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Can anyone be Hypnotized?
Yes. Most everyone, unless you are mentally handicap. You don't need
to be in a deep trance, but you do need to be willing. If you feel you have
a need to prove it won't work for you, then it won't. Just allow yourself
to be open to the experience and trust that you are safe.
***There is little sense trying to hypnotize a person who deliberately
does not want to respond. Hypnosis is basically a co-operative process
between the subject and the hypnotist, subject willingness to being
hypnotized being an important requisite.
Everyday we constantly hypnotize ourselves...It is that easy. We do it
without even realizing it. Here is an example of how easy it is. Let’s say
a child spills milk. They feel really bad. They feel like they can’t do
anything right. And then they have to tell their parent, who may be
verbally or physically abusive. The child already feels the emotions and
now the parent comes along and says things like “Look at you. You can’
t do anything right. You are this and that and so on.” You get my point I
hope. The child is already in that emotional state and now the words only
reinforce the fears or lack of self esteem. That child is in a trance state
and is more suggestible at that time. It is that easy. Imagine what we tell
ourselves daily. Are you kind to yourself or do you put yourself down?
What if I don't wake up?
Nobody has ever been stuck in Hypnosis. It is not possible. If the
Hypnotherapist left you in the room, you would probably fall asleep and
then wake up shortly after that, or would detect that there is no voice
guiding you and you would open your eyes.
You Tube "Mythbusters" Click here
Will I forget everything from the session?
It occasionally happens that there is what we call Hypnotic Amnesia
after a session. This is when you forget what transpired during the
session. You are still very aware during the session. I believe that
sometimes our Subconscious is doing the work at a deeper level than we
need to be aware of. And sometimes our Ego can get in the way.
Perhaps we are being protected from our ego so the work can be done at
a level deeper than our understanding.
I have trouble relaxing, will I be able to go into Hypnosis?
Don't worry. The relaxation will catch up to you. As long as we are
working as a team, you will relax. You may want to help yourself by
deciding that you WILL relax just a little while listening to my voice, and
that each time you listen to the CD that was made for you, your mind
will relax even more. If you make this suggestion to yourself it will help
to get your mind to cooperate. I find it easier to repeat the suggestions
to myself. If you listen to your CD before going to sleep, you can take
advantage of the natural hypnosis state that happens just before sleep.
You may fall asleep to your CD and that is OK. Our ears never turn off.
Do I have to believe that this will work? If I am skeptical, will
that prevent it from working?
Your conscious mind doesn't have to believe that this will work. I ask
that you in session you act as if what I am suggesting is real for you in
your mind's eye. When your mind's eye creates the experience in this
way, it builds it as a real memory in your brain, and your mind and body
makes changes based on that inner belief. The subconscious doesn't
know the difference between real and pretend. Even if you are skeptical
and unsure that you can change, you will start to see and feel changes
right away. Most importantly..... believe change is possible for you!
What if my mind wanders and it is hard to keep focused on
what your saying?
That is ok. As a matter of fact while your conscious mind is drifting away
thinking other thoughts, your subconscious mind is very aware of
everything being said. You are actually achieving a state of trance when
you are in this day dreamy state. Even though your mind is wandering,
your subconscious mind is still aware and accepting and absorbing the
information. The part of your mind that is doing the wandering is your
conscious mind. This is normal. It is actually a great sign of trance.
How soon should I see the changes?
Everyone is different. More than likely you will notice the changes right
away. If you have never done any mental work then it might take a little
more time. You can teach your mind to respond. I have witnessed people
having amazing changes within one day. Others notice a gradual change
over a few days or weeks. That is the reason for the personalized CD.
The repetition of the suggestions will help you get the results you desire.
Can I open my eyes if I wanted to?
Yes. The first time I had Hypnosis I was curious. So I opened my eyes
and looked around the room. But I soon realized it felt much better to
keep them closed and just relax. In Hypnosis you are always in control.
The only reason you allow your eyes to remain closed is because you
make the choice not to open them. When your eyes are closed, you
ignite your imagination much quicker, which is needed for trance.
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Clinical Research
to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
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As of December 15, 2004 results from
more than 3,000 clinical
research studies are available showing
positive benefits from hypnosis.
(According to:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
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According to studies done at the
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience ,
University College London,
suggestions given in a hypnotic state,
even once,
can produce actions in human beings
that are the same type of actions that
would have resulted from more
long-term conditioning and practice.
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In a research study on Self-hypnosis
for relapse prevention training with
chronic drug/alcohol users, (Am J Clin
Hypn. 2004 Apr;46(4):281-97),
individuals who played self-hypnosis
audiotapes "at least 3 to 5 times a
week," at 7-week follow-up, reported
the highest levels of self-esteem and
serenity, and the least
anger/impulsivity, in comparison to
the minimal-practice and control
groups.
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In a research study done with 60
college student volunteers (Spring of
2004 at Northern Arizona University,
Flagstaff, Arizona), using hypnosis
with ego-enhancement suggestions
showed "significantly dramatic
effects" in brain-wave patterns,
subjective sense of self-confidence,
and test scores.
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As reported by NewScientist.com
news service:
"Hypnosis is more than just a party
trick; it measurably changes how the
brain works," says John Gruzelier, a
research psychologist at Imperial
College in London . "Hypnosis
significantly affects the activity in a
part of the brain responsible for
detecting and responding to errors, an
area that controls higher level executive
functions." The finding is one of the
first to indicate a biological mechanism
underpinning the experience of
hypnosis. "This explains why, under
hypnosis, help cancer patients deal
with painful treatments.
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Research using positron emission
tomography (PET) scans, shows that
hypnosis might alleviate pain by
decreasing the activity of brain areas
involved in the experience of suffering.
Scientists have found that hypnosis
reduced the activity of the anterior
cingulate cortex, an area known to be
involved in pain, but did not affect the
activity of the somatosensory cortex,
where the sensations of pain are
processed.
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Clinical trials of therapeutic hypnosis
confirm its potential benefits.
Christina Liossi, a psychologist at the
University of Wales in Swansea ,
recently conducted a study of 80
cancer patients aged 6 to 16. She found
that those under hypnosis experienced
far less pain during treatments than
control children, who simply talked to
the researchers normally.
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According to published results of
clinical studies (Am J Clin Hypn.
2004 Apr), the use of hypnosis
facilitates a more uncomplicated birth
process. In a separate research study
done by University of Florida
counseling psychologist Paul Schauble,
it was also found that women who
learn hypnosis before delivering babies
suffer fewer complications, need less
medication and are more likely to have
healthier babies than are women
without hypnosis. Schauble's first
study involved adolescents getting
prenatal care at a public health clinic.
A group of 20 patients who received
hypnosis preparation were compared
with 20 who were given supportive
counseling and 20 patients in a control
group who received only the standard
prenatal care. None of the women who
received hypnosis required surgical
intervention in their deliveries,
compared with 12 in the supportive
counseling group and eight in the
control group, he said. "Patients who
are prepared for labor and delivery in
hypnosis are more likely to absorb and
benefit from information because they
are in a relaxed, highly focused state,"
he said.
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In an ongoing pilot study being done
by University of Florida counseling
psychologist Paul Schauble,
preliminary results show hypnotized
patients with hypertension are more
easily able to make lifestyle
improvements that can lower blood
pressure.
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A study being done by a team of
University of Florida researchers is
finding that learning self-hypnosis
gives a patient greater control over the
stress, anxiety and pain of medical
operations and childbirth, overall.
"Training patients in hypnosis prior to
undergoing surgery is a way of helping
them develop a sense of control over
their stress, discomfort and anxiety,"
says Dr. Paul Schauble, psychologist.
"It also helps them better understand
what they can do to bring about a
more satisfying and rapid recovery."
He also said, "We've found, in working
with individual patients, that they
often feel literally stripped of control
when they go into the hospital. The
surgeon may do a good job of
explaining the surgery, but patients'
anxiety may make it difficult for them
to absorb or comprehend. This can
result in undue apprehension that can
create complications or prolonged
recovery."
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"Children make excellent subjects for
hypnosis because they spend more
time using their
imaginations," says Florida counseling
psychologist Paul Schauble. "But with
practice most adults can learn how to
enter into a therapeutic hypnotic state
quite easily as well."
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In 1998 Henry Szechtman of
McMaster University in Ontario and
his co-workers used PET to image the
brain activity of hypnotized subjects
who were invited to imagine a scenario
in which they were listening to
someone speaking to them, and who
then actually experienced a scenario in
which they were listening to someone
speaking to them. The researchers
noted that the act of imagining a
sound, called hallucinating a sound,
was experienced exactly the same as
real hearing, both being experienced as
coming from an external source.
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18 separate studies found that patients
who received cognitive behavioral
therapy plus hypnosis for disorders
such as obesity,
insomnia, anxiety and hypertension
showed greater improvement than 70
percent of the patients who received
psychotherapy alone.
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TESTIMONIALS
Stop Smoking in One Session
I had tired everything to quit smoking -- patches, gum, group therapy -- but nothing worked.
No matter what I did I could never make it past the 2nd week without lighting up again. That
is, until I found Jonnata's web site. Her methods worked for me when every other means
before had failed. I was able to quit cold turkey with minimal withdrawals and the will power to
resist ongoing temptation. So if you are serious about quitting and can open your mind to try
something new, then I highly recommend you give Jonnata a call. What she did for me she can
also do for you. Resident-Sun City West
Flying
Jonnata,
I just wanted to let you know I made the plane trip. I was so excited when we took off because
I didn’t feel the slightest bit uneasy. Thank you so much for everything. This is such a relief.
I feel so much better and I owe it all to you.
Thank you again.
Lisa Kosar
Starbucks Coffee Company
Golf
I spent three weeks practicing golf on the driving range, with varying results. Meaning the
location of where the ball landed varied tremendously, and my distance was about 100-150
yards on average. After using Jonnata’s hypnotherapy CD "I Am Always Better Than Before..
I Am In The Zone!", now most all of my balls are taking a very respectable path down the
center of the driving range, and my distance is now 200-300 yards. An open mind and
affirmative hypnotherapy can work wonders, I HIGHLY recommend that EVERYONE give
her CD’s the attention they deserve, they are like getting an EXTRA SPECIAL helping of
"The Secret".
Jeff Lewis
Smoking
You treated me last May [2008} to quit smoking. I have tried for years to quit, using patches,
cold turkey, etc, and nothing has worked. I just
wanted to let you know that as of May I will be smoke free for a year.
Thank you so much for your help.
Romaine Meehan
Smoking
What can truly be said to a person to compliment them enough on their ability to help others?
Jonnata, I was really skeptical about hypnosis being able to aid me in my endeavor to quit
smoking, (after all 62-63 years of habit is not easy to break). After 1 session with YOU on Oct.
25th, 2005, I am sending this little missive to YOU on the 26th, of Oct. 2006,to make YOU
aware that there is no way I can possibly say THANK YOU.I feel one of the best benefits, is
that I can be around smokers and not try to give them advice on how to live their lives. I
absolutely recommend YOUR services to all smokers that express a desire to quit. YOU have
not only made me feel better about myself, but YOU have astounded my family and relatives.
Hopefully YOU can continue helping people with YOUR skills for another Millennium or more.
I send my deepest regards to YOU for YOUR continued success in whatever YOU may
endeavor to accomplish.
Richard Buhle Surprise, AZ.
Prescription Drugs
By others I was thought of as an educated, successful person who had control of there life.
Unknown to others the real truth was that I had a hidden addiction to prescription drugs and
was slowly losing control over my life. I lived with this secret and addiction for 7 years. It was
a secret from my family, co-workers and everyone who knew me. I was embarrassed and
disgusted with myself often thinking, how did I let this pill popping become so out of control?
The effects of this long-term addiction were starting to take control over my life. I was tired,
rundown, withdrawn, indecisive and unable to be true to any of my emotions because they were
drug induced. I knew that if I did not do something to change this lifestyle it would only be a
matter of time until my secret would spiral out of control. After many attempts of trying to quit
on my own without any success I started looking for other alternatives. One evening while
searching the Internet I came across Jonnata's website. Hesitant about the confidentiality and
uncertainty about her techniques I sent her an e-mail with my concerns. She responded quickly
and addressed every concern I had assuring me that everything was confidential and she made
me feel extremely comfortable. When I first spoke with her I knew God had answered my
prayers and brought us together. She has the voice of an angel and the patience of a saint. She
was the only person that I had told of my secret addiction and I had confessed to her that I
desperately needed her help. To date I am 50 days drug free taking one day at a time and
growing stronger with each day that passes. Words could never express the gratitude and
thankfulness that Jonnata stepped into my life. How do you thank someone who saves your
life? For the first time in a very long time I embrace each day with excitement and the
challenges it may have to offer. So if you are reading this it is probably because you are
thinking of Hypnotherapy for yourself or maybe even a loved one. If hesitant, pick up the
phone and call Jonnata or send her an e-mail. She is very professional and sincere. I promise,
you will not regret it. She was the miracle in my life.
D.S. Arizona, April 2006
Smoking
Hello Jonnata,
I know its been a while but I wanted to let you know that I have been smoke free since our
sessions. Your methods have proved to be successful and I can't express how thankful I am to
you for being the catalyst in creating a big change in my life. Your positive energy and calming
nature were able to help me embrace the changes I desired, instead of fearing or expecting
failure. Not only do I feel so much better I am no longer wasting thousands of dollars every
year on tobacco.
Forever a non-smoker and thankful,
RAO, Cave Creek, AZ
Weight Loss
Jonnata,
This second week on WW I had another loss of 1.8 pounds, makes a total of 3.6 for the two
weeks. Wonderful, isn't it? I exercised 4 days this week and plan on going to walk the track
on Sunday too. So you can see that my mind is in the right track, thanks to you. I actually
think/plan about going to exercise even days before I actually go, which I never did before. I'll
keep you posted on my progress and hope I can get my daughter interested too. Doris
Motivation to Exercise
Hello Everyone,I have a friend who is an awesome Hypnotherapist! She helped me to make
better choices regarding foods and helped me with my Thyroid problem! She truly cares about
and loves working with people. She is probably got the nicest disposition of anyone I know!
Her name is Jonnata Mata. She's helped many people stop smoking and lose weight. Her
sessions are very comforting and she provides a comfortable environment!I have found that I
now have motivation to exercise once again. So far, I've gone almost every day this week and
I am eating lighter! I highly recommend her! Please pass this on to anyone you think may
benefit from Hypnotherapy. She is awesome! I've been struggling with my Thyroid for quite
some time. I would suffer a severe lack of energy, depression, and would never feel with it &I
was taking medication for my Thyroid with little results. Folks with Healthy Thyroids would
have a basal temperature (under the armpit) of at least 97.1 degrees. Mine was a mere 95.5.
(a sure sign my thyroid wasn't functioning properly.) Jonnata was determined to help with my
thyroid through the use of hypnotherapy. After an amazing session, I felt something shift
inside me. Two mornings later, my basal temperature was 97.5! I felt energized for the first
time in months! Thank you for giving that back to me!
J.C. El Mirage, AZ.
Insomnia
Hello Jonnata,I love the CD. I have listened to it 4 times already. Thank you! I am making
progress. I have fewer nights that I cannot get to sleep. I listen to the CD at least once per
day. It is a great tool. Your voice is soothing to listen to. I start yawning as soon as I turn on
the CD! :) I am having success with EFT, too. I have a lot of tapping to do yet. I keep finding
more issues to tap about. This is working. Thank you very much!
Sincerely,J.H. - Sun City, AZ.
Negative Thought Patterns
I have begun to discover my happily ever after with the help of Jonnata Mata. With the
blending of her compassion and empathy, conveyed through her angelic voice and her
guidance of a healing technique, Jonnata has directed me through the portal of peace.I am 51
and have struggled many years with critical family beliefs and limiting thought-forms. Seeking
help from counselors and therapists was unproductive for me, and I continued to be miserable;
feelings of hopelessness were my daily companion.In one last hope, I put out a silent request
that I find someone to help me be released from a past that I could not remember and a future
that was only a dream. Then I found Jonnata. As she guided me through the EFT process, I
began to heal. After just one session, I was amazed at the transition from emotionally bondage
to emotionally freedom. The very next day, I was a different person. People's comments,
arising situations, and a broken relationship could not rattle me. My reaction to situations was
completely changed. I was calm and rational. There was an inner peace that was now a part of
my existence that I never knew before.I guess a good analogy would be that as a woman goes
through menopause, her hormones are unbalanced. As her hormones are regulated, she
functions more sensibly -- mentally and emotionally. Well, as our unseen energy field is
cleansed and balanced, our entire being rises above darkness into light. Jonnata's work
doesn't come in a pill; you can't see it, taste it or smell it. But, I share with you through
personal experience, it works! Jonnata, I wanted to again thank you for taking the time to talk
with me and provide encouragement that peace of mind and heart is not out-of-reach for me;
your voice reflects the kindness of angels and your words the echoes of wisdom. Thank you
for wanted to help me find my way so that someday, I may be of help to another.
N.R. Sarver, PA
Smoking
I have only smoked for about 5 years, but determined that I needed to quit before any major
health issues arrived. I tried gum, the patch, medication, and nothing helped. After talking with
several smokers who quit through hypnosis, I started researching hypnotists in my area.
Jonnata’s web page stood out to me, so I met with her. I was very unsure of what to think or
expect. All I can say is that I have not had a cigarette in 45 days and, whatever it is that she
does, she obviously does it well. It wasn't easy, but she somehow instilled in me that I
adamantly refuse to smoke, and that refusal to smoke is still there. She is very pleasant, and
trustworthy. I have already recommended her to other people as a good choice for quitting
smoking, and other issues. Thanks again Jonnata.
A.B.
Weight Loss
After having weight loss surgery, I realized I needed to work on the emotional reasons I eat
or I was only going to gain the weight back. I feel great! It is amazing. I have been to the gym
6 times for the last three weeks. I have so much more self-confidence. I notice that I am able
to accept compliments now. Hypnosis works!
B.C. Peoria, Az.
Weight Loss
This second week on WW I had another loss of 1.8 pounds, makes a total of 3.6 for the two
weeks. Wonderful, isn't it? I exercised 4 days this week and plan on going to walk the track
on Sunday too. So you can see that my mind is in the right track, thanks to you. I actually
think/plan about going to exercise even days before I actually go, which I never did before. I'll
keep you posted on my progress and hope I can get my daughter interested too.
Doris Sun City West, Az
Weight Loss
So far on the 8 week program I have lost 17 lbs! You said the weight loss would happen as the
habits changed and you were right! I no longer eat late at night and I haven't been to a
McDonald's since we met. Thank you for the tools you have given me. I believe that the Cd's
are also helping me to sleep better as well. I am so glad to have met you.
Daryl Surprise, Az.
Fear of Flying
I have to travel for a living and I was terrified of airplanes. Thanks to you I have traveled at
least 6 times and have felt so at peace. I can't believe how I have overcome this. I think
everyone should consider Hypnotherapy! Thank you for giving me my power back!
K. L. Scottsdale, Az.
Studies Reported
Weight Loss Hypnosis: An analysis of five weight loss studies reported in the Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 showed that the weight loss reported in the five
studies indicates that hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss
approaches.
The University of Connecticut
Hypnosis became popular as a treatment for medical conditions in the late 1700s when
effective pharmaceutical and surgical treatment options were limited. In 1958 hypnosis was
recognized by the American Medical Association as a legitimate, safe approach to medical and
psychological problems. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the British Medical
Association (BMA), has recognized hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool as well. Though often
denigrated as fake or wishful thinking, hypnosis has been shown to be a real phenomenon with
a variety of therapeutic uses especially in controlling pain.
Scientific American July, 2001
Numerous scientific studies have emerged in recent years showing that the hypnotized mind
can exert a real and powerful effect on the body.
The Wall Street Journal in the October 7th, 2003
The easiest way to break bad habits is through hypnosis.
Newsweek Magazine
Hypnosis gives you more confidence.
The Magazine Psychology Today
U.S. Olympic athletes use hypnosis to win. It only makes sense that hypnosis is a tool to use to
increase ones motivation.
The Detroit Free Press
Hypnosis can be used very effectively for pain reduction. It can also be very useful in treating
anxiety in people who are anxious. Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in helping people
to stop smoking and in controlling overeating.
David Spiegel, M.D. Associate Chairman of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford
University
More Facts about hypnosis from current research findings
Taken From Readers Digest rd.com
Healing With Hypnosis
Could hypnosis heal you?
By Susan Davis
From American Health
Phoebe Lenox* had been in talk therapy for years to deal with her panic attacks and bouts of
agoraphobia that often prevented her from leaving the house. But Lenox felt she wasn't
getting to the root of her problems. "I had resolved a lot of issues, but my self-esteem was still
low, and I had a lot of anxiety," says the 46-year-old former bookstore owner in Crestone,
Colo.
Lenox, who was then living in Gulf Breeze, Fla., discovered that Stephen Lankton, president of
the American Hypnosis Board for Clinical Social Workers and the author of several books
about hypnosis, lived in nearby Pensacola. She thought about setting up an appointment and
consulted her psychotherapist, who agreed that hypnosis used in conjunction with regular
therapy could help.
The first visit was more successful (and more straightforward) than Lenox had imagined. "I
sat in a big comfortable chair in Lankton's office," Lenox says. "He asked me to close my
eyes and let my unconscious mind retrieve experiences that were relevant for me." After a
few minutes, Lenox slipped into a state of mind she characterizes as extremely relaxed but at
the same time very aware.
Lankton started asking Lenox questions, and before long they were talking about how she had
put up her newborn baby for adoption 27 years earlier. Lenox had discussed the issue in
therapy, but this was different. "Lankton gently asked me to visualize the 19-year-old girl I
had been and what happened in the delivery room," Lenox recalls. "It became clear that I was
repulsed by own fear and helplessness. Then Lankton suggested I view my younger self as
someone I could care for and feel compassion for.
"When I came out of the session, my husband said I looked like a completely different
person," Lenox remembers. "I had released so much pain." Lenox visited Lankton three
more times. "My anxiety finally just melted away," she says. "I felt cleansed and
rejuvenated."
Lenox is one of a growing number of people who are turning to hypnotherapy for relief from a
range of psychological and physical ailments. More and more psychotherapists are
incorporating hypnosis into their practices, as are dentists and obstetricians. Why? Because
studies are pointing out the benefits of hypnosis, especially when it comes to controlling pain,
curbing addictions, and reducing stress.
The Truth About Trances
While hypnosis was deemed medically valid by the American Medical Association in 1958, a
precise definition remains sketchy. According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
(ASCH) in Bloomingdale, Illinois, entering hypnosis means shifting into an altered state of
mind that's relaxed, focused, and marked by a heightened receptivity to suggestions
compatible with a person's goals and desires. "It's not unlike daydreaming or being so caught
up in a good book that the rest of the world falls away," Lankton says.
While hypnotherapists' styles may vary, they tend to follow a basic blueprint: First help the
patient focus her attention internally, not on her external environment -- by, for example,
focusing on her breathing. Then offer suggestions for how she can olve her problem.
Does it work for everyone? According to the ASCH, about 15% of people are highly
hypnotizable, 60% are moderately hypnotizable, and about 25% have difficulty being
hypnotized. "The greater the person's capacity for imagination and the more willing she is to
enter hypnosis, the greater the chances of success," says Fred Frankel, M.D., a professor
emeritus of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Healing the Mind
One of the popular uses of hypnosis is for breaking habits and addictions such as overeating
and smoking. A study by David Spiegel, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral
sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, found that 23% of people who underwent
one hypnosis session didn't smoke for two years, compared with 11% who participated in a
traditional smoking-cessation program.
Hypnosis has also been shown to be effective in providing quick stress relief. J. Henry Clarke,
D.M.D., chair emeritus at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, has been
using hypnosis for more than 30 years to ease patients' anxiety during dental procedures. He
gently instructs his patients to focus on their breathing and imagine a peaceful place, often
while he plays a tape of soothing nature sounds.
Healing the Body
Probably the most compelling use of hypnosis is for reducing pain. Dozens of clinical studies
have shown that it can be extremely effective in a variety of situations, often bringing as much
relief as medication does.
Helen Crawford, Ph.D., a professor of experimental psychology at Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University in Blacksburg, has successfully taught patients to reduce back
pain with self-hypnosis (see: Do-it-Yourself Hypnosis, below). In a small study done by Dr.
Crawford in 1998, about 70% of patients were able to significantly reduce their pain after
practicing self-hypnosis for three weeks. The technique was simple: Any time they felt
discomfort, patients were supposed to imagine they were somewhere peaceful and relaxing, or
to envision flipping off switches to symbolize putting an end to pain.
Researchers aren't sure how the mind can so effectively control the body, but Dr. Crawford
theorizes that hypnosis affects our perception of pain. "It's almost as if the patient shuts a
series of trapdoors, stopping pain impulses from reaching her conscious mind," she says.
Another benefit of hypnosis, Dr. Spiegel has discovered, is reducing the emotional distress
that often accompanies severe pain and a poor prognosis. In fact, evidence suggests that it
may profoundly affect survival: Breast cancer patients who participate in Dr. Spiegel's weekly
group sessions live an average of a year and a half longer than those who don't.
Still feeling skeptical? Maybe it's time to relinquish the clichéd image of the wizened old man
with the pocketwatch. "The biggest problem with hypnosis is the cultural baggage it carries,"
says Melvin Gravitz, Ph.D., director of the American Psychological Association's division on
hypnotherapy in Washington. "We should approach hypnosis with an open mind. When used
responsibly, it's a very powerful tool."
* Name has been changed
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