Twelve questions most frequently asked about Hypnosis

To get answers to most frequently asked questions click on the question.
 

• Question 1.   How old is the art of Hypnosis?
• Question 2.   Will I be able to go into the hypnotic state?
• Question 3.   Will I lose consciousness under Hypnosis?
• Question 4.   Will I have difficulty coming out of the hypnotic state?
• Question 5.   Will I remember what happened when I was in the hypnotic state?
• Question 6.   Can I be hypnotized against my will?
• Question 7.   Is it true that the weaker the will the easier it is to hypnotize a subject?
• Question 8.   Can I be induced to do immoral or illegal acts while in a hypnotic state?
• Question 9.   Is it possible to hypnotise oneself?
• Question 10. If I use Hypnosis for a surgical operation of several hours can it last that long?
• Question 11. Are there side effects of hypnotic anaesthesia?
• Question 12. Should I use Hypnosis for my problem?

Q.1- How old is the art of Hypnosis?
A - Forms of hypnotism have been recorded since the dawn of history. The Art remained within the province of magicians and priests for many centuries. By medieval times the art of "mesmerism" was almost universally classified as an expression of supernatural powers. The ability to wield power over the will of another was lumped, particularly by the clergy, as witchcraft and labelled as one of the Black Arts. Pioneers in the art were thus prevented from opening this important avenue of mind research for several centuries. While similar ideas persist to present day hypnotism has developed into a sophisticated medical tool. And while still not completely understood can work hand in hand with the medical profession to heal an amazingly wide variety of physical and mental conditions.

Source: Hypnosis and Hysteria, Fact and Fantasy (Ch. 4)The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.2- Will I be able to go into an hypnotic trance?
A -Most, but not all people can be successfully hypnotised. Subjects that are intelligent, self-secure and imaginative are the easiest to hypnotise. Those who are sceptical, very insecure or intellectually impaired are more challenging. These subjects can usually be induced to an hypnotic trance wherein therapy can take place but more than one interview is sometimes called for. In a forty year practice of hypnotherapy I have personally known only a few subjects that I could not hypnotise. Those were usually people who thought of the process as a battle of wills between the hypnotist and him or herself. Co-operation is essential to the process. Children who are well endowed with fertile imaginations usually make excellent subjects. They can be hypnotised and successfully treated for such ailments as bed-wetting, stuttering and emotional disorders. It is of great importance however, that a responsible professional hypnotherapist is chosen to administer treatment to you or your child. Poor techniques can definitely have adverse affects.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State (Ch. 5) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.3- Will I lose consciousness under hypnosis?
A -Not in the same sense as going to sleep or passing out. The state of hypnotic trance is a state of highly suggestive artificial sleep where we are able to get in touch with the contents of the sub-conscious mind and introduce suggestions that can benefit you and help treat mental or physical problems.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State (Ch. 5) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.4- Will I remember what happened when I was in the hypnotic state?
A -Frequently, following a hypnotic session, you will remember everything that took place. Other times you will perceive that you were in a transient state for only a few minutes when a full hour or more of therapy has taken place. A skilled therapist will not permit disruptive emotional sensations to emerge from the sub-conscious mind in an amount greater than the already stressed autonomic nervous system can contend in an awakened state.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State, (Ch. 5), and Modern Hypnotism in Practice (Ch. 6) The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.5- Will I have difficulty coming out of the hypnotic state?
A -No. None whatsoever. When you emerge from a hypnotic trance you will feel calm and rested and, depending on the therapy applied, have a very positive attitude. Depending on the level of depth of trance you have been under you may remember everything that occurred. Only in the deepest level of trance will you not remember what transpired. The medical profession has determined that it is not necessary to be in a deep level trance for the benefits of hypnosis to be administered. Time distortion is common and you may believe you have been in a trance for a few minutes when you have been under therapy for an hour or more.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State (Ch. 5) of The Hypnosis Book, by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.6- Can I be hypnotised against my will?
A -It depends on what we mean by "against my will." If a subject is willing to co-operate with the hypnotist in some task, not necessarily hypnosis, then a skilled practitioner can usually put even the most unwilling subject into a trance. There are several at stage shows where mass hypnosis of willing but unsuspecting audiences has taken place. It is also a fact that most consumer product advertising whether on TV, radio or print is a form of mass hypnosis to which we all seem to be susceptible.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State, (Ch. 5), and Modern Hypnotism in Practice (ch. 6) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.7- Is it true that the weaker the will the easier it is to hypnotise a subject?
A -No, the opposite is true. Subjects that are intelligent, well adjusted and self-secure are the easiest to hypnotise. Those who are poorly informed, sceptical, or very insecure are more challenging. These subjects can usually be induced to a hypnotic trance, wherein therapy can take place, but more than one interview is sometimes called for.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State, (Ch 5), and Modern Hypnotism in Practice (Ch. 6) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.8- Can I be induced to do immoral or illegal acts while in the hypnotic State?
A -No, not unless you already are predisposed to that type of behaviour. In fact, you can not be induced to do anything that you do not want to do. However, negative suggestions can be introduced during hypnotherapy by an unethical practitioner who has gained sufficient trust to have been able to hypnotise the subject in the first place. On the other hand, positive suggestions that you know are good for you such as those I use for stopping smoking and losing weight are readily assimilated into the psyche. Similarly, positive suggestions concerning your work habits and human relations can help turn a mediocre career into a soaring success.

Source: Understanding the Hypnotic State, (Ch. 5), and Modern Hypnotism in Practice (Ch. 6) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.9- Is it possible to Hypnotize oneself?
A -Yes, Self-hypnosis is a very valuable skill to possess. I teach my patients how to use self hypnosis and encourage its use to reinforce procedures towards better physical and mental heath. For example, I use a combination of clinical and self-hypnosis for my patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiology for cancer treatment. This combination as produced very positive results.

Source: Self-Hypnosis: How to Heal Thyself, (Ch. 9), and Cancer--Coping and Conquering, (Ch. 24) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.10- If I use hypnosis as an anaesthetic for a long surgical procedure will the effect last throughout the operation?
A -Yes, I have administered Hypno-anaesthesia to patients who's operations have lasted three hours or more. It is necessary for your hypnotist to be present at all times to monitor you, and your hospital will have conventional anaesthetic back-up procedures at the ready. We have never had to use these back-ups. This form of anaesthetic has opened the door to necessary surgery for many on whom it would have been impossible to operate on with conventional anaesthetic because of allergy (anaphylacia) to the anaesthetic. This procedure can be safely used for major abdominal surgery, dental surgery and childbirth, even Caesarean section.

Source: Beethoven in the Operating Theatre Ch. 1 and Natural, Painless Childbirth, (Ch. 16) of The Hypnosis Book by Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.11- Are there any side effects from using hypno-anaesthesia?
A -Conventional anaesthesia uses powerful drugs that the body has to recover from. It can take several hours or even days to overcome these effects. Hypnotic anaesthesia does not use any drugs therefore the patient is revived immediately after the operation and while they must recover from the effects of the surgery itself, the period of bed confinement is usually much shorter. For example, bodily functions such as food and drink intake, and urination and bowel movements, return to normal much more rapidly.

Source: Beethoven in the Operating Theatre (Ch. 1), of The Hypnosis Book By Rubin Pecarvé.
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Q.12- Should I use hypnosis for my problem?
A -That is a question more and more people are saying yes to. Hypnotherapy is a safe treatment with a very high rate of success. Hypnosis is not a cure-all but by clicking here you will see a list of conditions that we can treat successfully. If you see the one that interests you, contact the Pecarvé Hypnotherapy Clinic through this web site and we will probably be able to help you.