Learn the Truth About Hypnosis Treatments

James J. Ryan MSW has provided clinical hypnosis for over 40 years in Rockford. Clinical hypnosis myths have been replaced by scientific research and psychological experiments that highlight its significant benefit in the world of human change. Hypnosis permits you to focus so you can understand yourself better and bring about a strong influence on your health and well-being.

"Hypnosis is amazing. For centuries hypnosis has gone in and out of vogue. Now, in the 21st century, there's finally sufficient scientific evidence, real hard data, that proves its effectiveness." – Roberta Temes, Ph.D.

Common Hypnosis Myths Debunked

Loss of Control

Examples include quacking like a duck, doing things against your will, etc. Hypnotherapists simply arrange a patient to move into a natural relaxed state of concentration, very similar to daydreaming or becoming involved in a good book. The person is always in control of their own mind.

From Newsweek, 9/27/04, "One of the interesting ironies about hypnosis is that old fantasy that it takes away control", says Dr. Spiegel, Professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and a leading expert on the practice. "It is actually a way of enhancing peoples' control, of teaching them how to control aspects of their body's function and sensation that they thought they couldn't."

Hypnosis Is a Trick

No trick - it is a powerful treatment.

Researcher Carol Ginandes, Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School found that hypnosis accelerated healing of bone fractures and surgical wounds.

You May Not Come Out of a Trance

Daniel G. Amen, MD and clinical neuroscientist states in his book The Amen Solution, "No - everyone comes out of a trance. Hypnosis is a natural state that many of us experience in everyday life."

Loss of Consciousness

You will remember what is happening while in a trance.

Rick Levy, Ph.D., in his book Miraculous Health,​ states, "Hypnosis does not involve the loss of awareness. In fact, the opposite is true - your awareness is very sharp and you always know what is happening."

Hypnosis Therapy Is Only for Certain People

Dr. Rick Levy states, "Everyone can be hypnotized and benefit from the power of hypnosis."

Hypnosis Is Like Being Asleep

"No," reports Daniel G. Amen, MD and clinical neuroscientist. He states, "Hypnosis promotes deep relaxation and an altered state of perception, but it does not put you to sleep."