Hypnosis is the oldest Western conception of psychotherapy. Patients overcome phobias, combat physical pain, and manage stress through a treatment that involves a state of both highly focused attention and deep relaxation. If you’ve been wondering whether you can be hypnotized, my answer is: If you’ve ever daydreamed or become completely absorbed in an activity, then yes, you can be hypnotized.
Specifically: Although it is unclear why some people are more wired for hypnosis than others, many theories posit that those who are hypnotizable especially enjoyed imaginative activities as children or are naturally divergent thinkers. That is, these people have an innate ability to drive their attention elsewhere during times of intense stress or pressure. Other explanations simply state that some people are genetically predisposed to produce certain neurotransmitters which allow their minds to fall into hypnotic trances without difficulty.
You see, almost everyone is capable of being successfully hypnotized. There’s nothing to fear. As with everything else in life, practice makes perfect so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results the first time. The more comfortable and patient you allow yourself to be with hypnosis, the easier it will be to experience the transformation you seek. Check out additional information about hypnosis on this website or give my office a call at (212) 599-3195.