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Frequently Asked Hypnosis Questions

Here are some of the commonly asked questions that I get as a Hypnotist.
If your question is missing, please ask me here.

You are also welcome to find me on Twitter.


About the Hypnotist

Is it important for a Hypnotist to be liscensed?

What is Hypnosis?

What type of person usually calls you?

What would be the benefit for me to hypnotized?

What types of things do you do Hypnosis for?

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Hypnosis?

What is the benefit of Self-Hypnosis?

I am scared of Hypnosis, but am curious, what should I do?

I don't think I can be hypnotized. I was in a stage show once, and I was bumped off the stage.

Is it possible I could get stuck in a state of Hypnosis?

I remember what my Hypnotist told me, I don't think I was Hypnotized.

I am fascinated by the tales and the movies in which people are hypnotized and controlled (like The Manchurian Candidate). Could that really happen? (Is it true I will never do anything against my will?/Is Hypnosis mind control?)

You can do Hypnosis over the phone? Really?!

Is there anything I can do/should do to prepare for our first session?

How long are calls with you?

How many sessions do I need?

What is your rate?

What can I expect during our sessions?

Will I remember our sessions?

Do you have recordings for purchase?

How did you learn what you know?

Why would I work with you?

How do I pick a Hypnotist?

I'd like to learn more about Hypnosis, do you have any recommendations?




Is it important for a Hypnotist to be liscensed?
In the United States, there is no official liscensing for Hypnosis. Hypnotists can be Certified, however, it is possible in most places in the United States for someone to be a Hypnotist without having any official certification. What a Hypnotist does with their clients could potentially be a problem with the law if it appears that they are doing something prohibited by those not liscensed, such as acting as a therapist, or considered to be practicing medicine. In the State of California, where I live, there is consideration for the work of a Hypnotist that is covered by
California Business and Professions Code Section 2908 and it involves a Disclosure of Services form like this one for California Residents. According to the Code, I can work with people regarding their mental health and physical diagnosis, as long as it is in conjunction with their doctor or therapist. Other states may have other regulations regarding Hypnosis. As with any profession, liscensed, or otherwise, you will find a range of ability and effectiveness with the profession practiced. Be aware that certification of any type does not an effective Hypnotist, or Hypnosis Session, make nor does a lack of certification mean that the Hypnotist would be ineffective or unhelpful. Because anyone can tell you anything, and the value of that thing may vary even if true, it is wise to consider the piece of paper, but pay attention to what your gut says/feels. Becoming educated, and reading pages like this, will help you to determine what is the best course of action for you.

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What is Hypnosis?
Your conscious mind and unconscious mind have different rules they live by. Your conscious mind will pooh-pooh many things, and say things are impossible. Your unconscious mind, on the other hand, doesn't experience things the same way. It has a different set of rules. In a formalized hypnotic state your conscious mind is able to be "shut down" or quieted, and it allows the unconscious to create possibilities where they didn't exist before which can then be integrated with your conscious experience of life. However, there are many more times than people realize that the conscious mind is unable to be an effective filter, and when that happens, you can be in a suggestible state and not know it (such as when you are stressed).

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What type of person usually calls you?
The Age and educational background of my clients has varied. Some have been high school graduates, and others high level corporate execs and lawyers. Clients have been in their 20s to 80s, with a majority in their 30s-50s. I have clients of both sexes. I usually attract those who are more inclined to use their gut when making a decision, and are open to a wide range of perspectives. The people who call are looking to make a change in their life, and are seeking support in making that happen. Often they relate to my approach of working with the person and their personality versus coming from a "something's wrong" perspective.


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What would be the benefit for me to hypnotized?
You would be better able to understand and work with your unconscious which in turn will help you make those changes you've been wanting to make. The role of the unconscious is to keep you in safe, familiar territory. It has the feeling of comfort attached to it. It can work for you, and then there are times that you might do something that isn't healthy or beneficial for you in order to stay in that comfortable, familiar place. Is Hypnosis the only way to tap it? Not at all. However, it is one of the most effective and expedient ways I have found.


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What types of things do you do Hypnosis for?
Hypnosis is good for many things - over 140, actually (
see a list of things Hypnosis is good for here). Some ask if it works for "mental illness." It depends on what you are referring to, and if you have been diagnosed by a Psychiatric professional. There is a possibility a Hypnotist could work with you, however, in conjunction with your therapist. I have some unusual thoughts on the matter (which you can see here) which you might find interesting/applicable. What I do personally has much to do with how I connect with a person, however, the most common experiences I have with my clients relate to self awareness and growth, stress relief, weight release, Angel Imagery and guidance, Past Life Regression, and smoking cessation.

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How do I know if I am a good candidate for Hypnosis?
Odds are good that if you are reading this you are a good candidate. As everyone is different, it is difficult to know what your experience will be, until you have one. There are different possibilities of what can happen, and knowing what they are can help me be effective in working with your style of trancing. I have often had people come to me telling me that they can't be hypnotized, only to have them amazed to find out that they are indeed able to be hypnotized. Never assess your ability (or seeming lack of ability) to have a hypnotic experience by one Hypnotist or one experience. Just as each client is individual, so is each Hypnotist. When you have a good fit you are likely to be amazed by what is possible.


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What is the benefit of Self Hypnosis?
There are varying opinions about Self-Hypnosis. Some Hypnotists don't believe in teaching it to their clients. The reason is that when you are not in a good space, and you induce trance, you may be reinforcing negative things. It makes sense to me. However, I believe it is a valuable tool when used correctly, and with proper instruction. Like anything, it is best to be responsible to yourself and your well being - just like how you'd never want to drive while drunk. If you are in an extreme negative state, it is possible that Hypnosis would be best saved for another time.


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I am scared of Hypnosis, but am curious, what should I do?
Since I am not a big fan of "shoulds," what I would suggest you do is investigate, and learn what you can about it. There are a myriad of book and websites available. You will likely receive some conflicting information, just as you would with anything. In addition, I would recommend having conversations with those who have been hypnotized, and gain what perspective you can from their experiences, recognizing that with everything that you find and read that individual experiences will vary. Realize that anyone can make a case for anything if they sound convincing enough. With everything you read and all that you hear, do a "gut" check. How does it feel to you? The more you learn about it, the more likely you will be able to make an informed choice, instead of one from fear. (also see Question #10)

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I don't think I can be hypnotized. I was in a stage show once, and I was bumped off the stage.
Stage Hypnotists are trained to pick the best subjects for their shows. They need the most suggestible people. If they did anything else, you would likely not enjoy the show as much as you do. All a bump means is that you weren't going to go under quickly and deeply enough for the purposes of the show.


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Is it possible I could get stuck in a state of Hypnosis?
When you are hypnotized one of three things will happen. You will be brought out by the Hypnotist, you'll bring yourself out, or you'll fall asleep. You will never stay in a trance state. However, what can happen is that you can be at the effect of a suggestion in an awake and alert state.


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I remember what my Hypnotist told me, I don't think I was Hypnotized.
There are many states of Hypnosis, some lighter, some so deep you won't remember anything. The odds of you being the type of person who won't naturally remember anything the first several times you are hypnotized are minimal. However, there are ways to manipulate the memory process, and it might be possible for a Hypnotist to tell you to forget what you heard. This could be done for therapeutic reasons, as well as manipulative ones (which is why it is important to be careful who you choose as your Hypnotist). There are many things that are possible hypnotically, even at a lighter state. However, it is important that the Hypnotist has a sense of what is happening with you to determine if the state you are in will be an effective one, whether you remember it, or not.


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I am fascinated by the tales and the movies in which people are hypnotized and controlled (like The Manchurian Candidate). Could that really happen? (Is it true I will never do anything against my will?/Is Hypnosis mind control?)
Boy is this a loaded question. You will often hear people say "You will never do anything against your will." When I started out as a Hypnotist, that was what was told to me in training, and that is what I told those who came to me. Sadly, I believe it encourages a false sense of security for those investigating Hypnosis. I have been a witness to some things that might just blow your mind. Technically it is a true statement. The only problem is what is your will at any given moment? For example, what if you were hypnotized and your hand felt warm, and was getting warmer, and let's say it was still at a comfortable level. You are having fun, thinking this is cool, and you are in a reasonably deep hypnotic state. The next thing you know the person hypnotizing you says that they want you to do something you wouldn't normally do, something "against your will," or your hand will continue to get warmer. At first you don't believe it possible, and you try to bring yourself out of the state you're in, and instead you find yourself going deeper, and your hand is getting warmer. You try to stop it, but can't seem to be able to. The person insists you need to do this thing you don't want to do, and your hand is starting to feel like it is on the verge of burning. What do you think you would do? What do you think your will would be? I tell this to some people and they "yes me," figuring it couldn't happen to them. TRUST ME I know what I am talking about, and all those "tales" you hear that others say couldn't happen and are untrue? Well, sorry to say they could certainly fall into the realm of possibility.


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You can do Hypnosis over the phone? Really?!
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: if you think about it, when someone is hypnotized, they have their eyes closed, and are listening to a voice. Not all Hypnotists agree that it is a good way to have sessions. However, I have hypnotized many over the phone in the last several years, and have become quite adept at knowing what to look for. In my experience it has been quite beneficial and helpful.


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Is there anything I can do/should do to prepare for our first session?
Depending on what type of service you are looking for, I might send you a questionnaire to fill out. Some are surprised at the number and types of questions. Please know that anything you tell me will be kept confidential, and that you can feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you like. I have had extensive training, and the answers to those questions are designed to give me information to help me help you. I am happy to discuss the details with you, when you are ready to proceed. Other than that, come with an open mind and heart, and have an expectation of expanded horizons and possibilities.


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How long are calls with you?
Our first session is likely to be approximately 90 minutes. It is a foundation call that will help to lay groundwork for future sessions. Additional sessions average 50 minutes.


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How many sessions do I need?
That is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on what you are looking to accomplish. There are occasions when something could shift in one session, however, it is best to consider how you got to where you were by repetition and reinforcement. Even if you find the "key" to why something is as it is in one session, additional sessions might be advised to reinforce the change(s), and help support the work you have done. How many sessions do you need? As many as it takes.


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What is your rate?
My standard rate is $125 per session. I can offer multi-session discounts, and have worked with those who need my help and are unable to pay my rate in full. Payment arrangements are also possible. If you want to work with me, and are serious about making changes, my rate should never stand in your way. I am open to creative solutions.


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What can I expect during our sessions?
You can expect part conversation and part Hypnosis. It will be a rare time when most of the session will be devoted to Hypnosis (although a Past Life Regression Session is one example of a session that is likely to be mostly dedicated to Hypnosis.) The talking is important, as it is a feedback mechanism for the process. It is important to know how you are doing, and to determine what is working, or needs further support. It is important for me to know what your overall intention is for our work, and I will work within that context. However, sometimes you might be surprised at how your experience may become something unanticipated. When that happens, it is often like an unexpected gift.


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Will I remember our sessions?
It depends on you and how deep you go. A small percentage of the population can go to the deepest hypnotic state naturally, and will likely feel like they were asleep until the end. Odds are you will have an experience very much like awakening from a dream. Some things more clear than others, some more fuzzy. It is also possible for a Hypnotist to provide suggestions to encourage you to forget details. The advantage of this type of suggestion (used ethically) is to allow you the benefit of it without your conscious mind pulling it apart or pooh-poohing it.


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Do you have recordings for purchase?
I have a few recordings available for MP3 download. Some are free, some are at cost. If you have something specific in mind that you would like to hear, please let me know (
here)

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How did you learn what you know?
It all started with a 3 day course. While it laid the foundation for my experiences, the sessions I have provided have given the most training. I have been able to adapt and grow my style as I have gained more experience with my craft. I consider myself creative, and as a Hypnotist my style is organic. I have certain things that I may lean toward, but I use my gut when working with someone, and am sometimes amazed at what I wind up saying! The result is a client who has a beneficial experience that can often be profound. In 2008 I studied with
Hypnosis Motivation Institute and supplemented my field training with additional course work. I have since been certified in Angel Imagery, Smoking Cessation, Stage Show Techniques, and Past Life Regression. In addition, part of my training included Handwriting Analysis, which can be an additional tool in interpreting the unconscious messages that are affecting a person.

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Why would I want to work with you?
My unique life experiences. I have worked in corporate America, and I have worked for myself. I have had to do many things on my own, and am a voracious reader. I love to learn, and enjoy expressing what I know to people who would be interested and benefitted by it. When we speak, you get me as a Hypnotist, but you also get me as a Life Coach, as an Intuitive, as a Healer, as someone who is adept at communication and can respect and present many perspectives. I don't ever believe I have all the answers, just possibilities, and I work with you to find the peace and direction you need from within the treasure trove that is you.


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How do I pick a Hypnotist?
Some will tell you that there is a list of requirements you need in any professional. If that is what you believe, then that is what you need. However, many times appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes the perspective of something can be sculpted in a way that works for the sculptor, but not those he serves. The best thing you can do is get a sense of the person, and their approach, and then check in with your gut. Does it work for you? The profession of hypnotherapy is not a licensed profession in the United States, and there are a myriad of organizations that vie for members. Are there members who are ineffective Hypnotists? Possibly. Are there people who aren't members that are effective Hypnotists? Absolutely.


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I'd like to learn more about hypnosis, do you have any recommendations?
I recommend that you do searches on the web to see what you can find. If you find things on your own, you are likely to get a better picture of hypnosis. The best thing you can do for yourself is educate yourself and formulate your own opinions. Anyone can tell you anything, and you will likely find a mixed bag of opinion. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask me what I think.


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If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me
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About Elizabeth Alraune
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For several years, I worked in corporate America. Long before numerous job changes were as common as they are now, I figured out at one point that I had had an average of 10 jobs in 10 years. Two of the jobs were because I had moved to a different state, and 3 of them were layoffs, 2 in one year. When I got laid off from the last of my corporate jobs, I was determined to make a change. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to work with people. My journey has taken several twists and turns, and today I find myself helping people be true to themself by finding peace and direction within. I have a unique, fun and offbeat style that is all her own, and a soothing voice which make people feel instantly "at home," and at ease when speaking with me (or so I have been told!). In the last 8 years, I has worked with clients primarily over the phone and have had over 11,000 conversations with clients working in the roles of Life Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Intuitive, and Healer.

Find out more about me at the following page
(blogs, recordings, videos, and other interesting things):

JoLoPe.com


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How Hypnosis Helps (PDF)|3 Hypnosis Podcasts| Hypnosis Frequently Asked Questions|
Relaxation Hypnosis| Stress Management Hypnosis/The StressBusterBuddy Plan| Past Life Regression
| Hypnosis for Couples|Custom Hypnosis| Angel Imagery| Optical Illusion Pictures|
About| Home| Contact