Hypnosis is a natural and very normal state of mind in which the body experiences deep physical relaxation while the mind remains clear, alert, and focused. In this altered state of awareness, the subconscious mind becomes highly suggestible. A person naturally enters this state many times during a normal day, unaware that this is even happening. For example, how many times have you been thinking about something while driving your car and suddenly realize that your exit was three miles back? Many go to the movies and get so involved in the drama of the story that we forget we are only watching a movie. Everyone daydreams from time to time. All of these are examples of a natural state of hypnosis called "environmental hypnosis."

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Q: What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind in which the critical area of mind (a filter between the conscious minds) is compromised, and the subconscious mind becomes hyper-suggestible to new ideas and patterned responses to environmental stimuli. Examples range from the reactions of subjects during a hypnosis stage show to environmental hypnosis, where someone is seemingly unaware of what has been going on around them while driving their automobile. Hypnotherapy is the process of hypnosis being used by a trained hypnotherapist to help a person make positive desired lifestyle changes, reduce pain and stress, or to achieve other desired changes based on a referral from a psychologist, dentist, or medical doctor.

Q: What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis by a person trained in hypnotherapy. The goal of hypnotherapy is to help an individual make positive change, and to achieve goals and objectives in their life. Hypnotherapy involves avocational and vocational counseling, except as otherwise administered based on a referral from a psychologist, dentist, or medical doctor. The use of hypnosis allows the hypnotherapist to bypass the critical area of mind, which is a filter between the conscious mind and subconscious mind, to provide direct access to the subconscious mind. All learned behaviors and habits whether positive or negative, desirable or undesirable, are stored in the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy accelerates the process of desired change. This is because a hypnotherapist works directly within the subconscious mind. Undesirable patterns of behavior can be modified or replaced relatively easily with behaviors that are more desirable.