Common Q's & A's About Hypnosis

WHAT ABOUT HYPNOSIS?

Say the word "hypnosis," and many people immediately think of stage shows and of people doing unusual things. Other people think of pocket watches, or spirals twirling.  But it is now much more common for hypnotists simply to ask a subject to stare at a small, stationary object, such as a colored thumbtack on the wall, during the "induction patter," which usually consists of soothing words about relaxation and suggestions to focus and concentrate.

Whenever the subject of hypnosis is brought up, questions seem to arise with it. The following questions are asked repeatedly, by clients, of prospective clients, and of those who are simply curious. With answers to these questions, fears are put to rest, myths dispelled, and more people are able to allow themselves to experience the wonderful benefits of hypnosis to enhance their lives.

Common Questions & Answers:

Is hypnosis real? If so, how does it work?

Yes, it’s real.  Exactly how it works is still under investigation. Over the past few years, researchers have found that when someone is hypnotized, they actively respond to suggestions, even though they sometimes might perceive the dramatic changes in thought and behavior they experience as happening "by themselves." During hypnosis, it is as if the brain temporarily suspends its efforts to validate incoming sensory information, allowing new behaviors and thoughts to occur. And, some people are more hypnotizable than others, although scientists still don't know why.

Is hypnosis medically approved?

Hypnosis was first officially recognized as a viable therapeutic tool by the British Government through the Hypnotism Act in 1952. Then, in 1958 both the British and the American Medical Associations (AMA) sanctioned the official use of hypnosis by physicians. In 1958, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) also approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible individuals.

Prestigious hospitals in the U.S. now use and teach hypnosis, such as Stanford University School of Medicine in San Francisco, the Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Since the AMA sanctioned the use of hypnosis, many insurance companies cover hypnosis for medical and dental uses, including major surgeries.  Now, more and more people are choosing hypnosis over anesthesia for surgery. Some choose hypnosis simply because they fear not waking up from anesthesia. The fear-factor aside, however, there are definite medical advantages offered by hypnosis; less bleeding, faster recovery time, and the need for fewer post-operative medications.

Does hypnosis really stop pain during surgery?

Patients who have used it say yes. During operations, they report that they can hear and see everything that is going on, but they feel no discomfort.

How is hypnosis thought of today, generally?

Myths still abound regarding hypnosis, although it is becoming more widely accepted and trusted. Hypnosis cannot be used to control someone's else's mind, or their actions. By using hypnosis, people gain greater control over their own minds and their own actions.

What is hypnosis like?

Hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep but one of altered consciousness. There is a feeling of well-being, an ability to recall past events and the acceptance of new ideas that are not in conflict with personal values.  There is also a higher threshold to pain. The hypnotic state is like meditation, where the body is relaxed but the mind has heightened awareness.  The ability to vocalize is limited, and the limbs feel leaden or light, tingly or somewhat numb. The perception of time is also distorted where an hour might seem like just a few minutes.

Who can be hypnotized?

Most people can be hypnotized, and different people go into hypnosis in different ways. Part of the hypnotist's job is to identify what approach will work best for which subject. Those who have trouble trusting the hypnotist or the process, may take more time to go into a hypnotic state, and may not enjoy as many benefits.

There is a common idea that those with "a strong will" cannot be hypnotized. It has been shown that intelligent people can be hypnotized faster because they have greater access to their imagination, and can follow instructions. In fact, those with an extremely low intelligence cannot be hypnotized at all. The biggest prerequisite to someone being able to be hypnotized is their willingness.

What about stage shows?

Sometimes hypnosis is feared, because often the view of the subject surrendering their 'will' is reinforced by stage hypnotism.  It is helpful to remember that stage hypnotists design their shows for entertainment purposes, which include participants doing strange things. What people don't realize is that the stage hypnotist chooses only those who are highly suggestible, and may have a desire to have a "different" or less inhibited experience of themselves. In a hypnotic state, people can give themselves permission to do many things that they may not otherwise be able to do.

In getting more comfortable with the subject of hypnosis, it is often helpful to know what hypnosis is NOT, to know better what it IS, and can do. Solid research findings can help dispel even the most popular of myths. 

Points of Interest:

Research shows that physiological responses indicate that hypnotized subjects are not lying.

Hypnotic procedures are natural and safe and no more distressing than history lectures in high school.

Hypnotized subjects may be relaxed, but they are fully awake; and a person can be in hypnosis while running, or dancing, or driving.

Many research tests show placebo responsiveness and hypnotizability are not correlated.

Hypnotized subjects are perfectly capable of saying no, or terminating hypnosis, all by themselves. And there is research available to show that as well.

What can hypnosis help with?

Hypnosis helps change attitudes, which is the key to changing behavior. With hypnosis, a person is empowered, and made independent enough to solve his/her own problems. With hypnosis a person can change behaviors that would otherwise seem difficult, if not impossible, to change.

Hypnosis can also improve your essential experience of life, in all its circumstances.  Only within the past 40 years have scientists become equipped with instruments, techniques and methods for accurately separating the facts of hypnosis from exaggerated claims. The study of hypnotic phenomena is now properly held within the domain of normal cognitive science, with papers on hypnosis published in many major scientific and medical journals. Newest clinical research findings reveal, however, that hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion, when used properly, can powerfully alter cognitive processes as diverse as memory and pain perception.

Hypnosis is not talk therapy, and does not include advising, diagnosing or prescribing. That would be the domain of other professionals, usually licensed to counsel. The primary aim of hypnosis itself is self-healing, and self change. The hypnotist's job is to assist the subject to achieve those natural states of mind where healing and change best happen. Used correctly, hypnosis is especially useful for tapping into that awesome power of the human mind.

If you can think it, and believe it, hypnosis can help make it so.

For more information about hypnosis, visit www.SandersHypnosis.com

Provided by World Hypnotism Day

World Hypnotism Day is January 4th
[Click here for details]

Can Hypnosis Make You Thin?

CAN HYPNOSIS MAKE YOU THIN?

Tired of carrying around an extra twenty pounds?  Tired of diets that don’t work?

Hypnosis may be the answer for you – no, it doesn’t work miracles. It’s not a magic bullet that immediately makes you love exercise. It is a deep state of relaxation and intense mental focus that can help you re-program old attitudes and beliefs about eating and maintaining a healthy weight.

“While you’re in a state of hypnosis, your subconscious mind is more available to you, more open to receive suggestions that will become a natural part of new behaviors” explains Brian Sanders of Sanders Hypnosis Center.

“Suggestions to your subconscious mind bypass the critical mind, which you use day-to-day and go straight to the part of the mind that controls habits,” Sanders added. “This allows you to go through with any changes you have decided to make in your life.”

Some of the messages seem pretty simple, and they are.  It’s just where they reside that makes the difference.  Suggestions such as “you eat only in response to your body’s natural need for food as fuel” or “you feel completely satisfied with three small nutritious meals a day” or “your enjoyment of a regular exercise program grows with each time you visit the gym.” Repetition of these suggestions can boost your determination and enhance your conscious willpower, when you have such a desire.

But, and it is a big but, hypnosis alone is not enough.  It takes a combination of behavioral modification and understanding to achieve a permanent healthy eating pattern.  A well trained hypnotist addresses all the issues, because once you realize why you are eating when you are not hungry, you can begin to change that behavior.

Mental imagery is another important part of hypnosis. While in a hypnotic state, your hypnotist may lead you through an imaginary journey seeing yourself in clothes that you have grown out of.  You might imagine the positive comments of friends or co-workers.  You might be encouraged to use all five senses to experience yourself growing thinner, stronger, and healthier.  Studies show that the more real your inner experience, the more likely the final results will match your mental imagery.

While it’s not magic, hypnosis, when used as part of an overall program of behavioral modification and attitude adjustment, can be that extra dimension your weight loss program needs for long-term success.  And a good hypnotist teaches the client self-hypnosis as a part of the treatment program. In the battle of the bulge, it can just be the tool that makes the difference between success and failure.

“More and more people are using hypnosis and self-hypnosis to enable themselves to be the best they can be,” explains Sanders “Once you’ve learned self-hypnosis, it can stay with you for the rest of your life and help you achieve any goal you set your mind to.”

 For more information, visit www.SandersHypnosis.com.

Provided by World Hypnotism Day

World Hypnotism Day is January 4th
[Click here for details]

Facts About Hypnosis From Current Research Findings

Facts About Hypnosis From Current Research Findings

Did you know?

•  As of December, 2004 there are more than 5,000 clinical research studies having to do with hypnosis and its benefits currently being conducted worldwide? (According to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
•  As of December 15, 2004 results from more than 3,000 clinical research studies are available showing positive benefits from hypnosis? (According to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
• According to studies done at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, suggestions given in a hypnotic state, even once, can produce actions in human beings that are the same type of actions that would have resulted from more long-term conditioning and practice.
• In a research study on Self-hypnosis for relapse prevention training with chronic drug/alcohol users, (Am J Clin Hypn. 2004 Apr;46(4):281-97), individuals who played self-hypnosis audiotapes "at least 3 to 5 times a week," at 7-week follow-up, reported the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups.
• In a research study done with 60 college student volunteers (Spring of 2004 at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona), using hypnosis with ego-enhancement suggestions showed "significantly dramatic effects" in brain-wave patterns, subjective sense of self-confidence, and test scores.
• As reported by NewScientist.com news service: "Hypnosis is more than just a party trick; it measurably changes how the brain works," says John Gruzelier, a research psychologist at Imperial College in London. "Hypnosis significantly affects the activity in a part of the brain responsible for detecting and responding to errors, an area that controls higher level executive functions."  The finding is one of the first to indicate a biological mechanism underpinning the experience of hypnosis. “This explains why, under hypnosis, people can do outrageous things that ordinarily they wouldn’t dream of doing,” says Gruzelier, who presented his study at the British Association for the Advancement of Science Festival in Exeter, UK. Gruzelier hopes it will also benefit emerging research showing, for example, that hypnosis can help cancer patients deal with painful treatments.
• Research using positron emission tomography (PET) scans, shows that hypnosis might alleviate pain by decreasing the activity of brain areas involved in the experience of suffering. Scientists have found that hypnosis reduced the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex, an area known to be involved in pain, but did not affect the activity of the somatosensory cortex, where the sensations of pain are processed.
• Clinical trials of therapeutic hypnosis confirm its potential benefits. Christina Liossi, a psychologist at the University of Wales in Swansea, recently conducted a study of 80 cancer patients aged 6 to 16. She found that those under hypnosis experienced far less pain during treatments than control children, who simply talked to the researchers normally.
• According to published results of clinical studies (Am J Clin Hypn. 2004 Apr), the use of hypnosis facilitates a more uncomplicated birth process.  In a separate research study done by University of Florida counseling psychologist Paul Schauble, it was also found that women who learn hypnosis before delivering babies suffer fewer complications, need less medication and are more likely to have healthier babies than are women without hypnosis.  Schauble's first study involved adolescents getting prenatal care at a public health clinic. A group of 20 patients who received hypnosis preparation were compared with 20 who were given supportive counseling and 20 patients in a control group who received only the standard prenatal care. None of the women who received hypnosis required surgical intervention in their deliveries, compared with 12 in the supportive counseling group and eight in the control group, he said. "Patients who are prepared for labor and delivery in hypnosis are more likely to absorb and benefit from information because they are in a relaxed, highly focused state," he said.
• In an ongoing pilot study being done by University of Florida counseling psychologist Paul Schauble, preliminary results show hypnotized patients with hypertension are more easily able to make lifestyle improvements that can lower blood pressure.
• A study being done by a team of University of Florida researchers is finding that learning self-hypnosis gives a patient greater control over the stress, anxiety and pain of medical operations and childbirth, overall. "Training patients in hypnosis prior to undergoing surgery is a way of helping them develop a sense of control over their stress, discomfort and anxiety," says Dr. Paul Schauble, psychologist. "It also helps them better understand what they can do to bring about a more satisfying and rapid recovery."  He also said, "We've found, in working with individual patients, that they often feel literally stripped of control when they go into the hospital. The surgeon may do a good job of explaining the surgery, but patients' anxiety may make it difficult for them to absorb or comprehend. This can result in undue apprehension that can create complications or prolonged recovery."
• "Children make excellent subjects for hypnosis because they spend more time using their imaginations," says Florida counseling psychologist Paul Schauble. "But with practice most adults can learn how to enter into a therapeutic hypnotic state quite easily as well."
• In 1998 Henry Szechtman of McMaster University in Ontario and his co-workers used PET to image the brain activity of hypnotized subjects who were invited to imagine a scenario in which they were listening to someone speaking to them, and who then actually experienced a scenario in which they were listening to someone speaking to them. The researchers noted that the act of imagining a sound, called hallucinating a sound, was experienced exactly the same as real hearing, both being experienced as coming from an external source.
• 18 separate studies found that patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis for disorders such as obesity, insomnia, anxiety and hypertension showed greater improvement than 70 percent of the patients who received psychotherapy alone.

For more information about hypnosis and how it can help you, visit www.SandersHypnosis.com.

Disclaimer:

Hypnosis cannot, and should not, stand alone as the sole medical or psychological

intervention for any disorder. Hypnosis should not be used instead of appropriate medical, dental, or psychological treatment, and any individual with a medical or psychological problem should first consult a qualified health care provider for diagnosis and professional advice. Hypnosis should only be practiced by those who have been appropriately trained, who practice appropriately, and within the scope of their training.

Information compiled by Gwyneth McNeil, Certified Hypnotist and Certified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists and Managing Director of Academy of Life Management in Salt Lake City, Utah. 3098 Highland Drive Suite #317 - Salt Lake City, Utah 84117

Provided by World Hypnotism Day

World Hypnotism Day is January 4th
[Click here for details]

Tip On Choosing a Hypnotherapist: Get Testimonials!

Make sure your hypnotherapist can provide testimonials from clients!

Just the other day, an individual who was inquiring about our Gastric Band Hypnosis Program asked if we could connect her with some of our former clients so she could talk with them. This is a completely understandable request. However, just like your medical provider, HIPAA rules pertaining to client confidentiality prohibits us from releasing the full names of our clients. Even if HIPAA rules didn't exist, we still would respect the privacy of our clients.

That being said, we are still able to provide numerous written, video, and audio testimonials from clients who have agreed to have their testimony shared. These testimonials range from individuals who have been helped with our Gastric Band Hypnosis program to stress and anxiety management, to stroke recovery. They are available for your viewing on our website. Simply click here to see them!

Brian Sanders, NGH Certified Instructor, Attends Worldwide Conference For Hypnosis Professionals

Leading Edge Program Focused On Value of Hypnosis in Improving Everyday Life for Millions of People

Glen Burnie, Maryland, October 10, 2011 -- From helping people overcome their fears to honing personal development skills and goal achievement to assisting with pain management hypnosis has long been a valid tool for millions of people. With a theme of CONCEIVE … BELIEVE … ACHIEVE, The National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH.net) of Merrimack, New Hampshire held its 24th annual educational conference and convention at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Attending this year’s event was Brian Sanders of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Leading experts from around the globe shared the latest insights and techniques to help professional consulting hypnotists bring the value of hypnosis to several areas of the health and wellness fields.

“This was an incredible experience,” said Mr. Sanders, “The networking with peers around the world was tremendous, and the workshops presented a wealth of insight and skill building that I know my clients will value.”

“This is the world’s super conference for professional hypnotists. All told, there were about 1200 hypnotists in town for a plethora of intensive educational workshops,” said Dr. Dwight Damon, President and Founder of the National Guild of Hypnotists. “Our annual convention took place August 12th -14th with multiple tracks for any number of disciplines in the profession.” As Dr. Damon explains, “Our training programs are conducted by award-winning speakers, published authors, and other professional hypnotists from around the world. Many of the speakers were from outside the United States. We may be the National Guild of Hypnotists, but this is truly an international event."

While the attendees represent many countries, varied hypnosis skill levels, and a diversity of occupations, they were united in their goal of using hypnotism as a valuable tool for helping others. Some of the course topics included certifications in: stress management; pain management; hypno-oncology; sleep improvement, new answers for diabetes; and helping people help themselves with hypnosis. Many of the topics also applied to sales and marketing professionals and non-hypnotists seeking to improve their influence and persuasion skills.

Dr. Dwight Damon continued, "Even though the NGH Convention is a time for intensive study and skill development, we like to remind people that the event is frequently described as, 'the world's largest and friendliest professional hypnotism conference.' The three days NGH spends in Marlborough, MA, are an incredible time for networking for the world’s top hypnotists.
People leave the NGH Convention with new professional relationships, new mentors and most importantly, new friends."

Hypnotism is an accepted and recognized treatment option regularly utilized by many health care workers, counselors and other mental health professionals. Hypnosis provides a valuable tool for
enhancing an individual's ability to deal with pain or stress, or to assist in diminishing undesirable behavior patterns. As the use of hypnotism increases, so does the demand for those
who are trained to provide it.

Celebrating 61 years of service worldwide, the Guild is also celebrating its 24th Convention Anniversary. The largest and oldest organization of its kind, the National Guild of Hypnotists
provides a wide range of support and professional development services for hypnotists on every continent. Its mission is, in part, to educate the public about the value of hypnosis and also to
continue its leadership role in expanding the profession of a certified consulting hypnotist.

# # # #

The National Guild of Hypnotists, Inc. is a not-for-profit, educational corporation. Founded in Boston, MA in 1950/51, the Guild is a professional organization comprised of dedicated

individuals committed to advancing the field of hypnotism. The National Guild of Hypnotists has over 10,000 members, representing 70 countries around the world. There are NGH certified
trainers in 44 US states and 28 countries around the world. Learn more at http://www.sandershypnosis.com/ or http://www.ngh.net/.

 

I.R.S. Tax Credit For Hypnosis!

You Can Get 100% Reimbursement for your Weight Loss

and/or Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy Programs

with an I.R.S. Tax Credit!

Tax laws passed for 2003 onwards mean you can get a tax credit that reimburses you 100% for money paid for smoking programs.

You can also be reimbursed 100% for weight loss programs if you were advised by a physician to lose weight.

This is a tax credit – not a tax deduction, so that means 100% credit on your taxes!

The information below is presented as a courtesy from Academy of NLP & Hypnosis and is quoted from pages 12 and 15 of IRS Publication 502 year 2003.

Stop-Smoking Programs

You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for a program to stop smoking. However, you cannot include in medical expenses amounts you pay for drugs that do not require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches that are designed to help stop smoking.

Weight-Loss Programs

You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities.

How to Report

To claim the credit, complete Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit, and attach it to your Form 1040 or Form 1040NR. Report the credit on Form 1040, line 67, or Form 1040NR, line 62, and check box c. You cannot claim the credit on Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ.

You must attach invoices and proof of payment for any amounts you include on line 2 of Form 8885 for which you did not receive an advance payment. If you file your return electronically, attach the invoices and proof of payment to your Form 8453. Proof of payment may include a pay stub if insurance is through a spouse’s employment, a bank check, or bank statement for premiums that are automatically deducted from your account.

If you claim this credit, you cannot take the same expenses that you use to figure your health coverage tax credit into account in determining your:

Medical and dental expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040)

Self-employed health insurance deduction, or

Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA) distributions.

Special thanks to Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD.

Sanders Hypnosis Center of Maryland