Information About
Traditional Counseling and Hypnosis
What is Traditional Counseling/ Talk Therapy?
I am a traditionally trained talk therapist, and I am happy to offer this to you as well. Talk therapy is the treatment of emotional or mental issues, with an emphasis on conversation between you and me. There are times when talking and conversation are illuminating and healing and are the best choice of therapy. There are times when we need to get it out, work it out, and leave it in the room. These times can include, especially, relationship issues, recent loss or betrayal that can bring about feelings of anger, confusion, sadness and frustration. Some people like to use light hypnosis and talk therapy in combination, so that is also an option for you.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is the focus of your attention on one topic, while in a relaxed state. It doesn’t feel any different, you just realize how relaxed you have been afterwards. In hypnosis, you close off your awareness of other things, enhancing your capacity to absorb and respond to suggestions for your benefit, all while you are in control. If you needed to do so, for example, you could interrupt me to tell me something, or get up and leave, or ask for a glass of water. Hypnosis is of the same brain wave as meditation. The difference is you are using it for the construction of what you want for yourself in your life as opposed to simply “being”. Both feel really good and are good for you.
What is Hypnoanalysis?
Hypnoanalysis is the primary and strongest engine for your transformation, for solving the problem that is in the way of the life you want. An organized system, it is a highly specialized method of psychoanalysis while you are in the relaxed state of hypnosis. This therapy is dynamic, highly effective, solutions focused and quicker than talk therapy. I examine what you are expressing to me and then we seek to find the root cause of the problem you want to solve. After you and I have discovered the root, your treatment can then remove symptoms and the root can be healed.
Hypnoanalysis is used to relieve depression, anxiety, weight issues, phobias, panic, smoking, relationship issues, poor self- esteem, guilt, or sexual problems. It can also help relieve some physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, asthma, chronic pain, allergies, digestive issues and other problems that have their roots in emotions or the way we think.
Most of us manage many of our problems by using our logical thinking. When logic doesn’t seem to bring about solutions, then the subconscious needs to be accessed for results. This is a safe and powerful method of helping you to adjust hidden beliefs that are limiting you and causing problems, all while you are in control and all on your terms. I am in the passenger seat with the map, and you are in the driver’s seat, so to speak. For permanent change to occur, it is often necessary for the cause of the problem to be discovered, corrected, and removed. Clients report the experience of transformation and an astonishing improvement to the quality of their life. I am pleased to offer Hypnoanalysis in Chicago at my Lincoln Park office.
What is Non-Clinical Hypnosis?
Non-Clinical hypnosis, also called Hypnotherapy, or Direct Suggestion Hypnosis is non-psychotherapeutic, does not involve counseling, yet it can be helpful for certain concerns. I also offer this in my office and remotely, via audio files. It consists of direct, positive suggestion in the state of hypnosis. This can be effective for improving performance in academics, sales, and public speaking. It is also helpful in altering habits, presenting your best self and in many other realms if the roots of such problems are not better served by deeper inquiry.
Coaching
I also offer coaching globally via phone, Skype or FaceTime. Clients who have recently moved to the United States like to check in about social skills or culture. I also work with students who are in study abroad programs around the world, and with previous clients who have moved elsewhere and are looking for coaching.
What Does Hypnosis Feel like?
Therapeutic hypnosis is a pleasant feeling of relaxation. You typically would not feel anything special or different when in hypnosis, you will just realize how relaxed you have been afterwards. It is a state in which your mind is highly concentrated and focused. You can hear sounds around you and sometimes your mind may wander. Each person’s experience is different and will vary from time to time. Most people feel very relaxed and comfortable and have little desire to move or open their eyes, although this is possible whenever they would like to.
Your Brain Waves
Hypnosis is your voluntary relaxation and focus into a normal brain wave state. Below are states of consciousness measured in hertz that we all enter at different times:
Beta: Alert, conscious state, driving, shopping, etc.14-30 Hz
Alpha: Hypnosis, daydreaming, closed-eyed, relaxed, creative, 8-13 Hz
Theta: Hypnosis, meditative, dreaming, athletic “in the zone”, subconscious, 4-7 Hz
Delta: Unconscious, asleep, deep sleep, .5-6 Hz
As mentioned previously, hypnosis is a state of relaxed, concentrated attention. The alpha waves that are measurable during hypnosis are also found during meditation. Bringing your mind to this state can be practiced and learned. There are many health benefits to be gained from this state, including the reduction of inflammation and giving yourself beneficial direct suggestions.
When in hypnosis, people are aware of their surroundings in a detached manner. Conscious, critical thinking is voluntarily, temporarily suspended and yet, available at a moment’s notice, if needed. Because of this relative inner quiet, people are more receptive to positive suggestions, because the static of our busy minds is suspended, allowing space for really great work to be done. Your mind will refuse suggestions that are not good for you. Your mind is concentrated on the suggestions and pays little attention to other stimuli.
Will I lose Control While in Hypnosis?
You cannot be hypnotized without your consent. Everyone achieves their own hypnotic state by cooperating with the suggestions to relax and concentrate. In reality, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis because it is voluntary. You enter into the state willingly and with full awareness and it is an enjoyable experience. In hypnosis, I am like a coach, guiding you, in the passenger seat with the map on your healing journey. You are in the driver’s seat and you can decide what you will or won’t accept when in hypnosis. Of course, you would probably be more willing to accept relevant, positive suggestions that are designed to help you meet your goal.
Can the Hypnotherapist Control My Mind?
In hypnosis, you can decide if you want to accept a suggestion and you will not accept any idea or suggestion that is against your religion, values, or ethical principles. No one can control another person’s mind when in hypnosis. False memory cannot be implanted in this practice.
Is it Safe?
Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness that people enter often and it is a safe, therapeutic tool that has been used in psychotherapy for decades. Most often people experience pain relief and a relaxed feeling. Some people feel fatigued after, often because when relaxed, they realize how tired they are. Occasionally, some people may experience traumatic memories when in hypnosis. Such a phenomenon led to the discovery of hypnosis as a powerful therapeutic tool many decades ago. In qualified hands, this experience can lead to profound and complete healing without re-experiencing the trauma. Hypnosis should be used only by a trained, qualified mental health professional or medical doctor. In most states, including Illinois, there is no licensing requirement in order to conduct hypnosis. It is easy for the layperson to take hypnosis courses and advertise treatment. Anyone seeking help through hypnosis should inquire about the person’s credentials. Ensure that she or he holds a master’s or doctorate degree and is a licensed clinical social worker, counselor, doctor, dentist, psychologist or medical doctor. It is important that she or he has taken additional training in clinical, professional hypnosis or hypnotherapy.
Can I be Hypnotized?
You probably enter and leave the state of hypnosis regularly, most of the time we call it concentrating, drifting toward sleep, or daydreaming. Permanent inability to go into hypnosis does not exist although there can be a temporary unwillingness. If one is willing to learn to let go, an effective state of hypnosis can be achieved.
What is Hypnosis Used For?
Hypnosis serves many useful purposes for one’s personal and professional development, helping to improve performance and alter unwanted habits. It can be used to alleviate insomnia, relieve pain, stress and symptoms of stress related illness, including high blood pressure.
Hypnoanalysis follows an organized system. It is a specialized method of psychoanalysis while the client is in hypnosis. It utilizes hypnosis to bring about a solution to the problem presented by you. This therapy is dynamic, highly effective, solutions focused and quicker than talk therapy. I examine the symptoms and then seek to find the root cause of the problem with you. After the cause has been discovered, treatment can then remove symptoms and the root of your problem can be healed. Hypnoanalysis can be used to relieve depression, anxiety, weight issues, phobias, smoking, relationship issues, poor self- esteem, guilt, or sexual problems. It can also help relieve some physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, asthma, chronic pain, allergies, and other problems that have their roots in emotions or the way we think.
Most people manage many of their problems by using logical thinking. When logic doesn’t seem to bring about solutions, then the subconscious needs to be accessed for results. This is a safe method of changing the ideas in the subconscious that have been limiting the client and causing problems. For permanent change to occur, it is often necessary for the cause of the problem to be discovered and healed. Clients report the experience of transformation and an astonishing improvement to the quality of their life. This was certainly my experience when I underwent this therapy and it is the reason I am driven to provide this powerful therapy to others. Life can look completely different on the other side of this therapy.
Hypnosis and Hypnoanalysis are not medical treatments and Nina Pernecke, LCSW is not a medical doctor. Physical illness and pain should be assessed by a medical doctor.
