Tea Time With Jo | Demystifying Hypnotherapy

Mindset is such an important part of any healing journey. One of my favorite modalities for mindset work is Hypnosis. The image of a person waving a pocket watch in front of you may have popped into your mind but Hypnosis is so much more than what we see on television. “Stage Hypnosis” is likely the only type of Hypnosis that most people have encountered and so they think of it more as an entertaining way to make a person get on all fours and bark like a dog. In all actuality Hypnosis is an amazing tool to work with the subconscious mind. Accessing this part of our consciousness can have profound benefits in releasing old thought patterns, working through addictions and even healing phobias!

I have been very blessed to have worked alongside a Hypnotherapist for the vast majority of my Chinese Medicine career. I was even one of her earliest patients when she helped me let go of the fear that I was destined to have dementia because of my family history. It made perfect sense to interview the practitioner I trust the most and provide answers to the most common questions I get about Hypnosis. 

Without further ado, here is my interview with Licensed Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master and Magnified Healing Practitioner, Ary Rodriguez: 

-What exactly is Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy? What does it mean when someone “goes under”?

Hypnosis is a trance-like state, referred to as "going under", in which we bypass the conscious mind to arrive at the subconscious. In this state, the person relaxes to such a level that they tune out outside stimuli. Once that is achieved and we enter the subconscious mind, we can then reframe the past, change habits or process trauma, to name a few.

-Is the trance-like state in which someone is in during hypnosis similar to the state someone may experience during deep meditation? 

Yes, just like it. The majority of people compare hypnosis to daydreaming, or the feeling of "losing yourself" in a book or a movie. They are in control the whole time but simultaneously very relaxed. 

-What does an initial session with you look like? Do they “go under” in the initial session? 

I like to schedule an initial consultation so that I can better get to know my client, their goals as well as their history. It allows me to listen for clues related to why they are coming to see me in the first place. This session often reveals childhood patterns, traumas or learned behaviors that have helped to shape them into who they are. This initial session is quite in depth and a potential client can expect for the appointment to last 90 minutes or so. After this initial consultation then we schedule another date to meet for the actual Hypnotherapy session.

-Do you make your clients cluck like chickens or bark like dogs? 

No. As entertaining as that seems to stage hypnotists, I take my role with my clients very seriously. I like for those who seek my services to always have a safe and non-judgmental space to just be, regardless of whether they continue with Hypnotherapy or decide it isn’t for them. 

-Does Hypnosis require any kind of spiritual or religious belief?

It does not. People from all backgrounds and walks of life can experience Hypnosis. All that is required is an open mind and an open heart.

-How to know if a Hypnotherapist is legit? Are there any red flags? 

Different states have different laws. Some require a practitioner to carry certain permits such as a business license or insurance, while others don't require anything at all. Generally speaking, all Hypnotherapist undergo some type or training or certification process. Your practitioner should be able to answer simple questions regarding their background (i.e. Where did they get certified? How long have they been practicing? Do they have a specialty? Etc.) If their answers feel off, I think you should trust your gut and your common sense and find a different practitioner.

-What kind of commitment does Hypnotherapy require from the client?

Hypnosis is a simple process but it requires you to commit to yourself and your goals. Deciding you want to make changes and showing up to your appointments really is half of the battle. Some clients achieve remarkable results after just one session. Other clients will work on a particular area of concern for a few sessions and then return when they are ready to work on something different. It really just depends on the person, their willingness and their goals.

-Does Hypnosis require maintenance sessions after addressing a certain concern?

That depends on the person and the concern. Some issues are layered and require multiple sessions. In some cases, clients have remarkable results after just 1 or 2 sessions. 

-What does an ideal client for you look like?

My ideal client is someone who is committed to their journey, growth and goals and willing to invest in themselves.  I practice multiple styles and techniques but love working with Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique® the most. It's just fascinating to hear people talk about their past lives. I don’t really have a specific concern that I like to work with but I do love clients that are just ready to do the work. They’re excited and committed and that makes their results come about faster and more prominently. 

If you are interested in learning more about Ary and her work, feel free to peruse her website Hypnosis By Ary. If her name sounds familiar to you, its because she is not only a work colleague of mine, but also my sister! I was with her along for the journey of her training and have undergone Hypnotherapy sessions with her whenever I have needed them. It has been such a wonderful tool and life hack in letting go of old behaviors, thought patterns and believes that were keeping me stuck. I often refer her services to my Acupuncture patients and, while many patients are reluctant to give it a shot, those that do see incredible results at a much quicker rate. 

Being in the Bible Belt also makes a part of my clientele hesitant to even consider Hypnosis. There is a huge false narrative that Hypnosis is somehow “the devil’s work” or is attached to a certain belief. Anytime past lives are mentioned, it sounds off an alarm in a lot of people’s heads. Here’s the thing though, Hypnosis doesn’t require working with past lives. You don’t even have to approach the subject if it isn’t something you believe in. It is simply one of the techniques that Hypnotherapists can work with. 

I hope this post has brought you more clarity on the practice of Hypnosis. If you have any questions or would like more information, you can contact Ary directly through her website or Instagram.