Merlin's FAQ

Hypnosis is a valuable tool. However hypnosis is not a replacement for medical treatment. Hypnosis is best used as an addition to medical services. Never use hypnosis to mask symptoms, treat dis~ease, or make physical changes without the involvement of a licensed Medical Physician.

Welcome to my FAQ on
hypnosis

There are many changework methods. Some are very effective. The purpose of this FAQ is not to take away from their value, just to answer questions specifically about hypnosis.

Q. What is hypnosis?

There are probably as many definitions as there are hypnotists.
I define hypnosis like this:
The mind has 4 primary ‘filters’ which effect information coming from the senses.
1 filter deletes the sensory input. As vast as the capability of our mind is, there is just more information coming in than we will ever need. Much of the information is deleted before it gets into the mind.
1 filter distorts the information, based on our belief structure.
1 filter generalizes the information for easier processing.
1 filter compares the information with that which is already thought of as fact [critical judgment], and blocks what is believed by the subconscious to be erroneous information. The Critical Judgment Faculty does not know if the information to be filtered is correct or not. It judges based on its current beliefs.

Hypnosis is a bypassing of the 4th filter, the critical judgment filter, and then the establishment of selective suggestibility.

Hypnosis is nothing like what is portrayed in the movies!

Q. What is ‘trance’?

Trance is a reference to conscious awareness. As one enters trance, external awareness is reduced. This has often been mistaken for hypnosis since as a person enters trance and reduces their outward awareness, they become more susceptible to suggestions. This is why there are many levels of suggestible trance. The deeper the trance, the more suggestible a person becomes. Trance thus covers a wide territory. Anytime your mind is not outwardly focused on your surroundings, it is referred to as a 'trance'. So, if you are daydreaming or engrossed in a movie for instance, it is considered a trance. Just about any time you are not paying attention, you are considered by many to be in a state of trance. That means pretty much all the time you are in some sort of a state of 'trance'. Now, any time you are not paying attention (you are in a trance) you are also slightly more susceptible to suggestions. Eventually, a deep enough trance will allow similar suggestibility to a state of hypnosis. This is why trance is often confused for hypnosis.

Q. How is trance different from hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a particular state of mind in which you are many times more suggestible because your critical judgment filter is bypassed. Since there is no required ‘trance’ level, you may be totally consciously aware when you are in hypnosis. With an equivalent suggestible trance level, you may have much less conscious awareness.

Q. Is Mesmerism hypnosis?

No. Dr Braid made it very clear in his paper Neurypnology that his work was different from Mesmer's work.

Q. Is Meditation hypnosis?

No. Meditation is more closely related to trance.

Q. Is hypnosis true? Is it valid or fake?

That's a good and valid question. Obviously we think so, or we wouldn't have made hypnosis our profession. Hypnosis was accepted as a valid healing modality and an adjunct to medicine in the 1950s by the American Medical Association.

Q. What is NLP?

NLP is a set of tools which can be used to copy or model the behaviour of someone else. NLP's origins are from therapy oriented researchers. The first persons modeled were therapists and so NLP has incorporated many therapeutic techniques. Among those copied was (the late) Dr. Milton Erickson and his hypnosis techniques.

Q. How is NLP different from hypnosis?

NLP (Therapeutic NLP) covers many areas of linguistic changework. It also incorporates the methods of Dr. Erickson's hypnosis styles. But most NLP trainings do not go very deep into hypnosis theory or techniques. NLP also includes some aspects of the works of Gregory Bateson, Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir, and others. NLP also includes some developments by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. NLP uses trance, but NLP trainings seldom specifically teach the bypassing of the critical judgment (4th filter). That's not to say it's not incredibly powerful. It's just very different from hypnosis.

Q. Is an Alpha brainwave state hypnosis?

There is a common confusion that hypnosis is about brainwaves. The likely reason is the confusion between hypnosis and trance. Especially since most hypnotists include suggestions for relaxation. There is a strong correlation between Alpha brainwaves and trance. Under hypnosis, a person can (once taught) create any of the basic brainwave patterns; Alpha, Beta, Delta, etc. which is generally not the case for trance.

Q. Does hypnosis work?

Yes. But this assumes you are working with a qualified hypnotist. Tapes/CDs/MP3s are very limited and often don't work well. The problem with recordings is that they attempt a one-size-fits-all, which just isn't a good fit for most people.

Q. Isn't hypnosis just relaxation or sleep?

Many "hypnotists" use relaxation, rather than hypnosis. We call it Relax-o-therapy. Relax-o-therapy is not hypnosis, and it is not as effective as hypnosis. Neither is hypnosis anything like sleep.

Q. Do hypnosis CDs really work?

I have a pair of size 6 boots in my closet.
Do they really work?
Well, yes. If your foot is size 6.
Likewise, a CD will work, if it happens to fit your needs just right.
But like a size 6 boot, the CD does not fit all needs.
Not even most. But it works well for a few.
That's why I recommend seeing a hypnotherapist. S/he is someone who can 'measure your foot', or determine your needs and help you find the right size/style.

Q. Why does everyone suggest paying money to see someone else?

Self hypnosis is good for generative change, suggestions for improvement to self. But are you hypnotised? How do you know? Getting taught self hypnosis is worthwhile and usually only takes one session.
Many people want to make other kinds of changes though. Then, help of a skilled professional is best. The trained hypnotist can see your 'blind spots', those things you don't notice. His/her skill can make the difference between years of trial-and-failure or success. Also, what you are noticing are symptoms. Is it the real problem though? Issues or symptoms?
The two are very different.
One actual issue may present several symptoms.
Here's a medical example:
Symptom: headache
Symptom: fever
Symptom: dry mouth
Symptom: runny nose
Symptom: blurry vision
Symptom: nausea
Symptom: aches in joints
In this case, dealing with many symptoms only hides the one real issue, a specific bacterial infection [in this example].
A well trained professional will know how to find the actual root issue.
Self help CDs can't do this.

Q. What would be a good recording program for beginners?

I recommend Audacity. It's an internet freebe. There are more sophisticated programs, but it's hard to beat free.
Oh, I do have a Recording page.

Q. Should I use "I" or "YOU" when creating a personal self-hypnosis recording?

It won't matter. Your mind knows your voice and intent. It will accept either equally.

Q. I've heard the mind can't process negatives. Do I need to avoid negatives?

NO. It's not necessary when using hypnosis because the subject is consciously aware and mentally able to process negatives. That's not necessarily true for trances though. So it's a good idea to avoid negatives if you use trance. Options:
· You can check each person to see how they respond to negatives.
· You can ignore the possibility they might have problems, and hope for the best.
· You can take the easy way out and get in the habit of not using negative terms.

Q. Will I lose control?

NO. In hypnosis you are only voluntarily suspending your critical judgment filter. But if hypnosis couldn't make it easier for you to change, why bother seeing a hypnotist?

Q. Who can be hypnotised?

Anyone can be hypnotised if the hypnotist is well trained. Hypnosis is just a specific kind of thoughts. If you can think, you can be hypnotised. Children can be hypnotised. Older folks can be hypnotised. Anyone can be hypnotised. The original hypnotisability tests which are often referred to as a reference as to who can be hypnotised were actually trance tests and done using a record. Not everyone can be put into equal trance by a recorded monotonous voice.

Q. I wasn't hypnotised. Am I being too resistant?

Probably not. If you have gone to a hypnotist and paid your money, you probably want to be hypnotised, right? so, you're not being resistant.
The most common causes of failure are:
1. You have a concern or fear about hypnosis... Maybe a fear of losing control or revealing something you don't want known.
Your hypnotist should be able to explain about this and reassure you.
2. The hypnotist lacks the skill needed to be successful (and often blames the client for being resistant).
3. The 'hypnotist' is actually using trance and not hypnosis.
Another possibility is that you were indeed hypnotised, and it just wasn't what you expected. Maybe you expected a certain feeling or experience which wasn't forthcoming. A good hypnotist will explain to you what to expect.

Q. I was snoring. Was I just asleep?

Well, I wasn't there. So obviously I wouldn't know. But snoring does not indicate sleep. Usually, it indicates relaxation. When we sleep, we relax. Hence snoring. Your hypnotist should be able to tell easily which it is. If you're asleep, you won't respond to suggestions.

Q. Can a hypnotist make me do _____?

Hypnotists may be persuasive, but hypnosis is NOT mind control.
Even in stage hypnosis the participants are in control. The stage show participants are chosen because they want to participate and would act out the tasks even without the hypnosis.
But if hypnosis couldn't make it easier for you to change, why bother seeing a hypnotist?

Q. Can Hypnosis help me find something I've lost?

Sometimes yes. If the object was misplaced or dropped, the subconscious mind likely knows where the object is. In that case hypnosis can be very useful in recovering the object. However, if the object has been since moved (by a child, neighbor's dog, etc.) then hypnosis probably won't help.

Q. Can hypnosis help me forget someone/something.

The short answer is no.
A memory can be blocked from conscious recall, but it'll always be there. Using hypnosis to 'forget' or block recall also can create undesired consequences. Someone (a friend or acquaintance) will eventually mention the person/thing that was 'forgotten', but you've forgotten it. You say WHO/WHAT?? with a puzzled look on your face, your friend says, you know the person/thing blah blah blah... This confusion will continue as everyone else remembers, but you don't. It's enough to drive one insane!
A better solution is typically to keep the memory in tact, but neutralize the effects or emotions from that memory.

Q. Which is better, a towards or an away from strategy?

Both have useful places in our lives. A towards strategy gives us direction or a destination. With a towards strategy you will never wander around aimlessly because you know in which direction to go.
On the other hand, away from is a powerful initial motivator. If you accidentally place your hand on a hot stove, It doesn't matter so much that you know where you're going to put your hand next. The immediate need is to remove the hand from the stove and do it quickly!
Away from is an excellent motivator. Towards gives you direction, but may not sufficiently motivate. In my opinion, the two are best used together. Away from to motivate, and towards to give direction.

Q. Can hypnosis cure my _____?

No. Hypnosis cannot ‘cure’ anything. Cure is a word which basically is owned by the American Medical Association. A hypnotist must be licensed to use this word in the same way that Microsoft owns Windows. To use Windows (as a term in a business) without a license from Microsoft is illegal. For a hypnotist to use cure with reference to the healing arts is illegal unless s/he is also licensed as a physician.
Note: Any person can use "cure" any time they want to. I am referring to Hypnotists not being able to professionally use the term "cure" without risk of lawsuits or imprisonment.

Q. Then what does hypnosis do?

The actual changes, whether we call it healing, cure, magic, or whatever the label, comes from within. A doctor may put a cast on a broken arm, but the mind-body team mends the break. Hypnosis enlists that mind-body team to hasten the healing process. Sometimes, there is a faulty decision (deep in our subconscious) to not heal quickly. The hypnotist works with the mind to find what can be done to encourage the mending process.
Additionally, certain emotions may hinder healing. Emotions such as hate, anger, envy, bitterness, worthlessness, despair, and such. Hypnosis is a good tool for finding such negative emotions and changing them. Often the subject isn't even aware of these emotions, which may have their origins in childhood. Emotions, all emotions have some value, but sometimes they can interfere with health or healing. When such emotions are dealt with, healing often occurs.

Q. What is imprinting?

Imprinting is a learning process. It is how we learn at a young age (usually under an age of 7). It is as though we are hypnotised. We learn by copying the ideas and beliefs of others without rational analysis of the beliefs. This is often the source of errors such as cancer, diabetes, aging, etc. Just a mistaken imprint which can be corrected with hypnosis.

Q. My problem is genetic. How can hypnosis possibly help?

There are about 1000 proteins associated with each gene. These proteins turn the gene on, off, or alter the gene's expression in varying degrees. The mind can and does effect these controller proteins. The science of altering gene expression is called epigenetics It's not new, just not widely known.

Q. What is the difference between a hypnotist and hypnotherapist?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. A Hypnotist is someone who is skilled at using hypnosis. A hypnotherapist is someone who applies their hypnosis skills for therapeutic purposes. Being a hypnotist does not guarantee skills in therapy, but a hypnotherapist may be a therapist who occasionally uses hypnosis. Being a hypnotherapist is no assurance the therapist has any significant hypnosis skills. In many places, in order to use the term therapy, such as in hypnotherapy you must be a licensed therapist. A therapist may or may not have hypnosis skills. So, the practitioner describes him/her self as a hypnotist in order to obey the laws .

Q. What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis for therapy often doesn't feel much different than just sitting there. You will normally be more relaxed, but relaxation is not required for hypnosis. Most hypnotherapists use relaxation. After all, isn't it nice to relax and feel at ease? During the session, your senses are usually heightened. Therefore you will typically be more aware of what is going on all around you. A good hypnotist will suggest you listen to her voice and just allow the other sounds to help you relax, rather than the sounds be a distraction.
A good hypnotist will also do little tests along the way. The tests are only to help you know that you are hypnotised and you can be confident of the hypnosis.
I referred to hypnosis for therapy because there are other kinds of hypnosis. Stage hypnosis would feel different.
Hypnosis for Stage In stage hypnosis you do not necessarily sit in a chair and relax. It doesn't feel special or different.
For Emergency hypnosis, such as a leg amputation or for a burn victim, there may be no special feeling of hypnosis, there certainly isn't a need for relaxation, just relief from the pain. It is common to not remember all the details of the session.

Q. How do I find a qualified hypnotist?

A title or letters behind the name does not qualify a hypnotist. Finding a good hypnotist is more difficult than finding a good auto-mechanic. There is no standardized testing for hypnotists. I recommend that you start with your phone book. Contact the hypnotists and ask them if they have ever worked with your issue. Ask for references, others who have been helped with your issues.
The National Guild of Hypnotists is a good starting point in the US, as is the American Board of Hypnotherapy.
In the UK, try National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists (NRHP) or the NCH

Q. What is Regression?

Regression is merely a tool for enhancing our memory/recall of past events.

Q What is an ISE?

The ISE is an "Initial Sensitizing Event". It is the emotional base structure which is the basis for certain beliefs, usually related to the reason you have sought a hypnotist.

Q. What is an Abreaction?

An abreaction is a strong emotional response to a past memory. This may occur during a hypnosis setting.
Sigmund Freud Thought an abreaction was to be sought after because the emotions creating the abreaction were at the root of the issue which needed healing.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always true. The actual ISE may have no strong emotions at all associated with it. Another problem is that the subconscious mind is quite clever. If the subconscious determines that the hypnotist is seeking an abreaction, then the subconscious mind may create a false memory abreaction for the hypnotist to find.

Q. Why would Regression be used?

The choices our mind makes is based on our belief structure. Our beliefs, in turn, are built from our past experiences and associated emotions. If there is an easily identified belief which needs to change (such as a belief: I am a failure) then that belief can be easily addressed. Sometimes though, beliefs are built one upon the other, or several beliefs from one life experience. In this case it can be hard to sort them all out for change. A regression is a tool for virtually reliving an experience in your mind. The hypnotist may help you 'reframe' the event, or give you a new understanding of the event which you may not have been able to understand at the time.
With the new knowledge or understanding for the event, your mind may now make new decisions based on the new understanding of the event. Your mind may now identify and rebuild the entire belief structure based on its new understanding. The hypnotist should not start with the assumption that a regression is necessary.

Q. What is Past Life Regression?

Some people seem to ‘remember’ the past beyond their own birth, as if they have lived in a previous life as another person. Often, the memories are just fantasies of the subconscious mind. Occasionally, the memories are too accurate to explain as a fantasy. Sometimes, the subconscious believes a past event is the cause of a dis-ease. Just becoming aware of the past life event may be enough to allow healing.
A good hypnotist does not suggest that the issue is from a past life and the patient should not seek anything from a past life, except recreationally. If the hypnotist starts by saying your issue is likely caused by a past life, that hypnotist should be avoided. In fact, if the hypnotist claims to know the cause, whatever s/he believes it to be, s/he is likely wrong and another hypnotist should be sought. If the patient's sub-conscious believes it is a past life issue, so be it. But the hypnotist should not have presuppositions about your issue and should not suggest anything as a possibility but should allow the sub-conscious to reveal the real issue. A hypnotist may have a pretty good idea of the cause, but a good hypnotist will leave her preconceived ideas outside the office.

Q. What is somnambulism?

Somnambulism is basically 'hypnosis'.
It is the state of mind where the CF is bypassed.
It is often associated with relaxation or sleep and is the cause of much confusion as to whether light trance, or medium trance is needed for a given hypnotic effect. No 'trance' is needed, just 'hypnosis'.

Q. How many sessions should it take?

This will vary depending on the presented issue. For habits such as nail biting, typically one or two sessions is enough. For smoking or basic pain relief, 4 sessions is not unreasonable. Your hypnotist should go over this with you up front. If s/he claims more than 8 sessions will be needed for habits such as nailbiting, smoking, etc., then you should seek out a hypnotist with greater skill or experience. If you are seeking a hypnotist for issues such as cancer, diabetes, ALS and such. Then 10-12 sessions is not unreasonable.

Q. What is the Esdaile state?

James Esdaile MD used a state of trance which allowed anesthesia without suggestion. The Esdaile state today is defined as any trance state which provides total anesthesia (usable for surgery) without suggestion.

Q. What is a hypnotic coma?

A misunderstanding of the Esdaile state. The Esdaile state is incredibly pleasant. In the Esdaile state, you really don't care about what is going on around you. You are totally aware, you are just feeling so good you don't care about what is going on around you physically. Should a medical expert test you, you would exhibit signs of a medical coma. You would be totally non-responsive to outside stimulus, even injury. Thus this state is excellent for surgery because you don't notice the discomfort of being cut or operated on. In this state, your pupils are dilated and you seem for all practical purposes to be in a coma, hence the name.
But this is just the incredibly pleasant Esdaile state and no cause for alarm.

Q. What is Deep Trance Identification (DTI)?

DTI is a tool where the subject is encouraged to believe that s/he is someone or something else. It is a useful method to teach with and to take on the characteristics of another completely in order to gain deeper insight.

Q. What is Deep Trance?

Trance has historically been defined by trance 'levels'.
Waking trance is when suggestions are given while you are totally alert and conscious.
Lighter trance is characterized as distractions, such as when you're driving a car and miss an exit.
Deep trance begins at what is called Somnambulism.
Whilst Somnambulism is a Deep Trance, it is relatively light and simple with regard to hypnosis.
Very deep trance begins just beyond the Esdaile state.

Q. What is the difference between the conscious, subconscious and unconscious?

There is really no difference. We only have one mind. But it's convenient to refer to different aspects of the mind. So, the terms were 'made up' for convenience.
Personally, I refer to the conscious as what we are aware of at any given moment.
The unconscious as body maintenance functions, breathing, blood pumping, etc.
and the subconscious as everything else.

Q. I've heard of subliminal messages. Do they work?

Mostly no.
Subliminal sounds are ignored as noise. Sounds when you're asleep are ignored. Flashes of pictures are ignored, etc.
How many foods have you recently bought which you find disgusting?
Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, 7-up. Do you continue to buy and not drink them? Why not?
If it really worked, you'd have 6 or 7 cars parked in you're drive way.

Q. What are trigger words?

There are two common, related meanings to this term.
One refers to a suggestion given by a hypnotist during a session so that the patient my become hypnotised quickly and easily. It most often includes physical action so that the patient doesn't accidentally become hypnotised just from hearing the word.
The second common usage is in the belief such words already exist and merely uttering the appropriate word(s) will induce the (victim) to do as told.

Q. What are the levels of hypnosis?

· Not hypnotised
· Hypnotised
Some people try to complicate this with up to 30 or more 'levels', but actually that refers to 'trance'. As far as hypnosis though, either the 4th filter referred to above (the CF) is bypassed or it isn't. Either you are hypnotised or you are not.

Q. Why is Rapport so important?

Rapport is a feeling or response of comfort or trust in another individual. The greater the confidence or trust in your hypnotist, the better. Rapport is critical for relaxation style of hypnosis. Which is really just trance. With relaxation (often mistakenly referred to as Ericksonian style hypnosis) the depth of trance is usually not tested and is unknown. Since the critical factor filter may not be bypassed and the trance is untested and may not be very deep, it is important to have the subconscious comfortable with the hypnotist’s suggestions. This requires a fairly deep rapport. When somnambulism is achieved, the critical factor is usually bypassed and it therefore does not filter the suggestions. In this case the only rapport needed is the rapport of the subject who is willing to come see the hypnotist and pay for services.

Q. What is Ericksonian hypnosis?

Ericksonian hypnosis is patterned after the works of Dr. Milton Erickson MD. The late Dr. Erickson is considered by many to be among the greatest hypnotists who ever lived. Most of the methods Dr. Erickson utilised were developed by Dr. Erickson himself over the years.
Many hypnotists today claim to be trained in his style.

Q. Why do I need a medical referral?

Hypnotists are generally not licensed doctors. The legal system in most countries require that a hypnotist not work with any diagnosed ailment unless supervised by a licensed physician. A referral indicates that you have a physicians approval to see a hypnotist (as an adjunct therapy) for the specific issue of the referral.

Q. Can hypnosis be used to improve my memory?

Ability to recall is 'state' dependant. The secret to recall (memory) then, is to reproduce that 'state'.
Hypnosis may be used to create a repeatable 'state' thus providing near perfect recall.

Q. Can "being under the influence" effect my session?

As was just stated, Ability to recall is 'state' dependant.
If hypnosis is used with any substance or drug, then reproducibility w ill typically require the same substance/state to be completely effective. This is why the government failed at hypnosis + drug mind control.

Q. Can I use self hypnosis for xxx?

Self hypnosis is great for self-improvement. But I cannot recommend it to help with problems. It's like asking about self-medication. It's like asking 'can you write me a prescription for a drug to fix my xxxx'?
or like asking for a how-to tape for appendix removal. While I'd like to give a simple 'do-this' answer, it's dangerous for your health. If you have an issue, you should seek out skilled help. If you only seek self-improvement, hypnosis is a great tool.

Q. Where can I get a script for ______?

Please be aware that scripts have very little therapeutic value. Scripts should never be read to a patient. Scripts do have a value as a learning tool though. I do not have scripts that I have written available to share, but a web search should reveal many scripts.

Q. How can I test my patient for hypnosis?

Tell the person "I'd like you to look into my eyes please" [so you can see their eye's pupils.] Say: "I'm going to count from one to three. On the count of three I will snap my fingers. When my fingers snap, the lights will go out, and it will be totally dark in this room. one... two... three... " [snap] If your client is hypnotised, their pupils will enlarge because it is now dark. An exception to this is when the hypnosis is included with deep relaxation, such as the Esdaile state, in which case pupils are totally non-responsive, which is how the Esdaile state became known (erroneously) as a hypnotic coma.

Q. Can hypnosis induce feelings like those from Marijuana or alcohol or...?

Yes. Or you can create new sensations like perhaps mixing the high of cocaine with the pleasures of orgasm, mixed with the rush of skydiving. Creating new (non-drug) feelings is best. That way you can avoid any possibility of accidentally inducing drug side-effects which you may not want and just enjoy the good feelings. I most often simply teach people to go to the Esdaile state. It is quite euphoric and better than most drug feelings.

Q. Is it true young children have no CF and are basically in hypnosis?

No. This is just another myth. This is another situation easily tested. Tell the child "Candy is yucky, fruits and vegetables are better" Say it once. Say it as a child is eating a candy bar. If the CF is bypassed, then the child will instantly agree and stop eating the candy bar.
Next, tell the child "Fruit is yucky, candy is better". The child will not be confused if the CF is bypassed, but rather will resume eating the candy and avoid fruit.

Q. I gag when I taste xxxx or even think of tasting xxxx. Can hypnosis help?

Usually yes. There are multiple possibilities.
The gag reflex may be due to the thought of xxxx itself being repulsive.
There could be a memory or experience in the past somehow associated with xxxx.
You simply may not like the taste or texture.
(Other reasons...)
At any rate, hypnosis usually helps.

Q. Can I change my appearance?

Many aspects of the body may be changed, especially the soft tissues.

Q. Can I have bigger/smaller/more/less:
breasts/waist/hips/lips/thighs/cellulite/muscles/etc.?

Most often, yes

Q. Can hypnosis make my [male member] bigger?

Typically, yes. But you should be aware of the potential side effects. The mind often uses testosterone to build this organ. Testosterone may also stimulate other secondary sexual traits:
-body (non-scalp)hair growth
-scalp hair loss (male pattern baldness)
-voice changes. deepening and cracking
-zits
-increased aggressiveness
Be aware recordings usually don't consider side effects

Q. Can hypnosis help correct poor eyesight?

Typically, yes. However, very few are skilled at this.
Without the appropriate skill, the results are typically short lived.

Q. Is it true that TV commercials hypnotise us?

Anything is possible. Check for yourself.
Do you buy large quantities of food that you know you don't like?
Do you buy coke and Pepsi at the grocery store?
Is your pantry filled with every kind of advertised coffee?
Do you own each kind of car advertised, even though you can't afford dozens of cars?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you may be hypnotised by commercials.

Q. I'm a Christian, and unsure. Is hypnosis OK?

There is a concern of Christians about allowing access to their mind by others. This is a valid concern. Hypnosis is a method of learning. That's all. The Biblical concern is about contacting other spirit beings/entities. Hypnosis does not do this. If your hypnotist is involved with spirit guides, channeling, etc. then you may have cause for concern. But such is not hypnosis. It is an other art altogether. Just as your dentist might channel spirit guides. It does not invalidate all of dentistry. Ask your chosen hypnotist if s/he does any of these things.

Q. I want to do hypnosis for my friends. Is it safe?

It is best to get good training. While a scalpel is safe in the hands of a surgeon, it's not a toy. Neither is hypnosis a toy. Hypnosis alters thoughts. You can hide medical symptoms, thus the hypnotee may not get needed medical attention. It is best to get training first.

Q. Why does this FAQ seem to contradict other sources I've read?

Knowledge and understanding improves with time. Dave Elman was one of the greatest hypnotists ever. Yet he believed and taught that hypnosis could not be used for 'stop smoking'. Another famous hypnotist, Dr. Milton Erickson, believed hypnosis could not be used for disease. Times have changed. Even my own books on hypnosis are contradicted here. Fortunately, they are out of print now ;)

Q. What is a model?

What is reality? Often things in life are very complex. We use the term 'model' to describe a more simple, easily understood description of reality.

Q. What is an Ultradian cycle?
Technically, Ultradian refers to any cycle of less than 24 hours duration.
Our minds cycle through various states periodically through the day. This cycle is termed an Ultradian cycle.

Q. How does the hypnotist gain such control?

(S)he doesn’t have ‘control’ over the individual. The people are all volunteers and choose whether to do the particular stunt. Hypnosis is used to allow the person to be more at ease with their actions on stage.

Q. What if I can't afford seeing someone right now?

There always is a possibility that you honestly can't afford to see someone.
But, how can you afford not to?
Isn't it worth a bit of financial hardship to be better?
Certainly, many people find their income potential dramatically increased when their issues are resolved.

Q. What is stage hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is an application of hypnosis for entertainment.

Q. How can I learn stage hypnosis?

Study basic hypnosis first, then learn how to perform and entertain on stage.
Next, get the books: The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism by Ormond McGill and DEEPER AND DEEPER by Jon Chase

Q. What are some good books?

I have a recommended booklist, as does Skip. You might start with one of them.

Side note:
A hypnotist is working with the SubConscious (SC) mind.
The subconscious mind runs your body for you. I'd call that clever.
You don't consciously adjust your stomach's acidity for food digestion.
You don't consciously control the growth rate of the cells in your body.
There are about 150 muscles from your shoulder to your finger tips.
Try some time to consciously coordinate each one in order to type a message on your computer.
Our mind has a highly knowledgeable understanding of the way genes work and how they are turned on/off/expressed too. It is easily able to make the desired changes in us. Your subconscious does all that and more.

Your SC is a 'team member'. It wants only your best.
What is being said is that our SC can make what we might term a mistake or just a less desirable choice. It makes decisions based on its current interpretation of ideas and understanding. Often of imprinted ideas. These may not be ideal, or even desirable.
A hypnotist is only helping the SC see the issue in a new light. We call that 'reframing'
Other times, we may provide some new information about an issue.
Still other times, we might suggest that the desired outcome is not being met with the current behaviour choices, and maybe new choices should be tried.

Once upon a time, hypnotists treated the SC mind as a young child and would tell the mind what to do (script reading).
Today, many of us tread the SC as more of an adult.
We share new perspectives, provide new insights, provide additional information, then we allow the SC mind to make new decisions. Then we check out the decision with a tool we call 'future pacing'. With that tool we check to see if the new decisions are meeting the desired outcomes.