FAQ

Hypnosis itself carries no risks or side effects. First of all, it's a natural state that we experience every day (the same as when we're absorbed in a good novel, for example).

Secondly, it's important to stress that hypnosis involves no mind control, and that the patient always retains free will during a session, and therefore the power to refuse suggestions. On the other hand, a hypnotherapist with little or no training can present a risk to the patient outside the hypnotic state. In particular, if he or she uses his or her status as a companion as a means of influencing the patient or convincing him or her of his or her own personal beliefs. For example, a therapist who tries to convince a patient suffering from a serious illness that hypnosis will be enough to save him or her is dangerous.

Yes, since the hypnotic state is a natural state that we experience every day (for example, when we're absorbed by a good movie and nothing else exists), everyone is indeed "hypnotizable".

A person's "hypnotizability" depends above all on the patient's willingness to cooperate and become involved in the therapeutic process.

Being open to experience will therefore increase our chances of reaching a state of hypnosis sufficient to re-establish dialogue with our unconscious.

In principle, therapeutic hypnosis is suitable for everyone*. The success of the therapy will depend on the following factors:

• You are determined to make a change in your life.

• You're engaged in a therapeutic process and don't book an appointment "just to see what it's like". For that there's performance hypnosis or street hypnosis :-)

• You have realistic expectations in relation to your goal (your hypnotherapist will support you during the anamnesis and help you set an achievable goal).

* Hypnosis is contraindicated in severe cases of personality or psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paranoid delusions, hallucinatory psychosis, paraphrenia). Moreover, therapy is no substitute for medical follow-up and treatment if the cause of the problem is medical.

Yes, the following cases are generally considered as inappropriate and not recommended to the practice of hypnosis:

• Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paranoid delusions, hallucinatory psychosis, paraphrenia).

• Severe dissociative disorders: Individuals with severe dissociative disorders, such as multiple personality disorder, may not respond favorably to hypnosis, which may even worsen their condition.

• Severe, untreated personality disorders (antisocial, narcissistic, borderline, etc.)

• Severe addictions without medical follow-up: In the case of severe addictions, it is crucial to have appropriate medical follow-up in parallel with any therapeutic approach, including hypnosis.

It is imperative to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns with your hypnotherapist before beginning a hypnosis session. The patient's safety and well-being come first, and a proper assessment will determine whether hypnosis is indicated.

A trance state is a natural state of mind that many of us experience on a daily basis. For example, if you're immersed in a book or forget the world around you while listening to your favorite music, you're in a kind of trance. You're here and elsewhere at the same time.

Although trance is an everyday phenomenon, hypnosis is a targeted technique that a therapist uses to put a person into a state of trance. The aim is to achieve deep relaxation of the mind and body, allowing access to the unconscious. Reconnecting with the unconscious allows you to get to the source of your blockages, so you can remedy them and make positive changes in your life.

No. The positive effects of hypnosis do not depend on the depth of the hypnotic trance. Everyone reacts differently to hypnosis, and significant benefits can be achieved even in a mild or moderate trance state.

The effectiveness of hypnosis depends more on the quality of the therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist. Practitioner and patient work together to achieve the goals of the therapy.

It should be noted, however, that as the sessions progress and the patient "knows the way" and is more in a state of mind to let go, the hypnotic trance often becomes deeper and deeper.

No. Numerous scientific studies have revealed, using brain imaging techniques (MRI), increased activation of brain regions associated with control and attention during a hypnosis session. In other words, and contrary to popular belief, during a hypnosis session, you remain in full control of your experience!

Although hypnosis is free of risk, hypnotherapy may not work in certain cases. This is particularly the case if the hypnotherapist is not sufficiently trained in therapeutic techniques and does not establish the right treatment plan for the patient's problem. Or if the therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist is not strong enough (the patient needs to feel secure and confident). Of course, external factors such as the influence of alcohol or drugs can also play a role.

No. You retain total control of your mind during a hypnosis session. The fundamental role of your unconscious is to protect you. You won't say things you don't want to say. You won't do things you don't want to do.

It's difficult to answer this question without knowing the issues and objectives involved :-)

However, therapeutic hypnosis is a brief therapy. In most cases, 3 to 5 sessions will suffice. In some cases, more sessions may be required.

Like peeling an onion, each session is an opportunity to remove one of the layers blocking access to our resources and the fulfilling life we deserve.

It's important to note that therapeutic work and its duration will always be adapted to the patient's needs. It is the patient who defines the rhythm and tempo.