Quite often prospective clients will ask me how they can tell if hypnosis could help them make a wanted change in their lives such as quitting smoking, promoting healthy weight loss or overcoming a negative fear. Aren't some people more open to hypnosis than others?
While its true that some folks are more receptive and comfortable with the idea of hypnosis than others, experience has shown that pretty much everyone can benefit who is willing and able to follow some simple instructions.
What I tell prospective clients is that your readiness to change is hands down the most important factor, whether you use hypnosis or any other method or technique.
The quiz provided below is derived from work done by Procrashka and DiClemente on what are known as the "stages of change."
Use the key at the end of the quiz to help better understand what stage you might be in. Give yourself a 1 point for each A answer, 5 points for each B answer and 10 points for each C answer.
1. Regarding my awareness about this behavior:
a. Others have suggested that I have a problem behavior but I don’t agree.
b. I might have a problem behavior but I am not sure.
c. I have a problem behavior.
2. When a loved one or trusted friend suggests that I may have a problem behavior …
a. I am likely to tune them out, change the subject or get defensive.
b. I don’t like it, but I know that they see something that worries them and are right in expressing concern.
c. I am ready to listen and talk about it.
3. This problem behavior …
a. is really just a nuisance and I don’t have time to deal with it.
b. is causing me worry and/or distress.
c. is causing me, and some of the people I care about, significant worry and/or distress.
4. When I think about my problem behavior …
a. I usually make excuses, rationalize or minimize its impact on my life.
b. I want to change but I don’t because of fear, pride or lack of motivation.
c. I really want to change but don’t know how to begin or continue once I start.
5. Regarding knowledge of my problem behavior:
a. I know very little about it.
b. I have begun learning more about it.
c. I have learned a great deal about it.
6. Regarding my knowledge of resources for my problem:
a. I don’t know of any resources.
b. I have learned about some of the resources available but don’t feel I have enough information.
c. I have more than adequate knowledge about how or where to get help.
7. Regarding my current motivation for change:
a. I have practically no, or very little, motivation at this time.
b. I have some motivation to change but I will need more to succeed.
c. I am very motivated to change.
8. Regarding my current plans to change:
a. At this time, I have no plans to change.
b. I am thinking about change and the impact it would have on my life.
c. I have a definite plan for change.
9. Regarding my support for change from others:
a. I have almost no support from others.
b. I have some support but it may not be enough.
c. I have excellent support.
10. Regarding previous attempts to change:
a. I have never seriously attempted to change this behavior.
b. I have tried to change on one or more occasions but have failed miserably.
c. I have tried to change before and have had some temporary success.
Scoring key
If you answered “a” to any question, give yourself 1 point.
If you answered “b” to any question, give yourself 5 points.
If you answered “c” to any question, give yourself 10 points.
Results
Total your score. If your score is:
10-15 points, you are in the Precontemplation Stage. Your score suggests that you are not yet ready to engage in changing this problem behavior.
16-40 points, you are in the Contemplation Stage. Your score suggests that you are considering changing this behavior but are not quite ready. People in this stage seek knowledge and additional encouragement before they engage in behavior change.
A suggestion: you might find one of my free e-courses helpful if you are in the contemplation stage. Each delivers a series of short, to the point lessons to your mailbox that may inspire you to move to the next level, hope is realistic! You can sign up through the links below.
Stop Smoking Course: http://eepurl.com/0Vd91
Thinking Thin Weight Loss: http://eepurl.com/ZzagH
Mind/Body Healing Report: http://eepurl.com/1D8qr
41-100 points, you are in the Preparation Stage. Congratulations. Your score suggests that you are preparing to change this behavior. People in this stage have acquired additional knowledge and support and have a viable plan.
Hypnosis may be help you reach your goals as it has for so many others. Please give me a call at (732) 714-7040 for a complimentary Life Enhancement Strategy Session we can conduct over the phone or fill out the form at https://www.njhypno.com/life-enhancement-strategy-session-1
Sources: Changing for Good by J.O. Prochaska, J. C. Norcross, and C.C. DiClemente. Morrow, 1994; The Transtheoretical Approach: Crossing the Traditional Boundaries of Therapy by J.O. Prochaska and C.C. DiClemente. Krieger Publishing Company, 1984.