Hypnosis is best described as a method of communication that induces a trance or a trance-like state maximizing the possibility for constructive change. The general characteristics of hypnosis are a trance state characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination. It's not really like sleep because the subject is alert the whole time. It is most often compared to daydreaming, or the feeling of "losing yourself" in a book or movie. You are fully conscious, but you tune out most of the stimuli around you. You focus intently on the subject at hand, to the near exclusion of any other thought.

  In the everyday trance of a daydream or movie, an imaginary world seems somewhat real to you, in the sense that it fully engages your emotions. Imaginary events can cause real fear, sadness or happiness, and you may even jolt in your seat if you are surprised by something (a monster leaping from the shadows, for example). Some researchers categorize all such trances as forms of self-hypnosis. Milton Erickson, the premier hypnotism expert of the 20th century, contended that people hypnotize themselves on a daily basis. Clinical Hypnosis focuses on the trance state brought on by intentional relaxation and focusing exercises. This deep hypnosis is often compared to the relaxed mental state between wakefulness and sleep.

  Hypnosis can help clients enter a relaxed, comfortable, trance state for obtaining specific therapeutic outcomes. With clinical hypnosis, the therapist can make suggestions designed to help the you formulate specific internal processes (feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to mutually-agreed-upon outcomes. Hypnosis can be most effectively used as an adjunct to counselling or psychotherapy but can also be effective through the use of CD’s specifically designed with an outcome in mind (see CD sales)

Hypnotherapy

  Clinical Hypnotherapy means using hypnosis to treat a variety of medical and psychological problems. It is estimated that 85% of people will readily respond to clinical hypnotherapy. It may even succeed where other, more conventional methods of treatment have not produced the desired results.

  When carried out by a professionally trained and skilled Hypnotherapist, the benefits can be long lasting and often permanent. It is completely natural and safe, with no harmful side effects.

Ericksonian Hypnosis

  Pamela has trained extensively in Ericksonian hypnosis. "Ericksonian Hypnosis", is named after the late Milton H. Erickson M.D., from the 1930's to the 1980's. Dr. Erickson was very influential in bringing the use of clinical hypnosis into the fields of medicine and psychotherapy. He taught and practiced a kind of hypnosis that was gentle, permissive, and respectful of the client. He established the National Association for Clinical Hypnosis and published the first professional journals and monographs on the therapeutic uses of hypnosis. The Ericksonian Foundation continues his work. Hundreds of books and articles have been written about Dr. Erickson and his methods. Dr. Erickson has been regarded as the leading hypnotherapist in the world. www.erickson-foundation.org

Clinical applications of Hypnosis:

  Hypnotherapy is medically accepted to benefit the following and more:

phobias / compulsions / emotional problems / sleep problems / inhibitions / worries / stress / tension and blood pressure reduction / stomach problems / gynecological problems - PMT / psychogenic infertility / obstetrics (painless childbirth) / skin problems / pain control / minor surgery / dentistry / arthritic pains / aches and pains / some sexual problems unwanted habits - smoking / nail biting / bed wetting / weight control / healthy eating / improving work performance / study / sporting performance / boost self-confidence and achieving potential..

Building Confidence:
increasing self esteem
lessening anxiety and tension
overcoming frustrations
letting go of guilt
Expanding:
will power
discipline
motivation
ability to make swift decisions
positive attitude
concentration
assertiveness
enthusiasm
Social skills:
Relaxation During Childbirth
Treating Phobias, Fears and Anxiety
Sleep Disorders and Disturbances
Interpersonal Problems
improving relationships of all types
Depression
Sexual Difficulties
Psychosomatic Complaints
Post Trauma Relief
Pain Management
Stress Management
Habit Control
Academic Performance
Athletic Performance
Help with Life Transitions
Preparation for Medical/Dental Procedures
Blocks to Motivation and Creativity
Treatment of Grief and Loss
enhancing energy and vitality
Health and Tranquility:
restore normal blood pressure
relief from migraine headaches
quieting muscle spasms
eliminating mental blocks
self-healing
correcting sleep disorders
Developing Success & Productivity:
goal setting
confident public speaking
Achieving Potential:
study habits
improving memory
concentration
information retention
athletic ability
musical synchronicity

  Although hypnosis is most effective when guided in-person by an expert who is responding to your individual journey, it often can be successful when guided by a recording.  See the FAQ for details on the process employed by the recordings and listen to some samples here.  Below are examples of common realms and particular aspects of personal development that are often sought. Please know that if distance and availability is difficult for a personal session, then Pamela can ‘custom’ create a CD to meet your particular needs.

Myths and Misconceptions about Hypnosis:

  Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing. People change their minds and actions throughout their lives. When such changes occur as a result of exposure to specific information, it is because this information has been presented through persuasion and influence. A hypnotherapist uses communicative methods of persuasion and influence; so do people who advertise and market goods and services; so do teachers, politicians, lawyers, entertainers, parents, and ministers.

  During trance, you are not immobilized. You know exactly where you are the entire time. You can adjust your position, scratch, sneeze, or cough. You can open your eyes and bring yourself out of trance at any time you wish. During trance, you can still hear sounds around you, like a phone ringing. You can alert yourself and respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain oriented as to person, place, and time. You can even hold a conversation in trance.

  Trance is not sleep, although some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall asleep. This is no problem because some part of the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapist . In trance, sleeping subjects can still follow instructions such as moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or awakening themselves when they are told to do so.

  There is no "right" way to experience trance. One person may experience it as a deep, heavy restful feeling, while another may experience it as a light, floating sensation. Some people hear every word spoken by the therapist, while others allow their minds to drift to other thoughts. Some experience vivid imagery, while others do not. Some people remember the suggestions they hear, and some do not. Every person's experience of hypnosis is unique.

  Hypnosis cannot cause anyone to do something against their will or that contradicts their values. First, a hypnotherapist is ethically required to make only those suggestions that support agreed-upon outcomes. Second, clients are not receptive to suggestions that go against their morals or values---because receptivity is one of the ingredients of success in hypnosis.

  Remember: hypnosis cannot solve every problem. Even with hypnosis, it may still be necessary for you to do some conscientious planning and research about the types of changes you want to achieve. You must still take action to get results. Hypnosis is not a cure-all. Hypnosis can be effective in many cases, but there are no guarantees that hypnosis will work for you.

Risks and Precautions:

  Hypnosis carries very few risks. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinatory. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems, such as pain, unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine underlying physical causes.

  Formal hypnotic methods are not recommended for small children, because children lack the necessary attention span. More interactive treatment methods can be used, however, such as art therapy, play therapy, storytelling, and guided visualization, during which helpful suggestions can be made to the child.

  Hypnosis is often requested for the purpose of uncovering childhood memories. Hypnosis may or may not work in this regard. When memories do surface, the client may have a "false memory" and there is no guarantee that such memories are accurate or based on reality. Such memories may be uncomfortable and distressing, but not always.

  Sometimes after trancework, the client may feel somewhat disoriented. The therapist and the client can work together to make sure the client is fully alert and energized sufficiently to leave the therapist's office and continue the day's activity. In very rare cases, after a hypnotic session, and client may experience mildly disturbing thoughts or feelings. If this happens, the client should call the therapist immediately for a follow-up session.

To Recap Hypnosis, it is NOT:

1 Loss of consciousness
2 Weakening of Will or Control
3 A process requiring a weak mind
4 A giving away of secrets
5 A process requiring gullibility
6 A permanent state
7 A magic wand or potion that can cause you to change a behavior against your will.

  It is a fact that no-one can be hypnotised against their will and even when hypnotised, a person can still reject any suggestion.
Thus therapeutic hypnosis is a state of purposeful co-operation.

  Hypnosis is a naturally-occurring process or state of mind that most of us experience hundreds if not thousands times during our lives. This natural phenomenon of the mind usually contains all or some of the following characteristics:

1 Focused concentration
2 Increased physical and mental relaxation
3 Heightened physiological and emotional suggestibility
4 Heightened sensory awareness

  These characteristics have enabled hypnosis to be used for a wide variety of conditions, disorders, and problems. Some common applications of hypnosis include stress management, stop smoking, and weight control. Other uses involve improving study habits, learning and memory retrieval, self-esteem and confidence, sales motivation, and sleep habits.

  Another area of emerging importance is the use of hypnosis for pain management. In fact, hypnosis was recognized recently by the National Institutes of Health as the preferred complementary approach for treatment of pain associated with cancer. Research has also shown the benefits of hypnosis in conjunction with natural childbirth. These are just a few of the many areas in which hypnosis is successfully put to use as an adjunct to traditional medicine.

  Although hypnosis is most effective when guided in-person by an expert who is responding to the subject's individual journey, it often can be successful when guided by a recording. See the FAQ for details on the process employed by the recordings and listen to some samples here.

ANSWERS TO Frequently Asked Questions CONCERNING HYPNOSIS:

1 - What is hypnosis?
  Hypnosis is a natural process during which the subconscious mind can be engaged to work to bring about a desired goal.

2 - How intelligent must I be in order to be hypnotized?
  Generally, anyone with normal intelligence has the understanding and comprehension required to experience hypnosis.

3 - How much do I have to concentrate?
  Perhaps you have had the experience of watching a television program so intently or being so immersed in a book that you were unaware that someone spoke to you. You have probably also at some time discovered a bruise or cut on your body, but were unaware of how you received it. These things happen because your concentration was focused elsewhere at the time of the injury or interruption. Anyone having these types of experiences has the capacity of concentration necessary for hypnosis or relaxation.

4 - Will I be unconscious during the experience?
  No. Even though you will feel profoundly relaxed, you will actually be more acutely aware of everything that is happening. You will notice things that you may not have noticed before. Since many people expect that hypnosis causes unconsciousness, they are often confused about this.

5 - What does hypnosis feel like?
  Hypnosis feels a lot like daydreaming. You are pleasantly relaxed, drowsy, and comfortable. In fact, it feels so good that most are eager to experience it again.

6 - Is there any possibility of not being able to come out of hypnosis?
  None whatsoever.

7 - Will I remember what happened during my experience?
  Yes. Your subconscious mind stores all the experiences you have and can recall them. In the majority of cases, the conscious mind of will also remember. The therapeutic value of hypnosis depends entirely on subconscious retention, and will be unaffected by whether your conscious mind remembers the experience.

8 - Will hypnosis weaken my willpower?
  No. In fact, quite the opposite occurs. Willpower is actually strengthened through the realization of the capacity of the subconscious mind to make up for the reduction in willpower caused by stress, anxiety, and tension in our everyday lives. With hypnosis, you can put this capacity to use to effect your desired change, whether that is to quit smoking, learn to relax, improve self-confidence, lose weight, or many other beneficial goals.

9 - Is hypnosis effective in eliminating undesirable habits?
  Yes. It is a very effective means provided the person has a real, heart-felt desire to achieve permanent relief. Examples of successfully-treated habits: Overeating, smoking, nail biting, alcoholism, worry, fears and phobias, digestive disturbances, and burn out.

10 - Do medical associations approve of the use of hypnosis?
  Yes. The British Medical Association issued an excellent report on medical hypnosis in 1955. The American Medical Association approved hypnosis in 1958. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health recommended that hypnosis be incorporated to a greater degree in the delivery of health care.

11 - For what medical conditions has hypnosis proven effective?
  Hypnosis has proven effective in the relief of: Cancer pain, insomnia, tension headaches, chronic pain, certain dermatological conditions, allergies, TMJS, myofascitis, and pain associated with childbirth.

12 - Why hasn't hypnosis been used more until now?
  According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, lack of information and training within the medical community has played a role. However, the mind/body connection is now becoming more accepted as research reveals the effects of one on the other. ASPECT Enterprises is always ready and willing to be a resource for those wishing to learn more about the possibilities of hypnosis as a beneficial adjunct to traditional therapies.

  You can find more information about "What is Hypnosis?"  by going to www.howstuffworks.com/- search for what is hypnosis.

Credentialing of Hypnotherapists:

  A hypnotherapist is a licensed or certified mental health professional who has obtained specialized, post graduate training and certification in the use of clinical hypnosis within the context of counselling, psychotherapy, or other medical specialty.