There is some confusion amongst the general public about what you can expect after going through the hypnosis counseling process. In this article we will try to provide some clarification because having a proper set of expectations will greatly increase your chances of success. We will look at the two most popular sessions: weight loss and quitting smoking.

With weight loss, remember that age, gender and medical history all influence the rate at which you will reduce. Your body is beholden to the laws of nature. Generally speaking, a safe range is to reduce 1 to 3 pounds per week. However, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that tells us that the most important result is long term lifestyle changes.

Weight loss clients for the most part experience one of three outcomes after hypnosis counseling. Some find it that it takes almost no effort to eat and exercise in healthy way-it is as if they had always had those behaviors. Some encounter brief temptations to lapse into old negative patterns and then easily correct themselves. The third category is where the person has to deal with the occasional "mental battle" but then refocuses on the new positive self-image and gets back on track-all three are acceptable when you consider what the potential end result is!

Now are there those people who do not have one the three outcomes just described? Yes, unfortunately there a few individuals who do not have a mature outlook as to what hypnosis will be able to do for them. This is the person, who will tell you that he or she went out and ate a half gallon of ice cream right after their first appointment to see if hypnosis would stop them.  Hypnosis can help, but only if you are willing to help yourself.

A similar situation is encountered with quitting smoking. Those who quit smoking with hypnosis will also usually encounter one of three outcomes. The first group discovers that its as if they never smoked and find is surprisingly easy to quit.  Others will encounter will experience brief urges to smoke but then quickly remember their commitment to quit and stop themselves. The third group will find themselves struggling a bit initially but persist because of the reward that quitting bring.

There is a fourth category worth mentioning too. This is the person who lights up immediately after their appointment and says that hypnosis "doesn't work." What this individual has proven is that he or she is capable of wasting their money and the hypnotist's time since even the heaviest smoker could quit for a day on their own! Hypnosis can help dramatically, but once again, only if you are willing to help yourself.