Hypnosis Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an altered state of consciousness?
A. An altered state of consciousness is any state of being which differs from our ordinary "rational" state of mind.

Q. How does an altered state of consciousness differ from a hypnotic state?
A. The hypnotic states form a large part of the spectrum of altered sates of consciousness, the latter being more inclusive term. As an example, meditation is another form of an altered state of consciousness.

Q. Are people able to self-induce a state of hypnosis?
A. Yes. Spontaneous self-induced hypnotic states are quite common and you have probably experienced them many times yourself without knowing it. Whenever you become absorbed in anything, as in daydreaming, reading a book, or watching a television show, you may slip into hypnosis to varying degrees. During such times, you are usually very relaxed, and oblivious of outside distractions. Self-induced states of hypnosis are very common among artists and creative people in general.

Q. What is the difference between self-hypnosis and meditation?
A. Self-hypnosis differs from meditation in that during self-hypnosis the subconscious mind is in a state of focus and receptivity - alert, accepting and digesting the specific suggestions that are being fed into it. Although meditation provides a very comfortable and relaxed state, generally the subconscious mind is in a state of relative inactivity and is too passive to digest the suggestions on might give oneself.

Q. How does the subconscious mind differ from the ordinary consciousness?
A. The subconscious tends to accept as fact any idea that is presented to it. It is capable of thinking and reasoning, but it does so in a different way from the conscious mind, in accordance with a different set of rules. It also can remember, in complete and unselective detail, everything that has happened to the person, including events which the conscious mind has totally forgotten.

Q. What is the relationship of hypnosis to the unconscious?
A. Hypnosis is a condition, which allows the person to reach his subconscious, unconscious, or "inner mind" and influences it. Some feel that it provides an opening into a wider psychological or spiritual dimension transcending the limits of the individual's unconscious.

Q. How does the hypnotic state feel?
A. Hypnotic states can be broadly classified as light, medium and deep. In the first two there may be few specific sensations other than feelings of great relaxation. In their practice sessions with self-hypnosis, people may be surprised or disappointed because, other than this great sense of realization, they don't feel any different. This is normal, and the best advice is to enjoy your sense of relaxation. Later, as you reach deeper states of hypnosis, you will learn to experience the depths of this feeling.


Question & Answers Continued