Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is hypnosis? The medically accepted definition of hypnosis is: an altered state of consciousness in which the conscious mind is temporarily bypassed so that the subconscious mind becomes highly receptive to selective, positive suggestions. A shorter definition might be: when your conscious mind is temporarily paused, allowing you to directly contact your more powerful subconscious mind to effect positive changes in your life. The resulting state of consciousness is called a trance, and there are varying levels of trance.

2. Am I out during hypnosis? No. You are mentally, physically, and psychologically relaxed—far more relaxed than in your normal walking-around consciousness—but you are NOT asleep. Even in a deep trance(called somnambulism,) you hear everything your hypnotherapist says, and may be aware of other sounds or activities around you.

3. Do I lose control when hypnotized? No. You are actually MORE in control of your bodily functions and sensations under hypnosis. Contrary to what you may have seen during stage-hypnosis shows or on TV, you cannot be made to do or say anything when hypnotized that you don’t want to(No clucking like a chicken.)

4. What if I can’t be hypnotized? Anyone of 1) normal intelligence who 2) wants to be hypnotized and 3) will follow simple instructions, can be easily hypnotized. It is not possible to hypnotize anybody against their will. One thing that occasionally interferes with being hypnotized is fear. Once you understand what hypnosis is and how it works, you realize that it is completely safe. There is nothing to fear. The only side effects of hypnosis are all good—less anxiety, more confidence, greater self-esteem.

5. Can I become stuck in hypnosis and not wake up? No, this is not possible. Going into and remaining in trance is purely voluntary on your part, so you can emerge from trance anytime you so desire. While most people follow the hypnotist’s instructions regarding depth of trance and time to emerge, you can return to a full waking state anytime you choose. Please note as in item #2 above that you are not actually asleep during a hypnotic trance.

6. Can somebody place harmful or dangerous commands in my subconscious mind while I’m hypnotized? No. Each component of your mind—conscious, subconscious, and unconscious—contains its own built-in protective mechanisms. Your subconscious will automatically reject any suggestion not beneficial or desired by you. For example, if you really don’t want to stop a behavior such as smoking, you won’t stop no matter what anybody says to your subconscious during hypnosis. On the other hand, if you really do want to stop but simply haven’t been able to do so on your own, hypnotic suggestion is nearly 100% effective. Remember our slogan: WHEN NOTHING ELSE WORKS.

7. Does long-distance hypnotherapy work? Absolutely. Idependent studies have shown distance sessions to be 100% as effective as face-to-face sessions. The essential component is good communication between therapist and client. Once you establish a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed by noise, children, unexpected callers, or other interruptions, you and your therapist can easily establish the necessary hypnotic trance by phone. Even local clients prefer telephone sessions over physically driving to our office. It is typically far easier to relax and concentrate in your own home than anywhere else.

8. What would happen if the phone connection were lost while I’m deep in trance? You would be fully aware of the lost connection and emerge smoothly from trance. Either you or the therapist could then re-establish the connection and continue as before.

9. What is ART? For a more complete answer, please read the page on Anxiety Relief Techniques. An introductory answer is: Anxiety Relief Techniques™ is a revolutionary body-mind integration system for eliminating anxiety. A significant component of our technique is modeled on discoveries and developments of Dr. Roger Callahan (TFT) and Mr. Gary Craig (EFT.) As with EFT and TFT, the basic premise of ART is: Negative emotions are caused by a disruption in the body’s circulating energy system. Relief of such negative emotions, including anxiety, fear, and frustration, is quickly accomplished through specialized techniques that re-polarize and re-integrate key points of this system. Our painless and highly effective method includes guided visualization accompanied by gentle fingertip tapping on specific acupressure points. Once learned, ART is easily self administered at home. The results are fast, predictable, and often quite dramatic.

10. How do I arrange my sessions, and what do they cost?
Phone Dr Charlie at (727) 512-5131 to discuss your specific issue. For most issues, a package of three sessions is effective for a cost of only $350. Performance-issue fees for professional athletes are somewhat higher.
(727) 512-5131 (Dr Charlie).