Special
Interest
Links...
EWIB - Eastside Women In Business
Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnosis
Reprinted with permission from the World Hypnotism Day organization.
Click here for Lauren's program information, including hours and fees.
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 the British Medical Associations 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. Many insurance companies cover hypnosis for medical and dental uses, including major surgeries. Now, more and more people are choosing hypnosis as a complement to aid in healing from medical procedures. Medical advantages offered by hypnosis include less bleeding, faster recovery time, and the need for fewer post-operative medications.
Learn about Hypnosis as support for Cancer Care
Visit http://www.mesothelioma.com/alternative_hypnotherapy.htm to learn how
mesothelioma patients are using hypnotherapy as complimentary cancer treatment.
Important Notice
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.
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, but may still experience
tremendous 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. 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.
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.
The preceding article is excerpted from the professionals at World Hypnotism Day.
For more information, visit www.worldhypnotismday.com.
********************************************************************
Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy with Lauren Archer
Question: I am considering hypnosis and have been looking at different sites for information.
Can you please give me an idea of how your program works?
Do you meet with the client weekly and listen to cds at home during the week,
or what is the protocol and how much can I expect to spend?
Lauren's Answer:
Because everyone's situation is unique, we can decide together if a single session
will be sufficient or whether a series of layered sessions will be necessary to meet your goals.
There are no requirements to sign up for any more than one session at a time.
Fee Information:
My standard session fee is $150 per hour. First-time sessions require a minimum of one and one half hours. I offer a one-time $30 discount so that your first session is only $195, even if we run a bit long (it's important for me to have enough time to listen to your goals and challenges during the first session).
Your fee includes a CD of your custom hypnotic induction to listen to in the comfort of your home, as often as you like, which will powerfully reinforce the suggestions from your in-office session, and provide value that will last for weeks to come.
Additional follow-up sessions can be scheduled as follows:
First follow-up: $150/hour
Second follow-up: $125/hour
Third and subsequent sessions: $100/hour
Follow-ups are at the client's discretion.
There are no mandatory "programs" or requirements to invest in a long series of sessions.
Locations and Scheduling:
My home-office is located on the border of Redmond and Woodinville, WA, on the Eastside of Seattle. Contact me directly at 425-881-7082 for scheduling.
I also see clients on Mondays and Tuesdays at Avikai Medical Center and MedSpa in Issaquah, WA. For scheduling in Issaquah, please contact Avikai directly at 425-391-1433 or 800-988-7705. www.avikai.com.
If you are not available to meet in person, we can schedule a phone consultation, during which we can discuss your goals, and I will create your custom hypnosis CD. Then you can listen to your hypnotic induction as often as you like in the privacy of your home. This is a very effective solution for people who have busy schedules.
As you review your options, I invite you to consider ordering some of my pre-recorded audio programs on CD
to begin listening to right away.
*********************************************************************
Lauren's qualifications include:
- Nationally Certified with the National Guild of Hypnotists
- In private practice since 1992.
- Lauren trained for 2 years at the acclaimed Palo Alto School of Hypnotherapy.
- She is a certified member of the National Guild of Hypnotists and is past President of
- the National Guild of Hypnotists, Washington State Chapter.
- She has a commitment to learning and earns annual continuing education in hypnotherapy
- and mind-body-spirit wellness.
- Twenty-five Years of Experience in Success and Motivation
- Prior to becoming a Hypnotherapist, Lauren spent over ten years working with corporations
- to create media and events that inspired and motivated their top achievers. She has studied
- and applied multiple modalities of personal achievement training programs, and can condense
- the "best of the best" in working with you.
- Certified with the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Lauren is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer. As a former body builder, Lauren uses the mental principles of body sculpting as an example of the power of the mind to shape reality. Lauren works with elite athletes, including body builders, to obtain a competitive edge.
- Licensed HeartMath Provider
Because Lauren experienced her own benefits from The HeartMath System, both personally and professionally,
she completed the provider training to obtain a License as a 1 on 1 Provider for HeartMath.
- For more information, see About Us.
What can you expect from your session?
- You are always in charge of your appointment plan.
- Your session will begin with a relaxed interview where Lauren will listen to your specific goals and issues.
- You will be informed about what to expect during the hypnotic induction - usually a gentle guided relaxation.
- Lauren may offer tips and suggestions for learning apply self-hypnosis skills.
- Your hypnotic induction may include relaxation, guided imagery, and positive suggestions for change.
- You can relax and not worry whether you will "go under" in the office because your hypnotic induction will be recorded for you.
- You will receive a CD of your personalized hypnotic induction to listen to as many times as you like in the comfort of your own home.
- As you listen to the recording over time, the positive suggestions will be reinforced for maximum impact.
- There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees. You may choose a single session, or enjoy weekly or monthly sessions. It's up to you.
- Telephone
- 425-881-7082
- in Woodinville/Redmond WA, USA
- Electronic mail
- General Information: Lauren@PositiveCentral.com
Lauren Archer offers hypnosis and hypnotherapy services and classes in and around Seattle and the Eastside, in Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, and Bothell.
Lose weight, quit smoking, overcome stage fright, become better at public speaking, improve memory, achieve goals, experience stress relief, learn and practice stress management.
Actors, musicians, singers, dancers: Use hypnosis to enhance your performance skills
Executives and sales teams: Improve self-confidence and learn to better manage your time and energy.
Athletes: Enhance your performance and focus.
Please contact Lauren when you are looking for a qualified hypnotist or to inspire your organization.
