Hypnotherapy is the psychological restorative process that uses hypnosis to achieve a desired result.  It is a process whereby you are in a deep state of physical and mental relaxation. In this deep state of physical and mental relaxation, you are calmer and more opened and receptive to suggestions. Therefore, it is easier to bypass the conscious mind and allows positive suggestions to be received by the subconscious mind. When a suggestion is given to the subconscious mind, it is accepted because the subconscious mind does not critique the suggestion.

A Certified Hypnotherapist is a trained professional who induces a hypnotic state in a person to increase motivation or help with changing inappropriate behaviours through hypnosis.

During hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist guides you into a very deep relaxed and focused state the conscious mind is bypassed so positive suggestions are received by the subconscious mind. A suggestion given in the hypnotic state is much stronger than the one given in the conscious state because it moves so quickly it does not have time to be diluted.  The subconscious mind does not critique the suggestion being given as so it accepts it as real. When a consistent positive reaction to a suggestion takes place, that reaction becomes a permanent habit.

The word Hypnosis comes from the Greek word “hypnos” which simply means, “sleep.” This trance-like state is like being engrossed in a television show and having someone talk to you and you do not hear them. It is also like reading a good book and being oblivious to what is happening around you or driving home and wondering how you arrived there which out remembering the in between.

Hypnosis refers to the inducing of a passive state of mind, or trance, that promotes better communication between the conscious and the subconscious mind. It involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts to manage emotional distress, physical symptoms, or to help you change certain habits or behaviours. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, or a trance-like state of focus and concentration.

Myth: When in hypnosis, you are out of control. 

Fact: You cannot be hypnotized against your will. You must want to be hypnotized, have confidence in the hypnotist, be willing to accept it, and be free from fear and the need to be in control.

Myth: A person must be deeply hypnotized to be helped. 

Fact: You do not need to be in a deep state of hypnosis to benefit from it. Beneficial results can come from taking suggestions while in a light trance.

Myth: Hypnosis is unnatural and artificial. 

Fact: Hypnosis is a completely normal and natural state of mind.

Myth: Hypnosis is merely relaxation and is nothing more.

Fact: You can be relaxed and not be hypnotized, and you can be hypnotized and not be relaxed. Relaxation is only one aspect of one kind of trance.

Myth: People become trapped in hypnosis and cannot "come out" of it when they want to. 

Fact: People can end hypnosis whenever they want.

Myth: People have to be very "hypnotizable" or "suggestible" or "gullible" for hypnosis to work. 

Fact: Research has indicated that most people can benefit from hypnotherapy. Being hypnotizable or choosing to be responsive to suggestions means only that you have the ability to use hypnosis effectively. It is not related to being gullible or weak-willed.