Instructors

HYPNOSIS

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is a heightened sense of suggestibility, where the subconscious mind dissociates from the conscious. In the hypnotic state, although the subject is completely aware of all surroundings, sounds, etc., he or she is concerned only with the words, ideas and suggestions that are directed by the hypnotist. Hypnosis is an attitude that the client assumes willingly and each person may describe it differently. Some describe it as a “heavy feeling,” some feel light and so on. It is, certainly, a state of complete relaxation, mentally and physically. By using hypnosis, we can alter our programs to change our habits, clarify our perceptions and eliminate our fears. It is a tool that we can utilize to build confidence and self-esteem, to add clarity and a sense of control to our lives.

HOW FAR BACK CAN HYPNOSIS BE TRACED?
Since the beginning of mankind. Hypnosis is older than medicine. It goes back to the days of Egyptian priests and their sleep temples where they “cured” illnesses. Cave drawings suggest that man began to experiment with hypnosis 10,000 years ago, believe it or not!

IS HYPNOSIS BEING UNDER SOMEONE ELSE’S POWER?
This is probably the biggest fear and the most misunderstood aspect about hypnosis. You are no more under the power of a hypnotist than you are a teacher, coach, lawyer, doctor, counselor or minister. You are always in control. You can accept or reject a suggestion from a hypnotist just as you can reject advice, or suggestions from a doctor or minister.

WHY DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?
There are many lengthy theories on this subject. Some of them are quite valid and scientific, but it is believed that hypnosis by-passes the critical filter of ones mind, putting the analytical or judgmental part of the mind into neutral, while shifting the impressionable part into high gear. This allows verbal suggestions to be readily accepted into the brain’s circuitry without censorship of critical judgment or negative thinking.

ARE ALL SUGGESTIONS ACCEPTED UNDER HYPNOSIS?
No. Only suggestions that conform to a person’s inner desires, interests, character and convictions. All other suggestions will be rejected.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE HYPNOTIZED?
Want it to happen, believe it will happen, let it happen, with faith and confidence in your self and your professional.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE HYPNOTIZED AND NOT KNOW IT?
The amazing thing is most people who undergo hypnosis for the first time do not believe they have been hypnotized. The reason for this is the myths about hypnosis have conditioned us to expect something other than what it is. You hear every word. Your senses and concentration are intensified many times than in your normal waking state. Hypnosis is a “heightened state of awareness.”

IS HYPNOSIS A NATURAL STATE?
Yes. Each of us passes through a brief hypnotic state every day of our lives just before falling asleep at night and upon awakening in the morning. Also, watching T.V., listening to the radio, driving, reading a book or concentrating on a task. So hypnosis is a natural every day phenomenon.

CAN I BE HYPNOTIZED?
Almost every normal person, except those with an I.Q. below 75 can be hypnotized. A person who is overly fearful, skeptical, or analytical or has a “you can’t hypnotize me” attitude decreases the ability to be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a consent state, so the key is wanting to get the desired results.

MUST I BE IN A DEEP TRANCE FOR HYPNOSIS TO WORK?
No. Hypnosis can be effective whether you are in a light, medium or deep trance.

CAN HYPNOSIS HURT YOU?
In over two hundred years of recorded hypnosis history, there is NO documented case of anyone being hurt with Hypnosis. Hypnosis can only be used for good. If anyone tried to give you suggestions against your morals, religious beliefs, values, or anything you feel strongly about, you would instantly emerge from the state of relaxation on your own.

WHAT ABOUT GROUP HYPNOSIS?
For most people, the group acts as a motivator, so results are often better with such matters as smoking, weight loss, motivation, etc. Some people do not relate well to group programming and therefore prefer private sessions.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL?
This depends on the nature of the problem, the individual and the circumstances. Most goals can be achieved in 1 to 4 sessions, while others may take many visits. Personal motivation, suggestibility and desire for change play a vital part in achieving any goal.

IN WHAT AREAS HAS HYPNOSIS BEEN USED SUCCESSFULLY?
Hypnosis has been used successfully in almost every area of life. It is used in medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, psychology, education, psychiatry, naturopathy, obstetrics, child rearing, sports, business. In fact, in every area of both the healing arts and self improvement.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ISSUES THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED?

JOAN PATAKY, B.S., C.Ht.
Certified Hypnotherapist
Behavior Therapist
NLP Trainer

Joan is the founder and director of New Horizons Institute in DeLand, Florida where she maintains a successful hypnosis practice. She has worked in the field for over 22 years and has her Bachelor of Science in Education . She has been trained in Clinical Hypnosis and is a trainer of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

Joan is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, the American Association of Behavioral Therapists and is Education Chairman for the Hypnosis Education Association. She is also an adjunct instructor at Daytona Beach Community College.

She has taught classes in Stress Strategies, Speed Reading, Memory, Test Anxiety, Pain Management and many others. Joan has also conducted classes in hypnosis and NLP for nurses, psychologists and other helping professionals at Daytona Beach Community College as well as training programs for the medical and corporate communities.

HYPNOSIS SESSION
Your session with Ms. Pataky at New Horizons Institute will be a completely rewarding experience that consists of the following:

*Joan will explain in detail what hypnotherapy is and how it can work for you. She will answer all of your questions and discuss any misconceptions you may have concerning hypnosis. When this part of the session is finished you will know more about hypnosis than 99% of the public.

*Joan will discuss your goals or issues and how you can most rapidly achieve your desired results.

*When you are absolutely comfortable with the idea of hypnosis and feel good about working with Joan, the actual session will begin. You will be guided into a very deep state of physical and mental relaxation where you feel very relaxed, but are aware of everything going on around you. Suggestions for the changes you desire will then be given to your powerful subconscious mind and will become a part of you. The old programming which was keeping you from achieving your goal or which caused a problem, is deleted, allowing you to accomplish your goal and eliminate the problem. You will then be emerged from hypnosis with strong suggestions of health and a positive attitude, followed by a brief discussion of the session.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ISSUES THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED?

NUMBER OF SESSIONS
Most goals can be achieved in 1-4 sessions; however, some situations require more sessions due to acute stress, anxiety, negative self-image and fears.

Contact Joan at:

NEW HORIZONS INSTITUTE
19 Garden Drive
DeLand, Fl 32724
(386) 738-4864

Call to schedule an appointment or for more information.

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This page last updated on June 5, 2007