Being in hypnosis can feel different for everyone, but it is often described as a deeply relaxed state where the mind is focused and open to suggestion. According to a study by Spiegel and Spiegel (2004), during hypnosis, individuals experience a decrease in activity in the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking and an increase in activity in the part of the brain responsible for imagination and creativity. This altered state of consciousness can feel like daydreaming or being in a trance-like state.

Spiegel, D., & Spiegel, H. (2004). Trance and treatment: Clinical uses of hypnosis (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

No, you cannot be hypnotized against your will. Hypnosis requires voluntary participation and cooperation. According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), a person must be willing to enter hypnosis and follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist. If a person does not want to be hypnotized, they cannot be forced into it.

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.

No, you will not be asleep during hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of focused relaxation where you are still aware of your surroundings and can hear and respond to the hypnotherapist’s voice. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), during hypnosis, the brain is in a state of heightened awareness, not sleep.

American Psychological Association. (2019). Hypnosis.

No, you will not lose control during hypnosis. Hypnosis is a collaborative process where you are in control and can choose to accept or reject any suggestions given to you by the hypnotherapist. According to the ASCH, you are always in control during hypnosis, and you can choose to come out of the trance at any time.

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.

No, you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that you can easily come out of whenever you want to. According to the APA, hypnosis is a temporary state that a person can come out of on their own or with the help of the hypnotherapist.

American Psychological Association. (2019). Hypnosis. 

Yes, you can remember what happens during hypnosis. Hypnosis is not a form of amnesia, and you will be able to recall your experiences during the session. According to the ASCH, hypnosis does not cause memory loss or amnesia.

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. 

No, you will not reveal your deepest secrets during hypnosis unless you choose to do so. Hypnosis is not a truth serum, and you are in control of what you share during the session. According to the APA, hypnotherapists do not have the power to make a person reveal secrets or information they do not want to share.

American Psychological Association. (2019). Hypnosis. 

Yes, you can still be hypnotized if you have a hard time relaxing. Hypnotherapists can use techniques to help you relax and enter a hypnotic state. For instance, they may use progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or guided imagery to help you relax.

 (Source: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis)

Yes, you can drive or operate heavy machinery after hypnosis. Hypnosis does not impair your ability to function normally. In fact, many people report feeling more alert and focused after a hypnosis session.

(Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)

The effects of hypnosis can last for varying lengths of time depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. In some cases, the effects can be long-lasting and even permanent. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that hypnosis was effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms for up to six months after the last hypnotherapy session.

 (Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis)

Yes, hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, hypnotherapy was found to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms. The study reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials and found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to control conditions.

 (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Yes, hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing stress levels. According to a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, hypnotherapy was found to be an effective intervention for reducing stress levels in individuals. The study reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials and found that hypnotherapy was associated with significant reductions in perceived stress compared to control conditions.

(Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis)

Yes, hypnotherapy can help improve immune system function by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. According to a review published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs, hypnotherapy can help improve immune system function in cancer patients. The review analyzed 28 studies and found that hypnotherapy was associated with significant improvements in immune system function, such as increased natural killer cell activity and enhanced T-cell function.

(Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs)

Yes, hypnotherapy can be effective in improving digestive function. According to a randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, hypnotherapy was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The study found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating, compared to a control group.

(Source: American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis)

Yes, hypnotherapy can be effective in improving business achievement. According to a randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, hypnotherapy was found to be effective in improving the performance of sales representatives. The study found that hypnotherapy significantly increased the sales revenue of the hypnotherapy group compared to a control group.

(Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis)