PODCAST:  Click the link to hear Sean Wheeler speak in detail about what it feels like to be hypnotized, common myths about hypnosis and more.

"Hypnosis is the term applied to a unique, complex form of unusual but normal behavior which can be induced in all normal persons under suitable conditions… It is primarily a special psychological state with certain physiological attributes, resembling sleep only superficially and marked by a functioning of the individual at a level of awareness other than the ordinary conscious state…"
-Encyclopedia Britannica

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

-Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)

The beauty of hypnotherapy is that it's effective and it works quickly.   Fears can be overcome in one session. Smokers typically quit after one or two sessions.   A survey of psychotherapy literature by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. revealed the following recovery rates:

Psychoanalysis:  38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behavior Therapy:  72% recovery after 22 sessions
Hypnotherapy:  93% recovery after 6 sessions
(Click here for full article)

When you experience hypnotherapy with a trained professional, you'll learn how your mind works, so you'll quickly gain more control over your thoughts, feelings and actions.  Rather than becoming dependent on a therapist or a drug, you become capable of handling your own issues as they arise, often before they become issues at all.

One brief session of hypnotherapy changed my life.   It worked so well, and so quickly, that I decided to become a hypnotherapist myself.   My goal is to help others achieve the same level of happiness that I have been fortunate enough to experience.

Face it.   You've already been hypnotized…

hundreds, if not thousands of times.  

Every time you were driving on the freeway and realized you missed your exit...

Every time you were reading a good book and hours zipped by like minutes...

Every time you were watching a movie and you were so engrossed in the story that you didn't hear what the person sitting next to you just said... you were experiencing hypnosis.   It's a completely natural state of mind.

Hypnosis is a tool.   A skillful hypnotherapist uses this tool to communicate with the subconscious mind.   Why, you ask?   Because the subconscious mind is a vast storehouse of memories, beliefs, and programs.

Once the brain learns how to do something, it stores that information in the subconscious and it becomes automatic, "like riding a bike."   You don't have to think about it anymore.

This is great when it comes to things like driving a car or swinging a golf club. It's not so great, however, when it comes to things like smoking cigarettes or biting your nails.   Habits are programs stored in the subconscious, and thus are quite difficult to change or interrupt with the conscious mind.

That's why it's easier to work directly with the subconscious mind, installing new programs or habits which are more beneficial.   That's why hypnosis is so effective.   We lift up the hood and work directly on the engine.

Most people expect hypnosis to be like sleep.   They expect to "go under" for a while, then wake up without remembering anything.   That's not the case.   You hear everything, remember everything, and know exactly what's happening the entire time.

Hypnosis is a very clear, pleasant state of mind.

My clients typically say things like  "I was very relaxed and peaceful, but I was still aware of what was happening."  Some people experience heaviness or lightness of the body, or sensations of warmth.   The point is, anyone can open their eyes and walk right out of the room during hypnosis. They choose not to because it's such a pleasant state.

People who participate in stage hypnosis shows are up there to have fun.   They never lose the ability to refuse a suggestion, they're simply playing along.   If they were ever given a suggestion which contradicted their morals or principals, they would have the presence of mind to refuse it.

The critical factor is the part of the mind that screens information and messages before they become accepted or acted upon.  During hypnosis, the critical factor is less active, which allows for the acceptance of suggestions which are beneficial to your well-being. 

The critical factor never disappears entirely, however.   So if you came to my office to quit smoking, and during hypnosis I asked you to cluck like a chicken, you'd probably say "what the heck for?" and ask for your money back.  Suggestions are only effective when they direct an individual to do something that is in his or her best interests, and when they are appropriate within the given context.  All other suggestions are easily cast aside.

Hypnosis is a very powerful tool.  If used properly, it can help you to do anything imaginable.  So start imagining how you'd like your life to be.  I'm ready when you are.

-Sean Wheeler

Hypnosis in the News

Haven't heard a lot about hypnosis in the news?  Just click here.  I've collected some articles from reputable sources and provided links to them for you.  Also included is information about the pharmaceutical industry, alternative medicine and other related subjects.  Here's a sample of what you'll find there:

Man Hypnotises Himself Before Operation

Source:  BBC News

April 18, 2008

A hypnotist from West Sussex has undergone surgery on his right hand without a general anaesthetic.  Alex Lenkei, 61, from Worthing, chose to sedate himself by hypnosis before undergoing the 83-minute operation.

"It took between 30 seconds to a minute for me to place myself under hypnosis, and from that point I felt a very deep relaxation.  I was aware of everything around me, from people talking and at one stage a hammer and chisel was used as well as a surgical saw, but I felt no pain."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/7355523.stm

Research Findings

• As of December, 2004, there are more than 5,000 clinical research studies having to do with hypnosis and its benefits currently being conducted worldwide.

• As of December 15, 2004 results from more than 3,000 clinical research studies are available showing positive benefits from hypnosis.

*according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information

For more information on hypnosis research, please visit this page:   Did You Know?

   NEW!  HYPNOSIS CD'S NOW AVAILABLE!      

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Hypnosis FAQ

What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a deeply peaceful state of mind that everyone can enter and use.  While in this state, your mind is focused, and your ability to recall memories and visualize is enhanced.  The state is similar to what some describe as meditation, and is one of the easiest ways to learn relaxation.

What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a scientifically acknowledged therapeutic discipline utilizing hypnotic trance states.  When utilized by a qualified hypnotherapist, these trance states can help individuals make dramatic changes in a relatively short period of time, often in just a few sessions.

How does Hypnotherapy work?
In order for hypnotherapy to be successful, the therapist must obtain a clear history of the client as it relates to his or her goals.  Therefore, there is much more to a session of hypnotherapy than simply entering a trance and offering suggestions to the subconscious.  The therapist and client must be on the same page, and have a clear understanding of what is required for success.

Sometimes, a single session can produce change so quickly that it seems like magic.  But hypnotherapy is not a magic wand or a magic pill.  In order for therapy to be successful, a person must be committed to giving it an honest attempt.  You cannot expect the therapist to do the work for you.

Will I lose control?
Contrary to what you see in the movies and stage shows, hypnosis is a consensual state.  You are always in complete control the entire time and you will not do or say anything that violates your basic moral or ethical principles.  You are free to disregard or refuse any suggestion made by your hypnotherapist at any time.

Will I remember what happens?
The truth is that in hypnosis, even in the most relaxed states, the client is more aware of everything that happens and every word said.  You will be amazed that you can remember every detail of your sessions clearly.

Am I even hypnotizable?  Will this work for me?
Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, everyone is hypnotizable.  With the assistance of a qualified hypnotherapist, anyone can achieve a perfectly adequate level of relaxation for hypnotherapy.  Any information suggesting that a certain percentage of the population cannot be hypnotized is a statement about the hypnotist and not the subject.

How powerful is a hypnotist?
A hypnotist (or hypnotherapist) cannot force a client do anything against his or her will.  Therefore, the client must be willing to take the responsibility (as well as the credit) for making the desired changes.  A skilled hypnotherapist can help each client to discover the best way to make these changes in his or her life, but cannot force the client to do so.

How long does it take?
Many people become non-smokers in only one session.  The intent of hypnotherapy is to accomplish profound change in a very short period of time.  It is not always necessary to discuss past traumas or negative experiences at length in order to have success.

Contrary to the approach of traditional psychotherapy, the focus is not upon understanding the source or cause of a problem.  The focus is on making a change and moving forward.  Therefore, one can often experience profound changes in just a few sessions of hypnotherapy.  Rarely will an issue require more than six sessions, and most often it is fewer than that.

How long do the results last?
There is no expiration date.  Suggestions stay with some individuals permanently.  Some need reinforcement.  I recommend that all my clients practice self-hypnosis on a regular basis so they develop an ability to better handle obstacles and issues in the future without always needing the assistance of a therapist.  Hypnosis CD’s provide an easy way to relax while learning self-hypnosis.

Is hypnosis medically approved?
Yes.  The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association have approved hypnotherapy for use by professionally responsible individuals.

Where is Pure Hypnosis located?
Sean Wheeler is located at 1149 Roselawn Lane in Marietta, GA.  He has a beautiful office in the peaceful setting of his home.  It is located near the intersection of Delk Road and Powers Ferry Road, about one mile east of Exit 261 off I-75.  For more information, check the contact page.

Are you a psychologist or mental health counselor?
No.  While I am trained in various hypnotic techniques, I am neither a psychiatrist nor a psychologist.  I do not engage in the diagnosis or treatment of medical or mental disease.

What are your qualifications?
Sean Wheeler is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist recognized by the National Guild of Hypnotists.  After years of practicing self-hypnosis and studying privately, Sean attended Hypnosis Institute International in Atlanta, GA, and established a private hypnotherapy practice. He specializes in smoking cessation, treating anxiety and phobias, weight control and sports performance enhancement.  For more information, see the about me page on this website.

  678.488.7362 | purehypnosis@mac.com | www.purehypnosis.com