Are You Really Ready for a Change?

If you have been considering using hypnosis to help you reach your healthy goals, its only natural to wonder how effective are the programs for your goal or issue.

A lot of times people ask if some are more receptive to hypnosis than others. While there are indeed those folks who seem more open to the process, experience has shown that being able to go into the "deeper" levels of trance is not really what decides whether someone succeeds or not.

Instead you should examine whether you are really ready to change at this time.  No matter what type of personal improvement program you begin, your readiness and willingness is going to be a major factor.

The quiz provided below will give you an idea if you are a good candidate for a personal transformation at this time.

Use the key at the end of the quiz to help better understand what stage you might be in.

1. Regarding my awareness about this behavior:

a. Others have suggested that I have a problem behavior but I don’t agree.

b. I might have a problem behavior but I am not sure.

c. I have a problem behavior.

2. When a loved one or trusted friend suggests that I may have a problem behavior …

a. I am likely to tune them out, change the subject or get defensive.

b. I don’t like it, but I know that they see something that worries them and are right in expressing concern.

c. I am ready to listen and talk about it.

3. This problem behavior …

a. is really just a nuisance and I don’t have time to deal with it.

b. is causing me worry and/or distress.

c. is causing me, and some of the people I care about, significant worry and/or distress.

4. When I think about my problem behavior …

a. I usually make excuses, rationalize or minimize its impact on my life.

b. I want to change but I don’t because of fear, pride or lack of motivation.

c. I really want to change but don’t know how to begin or continue once I start.

5. Regarding knowledge of my problem behavior:

a. I know very little about it.

b. I have begun learning more about it.

c. I have learned a great deal about it.

6. Regarding my knowledge of resources for my problem:

a. I don’t know of any resources.

b. I have learned about some of the resources available but don’t feel I have enough information.

c. I have more than adequate knowledge about how or where to get help.

7. Regarding my current motivation for change:

a. I have practically no, or very little, motivation at this time.

b. I have some motivation to change but I will need more to succeed.

c. I am very motivated to change.

8. Regarding my current plans to change:

a. At this time, I have no plans to change.

b. I am thinking about change and the impact it would have on my life.

c. I have a definite plan for change.

9. Regarding my support for change from others:

a. I have almost no support from others.

b. I have some support but it may not be enough.

c. I have excellent support.

10. Regarding previous attempts to change:

a. I have never seriously attempted to change this behavior.

b. I have tried to change on one or more occasions but have failed miserably.

c. I have tried to change before and have had some temporary success.

Scoring key

If you answered “a” to any question, give yourself 1 point.

If you answered “b” to any question, give yourself 5 points.

If you answered “c” to any question, give yourself 10 points.

Results

Total your score. If your score is:

10-15 points, you are in the precontemplation stage. Your score suggests that you are not yet ready to engage in changing this problem behavior.

16-40 points, you are in the contemplation stage. Your score suggests that you are considering changing this behavior but are not quite ready. People in this stage seek knowledge and  additional encouragement before they engage in behavior change.

A suggestion: you might find one of my free e-courses helpful if you are in the contemplation stage. Each delivers a series of short, to the point lessons to your mailbox that may inspire you to move to the next level, hope is realistic!  You can sign up through the links below.

Stop Smoking Course: http://eepurl.com/0Vd91

Thinking Thin Weight Loss: http://eepurl.com/ZzagH

Mind/Body Healing Report: http://eepurl.com/1D8qr

41-100 points, you are in the preparation stage. Congratulations. Your score suggests that you are preparing to change this behavior. People in this stage have acquired additional knowledge and support and have a viable plan.

Hypnosis may be help you reach your goals as it has for so many others. Please give me a call at (732) 714-7040 for a complimentary Life Enhancement Strategy Session we can conduct over the phone or fill out the form at https://www.njhypno.com/life-enhancement-strategy-session-1

Sources: Changing for Good by J.O. Prochaska, J. C. Norcross, and C.C. DiClemente. Morrow, 1994; The Transtheoretical Approach: Crossing the Traditional Boundaries of Therapy by J.O. Prochaska and C.C. DiClemente. Krieger Publishing Company, 1984.

Preparing for Your First Hypnosis Session: 7 Helpful Tips

It's been my observation that people coming in for their first hypnosis session are experiencing a wide variety of expectations as to what it will or will not be like.  Below are some ideas that can help you get the most out of your first hypnosis session and the ones that follow.

1. When you have the want, you will find the how. How important is reaching your goal to you? I often have clients assess their desire for change on a 1-10 scale, 1=little or no desire, 10= highest level. Unless you are rating a 7 or better, you will probably have weak commitment and a diminished chance for success. If your score is low, what would have to happen in order to raise it? You have to bring personal commitment to the table in order for this process to work.
2. Relax, nothing crazy is going to happen. The hypnotic demonstrations you may have seen in a comedic show or the movies bear little or no resemblance to what goes on in a private or group session for personal transformation. There would be no reason on earth for me to try and make you do anything silly or embarrassing in this setting. You will be awake and in control the entire time we work together.
3. Realize there are different ways people feel when hypnotized. While some people go into a profound state of deep relaxation during hypnosis, others experience it more subtly where it feels more like daydreaming.  Numerous studies have shown "trance depth" has little or no bearing on how effective the session will be. If you have concerns that you can't be hypnotized, here is a hint. Act as if you were the best candidate for hypnosis on the planet and you will become that person.
4. Decide to go with the flow. Many potential clients have a fear that somehow they will mess up the process. This can in fact happen is by being overly analytical and not following the instructions given during the session.  Doing so prevents the positive suggestions and images being offered by the hypnotist from being accepted  and acted upon by the subconscious mind, which is what you are there for, right? If your analytical mind could solve the problem you are facing, it would have done so by now.  The hypnosis session involves a totally different approach. You will bump up your chances of success greatly by deciding to adopt an easygoing attitude and by being as cooperative as possible: a decision only you can make. Keep in mind this decision is for your benefit, not the hypnotist's. Follow his or her lead in order to get the most out of your investment of time and money.
5. Doing your homework is absolutely essential. You want to know a main difference that sets successful clients apart from others who are less successful? Virtually every hypnosis session concludes with some sort of homework assignment involving self-hypnosis, listening to an audio mp3 or doing some kind of coaching exercise. On average suggestions last 3 to 5 days unless they are reinforced and it takes 21 to 30 days to establish a new habit pattern. 20+ years of professional experience has shown me that the clients who do their homework assignments do well, the others have less consistent, hit or miss results. Be ready to do your homework.
6. Its often not 'one and done'- although amazing results can be experienced in a single session(especially if you do your post-session homework) a multiple session program will usually yield a better outcome. 3 or 4 visits is the norm, with some clients opting for more.
7. Decide to do your best and make this work. Hypnosis is something done with you, not to you. It's not up to a hypnotist to make you do anything, rather he or she is a coach that is there to assist and guide you. Its similar to how star basketball players expect their coach to provide expert guidance and encouragement, but don't expect the coach to actually play the game for them.

Follow these tips and chances are you will do just fine.

If you have any questions, please feel free to connect by either calling me at (732) 714-7040 or using one of the contact forms at my website http://www.njhypno.com