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Gail Coleman Sotnik
Certified Consulting Hypnotist
206-841-7694
Seattle, WA 98199
By Appointment Only
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What is Hypnosis?
The essence of hypnosis is your concentration on one small thing to the exclusion of everything else. When that one thing is your hypnotist's voice giving you useful suggestions, then hypnosis becomes a powerful, beneficial experience. Many people are concerned that they may lose control when they are in hypnosis. Actually, the opposite is true: hypnosis gives you more control! Hypnosis accesses the power that you already have within yourself. The hypnotist simply guides you to your inner power by facilitating the process.
The hypnotist helps you move into an altered state of consciousness, or trance, similar to when you're watching television, reading or driving. You are more able to absorb suggestions when you are in that state of deep concentration. When in this concentrated hypnotic state you are extremely focused and paying attention to the hypnotist's words while ignoring everything else going on around you. After the hypnotist has used words to help you enter hypnosis, you become extremely suggestible. It is at this point that the hypnotist introduces new ideas that you have chosen, to adopt as new behaviors. These ideas are absorbed by your subconscious mind and become part of your thinking. After the new ideas are secure in your subconscious and you've had a chance to visualize and rehearse them, the hypnotist will gently guide you back to your regular waking state.
Can I be Hypnotized?
Most people are able to achieve the hypnotic state if they are willing. For you to be hypnotized you must be smart enough to achieve concentration and clever enough to do what's good for you. Your subconscious mind will not permit the acceptance of suggestions that are dangerous, or inappropriate for you. You will do only what is consistent with your belief system. If there is a suggestion that is alien to you and against your values, you'll either come out of the trance or simply not hear that suggestion--your mind will block it out. The best subjects for hypnotheraphy are those who are bright and open minded. Throughout the hypnotic procedure you are a willing participant being guided into and through a safe section of your mind.
Myths About Hypnosis
If you've ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage show, you've probably witnessed several of the myths about hypnosis in action. Legitimate clinical hypnotherapy practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage.
Myth: When your under hypnosis, the hypnotherapist controls you.
Reality: Hypnosis is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. When you are in hypnosis, you don't lose your personality, your free will, or your personal strength.
Myth: Will I get stuck in a trance and never come out?
Reality: Trance is a pleasurable state and you may prefer staying in one rather than to go back to work. You cannot get stuck in a trance except in the movies.
Myth: When your're under hypnosis, you lose consciousness and have amnesia.
Reality: A small number of people who go into a very deep hypnotic state experience spontaneous amnesia. However, most people remember everything that occurred under hypnosis.
Myth: You can be put under hypnosis without your consent.
Reality: Successful hypnosis depends on your willingness to experience it. No one can force you into hypnosis!
What is a Session Like?
Your first session begins with a minimum of a 20 minute FREE consultation. It's important for you to be comfortable with my office environment, my style and with me. It's also important for me to determine if my skills and techniques are appropriate for you and your goals.
Prior to the free consultation, you will have filled out an intake form to bring with you or that you emailed to me. During our initial session I'll ask you questions about the reason for your visit and relevant background information. Most importantly, we'll talk about what you really want to achieve. Additionally, I'll explain more about the way hypnosis works and answer any questions you have about the process so you can be completely comfortable before we begin.
Most sessions last 60-120 minutes. The number of sessions required depends on the issue being addressed and varies from person to person. Some very specific issues may be resolved in one session, whereas weight loss may take up to 10-12 sessions to completely resolve. As we begin hypnosis, you'll sit in a comfortable chair. I'll talk with you and guide you into a deep state of relaxation. You will be aware of everything that occurs and you will know that you are fully capable of ending the session any time you want. You probably won't want to however, since most clients find this state of relaxation to be very enjoyable. At this point there are any number of techniques I use to help start moving you toward your goals. All will involve your complete participation and all will be chosen specifically for you and your issue.
When the session is complete, you'll emerge from that deeply relaxed state and you will remember everything that happened (it is extremely rare that a person forgets part of a session). You'll relax a few moments as you orient to your normal fully alert state, after which we will discuss any questions, comments or issues you wish to address in future sessions. There are no side effects to hypnosis other than feeling more relaxed than usual. Many people report that they enjoy a long and restful sleep on the night of their session. The only other changes you'll see in yourself are the changes that you came to the session to achieve. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking Hypnotherapy are most successful when they have a willingness to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
Is Hypnosis right for me?
Seeking out help is an individual choice. Working with a Hypnotist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges and we can help address many types of issues including weight loss, stop smoking, anxiety, conflict, stress management, body-image issues, performance, and general life transitions. Hypnosis is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, taking action, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
How can Hypnosis help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in Hypnosis. Hypnotists can help provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as weight management, behavior modification, smoking cessation, stress management, and body image issues. Hypnosis can also help provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from hypnosis depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from hypnosis include:
• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek help
• Learning new ways to cope with stressful situations
• Managing the emotional and stress triggers for overeating and smoking
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your life
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Making Old Perceptions New
Hypnosis can give new meaning to an old situation - yes, you really can develop a strong desire to exercise, to stop evening eating or to fall asleep quickly. Sometimes it's too difficult to reframe a situation by yourself. That's when you need a boost from hypnosis. Often with just one session, you can change your perception of a situation as one of hardship to one of pleasure. Hypnosis gives you the advantage of looking at a particular situation from a new perspective.
What is the Client's Role?
Clients are very active participants. When in a state of hypnosis, the client hears everything the hypnotist says and they have complete control over the suggestions they accept. To acheive the best results the client must be willing to accept the suggestions, with a desire that the suggestions work, a belief they will work, and a sense of expectancy that they will work! In addition to suggestion work, I use other techniques, as well. Many times it is important for the client to find the root of their problem before they can solve it. Many hypnosis techniques are available in my tool box and one or more of them will meet your specific needs.
I am always happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact me.
Gail
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