FAQ's

Courtney Armstrong, M. Ed., LPC-MHSP

Professional Counseling and Clinical Hypnosis

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What is Hypnosis?

I prefer to use a definition developed by Jon Connelly, LCSW, Ph. D. "Hypnosis is purposeful communication utilizing connection, credibility, and effective language to get the desired response from the subconscious... It has nothing to do with being asleep, out of it, under it, giving up control, susceptibility, or power of suggestion. You are completely conscious and in control of the process... If you have ever shed a tear at the sad part of a movie, or jumped during the scary part of a movie, then you have experienced a profound hypnotic response."

Why use hypnosis? Hypnosis can help change thinking patterns and behavioral habits, because it helps create alignment between your conscious mind and subconscious mind. The conscious mind is the part of our mind that we use to set goals, make decisions, and reason things out. Our subconscious mind is the area of our minds that stores memories, learned behaviors, belief systems, etc. and governs our motivation and “automatic” behaviors and responses. The subconscious is very responsive to sensory experiences, and the language of symbol and metaphor. Therefore, use of this type of "language" often reaches this deeper level of the mind in a more effective way.

Myths about hypnosis: People fear that they will lose control, not remember anything, or have spontaneous unpleasant memories. But, this is not true. You are in full control of the experience, and will only respond to suggestions that are in your best interest. You may have seen a stage hypnotist and watched people do silly things on stage while supposedly in “hypnosis”. But, stage hypnotists screen their volunteers and select people who are cooperative, like to please, or have some exhibitionist tendencies. So, many of them will do whatever the “hypnotist” asks whether they are hypnotized or not. What you see on stage is not clinical hypnosis.

Who are good candidates for hypnosis? The best candidates for clinical hypnosis are persons who are highly motivated to overcome a problem. Hypnosis cannot “magically” help you quit smoking or lose weight if you really don’t want to do these things. But, if you have a sincere desire to change, you are likely to do very well and find it very rewarding.

Are there any risks in using hypnosis? Although hypnosis is generally a safe procedure with fewer complications than most procedures or medications, there can be some adverse reactions. Most of these reactions are transient side effects with few or no serious consequences. The most common side effect during induction is the occurrence of increased anxiety about the process in general. But, this usually subsides as the client is reassured he/she is in full control, and realizes the experience is rather natural and not scary at all. Other affective responses can occur such as crying, or feeling light-headed or nauseated. Again, these experiences are usually transient and the therapist will work with you to alleviate them if they occur.

Will hypnosis cause me to recall a memory that I may have suppressed? Spontaneous regression to a traumatic event or period of life is rare. If the client wishes to address a specific traumatic event, this therapist will work with the client on ego-strengthening prior to using any hypnotic intervention. Similarly, when the therapist is working with the client on a specific traumatic event, the client will remain fully conscious with eyes open. Clients are taught the Connelly Method of Rapid Resoultion Therapy^TM which allows them them to re-call a memory while remaining empowered and fully, consciously, present WITHOUT having to re-live the event or re-experience the event emotionally. It is often a relief when clients realize they have the ability to do this.

In fact, recent research on trauma suggests it is not necessary to “dig up” or “re-live” a trauma to heal and move beyond it. Therefore, this therapist emphasizes techniques that put the past in proper perspective, build self-esteem, and empower clients to enjoy living fully in the present!

For more information about clinical hypnosis, visit the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis website at www.asch.net. For more information regarding Rapid Resolution Therapy^TM and the Connelly Method, visit www.rapidresolutiontherapy.com.