Definition: The term "hypnosis" refers to a trance-like state of being. The word was coined after the Greek word hypnos, which means, "sleep" and in Greek mythology, the god of sleep was known as Hypnos. The Greek root, nosis, means knowledge. If we are to take these historical etymologies into consideration, we could define the word "hypnosis" as gaining knowledge through sleep (although, technically, the state of hypnosis is more trance than sleep). A more formal definition comes to us from The United States Department of Education Human Services Division defining hypnosis as "the bypass of the critical factor of the conscious mind, followed by the establishment of selective, acceptable thoughts."

The "critical factor" is the 'gatekeeper' to our subconscious. It is nature's way of protecting us. We are not born with this protection but rather it is formed usually somewhere between the ages of 5 and 7. Prior to the formation of this protection we are open and receptive to any new information that we are exposed to. If you can picture a child age 2 or 3 then you can easily imagine how willing they are to take in and accept what ever they might be told. It's like dealing with a clean slate that is written upon by everything that they come in contact with. Its those early impression that are made upon us during our formative years that are especially strong and influential in determining who we are.
       These neuro-associations or imprints effect our beliefs, values and how we choose to see and react to the world around us. There are countless ways in which a child's understanding and sense of self are shaped and influenced. We are for all practical purposes coming out of our childhood programmed by both the people and events we are exposed to. Our Parents, teachers, siblings, authority figures, friends, role models as well as the environment we are immersed in all effect how we see our world. If we are fortunate we tend to like what is there. But invariably as adults there hopefully comes a time in our development when we would like to take charge and shape how we feel, think and react to our world.

The power of hypnosis: By quieting the conscious mind, hypnosis presents the opportunity to bypass the critical factor and access the subconscious directly. This is the powerful part of your mind where change needs to take place to realize your goals. The hypnotist guides you through an exploration of your issues or problems in an effort to help you understand and ultimately change whatever is not working. By "incorporating new and powerful thoughts," you are able to selectively establish the positive thinking necessary to empowering your self-development. Hypnosis is one of the most powerful ways known to transcend your limitations and accelerate your personal growth.