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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 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.
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, 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.
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 from the professionals at World Hypnotism Day. For more information, visit www.worldhypnotismday.com.
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Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy with Lauren Archer Finkelstein
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 session fee is $175 per session. The first session usually lasts about 1 1/2 hours.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.
I schedule appointments Tuesdays through Fridays at 10, 12:30, and 2 PM. At this time I am not taking evening clients, although I do teach a variety of evening classes in the community.
If you are not available during the day, we can schedule a phone consultation, during which we can discuss your goals, and I can make you a 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.
Payment is expected at the time of your session. Session fee is $175.
For your convenience, you may select secure online payment for your Private Session by clicking below.
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Lauren's qualifications include:
- Nationally Certified with the National Guild of Hypnotists
- With over 16 years of experience as a professional Hypnotherapist.
- 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 the President of
- the board of directors of the professional organization NGHWA
- (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 Personal Trainer
- In addition to being a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Lauren is certified by the American Council
- on Exercise as a Personal Trainer. She is a former body builder, and uses the mental principles
- of body sculpting as an example of the power of the mind to shape physical reality.
- 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.
- It doesn't matter if you "go under" in the office or not because your hypnotic induction will be recorded for you.
- You will receive a professionally recorded CD of your session to listen to as many times as you like in the comfort of your own home.
- As you listen to the recording over time, it will reinforce the positive suggestions for maximum impact.
- There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees. You can select one session only, or enjoy weekly or monthly sessions. It's up to you.
Payment is expected at the time of your session.
For your convenience, if you'd like to pay in advance,
you may select secure online payment for your Private Session by clicking below.
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Positive Central Contact Information
- Telephone
- 425-881-7082
- in Woodinville/Redmond WA, USA
- Electronic mail
- General Information: Lauren@PositiveCentral.com
Lauren Archer Finkelstein, CH offers hypnosis and hypnotherapy services and classes in and around Seattle and the Eastside, in Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, and Bothell. She is trained in helping clients lose weight, quit smoking, overcome stage fright, become better at public speaking, improve memory, achieve goals, experience stress relief, learn and practice stress management. She works with actors, musicians, and performers to enhance their performance skills. She works with business people to enhance their self confidence and learn to better manage their energy for peak performance. She works with athletes to enhance athletic performance and focus, including hypnosis for golf. Lauren teaches classes in Self-Hypnosis and hypnosis for self healing. She is a nationally certified clinical hypnotherapist. Please contact Lauren when you are looking for a qualified certified hypnotist or to teach hypnosis classes for your organization.
