Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypnosis?

Definition: Hypnosis is the by-pass of the critical factor (the mental blocking part) of the conscious mind combined with the establishment of acceptable, selective thinking.

• It is a natural state of mind and is a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. People go in and out of hypnosis all day long without realizing they are in trance.
• Example: When a person is staring into a beautifully lit fire in a fireplace, they find themselves entranced (deeply absorbed) in the beauty of the flames. Most likely, that person is in a light, trance state of hypnosis.

Is hypnosis approved by the American Medical Association? The American Medical Association and the American Dental Association both recognize and accept hypnosis as a very valuable tool (modality) in making desired beneficial changes within the mind-body-spirit connection. Because hypnosis is safe and a valuable wellness modality, many leading medical and dental schools are currently teaching hypnosis courses.

Why would a person choose to receive hypnosis? An individual chooses hypnosis because they desire change, they understand the power of their subconscious mind and they like the idea that hypnosis can help them create valuable permanent life changes i.e., improving their health and well-being and releasing mental blocks that have prevented them from making beneficial transformation in their life.

What problems or issues can be successfully treated with hypnosis? There are many, here are just some of many issues hypnosis is used for:

• Sports Performance Enhancement
• Self-Confidence and Emotional fulfillment
• Relationships - Sexual Concerns and Grief Loss
• Motivation, Study Habits and Learning Enhancement
• ADD/ADHD and Behavior - Attitude Modification
• Habit Control and Motivation
• Stress – Hypertension
• Fears, Phobias and Anxieties – Public Speaking
• Stop Smoking – Addictions
• Dental Related Issues
• Multiple Wellness Concerns
• Weight Loss – Control and Management
• Sleep Disturbance, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
• Emotional Pain and Chronic Pain Management
• Diabetes and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Asthma
• Pre and Post Surgical
• Dental Related Issues
• Stuttering and Bed Wetting
• Nail Biting, Thumb Sucking and Skin Problems
• Retrieving Lost Objects

What are the benefits of hypnosis? There are many. Some examples of minimum benefits that you can gain from hypnosis are stress relief, peace of mind and increased energy. Some examples of maximum benefits are vital health and wellness, unlimited personal success, and making dreams a reality. The benefits you receive will be in proportion to the time and attention that you are willing to invest in making your changes.

• Your desire, belief and expectations are an enormous part of your success.
• All my clients are educated in hypnosis; they understand that believing they will create valuable change is a must and that you get what you expect.
• My motto is Expect and Create Success!

Why did you become a Certified Hypnotist? I recognized the ‘true value’ of hypnosis first hand after a serious illness; as a result of my personal (life changing) success with hypnotic intervention, I became committed to assisting all individuals to total wellness.

• I received my initial certification training (Basic and Advanced Training) from the Omni Hypnosis Center in Deland, Florida. I continue to receive 21 plus continuing education, credit hours each year from the National Guild of Hypnotist; it is the oldest and largest professional organization of hypnotist in the world.

Do you specialize in a specific area of hypnosis treatment? At Alternative Wellness & Beyond, my client focus is Holistic Wellness - mind-body and spirit connection for enhanced well-being; I am committed to “client total wellness.” I specialize in Sports Performance Enhancement and Wellness Concerns: Stress Management, Fears-Phobias, Smoking Cessation and Weight Loss. Upon request, I do consider treatment sessions for other areas of wellness and success.

• I also love using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a cutting edge exercise with a profound and lasting effect on one’s physical and emotional well-being; it works simultaneously on the mind and body. My clients appreciate my giving them a tool they can use anywhere – anytime they choose.

Most often, I do Root Cause Hypnosis - I help individuals uncover their problem(s) and understand how the issues(s) started. I treat the Root Cause rather than the effect because once the cause is located it allows me to assist my clients with resolving their ‘inner conflict(s)’. I also do Direct Suggestions for client empowerment - however, I believe if I only did Direct Suggestion, then I would not help the clients resolve their issues. I use Direct Suggestion for the purpose of building the individual’s self-esteem, etc.; I find it helpful with enhancing client follow through with their action plans and goals.

• Example: When a doctor is dealing with an overweight person, the doctor will often prescribe a particular eating program, an exercise program, supplements, and possibly medications. The doctor will most often explain possible medical consequences of being overweight. If a person stays with their regime ONLY UNTIL they loose their desired weight - and if they do NOT continue with their prescribed plan and behavior modification changes, they usually will gain the weight back very quickly; the person will frequently gain additional pounds. Hypnosis would help that person identify their real reason (Root Cause) for their weight gain; adding Direct Suggestions during hypnosis will help them to follow through with behavior modification as they continue their wellness journey for the rest of their life. Unless the Root Cause of their problem is located and released, most likely there will be no permanent change.
• Example: If a person has asthma or difficulty sleeping, with Direct Suggestions - I can help alleviate the problem but the Root Cause of the problem will NOT be resolved. To release the problem, one must get to the ‘root’ of the problem. For complete resolution of the underlying problem or issue, the client must want resolution and they must desire to discover the Root Cause of the trouble. They must also be willing to release their perceived problem or no lasting, beneficial change will occur.

Do you have a favorite age group that you work with? No, I love working with children, teens and adults. No matter what the age of my client is, helping them to make valuable permanent changes in their life is very rewarding to me. It is especially gratifying when a person is at a fork in the road of their life and they are unsure of which direction to turn; they are willing to place their trust in me, my professional skills and the power of their wise inner mind so that they can make life-transforming changes. I take that trust seriously and find that to be very rewarding.

• (They understand, they are always in charge and can emerge from hypnosis at any time).

Can anyone be hypnotized? You must want to be hypnotized. Anyone with an average IQ and with willingness for change to occur will do well with hypnosis. If you believe you can not be hypnotized, then you will not be able to be hypnotized; to be hypnotized you must like the idea of making positive changes in your thinking and in your behavior and habits.

• The individual must have no fears or misconceptions regarding hypnosis and believe that he/she can create the desired change while in hypnosis, that is why I educate people.
• A person can make change easily and quickly – if they choose to. What you decide, determines if a given suggestion is allowed to enter their subconscious mind and be accepted or reject the suggestion.

How is the wellness hypnosis that you do, different than stage hypnosis? Stage hypnosis is purely entertainment; it creates a dramatic effect and can leave individuals with the wrong impression of how powerful hypnosis for wellness can be. That is just one reason why I educate my clients.

Example: When you go to the movies or are entertained during a play - you are simply being entertained. The reason the hypnotized individual on stage does certain activities (on stage) is that they like the idea of being on stage (and they find that idea interesting), therefore they follow given, specific suggestions.

• I personally have been hypnotized by others for wellness and I consistently do self-hypnosis; because I have no desire to be hypnotized on stage, the stage hypnotist could NOT by-pass my critical factor, (my blocking part); therefore – they could not hypnotize me. They only choose audience members who really like the idea of being hypnotized on stage.

• At Alternative Wellness & Beyond, my client focus is on Holistic Wellness - mind-body and spirit connection for enhanced well-being. Assisting children, teens and adults with making beneficial, desired permanent changes is very enjoyable to me. I specialize in Sports Enhancement Performance and Wellness: removal of Fears - Phobias; Stress Reduction; Stop Smoking (cessation); and Weight Loss. I do see people for many other issues as well. The above issues are my area of specialties.

What does it mean when someone says, ‘you go under’ hypnosis? That is just one little reason why I love to educate people. A person does NOT go ‘under’. In hypnosis, you are guided into trance or you guide yourself into trance, (self-hypnosis). Your hypnotist creates a comfortable, trustful environment in which hypnosis can occur. Going ‘under’ is what happens when you receive anesthesia during surgery - you go into trance when doing hypnosis. There is a huge difference between the two!

What does being in trance mean? It is an altered state of consciousness; the individual is fully alert, more alert than you are at this very minute. We go in and out of trance all day long. You may recall a time when you were reading a book and as you were deeply absorbed in the story, you did not hear another person attempting to get your attention. In actuality, you did hear this person, but because you were so engrossed in your story - you were unaware that this other person was talking to you.

• In hypnosis, you are far more alert than you are right now; and while in a trance state, if an emergency were to occur, you would immediately come out of trance and be able to respond to that situation instantly.

What if I want to make desired change but I’m afraid of hypnosis? That is why I do something called an Educational Pre-talk. During the pre-talk, I will listen to you to learn what your needs and desires are, I then answer your questions and I educate you about hypnosis. The pre-talk will give you clarity; it eliminates concerns and fears, misconceptions, myths and ‘untruths’ about hypnosis. The tools that I personally give each client, aid them in their success; most clients find this very reassuring.

• Because client questions have been answered, they feel contented and also appreciate just how powerful their subconscious mind really is. At Alternative Wellness & Beyond, my clients get excited at the potential for success; they realize all they have to do, is tap into the most powerful part of their mind, (their subconscious mind) to create beneficial, desired changes.

How does a person get into and out of hypnosis? I use a comfortable, safe technique called an induction to help guide a person into trance. Because the client feels safe, they quickly become physically relaxed. The ‘chatter’ mind (conscious mind) is quieted, allowing fast access into the subconscious mind. As I emerge a client out of trance, I am counting forward from 1-5 as I give positive, post-hypnotic suggestions.

• I use different inductions for children than teens or adults and I use counting upon emerging all individuals from hypnosis.
• A person can also independently emerge from trance at any time.

What is my critical factor? Think of it as ‘your judge’, it determines what is believable and what is acceptable as your truth and your reality. These beliefs are stored within your subconscious mind. We behave according to our beliefs, thoughts, impressions and attitudes housed within the subconscious mind.

Will I give my ‘power’ away while I’m in hypnosis or tell things I don’t want to share? The answer is NO, to both questions. Hypnosis is 100% consent state, no one can infringe upon your personal morals or make you do anything or say anything that you do NOT want to do or say. If a suggestion was given to you by a hypnotist that you did NOT like, you would simply reject that suggestion; it’s as simple as that.

• Keep in mind, you actions are based on your beliefs and you will only accept suggestions that you like. Because you are 100% in charge at all times when you are in hypnosis you will always be aware of your responses.

Is hypnosis relaxation? Will I be unconscious? Hypnosis is NOT relaxation. In hypnosis, your body and conscious (chatter) mind will be very calm, you will feel safe. Because your physical body and your ‘chatter mind’ are peacefully relaxed – this allows you to quickly by-pass the blocking part, easily gaining access to your subconscious mind. You will be very alert!

• You can NOT get stuck in hypnosis. You will NOT be unconscious, in a coma, or ‘under’.
• It is important that you expect to be in a very alert state, (heightened awareness) instead of being unconscious. You will always remain in control at all times. When it is time to end your session, the hypnotist will tell you to emerge from hypnosis. Because most people feel so good, they usually want to stay in trance. You can actually spontaneously emerge from hypnosis if your conscious mind is stimulated; that is why the hypnotist will give you suggestions that will help you narrow the conscious chatter.

What will I remember from my hypnosis session? You WILL remember everything you desire to remember and your subconscious mind will accept all desired, beneficial suggestions. You will then begin to act upon all new, beneficial suggestions that you accept (located in the subconscious mind).

• FYI: Hypnosis is also frequently requested to help a person retrieve lost objects. Because your subconscious mind houses all permanent memory – via hypnosis, you can easily discover where the lost object was placed.

What is the difference between my conscious mind, my subconscious mind, and my unconscious mind? We have 3 very separate, very distinct minds – each has different functions, each has a hard time inter-relating with each other.

1. The Conscious mind: It is the critical part of your mind.
• Our Short Term Memory is located here, we spend most of our time in our Conscious Mind; in fact - you are using your Conscious Mind right now as you read this.
• It houses our Ego and is our Analytical mind; it looks for the problem and works to solve the problem.
• Our Rational mind – is the part of us that must understand ‘why’ – if it does not have an answer, we become nervous or anxious or frustrated.
• Our Will-power originates here also; whenever you put Will-power next to your Subconscious Mind – Will-power will loose.
2. Subconscious Mind: It is located deeper than the Conscious Mind and it is the real us; it is our truth, our reality. It is also the most powerful part of our mind and can turn us into anything we want to be. Its job is to turn us into what it perceives us to be, based on the information stored here. It’s our protector; it wants to make us happy. It is also known as our internal computer – i.e., everything that has ever happened to us is stored here. It is like a video of our life or a book of our life. It also takes everything literally.
• Housed here is our Long Term Memory, our Emotions, the Lazy part of us, our Habits and Self -preservation, (our character).
• Remember, we need to be very careful that our self-talk is positive as it takes everything literally.
3. Unconscious mind: This is the deepest mind; our Automatic Bodily Functions (eyes blinking and heart beating, etc.) and our Immune System are found here.

When I come to see you, what should I expect? Expect to create success! You will quickly feel very comfortable. During our first hypnosis session, I will do the Educational Pre-talk to dismiss any fears and misconceptions that you might have regarding hypnosis. So that you will get the most from your hypnosis sessions, I will also do a pre-hypnosis interview that will allow you to share your needs, problems, desires and goals with me. This information is confidential, and it will allow me to personalize your sessions.

• Your questions will be answered and I will also teach you valuable tools that you can use to combat stress, fears and or cravings, etc. You will also receive self hypnosis instructions.
• If you are receiving my Smoking Cessation Program or my Weight Loss, ‘Journey of Wellness’ Program, you will receive a book that I have written; both books will educate you and help prepare you for success.
• Depending on the scheduled time frame you have selected and the reason for your seeking hypnosis, you will either receive hypnosis during your initial visit or at your second visit.

What does it take for hypnosis to be successful? The keys to successful hypnosis are: desire for change, belief and expectation - as well as having the correct mental attitude of, “I like that suggestion; I know it’s going to work for me!”

• When a person in hypnosis hears a suggestion, he or she must take one of four mental attitudes about that given suggestion. My former teacher - Gerald Kein of Omni Hypnosis, in Deland, Florida noted an individual has no alternative but to choose one of four mental attitudes when he or she hears a suggestion. Mr. Kein shared with our class, “the ONLY mental attitude that will cause a suggestion to be accepted is, I like that suggestion - I know it’s going to work for me!” He reported that if the suggestion makes the person uncomfortable, or they don’t care if it works or they just hope it works, the given suggestion will be rejected and there will be ABSOLUTELY NO change.
• Any suggestion other than “I like that suggestion - I know it’s going to work for me” will cause the suggestion to be rejected and, there will be absolutely no change.

How many sessions will I need? My goal is for you to be successful in as few sessions as possible. The average number of sessions is 3-5 depending on the client’s issue, problem or desire - as well as the individual’s willingness to create valuable change. Stop Smoking and Weight Loss are programs vs. sessions. Hypnosis seems magical but it is not magic. There are times I might see someone for one session to help them locate a lost item or to feel confident with public speaking. Regarding wellness issues - they are always more than one session.

• Example: If you only took two teaspoonfuls of a prescription that your doctor gave you and you chose not take any more – the Rx would not help you heal. Hypnosis is very healing when done correctly.

Will I need a physician referral? If I was treating a client specifically for Fibromyalgia, pain related issues, diabetes or cancer, etc. - one would be required.

Should Christians ‘avoid’ hypnosis? The answer is NO! I think Dr. Don Colbert said it beautifully, “The Bible tells us that we are not to live with distortional thought processes – rather, we are to have a “transformed mind.”

• I am a Christian; I believe being a Certified Hypnotist is my calling; I help people feel emotionally whole and I assist them with achieving their goals. I believe my purpose in life and my role is to serve others – (helping people heal and live the life they were created to have).
• It’s important that we do NOT get ‘stuck’ in our brokenness’. I help people release or lift up their ‘brokenness’ – let go and live freely. Many of my clients say, “it is like I have a new life – I see things so differently now.”
• Our perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and emotions live within our subconscious mind. Our emotional state of well-being is just as vital to our overall wholeness as our physical or spiritual well-being.
• Emotions are a gift from God – God created each of us with a capacity to feel and express emotions without feeling increased anxiety. When we are in bondage to our emotions and thoughts - we are unable to express ourselves and our needs fully.
• Because some of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and attitudes are deeply seated – at times, we are consciously unable to neither recognize nor understand why we have certain difficulties in life, in our relationships or why we continue to self-sabotage/damage our relationships. Via hypnosis, an individual can discover underlying problems, understand them and release unhelpful thoughts, emotions, beliefs and attitudes. Via hypnosis, the person is able tap into the place where these are stored (the subconscious mind). They are then able to understand the subconscious interpretation of these and make necessary changes within the subconscious mind. One of the goals of hypnosis is to transform unhelpful thought processes; by changing one’s darkness into light we are then able to bring harmony and balance between the conscious and subconscious minds.
• In my years as a holistic practitioner, I have hypnotized ministers and doctors - assisting them with making valuable changes in their lives. Many ministers, priests and Rabbis use hypnosis during counseling. Some clergy are members of the National Guild of Hypnotist; this is the organization that I also belong to and receive my ongoing continuing education from.
• I happily see individuals that practice various religions as well as those that are not of any practicing faith. Each of us has the divine power to make changes within ourselves; we make those changes within our powerful, subconscious mind. I like to think of our subconscious mind as an obedient servant, very capable of assisting us in creating unlimited possibilities.
• Remember: Hypnosis is a natural state of mind – one that your creator provided for you. No one can violate your personal beliefs, morals or religious beliefs. You are fully alert during each hypnosis session.

What is the history of hypnosis? It has been said that hypnosis began before any recorded history and was used in religious and healing ceremonies. In early 1770’s, the modern history of hypnosis began with Father Gassner, a Catholic Priest. Below, you will find a small sample of history relating to hypnosis.

• The use of hypnosis can be traced back to the time of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The Egyptians built marvelous “dream temples”.

• James Esdale a surgeon at a Calcutta prison practiced hypnosis.
• WWI: Because there was a lack of anesthesia available to surgeons on the battlefield, they used hypnosis successfully as anesthesia, many times while amputating a soldier’s extremity.
• In 1958, The American Medical Association accepted and approved clinical hypnosis as an adjunct to standard medical care. The AMA recommended that medical schools include hypnosis education in their curriculum. Because of the success with hypnosis, many clergy, doctors, psychologists and dentists use hypnosis in their practices. I receive referrals from medical doctors, dentists and psychologists and occasionally from pastors.

How do I make an appointment with Polly Humphreys, Certified Hypnotist? To make an appointment for a child, teen or adult – please call me at (336)988-5750. Day and evening appointments are available. I have positioned my High Point, NC office so that I can serve clients in the greater Triad area. I also receive client referrals from Wilmington, Boone and Statesville, NC as well as from Tennessee. Knowing what goal(s) you want to reach is the first step in my assisting you and your success. You will receive a free confidential consultation in addition to hypnosis education during our initial phone contact. If I should be with a client when you call – simply leave me a message with your name and phone number including your area code.

• Your call is important to me! When leaving your number – please be sure to speak slowly – this ensures that I can return your phone call.
• Rather you are on a journey of wellness or opting to create valuable changes in your life or simply choosing to enhance your sport and ‘staying in the zone’, I look forward to discussing your needs, desires and goals and answering questions that you have.

Call Polly Humphreys, Certified Hypnotist at Alternative Wellness & Beyond, 336-988-5750 to learn how she and her specialized hypnosis training can help you break through limiting patterns of behavior, eliminate self-sabotage and favorably align your values and beliefs. I am ready to help you produce lasting change so you can experience the fulfillment in your life that you deserve.

Alternative Wellness & Beyond is located in High Point, NC and is easily accessed from the Triad area from route 40 to route 311 as well as from business 85, Eastchester Avenue and Main Street.

Create and Expect Success today!

Call Polly Humphreys, Certified Hypnotist at Alternative Wellness & Beyond, 336-988-5750 to learn how she and her specialized hypnosis training can help you break through limiting patterns of behavior, eliminate self-sabotage and align your values and beliefs. She is prepared to help you produce lasting change and experience the fulfillment in your life that you deserve. Create and Expect Success today!