How long does hypnosis last?
Does hypnosis wear off?
These are two questions often asked about hypnosis. So let’s take a minute to answer both of these questions. Before we answer these questions, I’ll take a moment to explain what a hypnosis session is like. If you want to know more about hypnosis in general, you can click the link About Hypnosis.
Understanding a hypnosis session
What does a hypnosis session look like. The session breaks down into three segments: pre-hypnosis, hypnosis, and the post hypnosis interview. We’ll look at each on in turn.
Pre-Hypnosis
All the hypnosis sessions that I do begin with a pre-hypnosis discussion. If this is the first time the client has worked with me then this pre-hypnosis discussion includes two topics; the issue affecting the client and the outcome they hope to achieve ( referred to as the intake) followed by a discussion of what hypnosis is and is not. This second piece, commonly referred to as the “pre-talk” is critical to the success of a hypnosis session. It is here that the hypnotist makes the client feel comfortable with the process of hypnosis and removes any fears or concerns that the client may have.
If the client has already worked with the hypnotist on an issue then the intake and pre-talk are replaced with the client giving an update of any progress since the last session so that the hypnotist may update the approach to provide the most effective service.
Once the above is completed the client is ready to begin the hypnosis session itself.
Hypnosis
The actual hypnosis session is divided into three parts: induction, “the work” and emergence.
The induction is when the client is given the instruction which if followed will allow the client to move themselves into hypnosis. That’s right, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis by following the instructions the client creates the proper state of focused relaxation to move on.to the “work”.
The work section as it is called is where the change process takes place. This can be through a set of instructions given to the client, self-reflection by client on the issue, or a number of other techniques that can be used to facilitate the change process.
The “work” section of the process usually takes between 25 and 35 minutes. In some rare cases it can go as long as an hour however in my experience a session of that length of time is rare.
One the work is completed, then is on to the emergence phase. In this final phase of the process, the client is given the instruction to emerge from hypnosis. The client then emerges back into an everyday level of consciousness and the hypnosis session itself is complete.
Post-Session
The final segment of a client’s session occurs after the client has emerged. At this point any questions the client might have are addressed and any follow-up instructions are given. This then concludes the session.
So now on to the two questions.
How long does hypnosis last?
Creating a new habit.
The purpose of the process outlined above is to remove a habitual way of acting or thinking and replace it with something desired. It doesn’t matter if it’s over-eating, smoking, feeling anxious, lacking confidence or any one of a hundred more uses of hypnosis.
Sometimes the habit is a behavioral habit like over-eating or smoking. Sometimes the habit is a way of seeing oneself or the world you live it – mental habits. Either way, it’s a change of habit.
And, like any habit, the change can happen quickly or take some time. How long depends on how ingrained the old pattern is.
Leverage
Leverage is the emotional charge that powers change. Humans are geared to move from pain to pleasure. The more pain that the current habit is creating in the individual life, the more leverage there is to replace it. In similar manner moving to a more pleasurable situation may also provide leverage. Either can provide leverage and when used in combination they provide a powerful impetus for change.
Once you have leverage then the next step is repetition.
Repetition
The good news is that anything can be changed. It may take multiple repetitions to make the change and that is why I always record the actual session. This recording is then provided to the client for their use as often as they like. The more they listen to the recording the more repetitions and the more ingrained the new behavior or thought pattern.
I’ve found that even listening to the recording while the client is sleeping is very effective. Especially when the client loops the recording, so it plays softly in the background all night. The technical term listening while sleeping is “hypnopedia.”
Does hypnosis wear off?
The answer from my experience is no. That does make one assumption which is that the new behavior or thought pattern has become completely ingrained in the individual. When this happens, it is just like the habit of tying your shoes. It becomes automatic. And, just like tying your shoes, the more you use the new habit the more it becomes ingrained. Yes, you may consciously override the new habit if you choose to. However, when you are not consciously thinking about it then the habit will operate automatically.
This habit will remain in place until such time as you consciously choose to change it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the duration of the hypnosis session impact how long the effects last?
The duration of the hypnosis does not affect how long the effects will last. It is a combination of the replacement of the old habit with a new habit and then the repetition/reinforcement of the new habit that creates the lasting change.
How many repetitions are typically needed for a behavior or thought pattern to become ingrained? Is there a general guideline?
There is no real way to answer this other than to say that the more ingrained the old habit is, the more repetitions that will be needed. This also depends on the leverage that the person must make the change.
How can one tell when a new behavior or thought pattern has become completely ingrained?
This is an interesting question. In many cases you may not notice the change because it is happening automatically. It’s effortless. However, when you reflect on how you are behaving or thinking today versus how you acted in the past, then you can discern the change. I have had clients who came to me to quit smoking and decided that it didn’t work because they didn’t encounter any of the typical challenges with quitting. It was only when they reflected that they realized that they had not been smoking since the last session. That’s how it’s supposed to work!
If I stop listening to the recording, will the effects of hypnosis diminish over time?
No, once the new habit is ingrained, it’s permanent until you consciously choose to change it.
Can external factors or life changes trigger the old habit to resurface, even if the new habit has been ingrained?
This is always a possibility. It might be slight however it cannot be completely ruled out.
Is there a risk of dependency on hypnosis if it’s used regularly to reinforce new behaviors or thought patterns?
There is no “dependency” created by the regular use of hypnosis. You may find that you enjoy it so much that you continue to listen to the recordings simply because they relax you.
What happens if someone wants to change the habit they formed through hypnosis? Is the process the same or more complicated?
It’s the same process, get leverage, create a new positive outcome and through repetition ingrain the new habit.
Can hypnosis be used to change multiple habits at once, or should it focus on one habit at a time?
My suggestion is to always work on one thing at a time.
Conclusion
So, there you have the answer to:
How long does hypnosis last?
Does hypnosis wear off?
When the new behavior or thought pattern is turned into a habit then it does not wear off and is permanent until you decide to replace it with something else.