Q: What is hypnosis?

A: Hypnosis is a comfortable, relaxed state in which the hypnotist can give instructions to the subject's subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is the science of systematically inducing this altered state and using it to reprogram the subconscious mind to make useful changes such as eliminating bad habits or fears.

Q: How does hypnosis work?

A: Normally, the conscious mind intercepts and rejects any suggestions that it does not consider to be logical. Most of the time, this is a very useful function, but there are some times when it would be even more useful to allow the unconscious to follow illogical suggestions, such as a suggestion that would allow it to comfortably substitute a glass of water for a cigarette or bowl of ice cream. While this suggestion is not acceptable to the logical conscious mind, the conscious mind can be bypassed and the suggestion placed directly into the unconscious with hypnosis.

Q: Can I be hypnotized? 

A: Despite what was believed fifty to a hundred years ago, almost everyone can be hypnotized to the extent required to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight.  A good rule of thumb is that if you can read a good book or watch a good movie, then you can be hypnotized.

Q: What does your program entail?

A: After your free consultation by telephone, you have the option of either coming in for your sessions or doing your sessions by telephone (which are just as effective as in-person sessions). During the first session, the doctor answers your questions about hypnosis and he gathers information from you about your goal, after which the hypnotic procedure begins.

Q: What is the actual hypnosis process like?

A: You lay down on a couch and the doctor gives you simple instructions, such as breathing exercises and guided imagery, which are designed to help you into hypnosis so that your unconscious can accept useful suggestions.

Q: What kind of suggestions do you give to help someone stop smoking?

A: The doctor gives you suggestions that you can be relaxed and comfortable without having to smoke. There are certain needs that smokers have that they use cigarettes to fulfill; hypnosis allows you to substitute other ways to meet those needs so that you don't have to rely on the cigarettes.

Q: What kind of suggestions do you give for weight loss?

A: The doctor gives you suggestions that you'll like foods that are good for you, like fruits and vegetables and grains, so that you enjoy eating them. He also gives you suggestions to enjoy exercise, so that you can pick an exercise that you like and stick to it, and really enjoy doing it. That combination has been found to be very effective for helping people lose weight.

It takes an average of five sessions for most people to reach their weight goal. Anywhere between three to seven sessions total is common, but usually not ten sessions.  You can probably reach your target weight in two or three months, depending on how much weight you have to lose.

Q: What suggestions do you give for people who have other goals?

A: Call and find out! Hypnosis can help you reach almost any  cognitive, emotional, and behavioral goal. If you want to think, feel, or act differently, give us a call and we'll answer your questions and discuss your options.

Contact Dr. Clayton at (757) 471-7002.