What Hypnosis is:

Our minds work with the conscious mind, or reasoning mind, and the subconscious mind. The conscious mind reasons that we should be able to achieve our goals ("If I eat right and exercise and I'll lose weight.", "I'm overreacting and shouldn't feel so much stress over this situation.", etc.)  In many cases, however, the subconscious mind has years and years of habits and negative thoughts (eating in front of the tv, past negative experiences) that hinder the success of overcoming issues. The goal of hypnosis is to relax the conscious mind so as to deal directly with the subconscious mind. 

Hypnosis is a very natural state of deep relaxation, similar to daydreaming or meditation. With your consent and willing participation - and only with consent and willingness - a hypnotist will relax you into this state. It's in this hypnotic state the subconscious mind opens to accept positive suggestions.

Hypnosis is a process in which the critical faculty and ego are bypassed which makes accepting suggestions even easier.*  

Hypnosis is a scientifically verified and effective technique that can promote accelerated human change. With Hypnosis we can create desired changes in behavior and encourage mental and physical well-being.

What Hypnosis is NOT:
(a.k.a. myths and scary stuff!)

The hypnotist will control my mind while I am asleep!

Hypnosis is neither mind control nor sleep.  No one can make you do anything against your will that you would not ordinarily do while not in hypnosis.  There is no surrender of control.

I’ll get stuck in hypnosis!

 Without continued communication, you will either surface naturally or fall asleep and awaken after you’re rested.

I will reveal my deepest, darkest secrets.
Hypnosis is not truth serum.  If engaged in a dialogue while in hypnosis, you will only disclose what you feel is necessary to know or understand.

I’ll discover something I didn’t want to know.
You’ll only discover what you have already experienced or an insight that may help you understand a feeling, perhaps a suppressed event or belief.

Hypnosis is my magic wand.

Hypnosis is not a cure-all and does not take the place of free will and conscious effort.

* Advanced Hypnotherapy – National Board of Professional & Ethical Standards