Professional Hands On Education

FAQ’s

What is hypnosis?

We would define hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness paradoxically described as a relaxed stated with a heightened sense of awareness accompanied by an increased suggestibility.

How does it work?

The conscious mind is bypassed and the hypnotist can place suggestions directly in the subconscious mind. A person in this altered state of consciousness is more amenable to suggestion and conditioning of the subconscious mind.

Why work with the subconscious mind?

Altering subconscious beliefs allows for the optimum conditions for changing behavior as well as accessing mind body interaction. It is believed that the subconscious mind retains all the thoughts, memories, and everything learned since birth. Accessing the subconscious mind insight into causes of behaviors emotions and attitude may facilitate change. Reconditioning on the subconscious level is also very effective.

Will I be a certified hypnotherapist?

Yes! If you are a LMHC, LMFT, or LCSW this 50 hour course meets the required training for licensed professionals to legally practice hypnotherapy in the state of Florida.​ Joseph Sansone, M.S., PhD, is a Qualified Teacher of Hypnosis & Hypno Education is an approved CE provider by the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling to provide training for licensed professionals in the State of Florida.

Other licensed practitioners and practitioners from other states may be able to self report their hours to their respective boards. Please check with your appropriate board.

Can I learn hypnosis to increase my professional standing?

Yes. We encourage licensed professionals to learn hypnosis to enhance their professional status within their scope of practice. Psychologists, medical doctors, mental health counselors, social workers, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, massage therapists, and acupuncturists, to name a few, may benefit by integrating hypnosis into their current practice.

What can we use hypnosis for?

Hypnosis has been demonstrated to successfully treat a wide range of issues. These include but are not limited to, mental health issues, physical issues, sales performance, pain management, and self-improvement in general. Remember to always use hypnosis within your professional scope of practice and to obtain a referral when needed.

Can anyone get hypnotized?

The short answer is yes. Most people can indeed be hypnotized. The actual percentage of people that can be hypnotized is debatable and may depend on who you speak to. We would say that essentially everybody that wants to be hypnotized can in fact be hypnotized. The exceptions would be examples where a person can't follow suggestions well enough. Mentally challenged people with an IQ below 70 may not be able to be hypnotized as they may not be able to focus and follow suggestions. 

​The issue of how deep into a hypnotic state a person can go will also vary. New research shows that it is cognitive style not brain structure that determines who can be hypnotized and how deep they may go. Therefore, it can be inferred that with practice, people can increase their hypnotic ability.

For most issues a light or medium state of hypnosis is all that is required and it is not necessary to enter a deep state. Generally for those that enter only a light state of hypnosis, repetition will increase the effect.

Can I get Stuck in hypnosis?​

​Only in the movies.

Am I under the control of the hypnotist?

Again, only in the movies. You are not under anyone's control unless you want to be. You have the ability to reject any suggestion given. In many ways as a hypnotist you are teaching your clients how to use the power of their own mind to create change. The hypnotist empowers their clients which is the opposite of controlling them.

Many of these misconceptions are due to movies and stage hypnotists. Stage hypnosis is a professional use of hypnosis for entertainment purposes only. People participating in stage hypnosis shows are doing just that. They are having fun and going along with the suggestions and being part of the party. In a clinical or professional context, the role between hypnotist and client is completely different. If a client was instructed to act out an absurd role as often seen in stage hypnosis they would probably laugh at the hypnotist giving the suggestion.

Is hypnosis harmful?

​No. Hypnosis itself is not harmful in any way as it is a natural state of consciousness. The only known way that hypnosis can be harmful is if it is misapplied or used instead of a necessary treatment. This will be covered when you learn the cautions of hypnosis.

Is hypnosis like sleep?

​No. Hypnosis is typically a relaxed state that often includes an increased focus and reduced perripheal awareness.While there are similar patterns hypnosis feels different for different people. The state is often described as being similar to the feelings associated with just falling asleep at night or the way you feel when just waking up in the morning. It is generally described as a pleasant experience.​ ​

What is self hypnosis?

​In a sense all hypnosis is self hypnosis. The hypnotist facilitates the process, but the power rests with the mind of the person being hypnotized. With practice you will learn to enter the hypnotic state on your own.

I am strong willed, can I be hypnotized?

Yes. If you want to be hypnotized you can direct your will toward following suggestions. Remember, you need to want to be hypnotized.

​Will I experience hypnosis when I get trained and certified as a hypnotist?

​Yes. This is a practical training course and workshop. Students will practice and perfect the ability to hypnotize each other under the direction of our instructors.