Introduction
How long hypnosis lasts? It’s a question that gets asked often by clients. In this article, I’ll answer this question and take a quick overview of what hypnosis is.
Understanding Hypnosis
Definition and Explanation of Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that can be used to create change in your life. It’s a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility with heightened imagination which can lead to profound changes in a person’s life. Hypnosis has be used to help with a variety of issues, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Behavioral changes such as ending procrastination
- Fears and phobias
- Goal Achievement
- Peak performance
And many more uses.
How Hypnosis Works
Hypnosis works by guiding you into a state of deep relaxation. In this state, your mind is more open to suggestions. This doesn’t mean you lose control or become unconscious. Instead, you’re fully aware of what’s happening and can choose to accept or reject the suggestions. And this is one of the keys to how long hypnotherapy lasts. We’ll discuss more about this later.
The Role of the Hypnotist and the Subject
In hypnosis, the hypnotist acts as a guide, helping the subject enter a state of deep relaxation. The subject, on the other hand, plays an active role in the process. Think of it as a dance. Both people must participate for the dance to flow. The same is true with hypnosis. Both the hypnotist and the client work together to create the desired results.
Detailed Explanation of the Hypnosis Process
The process of hypnosis involves several stages, including
- Induction– where the client, following the instructions of the hypnotherapist, creates the state of hypnosis.
- Change work – This is the part of the process in which the actual changes are suggested and may then be accepted by the client. If they are accepted then change happens. If they are not accepted then there is no change.
- Emergence – This is the point in the process in which the client returns to normal waking consciousness.
It is important to remember that the client is always in control during hypnosis and can choose to accept or reject the suggestions.
Duration of a Hypnotherapy Session
The length of a hypnotherapy session can vary depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. On average, a session lasts about 60 minutes. However, the first session might be longer as it involves the gathering of desired goals from the client, education of the client as to what to expect then ensuring that all of the client’s questions are answered..
Some factors that can influence the length of a session include the complexity of the issue, the individual’s responsiveness to hypnosis, and the hypnotist’s approach.
Duration of Hypnosis Effects
The effects of hypnosis depend both on the issue being addressed and the willingness of the client to accept and then act on suggestions. When the client fully accepts the suggestions given, the changes can be permanent. .
One of the best ways to create a permanent solution is using repetition. This can be done either through multiple sessions or through listening to a recording of a prior session.
Another method used to create permanence is through the use of post-hypnotic suggestions that anchor in the new behavior or mindset whenever an “anchor” is triggered. Anchors such as seeing the color red can be used to trigger the thought “I have stopped smoking”.
Maybe the very best way to create permanent change is to find the root cause of the issue and remove the root cause once and for all. Think of it this way. If you just cut the leaves off a weed, the root is still there and the weed will grow back. If you remove the root of the weed then it can never go back. The same is true for many issues we face in life. Remove the root cause and the issue or behavior stops. Hypnotherapy is particularly well suited to finding and removing root causes.
Finally, combining all of the above will greatly increase the likelihood of a permanent solution.
Can I Be Hypnotized?
Most people can be hypnotized if they are willing to participate. The ability to be hypnotized is not related to gullibility or weakness of mind. Instead what you find is that the stronger the person’s ability to focus, the better they are at entering the hypnotic state.
All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. There is no other kind of hypnosis. If you as the client, follow the instructions of the hypnotist then you put yourself into hypnosis. If you don’t follow the instructions then there is nothing the hypnotherapist can do to force you into hypnosis.
Why Hypnosis Might Not Work or Last
There are several reasons why hypnosis might not work or last for some individuals. The main reason, in fact the only real reason, is that the client chose not to accept the suggestions and then acted on them.
The change process is entirely dependent upon the client’s willingness to accept the suggestions and act on them. Nothing the hypnotist does can force the client to change.
Nowhere is this more apparent than with clients who are coerced into coming to a hypnotherapist to quit smoking. The coerced client doesn’t really want to quit. The client only wants to placate someone’s nagging. During the session the coerced client may go into hypnosis beautifully however, whenever a suggestion is given that involves quitting smoking, the client mentally rejects the suggestion. After the session, the individual still smokes however, “they gave hypnosis a try and it didn’t work”. I witnessed this all to often in my early career until I learned to do better screening.
Choosing a Hypnotherapist
So, how do you choose a hypnotist? First it’s important to find a hypnotist with the proper training. The hypnotist should be affiliated with recognized certifying organizations, such as the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Next, talk to the hypnotist. Get a feeling for how the hypnotist conducts sessions. The relationship between the hypnotist and the client plays a crucial role in the client’ success. A good hypnotist will make you feel comfortable, respected, and understood. This rapport is vital to your success.
Understanding the Mind
Finally, no discussion regarding hypnosis would be complete without at least a brief overview of the conscious and subconscious minds. The mind is a concept used to discuss how humans think and behave. Hypnotists divide the mind into two parts, the conscious and the subconscious mind.
The conscious mind is the rational thinking mind. It’s the part of the mind we are aware of, “our thoughts” if you will. Or, that chatty part of our mind, our self-talk. The conscious mind is also the land of “willpower”. And willpower only works when you are consciously thinking about it.
The subconscious mind on the other hand is below the surface. It communicates through emotions and feelings. The subconscious mind is where all of our memories, habitual behaviors and our personality are stored. This is where you’ll find the root cause of all of your habitual ways of thinking, behaving and emoting. This is where permanent change takes place.
During hypnosis, the conscious mind takes a back seat, allowing the subconscious mind to become more accessible. This is why suggestions made during hypnosis can have such a powerful effect, as they are able to influence the subconscious mind in a more efficient manner.
FAQs
Are there any limitations to what can be achieved through hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis works on a wide variety of issues. The only limitations are your imagination. However, there is one caveat to this. If the issue involves a medical issue such as pain management or an issue that is currently being treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, then a reputable hypnotherapist will request a referral and consultation with the current practitioner. This is for the safety of the client.
Are there any limitations to what can be achieved through hypnotherapy?
You should check with your insurance provider. In most cases you’ll find the answer to be “no”.
Can hypnosis be done remotely or online?
The answer is yes. I personally have been doing online hypnosis for ten years and have found it to be as, if not more effective than in person session. If you’d like to know more about online hypnosis, click here.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the answer to “how long does hypnotherapy last?” The key to a permanent solution lies in your openness to the process, your trust in the hypnotist, and your commitment to change.
For more information visit: SuccessWithHypnosis.com.