Master Hypnotist
       Angela Fox, M.S.W.

Virtually everyone who has the ability to achieve focused attention and concentration can be hypnotized. Often a "good subject" will not even realize hypnosis has taken place. However, some people have better abilities to concentrate than others, and therefore are able to achieve a deeper hypnotic state. Practically all normal people can be hypnotized, though not necessarily by the same person, and practically all people can learn to be hypnotized.

Dr. Milton Erickson (1985)

What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by relaxed brain waves and a state of hyper-suggestibility. Hypnosis is a perfectly normal state that just about everyone has experienced. It is a normal cognitive function. By this we mean that it is a normal capacity of the mind to be able to block out the noises around us when we are in a deep state of concentration, or to be unable to hear our name called when deeply engrossed in a book or TV.

An extreme example of this hypnotic capacity is illustrated by the ability to unwittingly fall asleep while focusing on the lights of on-coming cars while driving in an automobile. In still another example of this ability to alter consciousness is the phenomena known as highway hypnosis. This occurs when we drive somewhere and don't remember driving or even remember seeing the usual landmarks. The hypnotic phenomena is very closely linked to the ability to concentrate.

People vary in their ability to concentrate and therefore vary in the depth of hypnotic trance they can achieve. The purpose of the hypnotic state is to produce a deeply relaxed state. It is during this relaxation of the body that the subconscious mind becomes open to suggestion.

Healing, emotional and behavior changes can only take place when the hypnotic state is achieved and the mind becomes open and receptive to suggestion. When suggestions are made while in the hypnotic state they have an impact on the desired wish for change. This is why no one can be made to do something that is against their morals or principals or against their will.

There is indeed a collusion between the hypnotist and his or her subject to effect the desired change.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How does hypnotherapy help?

Hypnosis is not a modern invention. It has been used by the medical profession before chemical anesthesia was available to eliminate pain during surgery. There is no question that hypnosis is an effective non-invasive technique that can not only eliminate pain but is highly effective in producing desired behavioral changes.

Changes in habits such as smoking, over-eating, nail-biting, hair pulling, etc. As well hypnosis is highly effective in producing deep states of relaxation so necessary for sleep and reduction of stress. Hypnosis is equally effective in producing behavioral changes of some severe psychological conditions such as phobias, severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Hypnosis is also is used in building self-confidence and self-esteem and in improving academic, athletic and sexual performance.

How does the hypnotist produce the hypnotic state?

The hypnotist uses a process called hypnotic induction. This is a method used to focus your attention and concentration so you will go into a normal hypnotic state. Once the state of hypnosis is achieved suggestions can be made directly to the subconscious mind. Some clients are able to achieve desired changes with just one visit with a hypnotist.

However, most habits are deeply embedded in the subconscious mind and may require repeated visits or audio tapes that the client can use on their own. This is why we offer a free initial consultation at the center in order to give each client an accurate assessment of the type of hypnotherapy they may need.

During the consultation you will be tested for your ability to achieve a hypnotic state and for your suggestibility level. This will allow us to give you a more accurate assessment of the number of sessions you may need and the type of results you can expect to achieve.

One final note: Hypnosis Is Not Dangerous
There are no risks when used by trained professionals. At the center you will be seen by a licensed psychotherapist who is also a master hypnotist with many years experience. You are in safe hands.

Who can be hypnotized?

Although it is true that people differ in their ability to be hypnotized, almost anyone with a good ability to concentrate and achieve focused attention can be hypnotized. Studies have shown, however, that individuals who have a good imagination, and who are highly suggestible have a greater ability to achieve deep hypnotic states.

By the same token it would be difficult for individuals with an attention deficit disorder (individuals who are highly distractible) to achieve an adequate enough state of hypnosis to have any effect.

However, a deep resistance to the hypnotic process, and a desire not to be hypnotized will prevent the process from occurring or being in any way effective. By the same token, a deep desire to be hypnotized and to be receptive to the suggestions being made either through direct contact with a trained hypnotist or self-hypnotic tapes, can produce highly effective results.

Some people give up after a few sessions because they believe they are not being hypnotized or are not suitable subjects. However, hypnosis improves with practice, the more you experience the feeling, the better the response.



Am I asleep when under hypnosis?

When in the hypnotic state you are not asleep, but quite awake and aware. Your mind is still active and your thoughts may become quite clear. As you listen to the hypnotists words you can speak, laugh, and remember everything that has happened.

In fact, while in the hypnotic state, your senses may become more alert. Your sense of hearing may become quite clear, as you become selectively focused on the subject of your hypnotic trance.

The hypnotized individual can remain aware of everything that is taking place. Even after being brought out of hypnosis the client will be able to recall everything that has taken place while in trance.

The only exception is when a specific suggestion has been given by the hypnotist to forget all or part of what has taken place. This is generally discussed and agreed upon prior to entering the hypnotic trance.

The experience of being hypnotized is often likened to the stage just prior to going to sleep but is quite different from night time sleep. It is best described as a state of deep focused relaxation. In fact, an hour of hypnosis is equivalent to three hours of sleep because the body achieves a deep state of relaxation.

Will I be In a Trance?

Trance is a very common every day occurrence. For Instance, when we daydream. Another common example of "trance" is when we concentrate on particular visual images such as staring into the traffic lights of on-coming cars during night driving. This phenomenon is known as "highway hypnosis". By allowing our eyes to become fixated on the lights created by the oncoming traffic, the driver can fall unexpectedly and suddenly in a "trance-like sleep".

Will I be In Control?

The hypnotized subject is always in control and if he or she wishes, can choose not to respond to any suggestions. Hypnotic subjects can bring themselves out of hypnosis at any time.One common misconception that people have about hypnosis is the notion that the hypnotist exercises some "magic power" over the client and does this with some unique gift which only the hypnotist possesses. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. If a suggestion is not appealing or appropriate for a client, it will be ignored. In fact if an incident occurred or suggestion made that was completely to the contrary of a client's belief or desires, the client would be able to bring himself out of the hypnotic state.

Common fears about hypnosis:

Many people fear hypnosis because of a lack of knowledge about what hypnosis is. This fear is usually based on lack of knowledge about the hypnotic process. Hypnosis is simply the process of allowing the conscious mind to become distracted enough for the subconscious mind to be influenced by suggestions that will achieve the clients specific goals and desires.

There is nothing dangerous about hypnosis. Hypnosis is a method of communication, between the client and the hypnotist that induces a trance or trance-like state. The trance-like state that occurs during hypnosis, also occurs spontaneously in each of us, under different circumstances throughout the day, without our being consciously aware it is happening.

Trance, although the term may sound mysterious, is simply a natural process which occurs when your attention is narrowly focused and free from distraction.

Another common misconception that generates fear is that the hypnotist will make the person do things or think thoughts they would not ordinarily do or think. We have all seen stage hypnotists and the peculiar and humorous things they have their subjects do. It's worth noting that the subjects are all volunteers, and their self-appointment to be on state implies a certain willingness to cooperate and be "part of the act". By self-selection, they have chosen to cooperate and perhaps don't mind, in fact even enjoy being the focus of attention, humor and sometimes even ridicule.

In fact, if a fire alarm or any other kind of emergency alert system were to go off during the act, all would instantly be out of the hypnotic state.

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