definition of hypnosis

The definition of “hypnosis”, according to the free on line dictionary is “A trancelike state resembling sleep, usually induced by a therapist by focusing a subject's attention, that heightens the subject's receptivity to suggestion. The uses of hypnosis in medicine and psychology include recovering repressed memories, modifying or eliminating undesirable behavior (such as smoking), and treating certain chronic disorders, such as anxiety.”

Although hypnosis is often referred to as a “sleep-like” state, it is quite the opposite of sleep. In fact, under hypnosis the subject experiences a heighted sense of awareness, often being able to hear sounds he couldn’t hear in his normal state. This heightened awareness is coupled with the subject’s heightened focus on the voice of the hypnotist which prevents the subject from being distracted by outside noises. In this altered state the subject allows his critical mind to step aside so the hypnotist can speak directly to the subconscious part of his mind. This communication with the subconscious mind is what gives power and success to weight loss, smoking cessation, and other habit altering programs.

During your first hypnosis session, chances are you will not feel as if you are “hypnotized”. You will feel as if you could open your eyes and walk out the door anytime, and truly you are in complete control. Your hypnotist cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. The most unusual sensation you will notice is that time seemed to pass extremely quickly. A half hour session will feel like ten or fifteen minutes. After your sessions you will usually take home a self hypnosis CD to reinforce your program. As you continue to listen to your CD and allow your mind to slip into a hypnotic state you will notice more unique features to this altered state such as a deep sense of peace and relaxation and the ability to connect with your subconscious mind.


Hypnosis is a completely safe and natural state of mind. Your mind slips into this altered state several times a day, when you daydream at the office, drive home from work, and throw the “impulse” purchases into your cart as you wait in the check-out line. Since it is a natural state, almost everyone is capable of achieving this state. A positive and open mind will add to the success of your session.