Hollywood movies and sensational television depictions of hypnosis have left the public with the impression that a hypnotist or hypnotherapist can force you to do something you do not wish to do. Because on some level your conscious mind is aware, you cannot be made to do anything you are morally opposed to.
Hypnotic suggestions can become a permanent part of your thinking with reinforcement. Although there have been many one-session miracles with hypnosis, permanent results will be attained with repetition and your cooperation with the hypnotic suggestion. Repetition of suggestion is accomplished with repeated sessions, reinforcement audio cassettes and self-talk.
You are always in control of your mental processes and you will not reveal anything you do not wish to. However, if you are in therapy for a particular goal and you withhold information connected with that goal, you will reduce the effectiveness of your therapy.
In general, a hypnotist uses hypnosis for entertainment. In a private session a hypnotist uses knowledge of how to give effective positive suggestion to achieve the goals of a client.
Most people who are able to focus and are intelligent enough to understand the process can be hypnotized. People who are overly analytical or who have issues of control may take a longer time to learn how to enter into the state of hypnosis. The individual who is sincere and serious about creating a positive change will have results.