“Does hypnosis work?” is a question many people ask when they consider using the services of a Certified Hypnotist. And the answer may surprise you.

During the past 12 years I have had the privilege of working with many individuals in group and private hypnosis sessions for a variety of self-improvement goals. Over time I became curious as to why some people experienced amazing results while others barely registered any progress at all. What was at work here?

The research literature on clinical hypnosis mentions a lot about the trait of “hypnotizability,” or the level to which someone can respond to hypnotic suggestion. In fact, different scales have been developed to enable clinicians and researchers classify a person’s potential to enter a workable trance state.

It has been noted that strong responsiveness to hypnosis is correlated with having a good imagination and the ability to relax, trust and go along with the experience. Conversely, the more “resistant” type of person is usually unimaginative, tense and fearful.

Is a person’s rating on a suggestibility scale the only indicator as to whether hypnosis will work for them? It has been my observation that while this measurement does have some bearing on the success level, it is not necessarily the most significant one.

Some people who have some difficulty in achieving the relaxed and focused state of attention commonly known as hypnosis make very significant progress towards their desired outcomes. And there have been a few individuals who responded wonderfully to the hypnotic process yet fell far short of what they wished to achieve.

A variable that does seem to be highly significant is whether the person expects that a positive change through hypnosis is going to be an active or passive process. There is an abundance of interventions that promise the easy and effortless path to transformation.

“Rub this cream on your thighs and buns and watch the fat melt away as if by magic without exercise or changing your eating habits.”

“Get your ear zapped with a laser and quit smoking with absolutely no struggle or stress.”

"Become a zillionaire just by dreaming about it."

These are just a few examples that you are probably familiar with. And hypnosis counseling should not be placed in this category, although I imagine it often is.

One of the myths of hypnotism is that the hypnotist takes control of the passive “subject” and changes them. That people have this misconception is fully understandable given that the complex psychology of a stage hypnosis performance can encourage the impression of a hypnotist as omnipotent authority figure.

Actually the consulting hypnotist is best viewed as a facilitator who enables the client to engage the subconscious mind in a beneficial way. That is why I do my best to let prospective my clients know that my services are designed to “help people who want to help themselves.”

For example, hypnosis can help people with weight loss and smoking cessation by giving them the realistic sense of confidence that they can be successful if they are willing to apply themselves. A person lacking confidence can be encouraged to confront what he or she fears first in the imagination and then in real life, finding that the fear dissolves. However, yet even the most skilled hypnotist needs you to be an active partner for good results to be achieved. So does hypnosis work? Yes, however you have to also.

The third Thursday in November is the date set aside for the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. On this day smokers are encouraged to give up the cigarette habit for at least that day. Often times an individual will discover that stopping isn't hard as anticipated and continues beyond that day.

Does this suggest that the "addiction" to smoking is in at least part a form of negative hypnosis-that a person becomes convinced that they can't stop and doesn't really put forth the effort to break the habit? Although there is certainly a physiological component to the nicotine habit, a comprehensive smoking cessation program accounts for this and simple measures like exercise, adequate hydration and deep breathing can help tremendously. These behaviors also minimize unwanted weight gain upon quitting.

Hypnosis counseling is a powerful tool that helps smokers break the negative trance that keeps them tied to the smoking habit. Consider this, public health surveys tell us that literally millions of Americans who once smoked have stopped successfully. Do these people have anything that you don't?

Some individuals find that private sessions work best for them. However there are also some who respond best to a group format, especially if they are quitting with a group of friends. If interested, I am offering small group (3 or more participants) smoking cesssation programs for $125 per person. This includes a follow-up visit after the quit date, which can be done individually if you like. Please call (732) 714-7040 for full details.