CHRISTIAN CASTLEBERRY - Become the star you were born to be....for a little while anway!

Q: What exactly is Hypnosis?

A: Hypnosis is a very normal and natural altered state of consciousness (an altered state of awareness), one we all experience from time to time in which the mind remains clear, alert and focused on something. Have you ever "become really absorbed" while watching TV? Or driven to work on "auto pilot?" That's the same kind of altered state as hypnosis. Some misconceptions about hypnosis are that it's a frightening or eerie state, or that it feels very weird, but it's actually very normal and very pleasant. Some people ask if they've really been hypnotised, just because it feels like such a normal state and they were expecting something very strange. The zombie-type states you see depicted in movies and on TV are pure fantasy.

Q: How does it feel to be hypnotized?

A: It feels great! Hypnosis is a natural state that feels similar to that feeling you get right before you fall asleep at night. When you awaken, you feel refreshed and revitalised. You just feel as if you are relaxing in a very comfortable space with your eyes closed. You can hear everything--my voice, the sounds outside the building, a car going down the street outside, whatever. Think about it - your unconscious mind uses the same set of ears that your conscious mind hears with! How effective would it be if, once you entered the trance state, you suddenly lost all ability to hear the hypnotherapist's words? You're mindful the entire time, aware of everything going on around you as well as what your unconscious is revealing to you. I liken it to watching TV in one room while a radio plays in another; you can shift your awareness back and forth between the two, concentrating on one but still aware of the other. Most people will agree that it's a lovely feeling because they are more relaxed that they have ever been before.

Q: Is Hypnosis mind control?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! No one under hypnosis can be induced to do anything against his or her will. Whatever moral and ethical codes you hold in a normal waking state will still be in place under hypnosis. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually lie when in hypnosis. Your unconscious mind was formed when you were about age five. Its job is to protect and help you. Just like you cannot be made to do anything against your moral code, you will not say anything that is embarrassing and will not reveal more than you are comfortable doing. Usually, if a hypnotherapist's suggestion conflicts with a client's value system, the client simply brings him or herself up out of hypnosis; they just "wake up." You are in complete control at all times.

Q: I went to a hypnotherapist once before and it didn't work. Does this mean I'm not able to be hypnotized?

A: The most common reason for failure to induce trance is lack of rapport. To overcome this problem, make a few free initial consultations with different therapists and choose one that you instinctively trust.

Q: What if I can't wake up?

A: Never happens. Getting out of hypnosis is never a problem. You'll put all of your efforts into getting into a hypnotic state, not getting out of it. The worst that can happen is that you drift off into normal sleep, in which case you will wake up – or oversleep – just as you would any other time.

Q: Can I be hypnotized against my will?

A: No, anyone can resist and it won't work. Hypnosis is cooperation between two people - I will show you the way and you can choose if you want to go there or not.

Q: What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

A: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or the release of problems. All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis; but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy. Additionally, mastering the art of hypnosis does not necessarily mean one is qualified as a Hypnotherapist. Contrary to what many might believe, there is more to helping someone overcome an unwanted habit than simply giving hypnotic suggestions. If a person's subconscious resists positive suggestions for goal achievement, the competently trained Hypnotherapist is far more likely to be of service than those with minimal training in hypnosis, or who are simply self-taught. And a background in counseling is NOT a substitute for adequate training in hypnotherapy when hypnosis is used to help people.