What Is Hypnosis?

Depending on your state, we may use hypnosis as part of our Peak Breakthrough Program. There is a lot of confusion about it. So, let's talk about what hypnosis is, and what to expect. We've broken this down into an FAQ.

1. What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is just us helping you get into a state where your brain is much more suggestible to make real changes. Have you ever just reached a "fed up" point and stopped doing something? Have you ever been so excited to try something, you just couldn't wait to get it? Hypnosis allows your brain to enter into these states, to make changes more easily.

2. Why should I use hypnosis?
Great question. Hypnosis allows you to access your subconscious mind, where your feelings, habits, addictions, fears, and limitations reside. And, once you access your subconscious mind, you can make real and deep changes. Hypnosis is very different from other forms of attempting change, like willpower, talking about your problems, constantly exploring the problem, etc. Most people have done these things for years and they haven't worked. Why? They aren't capable of making subconscious changes.

3. What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis can feel many different ways, depending on the person, and the type of hypnosis that we use in a session. For some, hypnosis will feel like deep relaxation. It may feel like time disappears or moves quickly. Some people remember it like a dream. Others feel fairly "normal" but leave the session motivated and excited. Again, it depends on the type of hypnosis and your own brain. We use many forms of hypnosis, coaching, and neurolinguistic programming during a session, depending on your needs.

4. Yeah, but does it work?
We became hypnotherapists because it was the one thing that actually worked for us, along with the other tools that we use.

There is plenty of evidence that hypnosis leads to faster and more effective changes. One study found that hypnosis had significantly greater effectiveness than psychoanalysis and behaviorism, resulting in significant change after 6 sessions, as opposed to over 20 sessions for other methods.

5. Is hypnosis the same as therapy or counseling?
No. The hypnosis that we provide is merely a tool to help you make positive changes in your life, and eliminate bad habits. Hypnosis allows you to make these changes. As such, we do not provide therapy, counseling, or medical services. We do not treat medical conditions or mental illness. We act as coaches who utilize hypnosis as one tool among many.

6. Will I lose control if hypnotized? Will I do things I regret?
No. When you're hypnotized, you're still "you" and still have control. Research shows that you can't be hypnotized to do things that you consider harmful or wrong. Even people who do funny things on stage as a part of stage hypnosis only do those things voluntarily...because they want to have fun and entertain. Hypnosis actually gives you more control as it helps you connect with your actual values and authentic self that you may have covered up for years.

7. What is Neurolinguistic Programming
NLP is a set of tools that are hypnotic in nature, in that they help you change your thoughts, feelings, and actions at a deep subconscious level so you can make genuine changes. Just like hypnosis, these tools aren't dangerous or harmful, nor will you give up control.

8. Will you use hypnosis as part of our session?
We use hypnosis when it's helpful for you. It depends on your needs and the nature of your issue. While hypnosis is great, there are other tools that can be more effective, depending on what your goal is. Working with you, we determine which modality is more helpful for your situation.