Hypnosis is a powerfully creative state of mind and body that is characterized by a willingness and receptivity to receive, and act upon, specifically crafted suggestions. It feels familiar and comfortable because to most people hypnosis feels like deep relaxation or sometimes even sleep. In fact the origin is from the Greek word “hypnos,” which means sleep.​ But the effect of hypnosis is unlike sleep.​​

​Contrary to a popular misconception—that hypnosis is a form of unconsciousness resembling sleep—contemporary research suggests that hypnotic subjects are fully awake and are focusing attention, with a corresponding decrease in their peripheral awareness.​​​

​Our state of mind changes frequently throughout the day and night. Driving your car is a different state of mind than reading, which is different than sleeping. Falling asleep in front of the television is a form of hypnosis, which by the way, is not recommended. This is because you are receiving powerful suggestions from advertisers without your analytical mind to filter out what’s wanted from what’s not.​

​​During hypnosis you are fully in control. You know exactly where you are the entire time. You can adjust your position, scratch, sneeze or cough. You can open your eyes and bring yourself out of hypnosis at any time. You can still hear sounds around you, like a phone ringing or any other sounds that may signal for your conscious awareness to become active. You can alert yourself and respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain oriented as to person, place, and time. You can even hold a conversation in hypnosis!