Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy
What do you actually do at Orion Wellness?
At Orion Wellness, the goal is to have relief from health conditions’ symptoms and to have good outcomes from medical treatment, for example, surgery or cancer care. In some cases, the health problem itself is resolved.
A variety of holistic natural techniques will be used, depending on what Ellen feels would be helpful. These can include hypnosis, tapping (EFT), EMDR (eye movement), meditation, neurolinguistic programming, visualizations, affirmations, and aromatherapy. Nothing is taken orally. Ellen is a Reiki practitioner, and she may combine a short period of the Reiki energy technique along with hypnosis if there are symptoms in a particular body part, such as pain. In addition, Ellen will do health coaching with clients if she sees that there is a need.
Are those holistic techniques you do just woo woo?
No, Ellen does not participate in anything woo woo (defined as “unconventional beliefs regarded as having little or no scientific basis, especially those relating to spirituality, mysticism, or alternative medicine”). She is deeply based in science and everything she does has scientific research to show its effectiveness. None of the techniques are meant to replace traditional medical care; they are meant to compliment it and enhance it. Some of them create positive neurological changes and some use the mind-body connection.
How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis is a state during which you experience deep relaxation of the body and conscious mind. The body becomes so physically relaxed that the mind is more receptive and able to concentrate on the subject at hand without distraction. The conscious mind is actually bypassed so that we can reach the subconscious mind, since that is where the life changes are made. A suggestion given during hypnosis to your subconscious mind is much stronger than a command given to your conscious mind. The subconscious mind makes up about 90% of your total mind power. It is much more powerful than just using will power to make life changes, which is done in your conscious mind.
All of us have experienced it periodically, such as when we're daydreaming, driving, reading, watching a movie, or looking at the fireplace. All your senses are awake and alert while you are in a hypnotic state and you are in control at all times.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed is dependent on the type of issue(s) being addressed and your response to hypnosis. Ellen does not want to do you a disservice by having you come fewer sessions than you really need nor more sessions than you need. Generally, pain management needs a minimum of four sessions, often more. Pre and post-surgery preparation can usually be accomplished in one or perhaps two sessions. The number of sessions of hypnotherapy for diabetes is very dependent on how many issues need to be addressed (weight, food compliance, treatment compliance, neuropathic pain, organ damage, etc.). As you can see, the number of sessions needed is quite individual and will be addressed on a person by person basis.
How long do the sessions last?
The first session generally lasts about 2 hours, sometimes more. At least half of that session will be spent talking prior to doing actual hypnosis. Subsequent sessions are often 1 to 1 ½ hours. A discussion will be done prior to the hypnosis at each session, but less should be necessary than during the first session.
Will I lose control during and even after hypnosis?
When you are hypnotized, you are always in control. It is impossible for me or any hypnotist to make you do anything that you don’t want to do. You will not do anything unethical or that goes against your morals, even if your hypnotist asked you to during the trance state. Hypnotists do not possess any unusual powers over someone’s mind. That’s only in movies. The bottom line is that Ellen has worked with medical and psychiatric patients for many decades in an ethical fashion and the same is true for working with her Orion Wellness clients.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
There is no evidence that hypnosis will damage the nervous system, or in any other way adversely affect the physical and mental well-being of an individual. So it has been shown to be a very safe and natural way to help oneself. There is no such thing as not being able to come out of the hypnotic state. If not brought out of it by the hypnotist, the person would probably just fall asleep since it is so relaxing and wake up at will.
While in a hypnotic state, will someone reveal intimate secrets or embarrassing details about themselves?
During hypnosis, the individual is always conscious and aware of everything that is occurring. Therefore, in the same manner that he guards his secrets while awake, he also protects his secrets while hypnotized. Ellen, as an RN, always abides by HIPAA laws and safeguards any private information learned during any portion of the session (except in the case of intention to hurt themselves or others).
What if I think I wasn’t hypnotized?
Some people think they weren’t hypnotized because they were awake and knew what was going on the whole time. That is what hypnosis is like. It’s a relaxed state with heightened awareness and focus. There is no amnesia, so unless you fell asleep, you will remember everything from the session. Although information can be absorbed by the subconscious mind even when you are sleeping, it’s better if you are awake. So if Ellen thinks you may be sleeping, she will attempt to gently awaken you, sometimes by lightly touching your arm. Please let Ellen know before the session if you have an aversion to being touched on the arm, head, or shoulder.
Disclaimer:
Hypnosis and other Complementary Medical Techniques are not an alternative or a replacement for professional medical or psychiatric care. Be sure to consult with your primary care provider and continue medical treatment. Hypnosis and the other complementary techniques taught to you are to be used in addition to your professional medical treatment.
Hypnosis and Complementary Medical Techniques are aimed at reducing symptoms of health conditions, generally due to reduction of feelings of stress and anxiety. No guarantee can be made, and no refunds made after a session, just as no guarantee of success or refund is given by your physician for your medical treatment.
Ellen will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this website, the meditations that are provided, or as a result of any of Orion Wellness sessions, programs, trainings, or presentations.
As a medical professional, Ellen abides by HIPAA guidelines. All information given to her will remain confidential, with the following exceptions: signed permission by the client to share the information, learning about intended harm to self, risk of harm to another person, commitment of a crime, child abuse, or elder abuse.
Ellen retains the right to refuse services to anyone who she feels will not be a good fit with her or with use of hypnosis and other Complementary Medical Techniques.