77Answers by Bryan Knight

8/13/2019 77Answers by Bryan Knight

1/33

HYPNOSIS:77 Answers to Questions I

Wish Youd Stop Asking

Bryan M. Knight, MSW, PhD.

You may give away this ebook or SELL it and keep the proceeds.

You are NOT allowed to make any changes.

Nor are you permitted to publish any part of this ebook or the ebook as

a whole in any form whatsoever without the express written permissionof Dr Bryan Knight.

Portions of this ebook have been adapted from previouslypublished articles, books and on his website, by Dr Knight.

All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2006 Bryan M. KnightInternational Registry of Professional Hypnotherapists
http://hypnosis.org/newirph.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/newirph.htm


2/33

Contents

Introduction 3Definitions 7

Hypnotizability 11

Science 13

Control 15

Dangers 17

Hypnotherapy 21

Religion 28

Stage Hypnosis 29

The #1 Question 30

About the Author 31

Hypnosis: 77 Answers http:// hypnosis.org Copyright(c) 2006 Bryan M. Knight. All rights reserved 2


3/33

Introduction

Every person new to hypnosis asks the same questions. Decades ago I

also asked them. Lately, as a grumpy old man, Ive grown tired of

having to give the same answers over and over.

So I decided to compile the questions and answers into one ebook.

The help of members of The International Registry of Professional

Hypnotherapistshas been invaluable as have contributions from

subscribers to my List.

Specific questions are presented under general headings such as

Hypnotizability.

First, heres an email exchange between a surfer and myself that is agreat example of the questions people typically have about hypnosis,

hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis.

The exchange also illustrates the power of entrenched beliefs.

My comments are interspersed:Q. "At work we were discussing hypnosis and I justhave a few questions if you would be so good as to

answer them.

l. You can't be hypnotized unless you are willingto be hypnotized? In other words, if we're sitting andtalking, I couldn't be put under hypnosis unless Iwanted to be put under. Many years back we had ahypnotist at school and that is what he said too.

A. Depends what you mean by "willing". People are swayed by a

politician or a salesman using hypnotic techniques. Ditto withTV ads. But you see, no amount of hamburger ads wouldpersuade me to buy a hamburger because just the thought of

eating something with all those chemicals, animal cruelty and

environmental devastation, makes me feel sick. So, I'm "notwilling to be hypnotized" to eat red meat

http://hypnosis.org/newirph.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/newirph.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/newirph.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/newirph.htm


4/33

2. You can't be hypnotized and not know you're

being hypnotized? Example: We're talking and withouthaving a clue, you could hypnotize me. (Sure hopenot.)

A. Controversial. Hypnosis is like daydreaming. So if you're inawe of someone or say, falling in love with a guy, you might not

realise that you are in a sort of trance-like state.

Basically all this is words. You probably have an erroneous idea

of what hypnosis is from bad movies, books and stage shows that

deliberately make you think the hypnotized person is in somekind of other-worldly state, under the control of the hypnotist.

Not so.

3. If you willingly are hypnotized, can you be

made to forget what happened while you werehypnotized?A. No one can MAKE you do or think anything unless you want

it. So you may ask the hypnotist to suggest amnesia. And you'll

forget.

But recall is always possible with a little verbal nudging.The "hidden observer" in your mind is watching continuously tokeep you safe.

Second part of question. And then when you'rebrought out of the hypnosis, you have no idea youwere even hypnotized in the first place?

A. Well, many people think that. And they have that erroneousbelief precisely because they have a totally wrong concept of

hypnosis to begin with. In hypnosis you are awake, aware,

conscious. You can even tell lies if you choose

Surely you would know you woke up or time had

passed or something?

A. You don't "wake up" because you were not asleep.



5/33

Time is very subjective. In hypnotherapy the subjective passageof time can be slowed down or speeded up. Very useful for

therapy.

That wasn't enough for the enquirer. She wrote a follow-up:

Thank you for your prompt reply. I think you'reprobably right. I don't really know what hypnosis is.Regarding my 1st question your example of thehamburgers was a good one. By willing, that's what Imeant. Example: If I smoked (I don't) and I didn'twant to stop, I couldn't be made to stop throughhypnosis. Another example, if I see a dog, hypnosiscouldn't make me think it's a horse because I wouldn't

want to think that. Am I right?

A. Right. Except that in the second example you could be"tricked" if you trusted the hypnotizer and were told that a new

language or a new definition, would now call the dog a horse. (Ifyou were on stage youd readily identify the dog as a horse). But

again, you still believe it because you want to. And, once out

of hypnosis, the absurdity would have you laughing....

Regarding question #2 you hit the nail on the head. I

thought the hypnotist was in control and able to makeyou do things you didn't want to do. That's false?

A. Thought I'd made that point -- as you have above.

From your explanation am I right in saying the

hypnotist can suggest things such as thirsty or hungrybut if you're not, you're not going to want a drink or

food. He can suggest it but he can't MAKE you want it.Right?A. Right. Why don't you read a good book on hypnosis.

The last part of #3 regarding time. If I were in a

session with you, you could make it seem like time had



6/33

passed quickly or slowly but if my appt. started at 3:00and I left at 3:15 I would know time had passed. Youcouldn't make me think no time had passed. Correct?

A. Couldn't MAKE you think anything.

I didn't write that NO time had passed. I wrote that time(remember this is a human construct) is subjective so the hypnotic

suggestion re time could be of stretching it, or of shortening it.

But not to outlandish lengths.

So to sum it up, (1) a hypnotist is not in control, (2)

she can't make you do or think something you do notwant to do or think, and (3) she can't make you forget

you were hypnotized because you are not in a trance(sleep). Correct?

A. Whether you're in a trance or not is a controversial point.

What, after all, is a trance? But definitely not sleep. Howcould you follow suggestions if you were asleep? Always amazes

me that people don't wonder about that.

I think my wrong ideas about hypnosis are like you

said. From bad movies, etc. Are hypnosis andhypnotherapy one and the same?

A. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to enable the therapist toconduct therapy.



7/33

Definitions

Q. What is hypnosis?

A. Although some definitions describe hypnosis in terms of

interaction between people, hypnosis is not something one person"does" to another.

Hypnosis is like daydreaming: a form of relaxedconcentration. What is relaxed is first the body and second, the

conscious part of the mind

Q. Does it put you into a trance state?

A. Some hypnotherapists believe our everyday sense of reality is

actually a trance. That we need to awaken, to de-hypnotize from

the myths of what we think is real.

For most practitioners the most common view of hypnosis is

that it is an altered state of consciousness; your awareness differssomehow to your everyday sense of reality. This is often referred

to as being in a trance. However, for many, perhaps most people

being in hypnosis does not seem much different to how they feel atother times.

Q. So does that mean that you are notin a trance?

A. The very existence of trance is challenged by some hypnosis

authorities. See, for example, British psychologist and hypnosisexpert Michael Heaps article at http://www.mheap.com/hypnosis.htmlwhere, among other topics, he discusses the man who was sexually

attracted to his mattress and household appliances subsequent to

being hypnotized.

Q. So, is hypnosis just another name for relaxation?

A. No. Often a person new to hypnosis will note is that she feels

relaxed. Often more deeply relaxed than shes ever felt before.This has led to claims that hypnosis is nothing more than

profound relaxation. But laboratory tests prove hypnosis is

http://www.mheap.com/hypnosis.htmlhttp://www.mheap.com/hypnosis.html


8/33

something more than relaxation: e.g., after hypnosis the heartrate remains slowed down longer than after relaxation alone.

Q. Is hypnosis simply suggestion?

A. What does this mean? That people in hypnosis will acceptsuggestions more readily than when not in hypnosis? That

explains nothing.

People are readily suggestible without hypnosis -- themammoth advertising industry attests to that -- and people in

hypnosis by definition want to cooperate. Of course they acceptsuggestions.

They suspend their disbelief as they would while reading a

novel. But suggest something that is distasteful to them and they'llquickly stop cooperating -- just as they'd drop a novel which

offended them.

Q. Perhaps hypnosis is just role-playing?

A. Some theorists say that people think or do things in hypnosis

because it's expected of them and by them. They are fulfilling a

role. They want to please the hypnotist. So there's no altered stateof consciousness, there's simply a motivation to act as though

hypnotised.

This theory might hold for stage performances and the like

but can hardly apply to surgery. Thousands of hypnotised personshave benefited from operations with no chemical anasthetic.

Q. Is hypnosis a form of psychological conditioning?

A. According to this explanation, aperson learns through direct

experience or through TV or the movies, how to behave'hypnotised.'

Another way to see hypnosis as something learned, is toassert that a person becomes conditioned to a word stimulus such

as "Relax." Once having allowed himself to relax, the client is

thereafter conditioned to repeat the experience of relaxing uponhearing the stimulus-word.Hypnosis: 77 Answers http:// hypnosis.org Copyright(c) 2006 Bryan M. Knight. All rights reserved 8


9/33

Q. Is Hypnosis a Form of Dissociation?

A. This definition claims that in some as yet unexplained way,

the mental functioning of a person is compartmentalised and one

part can be isolated from the others.

Dissociation is an everyday conscious experience which

begins in childhood, according to Dr Josephine R. Hilgard, notedhypnosis researcher and author. When a person is engaged in

conversation with someone else he is also talking with himself and

thinking ahead to his next comments.

Children blithely slip in and out of fantasy lives, temporarily

adopting make-believe roles which they discard at will. This

capacity to fantasize can be retained through practice and makes

the dissociation characteristic of hypnosis less surprising.

Q. When you are in hypnosis are you asleep?

A. No, you are conscious, awake and aware.

Q. So, what ishypnosis?

A. Altered state, relaxation, heightened suggestibility, role-

playing, conditioning or dissociation, whatever hypnosis is, it

enables a person to experience thoughts and images as thoughthey were real.

Q. Does that mean it has nothing to do with thesubconscious?

A. Not necessarily. Many hypnotists define hypnosis as the

bypassing of the critical [conscious] mind and an accessing of thesubconscious.

Q. Sounds impressive, but what do we mean by thesubconscious?

A. Although some people equate the subconscious with thebrains right hemisphere the subconscious is probably better

understood in a metaphorical sense. For example, Freud claimed

it is a cesspool of sexual and violent urges while present-day



10/33

theorists are more likely to consider the subconscious to be eithera well-spring of goodness or a storehouse of memories that

normally lies outside our conscious awareness.

Q. What are the best books about hypnosis?

A. Those by Michael Yapko and the APA. [American

Psychological Association]. See my choice of the seven besthypnosis books in my Blog at "Hypnosis Seven" Also, look at the

titles asterisked in my two-part Bibliography

http://hypnosis-seven.blogspot.com/http://www.hypnosis.org/kn-bibli.htmlhttp://www.hypnosis.org/kn-bibli.htmlhttp://hypnosis-seven.blogspot.com/


11/33

Hypnotizability

Q. Can anyone be hypnotized?

A.

Generally speaking, yes. But not:

if the person doesnt want to be, if the person is weak-willed, if the person is drunk or stoned.

Psychotic people can be hypnotized.

Heres a more traditional answer from Steve G. Jones:

YES. The lightest state of hypnosis (Alpha) is achieved easily. Everyone

enters a hypnotic state every day, several times per day. It's that state youare in when you are watching TV, reading a good book, or playing video

games.

It's the state you are in when you are just waking up or just going to bed.You are not fully conscious, but you are not fully unconscious either. In this

state you're up to 200 times more suggestible than when you are fully awake

(Beta).Many people, when they hear about hypnosis, say, "Well, I can't be

hypnotized." These people have been misinformed, mostly by Hollywood,

about what hypnosis is and is not. It is not necessary to be in some sort ofotherworldly trance to be in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state which

everyone moves in and out of throughout each day. Many of our everydaynormal activities are actually performed under hypnosis without us being

aware of it.An example of hypnosis is playing video games. Some people can play video

games for hours in one sitting. If someone were to talk to you while you were

in a video game session, you would be able to respond. Yet another goodexample of a hypnotic state is being on the computer. People who are using a

computer are focused on what they are doing, but can intelligently answerthe phone when it rings.

So, hypnosis is no different to playing video games or working on a

computer. Most people engaged in these activities would not think they are in

a trance, but they are. They are in a light hypnotic trance known as Alpha.Oh, by the way, reading a fascinating article (like this one) is another form of

hypnosis...surprise! You're in hypnosis!!!In alpha, your mind is slowed down just a little your focus is narrow, your

breathing is slow, and you are relaxed. Since you are up to 200 times more

suggestible even while you are in the light state of alpha, anything beyond

this is unnecessary for most purposes (i.e. programming someone to loseweight, stop smoking, overcome fear of flying, etc.). You can have an



12/33

extremely effective hypnosis session while being aware of and able to recallevery word spoken by the Hypnotherapist.

Steve G. JonesClinical Hypnotherapist

www.SteveGJones.com

912.897.9799

Q. Can a sleepingperson be hypnotized?

A. Although some people claim this is possible you have only to

remember that the sleeping person is unconscious to realise theabsurdity of trying to hypnotise her.

Q. Is hypnosis a skill?

A. Yes. Hypnosis is an inborn talent of the client. Its use,deliberate or unwitting, varies from person to person. Your

development of this skill can be enhanced with the guidance of anexperienced hypnotist. Then the talent can subsequently be even

more useful and enjoyable when employed by you on your own.

Q. Is it a trait?

A. No. Hypnosis is not a fixed trait, like eye colour. Although

built-in to our basic biology it can be enhanced with practice.

Q. Is hypnotizability linked to other personalitycharacteristics?

A. Not much. People who are highly intelligent are more easily

hypnotized as are people who have been sexually abused as children

(possibly because to survive they had to dissociate).

http://www.stevegjones.com/http://www.stevegjones.com/


13/33


14/33

more about how the brain functions. Meanwhile, just as Newtonsideas are still useful in certain contexts, so too is the idea that our

minds are somewhat like computers. However, remember that acomputer spits out exactly what is entered into it. The human

mind modifies the information entered.



15/33

Control

Q. Does the hypnotist control the client?

A. Only as much as the client wants to be controlled. Bad movies

and books notwithstanding, since the client is awake and awareshe decides what she'll agree to.

Q. Are there times when it would be good to be out ofhypnosis?

A. Yes. For example, when you are so mesmerized while surfing

the Net that you would buy something you dont need just becauseyou are in a daze.

More seriously, you might want to be de-hypnotized from the

food industrys TV ads or from the negative messages implanted

in your head by well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) parents.

Q. Can someone be hypnotized to rob a bank?

A. Only if they actually want to commit the crime. And then theywouldnt need to be hypnotized. If it were possible to make

someone commit a crime by hypnotizing them then the CIA andthe KGB would have rejoiced in being able to program killers.

Despite their best efforts (in the 60s) they were unable to

persuade normal recruits to kill just because they werehypnotized. And their psychopaths didnt need hypnosis as an

excuse.

Q. Will I reveal secrets when I am in hypnosis?

A. You will only say what you want to say. In therapy it is often

beneficial to reveal a secret. But if you are revealing a secret while

in hypnosis its because you chooseto do so, not because yourehypnotised.

Q. Can hypnosis be used to uncover the truth?



16/33

A. No. This question is often asked by someone wanting to knowfor sure if their partner is really being faithful. However, the

partner could tell lies while hypnotized.

Hypnosis does notact like a truth serum.



17/33

Dangers

Q. Can hypnosis be dangerous?

A. No. Theres no danger in hypnosis, only in hypnotists.Hypnosis can be misused. Deliberately or unwittingly.

Deliberatemisuse of hypnosis is what a philandering physician didwhen he tricked his hypnotized wife into swallowing a fatal

overdose of pills.

Unwittingmisuse is like the British stage hypnotist who was

convicted of causing a volunteer extreme distress because heregressed her to an age when she recalled being sexually

assaulted. He should have suggested she actlike a six-year-old,rather than be six years old.

Q. Can the hypnotist create a false memory in myhead?

A. No, But she could create a false belief.

Inadvertentlybecause she suggests something that didnt

actually happen or deliberatelybecause its part of your therapy.

Let me explain: the hypnotist might by accident ask aleading question such as And who else is in the room with your

7 year-old self? which would likely cause a hypnotized client to

imagine someone being in that room even if in reality there hadbeen no other person present.

On the other hand, the hypnotist might very deliberately andpositively suggest a client who is afraid of public speaking imagine

himself giving a great speech at his next business meeting.

Q. Can I get stuck in a trance?

A. No. If the hypnotist stopped talking to you after a while youd

either drift off to sleep or youd open your eyes to find out whats

going on.



18/33

Q: Will I say things that would embarrass me?

A: No. You are the one in control of what you say and do.

Even in a hypnotic trance, you are aware of your actions.

[Answered by Kathi Kenedi, CTHt Bottom Line Hypnosis 714-401-6686kkenedi@bottomlinehypnosiscom www.bottomlinehypnosis.com]

[Dr B note] you might still be embarrassed because whatever youre

talking about isembarrassing. But, as Kathi indicates, you would be making

the decisionto face the embarrassing subject].

Q. Could I be sexually assaulted while in hypnosis?

A. Of course. But since you are awake and aware of whats

happening while youre in hypnosis youd only allow the assault

to continue if you wanted it to.

For much more on the potential dangers of hypnotists see myebook "Easily Hypnotize Anyone"

And the far more prevalent dangers of professional

psychotherapists, psychologists and phsyicians:"When Abuse is Called Therapy"

Q. What does it feel like to be in hypnosis?

A. This is traditionally answered by it feels different for each

person which is a bit like claiming that no two snowflakes are

alike. How on Earth would we know?

When used in a therapeutic context many people report

feeling relaxed, uncaring about their everyday concerns, only vaguely aware of their surroundings, barely hearing extraneous noises, focused in their imaginations, arms and legs either pleasantly heavy or light, enjoyable tingling sensations, sense of peace and lethargy, mind super alert.

mailto:[email protected]://www.bottomlinehypnosis.com/http://hypnosis.org/EasilyHypnotize.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/abusebytherapists.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/abusebytherapists.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/EasilyHypnotize.htmhttp://www.bottomlinehypnosis.com/mailto:[email protected]


19/33

To an observer the hypnotized person looks as relaxed as ifshe were asleep. In particular, the face becomes placid and

sometimes a little flushed. The eyelids may twitch a little.

Q. How do I know I was hypnotized?

A. The best way is from the results achieved. If you experience

the kind of physical and imaginative details described above youprobably wont even ask this question. However, if like a lot of

people you dont feel much different physically or mentally while

supposedly in hypnosis there are three possibilities:

1. You were hypnotised but because of false notions about

hypnosis decided you werent.

2. You chose not to be hypnotized.

3. You were not hypnotised.

Q. When I was supposedly in hypnosis I heard everyword the therapist said so I could not have beenhypnotized, could I?

A. Hypnotherapist Sir Michael Carr-Jones answers this by

saying your question is his biggest bte noir.

Of course you hear every word. You are awake, aware, fullyconscious. If you could not hear every word we would all be

wasting our time and your money."[ Psychotherapy for Hypnotists]

Q. Why are you and Sir Michael annoyed when peopleuse the phrase underhypnosis?

A. Because that invokes the out-dated concept of the hypnotistbeing in control, of the client being involuntarily sedated.

Q. Is hypnosis safe for children?

http://www.psychotherapy-for-hypnotists.com/http://www.psychotherapy-for-hypnotists.com/


20/33

A. Yes. Hypnosis is safe for everyone. Children can readilybenefit because, even more than adults, they slip in and out of

hypnosis naturally all day as they play make-believe.

Q. Is relaxation a prerequisite for hypnosis?

A. No. It is, of course, preferable to relax when you are in a

therapists office. But you could (and often do) go into hypnosiswhile exercising vigorously (e.g. running a marathon) or in an

emergency (such as a car crash).

Q. What is forensic hypnosis?

A. The use of hypnosis in police and similar investigations. The

North American acknowledged expert in this field is InspectorMarx Howell http://www.marxhowell.com

http://www.marxhowell.com/http://www.marxhowell.com/


21/33

Hypnotherapy

Q. Is there such a thing as Hypnotherapy?

A. Strictly speaking, no. The label is often used when a therapistuses hypnosis with a client. But however refreshing it is to enjoy

being in hypnosis the experience by itself is not therapeutic.

Therapy is done while a person is inhypnosis, not byhypnosis.

Q. So the hypnotist has to be a trainedpsychotherapist?

A. Not necessarily. In many jurisdictions anyone can open an

office as a hypnotherapist (or as a psychotherapist) withabsolutely no credentials in psychology, medicine, hypnosis,

psychotherapy or psychopathology.

Q. How, then, do I choose a qualified hypnotherapist?

A. You follow these Guidelines:How To Choose the Right Hypnotherapist

Q. Should the hypnotherapist be a physician or apsychologist?

A. Not necessarily. Heres my longer answer:Who Should Practice Hypnotherapy?

Q. How long does a post-hypnotic suggestion last?

A. Donald Robertson writes,

The false premise of the question can be exposed by

comparing it to asking: How long do beliefs last? Hypnoticsuggestions are simply ideas which are accepted as beliefs at a

particularly deep level.

In fact, there's no simple answer. A post-hypnotic suggestion

could last a few minutes or a lifetime, it depends upon a multitude

http://hypnosis.org/kn-how.htmlhttp://hypnosis.org/restrictors.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/restrictors.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/kn-how.html


22/33

of factors, including the psychology of the client, their subsequentlife experiences, the precise nature of the suggestion, and the

means of its delivery.

Q. Having successfully had hypnotherapy for a phobia,

will it ever be necessary to have a "top up" to preventthe phobia from returning?

A. Perhaps. If you are frequently in the formerly phobic

situation but now feel comfortable, its unlikely youll need a topup. The new habit of being non-phobic will have replaced the

old phobia.

However, if the phobic situation is one that you rarely

encounter but you do find yourself once again about to face itthen you might need brief hypnotherapy. Or you could use theself-hypnosis techniques taught to you by your therapist.

Q. Does a person have to go deeply into hypnosis tomake changes in her life?

A. Depth in hypnosis is subjective. But what might be called a

light trance is sufficient for therapeutic change such as stopping

smoking or losing weight. Presumably, though, youd want to bedeep into hypnosis if it was the only anesthetic you were using

while undergoing surgery!

Q. Does hypnotherapy require gadgets or electronicdevices?

A. Some hypnotherapists like to have their clients listen through

headphones to a relaxing induction mix of words and music.Others will use a metronome, pendulum or other device for

focusing the clients attention.

No device is actually essential. Most hypnotherapists simply

talk their clients into hypnosis on a one-to-one basis. Probably not

as financially profitable as having a number of clients in severalrooms with electronically-equipped recliners linked to a central

broadcasting unit.



23/33

Q. Can hypnotherapy be performed long-distance?

A. Yes. But not in some other-worldly mental telepathy format.

A telephone or computer is necessary. Years ago I created

NetHypnosis which offered hypnotherapy over the Web through acombination of DVDs, telephone conversation and emails.

Today NetHypnosis is a lot more convenient. Skype and

webcams mean hypnotherapy is available to anyone, anywhere.NetHypnosis by Knight

Q. Does a hypnotherapist have to have a specialvoice?

A. No. Unless hes trying out for a part in a Hollywood movie.

Real-life hypnotherapists use whatever voice theyve been gracedwith. Of course, it helps if the voice is soothing rather than

grating. And a confident tone is important. Apart from that any

kind of voice is sufficient.

Q. What is past-life regression?

A. Regressionis helping a client in his imagination to go back in

his life;past-liferegression supposedly takes a person to aprevious life. More likely, the many accounts of such experiences

are a tribute to human creativity.

Q. What training does a person need to become ahypnotherapist?

A. Thorough grounding not only in the techniques of hypnosisbut in psychopathology, psychotherapy, human behaviour, ethics

and marketing.

"How To Get Started As A Hypnotherapist"covers the subject indetail.

Its essential to be properly mentored. Heres a few of the

many schools and training centres: Train to be a hypnotherapist

http://hypnosis.org/nethypnosis.htmhttp://www.dreamjobstogo.com/titles/djtg0061.html?10723http://hypnosis.org/training.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/training.htmhttp://www.dreamjobstogo.com/titles/djtg0061.html?10723http://hypnosis.org/nethypnosis.htm


24/33

Q. Can hypnotherapy be successful if I do it myself,i.e. what can I accomplish with self-hypnosis?

A. Yes. And everything. Its best to first experience hypnosis

with a competent practitioner. Then use a good book like my "Self-

Hypnosis: Safe, Simple, Superb"for straight-forward guidance onself-hypnosis.

Q. Are there other names for hypnotherapy?

A. Yes. Although their advocates will argue otherwise in myopinion here are a few of the many practices that are basically

hypnotic:

Creative VisualizationGuided ImageryYoga

Flooding (a technique used by psychologists)EFT [ Emotional Freedom Techniques]Eye Movement and Desensitization and Re-Processing EMDR:Hypnosis By Another Name

Q. Must I close my eyes during hypnotherapy?

A. No. You can keep your eyes open [ otherwise our DVDs

http://hypnosis.org/DVD.htmwouldnt work!].

There are three reasons a hypnotherapist will ask you toclose your eyes:

1. Doing so sets the stage for you doing as she asks,2. You focus more easily on whatever you are imagining,

3. Its quite disturbing to the therapist to watch an

unblinking client for an hour or so.

Q. What problems can hypnotherapy overcome?

A. To quote myself (from "Easily Hypnotize Anyone"):

http://hypnosis.org/self-hypnosis.htmlhttp://hypnosis.org/self-hypnosis.htmlhttp://hypnosis.org/http://hypnosis.org/kni-emdr.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/kni-emdr.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/DVD.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/EasilyHypnotize.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/EasilyHypnotize.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/DVD.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/kni-emdr.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/kni-emdr.htmhttp://hypnosis.org/http://hypnosis.org/self-hypnosis.htmlhttp://hypnosis.org/self-hypnosis.html


25/33

There are so many applications for hypnosis that you mightconsider it a panacea -- i.e., a solution for all emotional,

psychological and physical problems. Especially since hypnosiscan be used with people of all ages and with a myriad of

problems.

Here are a few:

phobias, weight control, insomnia, alcoholism, depression, psychosis, hypertension, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, smoking cessation, medical illness, post-traumatic stress, and bipolar affective disorder.

Q. Can hypnotherapy help me do better in sports?

A. For sure. Hypnosis can be used to enhance:

your sports activities, your love life, your work habits, your confidence, and your creativity.

Q. How is it possible that hypnotherapy can be so

powerful?

A. Because it deals with fundamental beliefs. Supposedly stored

in what we call the subconscious (or unconscious in England)

these beliefs are what guide us in our everyday living. Changethese beliefs and you change your life.



26/33

Q. Can hypnotherapy cure cancer?

A. There are hypnotherapists who make such claims. While

some remarkable physical effects of hypnotherapy are possiblethe actual curing of diseases such as cancer and diabetes seems to

be a somewhat outlandish claim, not to mention probably illegalin most jurisdictions. However, hypnosis, its imitators and

derivatives, are certainly powerful in helping sick people berelaxed and to lead less despairing lives.

Q. How can hypnotherapy help a terminally-ill personfocus her mind when she has little time left and mightbe suffering from nausea and pain?

A. Hypnotherapists who specialise in pain control say thatthe focusing may begin first on the pain. Alleviation of some

discomfort helps the client feel she still has some control. Then,when shes ready, she exercises the ultimate in self-control: letting

go.

Q. Wouldn't such clients have a difficult time reachingsomnambulism while under the influence of morphine,for instance?

A. Somnambulism is the concept of a very deep level of

hypnosis that some practitioners consider mandatory if a client is

to successfully achieve change. Since I consider this to be a belief,rather than a fact, my answer is that reaching somnambulism

only matters to the therapist.

Morphine might make it easier for a patient to utilise

hypnosis after all, she is already relaxed. Im not aware of anystudies on this so I am not giving a definitive answer.

Q. Is it true that I wont remember anything that wenton during the hypnotherapy session?

A. No. On the contrary. You will remember everything you

want to remember. Unless:



27/33

you request a suggestion for amnesia, you choose not to remember, or you spontaneously forget.

Q. Why would I spontaneously forget?

A. Either because your subconscious considers you are not yet

ready to consciously face whatever you were dealing with duringthe session, or because you are one of the estimated 3% of the

population who enjoy such a high talent for hypnosis that amnesia

occurs automatically.

Even for these fortunate people (sometimes known assomnambules) a few verbal hints will suffice to activate recall.

Q. What is the hidden observer?

A. Something within your brain that Ernest Hilgard, scientistand hypnosis researcher, postulates is always there keeping an eye

out, so to speak, to keep you safe. Its the reason somnambulescan recall what went on when prompted to do so.

Q. Is hypnotherapy simply a placebo?

A. No. But as with all therapies placebo plays a large part.(Perhaps more than 50%, claims Ernest Rossi, psychologist).



28/33

Religion

Q. Is hypnosis compatible with Christianity?

A. Some Christian fundamentalists frown upon the use of

hypnosis. They believe hypnosis is a tool of the Devil; thathypnosis opens you up to access by evil spirits.

Mainstream Christian groups have no such qualms. Indeed,

some not only use hypnosis in a therapeutic manner but havetheir own associations.

For example, Reverend Scott Giles does a lot of work for theNational Guild of Hypnotists. And you might enjoy Reverend

Paul Durbins "Human Trinity Hypnotherapy"

Q. Is hypnosis mentioned in the Bible?

A. Perhaps. Some people think hypnosis is referred to here:

Genesis 2:21, 1 Samuel 26:12, Job 4:13, 33:15, Acts 10:10.

Q. Do organized religions use hypnotic techniques?

A. Yes. From prayer to music to ritual procession to repetitivechants to awe-inspiring buildings, religions benefit from

techniques that could be considered hypnotic. Some of these are:

suspension of disbelief inculcation of new beliefs repetition through sermons hymn singing or chanting rituals to reinforce beliefs repetitive drumming or dancing

http://www.durbinhypnosis.com/http://www.durbinhypnosis.com/


29/33


30/33

The #1 Question

The wording varies but the #1 Question Ive been asked is:

Q. Can hypnosis help me forget someone?

A. And the answer is: Possibly.

Often the enquirer wants to be able to forget a former lover, atraumatic event or an obsessive thought

What is certain is that the damaging emotions around anevent, person or persistent thought can be minimized or even

eliminated with hypnotherapy.

Cutting the cords (or the ties that bind) is a technique

that hypnotherapists often use to free a person from a disturbing

memory.



31/33

About the Author

Bryan M. Knight, MSW, PhD, holds a degree in psychology

from Sir George Williams University, a master's in social work from

McGill University, and a doctorate in counselling from Columbia

Pacific University for his dissertation,Professional Love: TheHypnotic Power ofPsychotherapy.

His 40 years in private practice have taught him to appreciate

the uniqueness of each individual, and how to strengthen the client's

positive values.

Dr. Knight is the author of numerous articles and several books,

including:

The People Paradox;

Enjoying Single Parenthood;

Love, Sex & Hypnosis: Secrets of Psychotherapy;

Health and Happiness with Hypnosis.

And these ebooks:

Hypnosis: Software for Your Mind;

SELF-HYPNOSIS: Safe, Simple, Superb;

How To End Phobias, Anxiety & Panic;How To Avoid A Bad Relationship;

How To Get Started as a Hypnotherapist;

Weight Loss Success with Self-Help Hypnosis;

Marketing Action Plan for Success in Private Practice;

Deadly Therapy (mystery novel).

Dr. Knight has frequently been a speaker at the National Guild

of Hypnotists. Consulting Hypnotherapist to the Westside Medical

Clinic in Montreal, Canada, he is also the creator of The InternationalRegistry of Professional Hypnotherapists. http://hypnosis.org/newirph.htm

His pioneering website, Hypnosis Headquarters, is packed with

information and resources. http://www.hypnosis.org

http://hypnosis.org/newirph.htmhttp://www.hypnosis.org/http://www.hypnosis.org/http://hypnosis.org/newirph.htm


32/33

He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected],by

regular mail at 7306 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC,

Canada, H4B 1R7, and by phone at (514) 827-4673.

Scroll down for some other ebooks by Dr Bryan Knight:

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


33/33

To order any of these ebooks, click here:

http://www.hypnosis.org/hypnosis-ebooks.htm

And if Stage Hypnosis intrigues you then check this terrific ebook:
http://www.hypnosis.org/hypnosis-ebooks.htmhttp://www.hypnosis.org/hypnosis-ebooks.htm

77Answers by Bryan Knight

Documents

Transcript of 77Answers by Bryan Knight