Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, which can be induced either by a Hypnotherapist or by self-hypnosis. Many long time practitioners of Meditation are able to experience a similar effect. With Hypnotherapy the effect is combined with a therapy to help you let go of negative thoughts and emotions, and replace them with positive ones.

Basically, the two processes are very similar. Guided Imagery, however, is a much lighter trance and allows you much more freedom to have an experience unique to you. Whereas hypnosis deals primarily with behavior modification with specific instructions and commands, imagery is more free flowing, affording new information and insight from the client, not the therapist.

Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed or focused state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the experience. Everyone at some point or another naturally experiences the hypnotic state.

A client is talked into a light, relaxed state, then is directed by a therapist to "see" a specific situation or circumstance in his mind, and then to allow the imagination to unfold a story. It's much like having a dream in an awake state. The story is literally tapping into the subconscious, where much truth can be learned. The process is lead by the client's subconscious insights and not by the Therapist.

Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the intervention. Everyone at some point or another has experienced hypnosis.

While both have a calming effect, beginners often find it easier, more pleasant to go into trance than to meditate. Because hypnosis allows you to focus on specific problems, results are usually more predictable and amenable to suggestion.

No, Imagery has been around for hundreds of years and has been known by many names. Both Freud and Jung used types of imagery. In 1997, an estimated 23 million visits were made to guided-imagery practitioners, according to a study of complementary-care usage by David Eisenberg, M.D., author of Guided Imagery for Self-Healing.

It operates on the premise that the mind, body, and spirit are connected. What the mind hears, it believes, and the body then follows that direction. The body knows how to operate at optimal health. There is not a single drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that the body cannot naturally produce. Somehow, through trauma or negative talk, the mind has gotten in the way and disrupted the normal function of the body. Guided Imagery talks directly to the subconscious to reprogram the body.

Self-hypnosis is a condition in which you your coach will teach you how to "program" your own subconscious mind. With the use of self-hypnosis, you will be able to continue programming yourself for the results you want, and the results will come much more quickly. Self-hypnosis differs from meditation in that during self-hypnosis the subconscious mind is in a state of focused concentration and receptivity -- alert, accepting and digesting the specific suggestions that are being fed into it.

Guided meditation and visualization are forms of hypnosis. In guided meditation the subject is taken to places in the imagination and led to healing spaces. It is important to understand that when we talk about visualization we do not just mean using one's inner eyes to see the "vision" but people do whatever is most natural to them. Some people are more sound oriented and use their auditory faculties to hear the visualization.

Absolutely. Using imagery to talk to the body, you can tap into the subconscious with powerful suggestions to accept any medication or surgical procedure with less stress and far less side effects. During this meditative process, science is proving that the heart rate slows down, the pulse is lowered, and the immune system is actually strengthened, affording quicker healing and reduced pain. However, it is not a substitute for proper medical attention.

Each are a relaxed state of mind. Self-hypnosis is a natural, relaxed and focused state of mind different but very similar to guided imagery, visualization and meditation. If you have the desire and are willing, then you can be enter into this relaxed state of mind. Always! You are always in control and your subconscious mind will not allow you to accept suggestions or wording that conflicts with your values, morals or personal beliefs.

From a functional point of view, there is none. Hypnosis (or 'self hypnosis') and meditation are simply different ways of achieving much the same outcome: a shift in mind state to slower mental frequencies normally referred to as 'alpha' and 'theta'. In these altered states the conscious mind becomes more aware of inner events and imagery, and because it enters a passive mode it becomes many times more suggestible.

Wonderful! Most every session involves being in a relaxed state of mind. So always expect to be relaxed, in control and focused. All my clients leave feeling relaxed, peaceful and many remark on how really, really good they feel! (Big smiles are common.)

opposed to creating a trance state to counter pain, Calm Birth uses profound visualization to create a fearless state with increased tolerance of pain, and increased awareness and intuition to make the right decisions in the labor process.

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, created by music therapist Helen Bonny, is a therapy process in which the client images freely to recorded, classical music while dialoguing with a trained guide. The imagery can include any kind of imagination experience, such as sensations, feelings, memories, and fantasies. Throughout the process, the guide supports and encourages the client's development through careful selections of music, skillful intervention, and a caring presence.