"The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity."
- Amelia Earhart
Creating a Better You
Manage Depression & Anxiety
Improve Self Esteem
Stress & Pain Management
You Have the Capability
You Are in Control
Access Your Inner Power
* Weight Loss
* Phobias & Fears
* Habit Control
* Grief
* Digestive Disorders
* Test Anxiety
* Nail Biting
* Bed Wetting
* Hot Flashes
* Insomnia
...and so much more
Common Myths & Misconceptions
Myth # 1. Hypnotic states resemble sleep
Though fatigued participants sometimes fall asleep after some suggestions (e.g., “Close your eyes”), participants are awake and aware of their environment during hypnosis.
Myth # 2. You can be made to reveal your deepest secrets when in a hypnotic trance
Since your mind is fully aware and awake during a hypnotic session, this is not possible. If you really do not want to talk about something then you are under no compulsion to do so. A person can easily lie and are more likely to be creative with the truth when in a hypnotic trance, which is why courts will not accept the testimony of witnesses who are in hypnosis.
Myth # 3. Hypnosis is dangerous in the event of a fire or another disaster
A person in a hypnotic trance is just as aware, if not more so, of potential danger. If a fire broke out during a session, a person would easily come out of the trance and deal with the situation immediately, and in an appropriate way. For example, when driving we often slip into a trance, especially when we are driving routes that we often take, such as to and from work. We can slip into a trance and daydream, and sometimes may even wonder how we managed to get to our destination at all! In the event of danger, we instantly snap out of this state and deal with the situation. In fact, we probably deal with it quicker and more effectively as our minds do not have a chance to ‘over think’ with the conscious mind and slow down the response.
Myth # 4. Hypnosis is Mind Control
One of the most common misguided beliefs about hypnosis is that it is a form of mind control. This is simply not true. Hypnosis is a collaborative process between the hypnotherapist and the client. The hypnotherapist cannot force the client to do anything they do not want to do. The client always retains ultimate control over accepting or rejecting hypnotic suggestions in the same way that a patient can ignore a doctor’s suggestions and not take the prescribed medication.
Myth # 5. Hypnotherapists have special powers
There is nothing special or magical about them at all. We have simply been trained, and have honed this training with experience, to help guide people into a hypnotic state. A stage hypnotists may play on having ‘hypnotic powers’ in order to add excitement and drama to their shows, but they too will readily admit that they are simply using techniques that have been learned and developed with practice and experience.
Myth # 6. Hypnosis is a Quick Fix
While hypnotherapy is a powerful modality for addressing various issues, and it usually achieves results faster than talk therapy, it is not always a quick fix. The process requires some time and commitment from the client. There is no pre-set time or number of sessions in which something can be addressed.
What to Expect
Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation in which the subconscious mind is extremely receptive to thoughts and suggestions. There's very little difference between the hypnotic state you achieve in a hypnotherapy office, and the one you experience when zoning out on the way to work, while watching a movie or becoming engrossed in a book - staying up long past your bedtime. Even though many hypnotherapists use the word "sleep" to indicate hypnosis, hypnosis is not sleep at all. You are fully awake, but relaxed and hyper-focused on what you choose to be focused on.
While no one is exactly sure how hypnosis works, this much is certain; once a person has been hypnotized, they are more susceptible to suggestions, so that a trained hypnotherapist can give them a way to take control of a physical problem, or to change an unhealthy behavior or habit. Still, being in a trance doesn't mean you'll do things you don't want to do or say things you don't want to say. You always have the option of rejecting anything that doesn't feel right. You are aware and in control at all times.
Please call or email with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
Kerry S. Scheunemann, C.Ht.
Certified Hypnotherapist/Pure Hypnotherapy
Libertyville, IL
P: 847-910-5496 E: Kerry@KerryScheunemann.com
Certification# 011447