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(704) 769-3400kathy@mentaledgellc.com

(704) 769-3400kathy@mentaledgellc.com

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

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What Is Hypnosis and How Does It Work?
Let’s say you are watching TV and you hear the music that you know means there is trouble coming. Your body gets tight, you might even close your eyes, because you have been programmed, that with this music, comes a scary surprise. At that moment, you were hypnotized. Movies, TV shows, commercials, even on the radio, everyday you are being hypnotized. Eat this, drink that, you will lose weight, feel better, stay healthier, they show or tell you what your life is going to be like and at those moments are in a state of hypnosis.

When your mind and body is relaxed, you are open to make changes, with your subconscious mind. This is a state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of mind where you are relaxed so that your conscious mind rests while you reprogram your subconscious mind with positive suggestions of good habits and thoughts.

All of us have two distinct minds: the conscious and the subconscious. The subconscious mind is far more powerful than the conscious mind but is much less understood. Your conscious mind is the learning part of the mind. Consciously you learn your ABC’s, helps make decisions, thinks and acts for us and it takes in the information of everyday life. But your conscious mind is also the part of the brain that talks to you, it tells you that you CAN or CANNOT do something. You can fight with your thoughts consciously and if you allow that bad thoughts to win, you eat too much, smoke another cigarette, or let your fears take hold.

Your subconscious mind makes sure that your body is always working, you don’t have to think about breathing, heart beating, etc. Your subconscious mind is your emotions, imagination and other thoughts, feelings, habits and urges that our conscious mind wants to keep hidden from our awareness.

But your subconscious mind is also your magic Genie. It will always say, “your wish is my command”!

When you are in a relaxed hypnotic state, you can make changes easily and many times, effortlessly. That is why hypnosis is so effective. It goes right to the subconscious mind to make the changes happen and when it feels good, your mind and body say, your wish is my command!

Is there any reinforcement after the session?
Yes, you will learn techniques that you can do on your own to keep you on track. Individual and group clients will receive a recording of the session(s) as well as PDF’s if needed.
Will I remember things? Are the sessions like stage hypnosis?
The myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy is one that many people confuse.

When you see a stage show or even on TV, even cartoons have people being hypnotized with their eyes swirling, what is that all about? The cartoons of course are fake, and the stage shows are just that, they are shows. They like to exaggerate their show, making us laugh and the participants, most of the time, are just having fun, while remembering all that has happened. These people that go on stage, want to be a part of the show and know what they are getting into. That is stage hypnosis. Even in the movies, they exaggerate what happens with a person that would never happen in real life. You ALWAYS have the choice to be hypnotized or not.

The only way you can ever be hypnotized is by self-hypnosis. You may be surprised to know that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. While in hypnosis, you are in total control and will never do anything that goes against your morals or values; you are conscious and your senses are actually heightened; you become more inwardly focused as you relax mentally and physically. When in hypnosis, we can get to the root cause or even the habits that you have and change them all while you are very aware of the changes that will take place.

What you and I work on together is to change your habits and thoughts. You are always the driver; I am just showing you the way to get to your destination. Once there, you take the wheel and enjoy the ride.

Just like Yoda showed Luke how to use his mind to lift the space ship, I show you how to lift the fog that has been holding you back, so you can make the changes and see things clearly. “Do or Do Not, there is NO TRY.” Yoda

Can I be hypnotized through video sessions? Does it work just as well as seeing you in person?
YES! While Covid was not a good time for the world, we did learn that people can change even while on a ZOOM call. When you want to make the changes, it does not matter how you get the information, what matters is that you accept it so you can change. I have found that when I do virtual sessions, that people are more comfortable in their own surroundings and that they change even faster.
I have such a hard time turning off my mind. Can I really be hypnotized?
Contrary to what you may believe, anyone can be hypnotized, because everyone can imagine. You might be surprised to know that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Anyone who is open and willing can go into hypnosis. It’s as simple as following my suggestion to take in a deep breath and on your exhale to think to yourself “relax”. The more motivated you are to change unwanted behavior, the more easily you can be hypnotized.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No more than you can get stuck in a daydream or a thought, though that would be nice sometimes! LOL. You can come out of this state anytime you wish by simply opening your eyes. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis.
Will I be under your control or power?
You cannot be hypnotized against your will. Morally and ethically, you cannot just hand over control to me or anyone else. Remember, only you can be the only one that hypnotizes yourself.
Is hypnosis like sleep?

Although hypnosis may look like sleep, in fact you’re even more aware of your surroundings because while in hypnosis, your senses are heightened. You will hear and understand everything that I say, while in hypnosis, your conscious mind takes a nap and the subconscious mind is aware of everything that is happening. The intention is to help you feel more physically and mentally relaxed, this will help you reach your individual goals.

Will I have to reveal secrets or say embarrassing things?
NO. You do not have to reveal secrets. You can withhold information from while in hypnosis. Remember, while in hypnosis, you are fully aware and in control and never have to say or do anything you do not want to do.
Will I remember repressed and traumatic memories?
You will never see an event that you are not ready to remember. Only if the repressed memories will help you to unlock the habits, then you will be able to give yourself permission to remember them in a safe and caring way. Kathy is always about giving you back your control, confidence and if needed, letting go of the past to free your future.
Will you just trick my mind into doing a new behavior?
No, hypnosis does not trick your mind into thinking differently. You are completely in control and will never do anything that goes against your beliefs. You will know all of the new behaviors prior to being hypnotized, so you know exactly what is going to happen.
I've heard that some people only need one session to change. Is this true?
In some cases, Like Quit Smoking, you usually will just need one session. With other issues, such as weight loss, fears, confidence, nail biting just to mention a few things, those are usually 3 to 6 sessions. You are making big changes that you have had for years and years, even though hypnosis is a very powerful tool, you have to give yourself time to change, readjust to the new habits and build on those habits till you reach your goal. If you are looking for one and done, you will get the same results you have always gotten. Nothing. Give yourself the time to heal, change and don’t try to rush it, it does not work that way.
How do I know I can be hypnotized?
Nearly everyone can be hypnotized! In fact you are in a state of hypnosis everyday at least twice a day in the morning and evening. A state of hypnosis is simply when your brain waves slow down. As long as you are able to focus on my voice and listen to simple commands you can be hypnotized. Hypnosis has different levels, and you do not need to be in a deep trance to have your habits change.
How can hypnosis help me?
Hypnosis can help you with:

  • Weight Loss
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Sleep Issues
  • Anxiety/Fears/Depression
  • Stress Reduction
  • Self Confidence/Low Self Esteem Issues
  • OCD Issues
What Is NLP?
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Neuro meaning your brain and all its knowledge; Linguistic meaning language and how your mind hears things; Programming meaning how your brain uses and interprets this language. Using this technique helps you learn the language of your mind and puts you back in control over your body and your emotions. Many times, you can change your thoughts or reactions within a minute. It is such a great tool to have to help you when you need a quick fix.
All I know about hypnosis is what I see on a stage where people are made to do stupid things. Is it really like that?

NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Neuro meaning your brain and all its knowledge; Linguistic meaning language and how your mind hears things; Programming meaning how your brain uses and interprets this language. Using this technique helps you learn the language of your mind and puts you back in control over your body and your emotions. Many times, you can change your thoughts or reactions within a minute. It is such a great tool to have to help you when you need a quick fix.