Frequently Asked EFT and Hypnotherapy Questions Index

Betty Moore-Hafter

1. Hypnosis "stage shows" make it appear that people are totally under the control of the hypnotist. Is hypnotherapy anything like that?
2. Is hypnosis mind control? Will I give up my control if I am hypnotized?
3. What will a session be like?
4. What is E.F.T.?
5. Why do you combine hypnotherapy and E.F.T?
6. How many sessions will I need?
7. What if I can't be hypnotized?

1. Hypnosis stage shows make it appear that people are totally under the control of the hypnotist. Is hypnotherapy anything like that?

What you see on stage is very different from the therapeutic use of hypnosis (hypnotherapy). First of all, stage hypnotists are skilled at choosing only the most suggestible subjects, so they have a very select group on stage. And people go up voluntarily, expecting to relax their inhibitions and have fun. Being part of a group on stage and being watched and cheered on by the audience is a big part of the hypnotic effect. However, if the hypnotist should suggest anything the participants really objected to, they would refuse and probably come out of trance immediately. Stage hypnosis is a phenomenon of the entertainment world and is not like what you will experience in a hypnotherapy session. ^

2. Is hypnosis mind control? Will I give up my control if I am hypnotized?

Absolutely not. Even in a deeply relaxed state, you remain completely aware and in control. Your mind may drift at times, yet you can remember everything if you wish. The 'amnesia' that people have after stage shows is induced, it is not an automatic consequence of hypnosis. And you can rest assured that any words, images and suggestions that are used will be completely in line with your goals. Hypnosis actually gives you more control because you can heal subconscious resistance and enlist the help of your powerful subconscious mind, stopping self-sabotage. ^

3. What will a session be like?

First we talk for a little while, and I just listen in order to understand your issues and what you would like to accomplish. Then I usually teach you E.F.T. and guide you through some rounds of that method. We begin to access the subconscious that way and you may experience real emotional relief and other evidence that things are already shifting. We then talk about how you would like to focus the hypnotherapy experience. You are then guided into a deeply relaxed and peaceful state where I follow your expressed desires for what you want to experience. Every session is "custom-made", completely tailored to the individual, and you will have a self-hypnosis tape of the session to take home. ^

4. What is E.F.T.?

E.F.T. (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a very effective method for accessing the subconscious without the use of trance. As we sit face to face and talk about your issues, you are guided to tap lightly on stress relief points on the body. Most people have a noticeable shift in their feelings after each round. E.F.T. is a wonderful tool for self-help, and you will learn it in the first session and take it home to use as you like. Learn more... ^

5. Why do you combine hypnotherapy and E.F.T?

Hypnotherapists who use both E.F.T. (or related 'energy therapies') and hypnotherapy have found that our results have improved dramatically. E.F.T. is powerfully effective to 'break up' and clear out the 'old programming'. Sometimes people experience such major changes with E.F.T. that the hypnosis is merely reinforcing what we have already accomplished. And when we do E.F.T. before the hypnosis experience, it seems that there is 'more space inside' for the new suggestions. In addition, E.F.T. releases tension so effectively that the deep relaxation of the hypnosis experience comes very easily afterwards. ^

6. How many sessions will I need?

Working with the subconscious mind is a powerful process which usually produces noticeable results within a short time, sometimes immediately. People generally experience some positive changes within the first session or two. Although some problems (phobias, for instance) may be alleviated in just one session, most issues are best dealt with in 2-5 sessions. It will be clear within the first few sessions whether we are making progress. And some people choose to continue with further sessions, dealing with more and more issues as the healing process unfolds. ^

7. What if I can't be hypnotized?

Everyone has the natural ability to relax and experience some level of inner focus. The 'altered state' that is needed (alpha brain wave activity) is a normal and natural state that we all go in and out of many times a day. Whenever you let go of your focus on the task at hand and 'drift into your own world' for a few moments, you are experiencing a light state of self-hypnosis. Whether one experiences a light, medium or deep hypnotic state in the session, one can still get good results. And the E.F.T. technique is a non-hypnotic method of accessing the subconscious that is very easy and effective, and everyone can do it. ^