizations, like imagining a confident performance before a meeting. We can teach you self-hypnosis techniques during sessions, providing customized scripts or recordings to practice at home. For instance, a client addressing test anxiety might use self-hypnosis to visualize success before exams, enhancing resilience. Our guidance ensures you feel confident using this tool safely.

Hypnotherapy is a versatile, evidence-based approach to unlocking your potential, free from the myths perpetuated by media. By accessing your subconscious mind—the storehouse of habits, beliefs, and emotions—we help you reframe challenges, align with your goals, and achieve lasting change. Whether you’re seeking to reduce anxiety, enhance performance, overcome fears, or find inner peace, our personalized sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive environment where you’re always in control. With a commitment to your well-being, we blend expertise, compassion, and proven techniques to guide you toward transformation.

Don’t let myths hold you back from experiencing the benefits of hypnotherapy. Visit www.brianproulxhypnosis.com to listen to a guided hypnosis recording and feel the difference for yourself. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can support your journey. Take the first step toward clarity, confidence, and change today! Note: Please consult a healthcare professional for medical or psychological concerns before beginning hypnotherapy.

For a more in depth view of hypnosis see my  post here.

References

• American Health Magazine. (n.d.). Comparison of therapeutic modalities. [Note: Specific issue and date not provided; further verification recommended for academic use].
• Barrios, A. A. (1970). Hypnotherapy: A reappraisal. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 7(1), 2–7.
• Elman, D. (1964). Hypnotherapy. Westwood Publishing.
• American Psychological Association. (2014). Hypnosis for the relief of pain. APA Monitor on Psychology, 45(3).
• Kirsch, I., & Lynn, S. J. (1995). The altered state of hypnosis: Contemporary perspectives. American Psychologist, 50(10), 846–858.
• Hammond, D. C. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263–273.