Hypnosis is a relaxed, focused state of concentration.  It involves focusing attention and awareness inward.  The hypnotic state is similar to other forms of relaxation, with reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, decreased blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased alpha and theta brain wave activity.  In a state of hypnosis, a person is highly responsive to suggestion and they can more easily access the resources of their subconscious mind.

The use of modern day Hypnosis was pioneered in the late eighteenth century by German physician Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer.  Today it is recognized as an effective technique for accessing the deeper levels of the mind to promote changes in perception and behavior.   Click here for more information.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming, commonly referred to as NLP, is the art and science of subjective reality.  It involves the study and modeling of excellence in human behavior and it provides a model of how individuals structure their unique experiences of life.   In many ways it's like a road map for the mind.  NLP is all about giving a person more control over their mind and making more choices available.

Guided Imagery is a way to access the subconscious mind through sensory-rich images with the intention of promoting mental and physical health.

The mind-body connection has been well documented.  Positive mental imagery can promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain, boost the immune system, and affect a host of body systems that are normally controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique™) is a process designed by Gary Craig to resolve negative emotions and trauma by tapping on various acupressure points.  The basic assumption in EFT is that all negative emotions are caused by an energy disruption.  The EFT process is designed to correct that disruption.   The process was partially inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Roger Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy.  EFT has been described as an ‘emotional version of acupuncture’.   EFT can be used for just about anything.  Examples include eliminating fears, improving self confidence, addressing traumas, managing pain, dealing with sadness, clearing addictions, quitting smoking, losing weight, managing stress, and dealing with physical problems.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the theory that what individuals believe or perceive to be true about them or their experiences will affect how they feel and behave.  “The model posits that dysfunctional (or maladaptive) thoughts relating to self, the world, or others are rooted in irrational or illogical assumptions” (Wheeler, 2008).   In other words, faulty thinking patterns lead to making incorrect inferences based on inadequate or incorrect information.   “CBT is an insight-focused therapy that emphasizes recognizing and changing negative thoughts and maladaptive beliefs” (Corey, 2009).   This is done by teaching how to recognize and modify the distorted beliefs so individuals learn to engage in more realistic and resourceful thinking.

CBT is one of the most evidenced-based therapies in use today.  In addition, Alladin’s 2009 article “Evidence-Based Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Depression” suggested that when CBT was used with hypnosis for depression, it was found to be even more effective than using CBT by itself.

Biofeedback is a treatment technique that allows individuals to “see or hear” activity inside their autonomic nervous system (ANS) and use this information to make positive health changes.  Until the 1960’s, it was thought the ANS system was involuntary and could not be changed by will. But research during that time changed the way medical practitioners viewed this system when it was demonstrated that individuals could affect the ANS and alter brain activity, reduce blood pressure and pulse rate, and affect many other involuntary body functions (Runck 2006).   Today biofeedback is routinely used to reduce negative effects of stress and anxiety, migraine and tension headaches as well as other types of pain, cardiac arrthymias, Raynaud’s disease, ADHD, and disorders of the digestive tract, just to name a few.

There are various biofeedback instruments including those that measure electrical potential of muscle fibers, alpha brain wave patterns during relaxation, galvanic skin response showing decreased skin conductivity during relaxation, and skin temperature which drops during tension.  When individuals are attached to one of these instruments the biofeedback machine or computer program will measure a physiological function and translate it into an audible or visual signal revealing ANS function.   Individuals learn ways to alter what is happening in the ANS (Sadock & Sadock, 2007).

Additional insight on biofeedback can be found on the Arizona Behavioral Health Associates, P.C. website.

SoulCollage® is a very powerful and amazing art therapy process developed by Seena B Frost.  The basic process consists of creating collage cards representing an area or issue you want to work with.  After the card is assembled from cut out magazine photos and images, you process the meaning through role playing and asking a series of questions.

The process can be used to facilitate change in any area such as stress management, weight loss, addictions, negative emotions, trauma, self-esteem, and fears.  It is also a way to access the wisdom and guidance of the subconscious mind.   In many respects it is like doing hypnosis through art therapy.  More information can be found on the SoulCollage® website.

Hypnotherapy leverages combinations of Hypnosis, Guided Imagery, CBT, NLP, and other psychotheraputic techniques to help people achieve desired outcomes and goals.  Check out my Research Page for information on a wide variety of applications.

The American Medical Association (AMA) originally supported the use of Hypnosis as a valid therapy for medical or psychological purposes in 1958 based on a Council of Mental Health report.    However, in 1987 the AMA conducted an internal review and made a decision to rescind all existing endorsement of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.    As a result of that process, AMA endorsement of Hypnosis and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities was removed.

It should be noted that the AMA decision does not invalidate the 1958 Mental Council Health report.    In fact, the report continues to be highly regarded by both the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and the Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) as many of the observations contained in the report continue to be relevant today.  There is a constantly growing body of evidence documenting the effective usage of Hypnosis as a therapeutic modality.  Links to wide variety of studies and websites can be found on the Research Page.

No.  Hypnotists do not have the power to control other people's minds.   You will never do anything or accept any suggestion that violates your personal values.  You remain in control at all times working with the Hypnotherapist as he/she leads you through the session.

Hypnosis is a very pleasant, relaxed state of consciousness.  All senses are heightened as attention is focused inward.  You become more aware of how your body feels.   People experience hypnosis in everyday activities like daydreaming while driving, getting caught up in a good book, or listening to relaxing music while resting.

No.  You are in control of going into the hypnotic state and at anytime you can come out of it by simply opening your eyes.  This is why all hypnosis is considered self hypnosis.

In most cases you will be able to remember the session and many things in great detail due to the focused concentration inherent with hypnosis.  There are some rare situations where amnesia may be part of a therapeutic strategy.

Yes!  Hypnosis, NLP, Guided Imagery, and EFT are just tools.  When used in the hands of a trained therapist, the tools are safe and can be extremely beneficial in helping individuals reach their goals and desired outcomes.  

My personal experience has led me to believe that when Christians have reservations concerning these tools (especially hypnosis) it is usually due to a lack of accurate information.  Hopefully this Q & A page has helped clear up some of the misconceptions.  For additional information I suggest checking out the links below:

• "When Evangelical Christians Object to Hypnosis" - A really good article by Rev. Mike Lips, CH
• Links under Hypnosis and Religion on the More Links page.
• A perspective from Dr. Gerry Breshears, Professor of Systematic Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon

You may also want to read about my personal experience