​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypnosis/hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness in which a person is highly focused and attentive, and is more open to suggestion. It is often used as a therapeutic tool to help people overcome problems such as anxiety, phobias, and addiction. During hypnosis, the person's critical thinking is temporarily suspended and they are more open to positive suggestions for change. Hypnosis can be induced by a trained practitioner, however, it is important to note that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  The hypnotist serves as a guide. Hypnosis can be done in person or remotely through audio, video or zoom. 

Hypnosis is a means to tap into your subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind is a powerful and mysterious aspect of the human mind that plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It controls over 90% of your life. It is responsible for many of the automatic processes that govern your daily life, such as breathing, digestion, and movement. But it is also the source of many of our deepest fears, desires, and beliefs, and it can be programmed in a variety of ways to help you achieve your goals, overcome our fears, and lead a more fulfilling life. The subconscious mind is often referred to as the "ruler" of the mind because it governs many of our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It is responsible for our automatic responses to certain situations and our habitual behaviors. For example, if you are afraid of spiders, your subconscious mind will automatically respond with fear and anxiety when you see one. Similarly, if you have a habit of biting your nails, your subconscious mind will automatically respond by making you bite your nails when you are anxious or stressed.

How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnosis works through the power of suggestion, yet it is not only the suggestion that gives it it’s power – it’s the client’s willingness to accept it. Without the willingness to be hypnotized, hypnosis does not happen. This means you are always in total control! Hypnosis is concerned with accessing the subconscious mind and in order to gain access to the subconscious mind, you must first pass through the conscious mind and the critical factor or the gatekeeper between the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is that part of us that is always analyzing, judging, and “on-guard.” It’s that part of our mind that we are most identified with – the one that is always talking and rambling inside our head. 
The conscious mind is a valuable and needed portion of our psyche. For example; your subconscious mind isn’t so good at doing our taxes, diversifying your stock portfolio or creating next week’s schedule, however, the power of the conscious mind pales in comparison next to the power of the subconscious mind. In order to get past the conscious mind and gain access to the subconscious, the conscious mind must be willingly bypassed by the client. This happens through the willingness to accept suggestions without analyzing, judging, and rejecting them. Once a person has accepted enough suggestions and sufficiently gotten the conscious mind “out of the way”, then they have access to the subconscious and healing can begin.

Does the hypnotist have control over my mind?
You are NEVER under the hypnotists control. You are in control at all times. Outside of television and the movies, no one can take control of your mind. If you were ever given a suggestion that you did not like, you could simply reject the suggestion in your mind or even open your eyes and walk out of the office. You will NEVER do or say anything you don’t want to while you are hypnotized? It is up to you to accept suggestions given by the Hypnotist. If a suggestion was given that went against your moral principles, you simply would not accept it.  If something came up in your own mind while hypnotized that you did not feel comfortable sharing, you don’t have to. You always have the ability and the right to withhold information. Over 90% of all people are hypnotizable if seeing a well-trained hypnotist.  A well-trained hypnotist will have several modalities and techniques that will suite your specific needs.

Is Hypnosis like sleep? Will I be unconscious and unaware of my surroundings?
No. Hypnosis is a state of hyper-acuity. Your awareness is increased. If you fall asleep, you are not in hypnosis. Hypnosis may look like sleep to the outsider, but inside you are very aware. It is because of this expanded awareness that you may reject any suggestion that is given to you at any time, and also because of this expanded awareness that you are able to see within yourself to quickly get to the root of the problem.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No one has remained permanently in a hypnotic state. You can come out of hypnosis at any time.

Must a person must be deeply hypnotized to be helped?
No. Most hypnotherapeutic work is done in a light to medium state of hypnosis. As a matter of fact, if a less-skilled hypnotherapist allows you to go to deep into hypnosis you may be too relaxed to respond to suggestions and have effective therapy.

Does hypnosis always bring up traumatic memories?
No. Hypnosis can be used to uncover repressed memories, but hypnosis itself does not, by default, bring them to the surface. Your subconscious mind will never show you anything that you are not ready to handle, and such memories do not surface without such an intention.

In conclusion, the subconscious mind plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, it is the rule of the mind. It is responsible for our automatic responses, habitual behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes. The rule of the subconscious mind can be positive or negative, but it can be reprogrammed through visualization, affirmations, and hypnosis. Understanding the power of the subconscious mind and how to reprogram it can help us achieve our goals, overcome our fears, and lead a more fulfilling life.   

Please call with any questions.  727-542-0509​

​Sow the Seeds of Love & Happiness

@ Tampa Bay MindSpa

​​​​​​​​​Disclaimer:  While hypnosis has many beneficial effects, it is not a substitute for appropriate medical attention. Statements and programs offered on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. When dealing with physical and/or mental illness or disease, always consult a qualified physician or therapist. Sherri Hanner does not treat, prescribe for, or diagnose any condition. She is a properly trained facilitator of hypnosis and is not practicing any other profession that requires a license under the laws and regulations of the State of Florida. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Hypnosis for subclinical purposes requires no referral. Sherri Hanner only practices therapeutic hypnotherapy within the guidelines of the law and Florida Statute 485, which requires a referral and oversight from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.

In Sow The Seeds, Sherri Hanner teaches how to weed out the disempowering seeds of fear-based emotions, such as not feeling loved, valued, worthy, deserving, capable or good enough. Sow The Seeds of Love and Happiness will teach you how to cultivate the part of your mind that controls over 90% of your life and has more power than any computer: your subconscious. By tapping into this power, you can reconcile and transcend the fear-based emotions that give rise to: relationship issues, anxiety, stress, depression, physical and emotional pain, disease, anger, co-dependency, grief, and loss of hope and faith.

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SOW THE SEEDS WILL: empower you to honor (not get rid of) the positive intent and purpose behind all your emotions, feelings, and behaviors guide you in reconciling with your emotions – past and present challenge you to FLIP THE SCRIPT by examining and shifting perspectives and perceptions ON the subconscious level.

Sow The Seeds is a must read for every potential gardener of the mind, such as parents, teachers, doctors, coaches, bosses, therapists, all key influencers. 

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 If you are interested in learning more about how your mind is programmed or "seeded"

Pick up your copy of:

Sow the Seeds of Love & Happiness​ ​