Myths and frequently asked questions about hypnosis

Myth - Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized
Anyone can be hypnotized. In fact, we all use some form of hypnosis in our everyday lives, either consciously or unconsciously, each time we use our imaginations, feel emotions, etc. Normal, everyday hypnosis occurs when you are driving down the road and lose track of time, or, when you are focusing on a book or television program and you don’t even notice something that is going on around you.

Myth - A hypnotist has complete power over you when you are hypnotized
It is always up to you, whether you are having a session with a hypnotist, listening to hypnosis recording or receiving information through some other media - from a doctor or salesperson, an advertisement, watching news, reading books or newspapers - whether you want to accept or reject the ideas and information offered. You are always in control. The hypnotist's role during a session is simply to help you establish communication with your subconscious mind in order to overcome your limiting beliefs and habits which are obstacles to reaching your goals.

Myth - If you can hear the hypnotist, you were not hypnotized
This misconception is probably due to the notion that a hypnotic state is like sleep. The level of awareness of your surroundings may alter a bit, but you will still be aware of the hypnotist or his voice. If you lost all awareness of the hypnotist, how could you follow the instructions? The more you immerse yourself in your subconscious, the less will you be aware of your surroundings in the way that you are used to, but you will still be aware of the hypnotist's voice.

Myth - People can remain permanently stuck in hypnosis
Although some people enjoy deep trance so much that they don't want to come out, no one has ever got 'stuck'. During hypnosis your body feels deeply relaxed and your mind is completely free of the stresses of everyday life. The deeper into trance you go, the better you feel. But you are in control. When the session comes to an end, you emerge out of this state.

How many times do I need to see a hypnotherapist?
Although sometimes people find that their issues are resolved with only one session, most people usually find that between 2-4 sessions are most effective.  A few may need up to 6 sessions to address their specific issues. This is dependent on the person and the issue. During your initial consultation, we will make recommendations as to what would work best in your situation.

How does hypnosis work?
It is difficult for people to make effective, permanent change because they rely on their conscious mind and critical factor of their minds.  With hypnosis, we help you bypass the critical factor and directly input positive suggestions (decided upon by you prior to your first session) into your subconscious mind.  We will tweak those suggestions for each subsequent session so that you address your problem or situation in the manner you'd like to.  For example, for weight loss you may first want to simply eat less.  At your next session, you may want to be motivated to exercise and so on.

Read more >> What is hypnosis & hypnotherapy?
Read more >> How does hypnosis work?

Do you offer any guarantees that hypnosis will work for me?
Although hypnosis is a proven, extremely effective method for making positive changes in your life, it is not an exact art or science and individual results will vary.  For that reason, we cannot offer a guarantee - no experienced, ethical hypnotist would offer an unconditional moneyback guarantee.  You may find some hypnotherapists who offer a lifetime service guarantee but if you are not achieving the outcomes you seek, you have to question whether you would actually want to continue seeing a hypnotist with whom you are not getting results. It is our goal that your experience with ClearWaters Hypnosis is positive and effective. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your situation and if we do not feel that hypnosis will benefit you, we will tell you so.