Frequently Asked Questions
Will this program make me a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist?
No. This program is not designed to have clinical applications. Its intent is to teach coaches, sports psychologists, trainers and conditioning specialists the proper language patterns, internal dialogue (self-talk), and mental conditioning used for peak performance. If you are already a clinical or medical hypnotherapist, this program is an excellent addition to your list of credentials and will provide you with hundreds of additional tools for your practice.
If you are a trainer or coach, this program will give your client or team the edge. If you are an athlete, you may also enroll and benefit directly by completing this program.
What is Hypnosis and how does it differ from hypnotherapy?
Opinions vary on the exact definition of this natural state of mind. There is no legal definition of hypnosis. Webster's Dictionary describes it incorrectly as an artificially induced sleep, but it is not sleep and it is actually a natural state of mind that is induced normally in everyday living much more often than it is induced artificially. Every time we become engrossed in a novel or a motion picture, we are in a natural hypnotic trance.
Additionally, the common belief evidenced by research is that a person experiencing hypnosis slows down his or her brain waves from BETA into ALPHA - although some people believe that we may actually enter THETA during deep trance states. (THETA is normally the "dream" state we pass through on the way to and from DELTA - or deep sleep.) Be aware that since we must all pass through ALPHA on the way to and from sleep, we could easily say that all of us experience hypnosis at least twice daily.
It is generally accepted in the fields of psychology that all hypnosis is in actuality, self-hypnosis. In other-words, the hypnotherapist is simply a guide that accompanies the client during a process of relaxed, focused awareness - a process where they are completely aware of their surroundings.
It's more a question of semantics, for they are one and the same. However, many hypnotherapists feel that the term "hypnotist" refers to someone a) who has not been formally trained and/or uses hypnosis for the purpose of entertainment such as stage shows, and b) believes that the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or the release of problems constitutes hypnotherapy. All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis; but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy. Additionally, mastering the art of hypnosis does not necessarily mean one is qualified as a hypnotherapist. To learn how its worked for others, read the testimonials.
Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain and/or suffering from illness?
Yes, hypnosis can be very effective in alleviating unwarranted pain in the body and discomfort from many ailments. It is important to realize though that pain is a warning that something needs attention with the body, and it needs to be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. Any competent hypnotherapist knows the importance of requiring a written referral from an examining physician before ever using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms. The only exception for those who are unlicensed to practice medicine is if the examining physician is physically present and/or is supervising the hypnotic process. Is hypnosis dangerous?
Because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and the client is in complete control at all times, hypnosis in and of itself is not dangerous. If it were, we would all be in jeopardy every time we get engrossed in a good book, movie, or TV show. If hypnosis is used in conjunction with drugs or medication, adverse effects may occur; however, it should be noted that the adverse effects are predominately a result of the drugs or medication. An unlicensed hypnotherapist is not allowed to prescribe medication or use chemical intervention with hypnosis; therefore, hypnosis only has the potential to become "dangerous" if it is used by licensed healthcare professionals entitled to administer medication. |
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How does hypnosis work?
The most common example of hypnosis is reading a book, which almost anyone can relate to. When you read a book, your body experiences various emotions. Emotions are nothing but chemical changes within the body. Depending upon the emotion, the body produces a certain "cocktail" of chemicals to produce the desired emotion. It would be absurd to think that the actual text or ink in the book is creating the emotion in the body. It is simply the interpretation of the text that creates a thought in your mind - a thought that is so realistic your body bio-chemically changes to create an emotion. The words of a hypnotherapist to a client cannot create physical or emotional changes within the person any more than the text on a page can. It's how you interpret the text, much like how you interpret the words of the hypnotherapist, that create the change you desire.
Does a hypnotized person give up control?
Do we give up control of our minds when reading a book or watching a movie? These every-day examples of hypnosis best illustrate how the mind can create physical changes within the body simply through imagination. While reading a book or watching a movie, you are literally in a hypnotic trance; however, you still have the power to emerge from that state if desired. A book, a movie, or a hypnotherapist may guide your mind, but you still have the power to resist or return to normal everyday activity.
How does hypnosis feel?
Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, clients are often surprised that they hear every word. Unless one enters a deeper state, or at least a medium state, he or she may not "feel" any different than when relaxing in their favorite easy chair with a good book. One may feel quite mellow, and may feel weightless or perhaps very heavy as if sinking into the chair. If one enters a deep state of hypnosis the feeling may even be euphoric. In a light state, it is entirely possible for the client to believe that he or she was not actually hypnotized because it felt identical to the waking state.
Why should I know this information?
Athletes are exceptional individuals. They have dedicated their lives to becoming the best at their discipline of choice. So many fitness professionals have little or no knowledge of how to mentally train, mentally coach, and guide the exact guidance needed to have their client reach the absolute pinnacle of mental conditioning. This program is the opportunity you need to become the best coach or trainer possible and to give your athlete the best possible tools for total success.
It is often said that sports are 90%, 95%, or even 99.9% mental. If so, why do most athletes and their trainers spend 99% of their time working on the physical aspect of conditioning? We can all agree that at elite levels of competition, all athletes are very skilled, physically fit and have a desire to excel. It can also easily be stated that those who have a mental edge will win every time when fractions of a second or tenths of a point count. Because of this fact, you need this opportunity to take your coaching, consulting and conditioning skills to the highest level by becoming a Certified Sports Hypnotist.
Can you please tell me more about NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association)?
NESTA, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, has been established since 1992 and is now the fastest growing fitness association in North America with nearly 40,000 members in over 20 countries. NESTA specialized in the business of sports and fitness, not just earning your certification. It is our goal and mission to ensure your total success as a sports and fitness professional. Enjoy learning why NESTA is right choice for your certification and business development needs.
NESTA prides itself on thinking outside the box when it comes to educational opprtunities, business programs, certification options and progressive thought. NESTA's founder, Dr. John Spencer Ellis, is a leader in the fields of human potential, fitness, and business development for sports & fitness professionals. Explore NESTA to learn the thousands of ways in which we can make your sports & fitness dreams a reality now!
Industry Approvals: American Board of Hypnotherapy, American Board of Neurolinguistic Programming, American Council of Hypnotherapist Examiners, International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapists Association |
