Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
How can hypnosis help me?
Is there anything that you don't treat?
Is hypnosis safe?
What are the risks of hypnosis?
Can you control me?
How do I know I can trust you?
Are sessions confidential?
What if I can't be hypnotized?
What will I experience?
How long will it take, and how much does it cost?
How do I prepare for my first hypnosis session?
What is hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration which allows your mind to become highly receptive to ideas you want. This high receptivity is called "suggestibility." This allows the hypnotist to communicate directly with your subconscious mind so you can begin changing how you think, how you feel, and how you behave.
Hypnosis is a hyper-alert state. You are never asleep. You're aware of everything, in fact, much more aware than you normally are.
Hypnosis is not magic (though it can seem like it). It's not a cure-all. It's an ability you already have. Once you learn how to use it, it can benefit you immensely.
Hypnotherapy is therapeutic hypnosis. It is the use of the state of hypnosis for the purpose of emotional healing. Hypnosis gives us access to the feeling part of your mind. Hypnotherapy allows us to create the changes you want by releasing the blocks which have prevented complete resolution of the problem.
My approach follows the both ancient and modern theory that there is no separation between mind, body, spirit and emotions. Methods used include hypnosis, emotional healing techniques, regression hypnotherapy, parts therapy, inner child work, inner guide process, and forgiveness.
Regression Hypnotherapy focuses on discovering and releasing the underlying cause of those negative thoughts and feelings that generate internal stress. Once the internal stress has been taken care of, you'll find you are more in control and can deal more effectively with everyday issues.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, controlling habits, lack of confidence, insomnia, depression, or psychogenic illness, hypnotherapy can help.
While hypnotherapy can be used as a complementary treatment for some medical and psychological treatments, if you know or suspect you have a medical disorder requiring treatment, it is very important that you consult with the appropriate health professional.
How can hypnosis help me?
Because hypnotherapy opens underlying emotional and energetic blockages, it gets to the core of a myriad of problems. Whether these blocks were created in childhood or last week, when the cause of the problem is released at its root there's no longer anything there to cause negative symptoms. That's why we don't treat symptoms - we focus on identifying and resolving the cause. Then the body will naturally heal itself.
Is there anything that you don't treat?
I do not work with active addiction because the chemicals can prevent the brain from achieving the state of consciousness required for deep healing. I will work with select individuals who have fully detoxified, who are highly motivated, and who have other supports in place to help them achieve lifelong sobriety.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. No one has ever been hurt by going into a state of hypnosis. Not only is hypnosis safe, it is effective, drug-free, pain-free, expedient and cost-effective.
Hypnosis was used by combat physicians during World War II to treat the wounded. It was accepted by the British Medical Association in 1955, the same year the Pope recommended it for painless childbirth. In 1958 the American Medical Association certified hypnosis as a legitimate treatment tool. The world-famous Mayo Clinic has used this safe, non-intrusive healing method as an adjunct to medical treatment for close to fifty years!
The National Institute of Health ruled hypnosis is an effective intervention for the alleviation from cancer and other chronic conditions.
Stanford University has funded several research projects. Dr. David Spiegel, and Dr. John and Helen Watkins have published books based on their research with hypnosis.
McLean Hospital in Boston is currently engaged in research to prove that "through hypnosis the mind can have a potent effect not only on mental well-being but also on the acceleration of bodily healing itself." - Harvard Psychologist, Carol Ginandes
What are the risks of hypnosis?
Hypnosis carries few, if any, risks. Individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinatory should seek more appropriate treatment. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems, such as pain, until underlying physical causes have been ruled out by a physician.
A doctor's referral is required for medical conditions. Also see Client Bill of Rights.
Probably the greatest risk is failing to recognize that hypnosis is not magic. It's not a cure-all. Hypnosis can be effective with many issues, but it still requires conscious effort, especially when it comes to changing behaviors like overeating or smoking.
Hypnosis facilitates better communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. Conscientious planning and research about the types of changes you want to achieve are still required. And you still need to take action to get results.
Can you control me?
No. Many people get this impression from watching stage hypnosis shows.
It's important to realize that the purpose of stage hypnosis is entertainment. The show relies on volunteers who want to have fun! These volunteers must be of normal intelligence, must want to go into hypnosis, and must be willing to follow instructions without question.
That's why the hypnotist will perform a few suggestibility tests prior to accepting volunteers. The more talented and willing the volunteer, the faster s/he will enter into a hypnotic state and act upon the suggestions given. And the more entertaining the show will be!
Sometimes the stage hypnotist will bring a person up on stage only to send them back to their seat. That's because the person has demonstrated they are not sufficiently motivated to follow instructions; they don't meet the criteria for a successful hypnosis show.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. No one can ever "make" you be hypnotized. A hypnotist can guide you into a state of hypnosis, but you must be willing. If a hypnotist were to ever suggest something that went against your strongly held beliefs or morals, you would reject that suggestion and, most likely, emerge yourself from hypnosis. You're always aware and you're always in control.
How do I know I can trust you?
Don't take my word for it! Go to theTestimonials page and read what others have to say.
You can also look at my credentials to see how I maintain a steady diet of learning and have done so for nearly a decade.
And if you are wondering, have a look at what your Rights are as a client.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. All sessions are private and confidential. I do not release any information to anyone without a written authorization from you, except as provided for by law. You also have a right to access my written records about you.
What if I can't be hypnotized?
Some people think they can't be hypnotized. Working with me, hypnosis is simply the shift from thinking to feeling. So most people don't believe they've been hypnotized. Have you ever cried at the movies? That's hypnosis!
Hypnosis is a natural ability we all have. We go in and out of hypnosis throughout the day. For example, if you've ever "zoned out" while driving and missed your exit, you've experienced what's commonly referred to as "highway hypnosis." If you've ever been so engrossed in an activity - a hobby, reading a good book, watching a movie - that you lost track of time, you've already experienced hypnosis!
About 10% of people are highly suggestible and, therefore, exceptionally talented hypnotically. Such individuals find it easy to enter into a very deep state of hypnosis very quickly. Another 10 to 15% might be considered low ability, and the majority fall within the normal or average range. Like any talent, you can improve your hypnotic ability with practice.
What will I experience?
Your program will begin with a "SET for Success" session. During this session you will be given suggestions for physical relaxation. Because the body tends to follow the mind, as the mind relaxes, the body will relax also. As a result, the most common experience is physical relaxation.
Hypnosis is not physical relaxation, however. As you shift from thinking to feeling, you become more aware of sensations in the body. You may notice your limbs twitching; evidence of the nervous system of the body relaxing. As the mind relaxes, the body relaxes. And as the body relaxes, circulation naturally increases. So you may notice tingling in your hands or feet. Your body may feel heavier, like it's sinking into the chair. Or it may feel lighter, like you're floating and drifting peacefully. It's a very individual experience.
You'll be aware of everything. So you're always free to accept or reject suggestions. Sounds that may arise will not bother you. Your mind may wander in a day-dreamy kind of way. You may even lose track of time. That's normal.
You're never unconscious. You're able to talk and listen, able to ask questions during the session. You're able to move around, scratch an itch. You're always in control. You can stop anytime. You can go to the restroom if the need arises.
Hypnosis enhances your ability to recall events of your life, even ones you wouldn't think are important. The process of hypnotherapy is interactive, like a conversation filled with feelings and discoveries that allow you to learn and create positive change.
Some people relax very deeply. Some people go into a lighter state of hypnosis. Most people are somewhere in the middle. But whatever you experience, you'll get what you need.
How long will it take, and how much does it cost?
Your problem is uniquely your own. So is your solution. The number of sessions required really depends on the complexity of the issue. And your ability to participate fully in the healing process.
Most people notice an immediate shift, even after the first session.
Most commonly there is a progressive shift for the better in how you think and feel - mentally, physically, and emotionally. These positive shifts are often subtle and pervasive as they ripple out into every area of your life.
Often the third session is a breakthrough experience.
On average, most issues require six sessions.
Package rates are available. For more information please Contact our offices.
How do I prepare for my first hypnosis session?
When you call to make your appointment, have a clear goal in mind. What do you wish to accomplish using hypnosis?
You'll be asked a series of questions to help determine whether hypnosis is right for you. If so, your first session will be scheduled. A letter of confirmation will be emailed to you containing a series of forms to complete prior to your first appointment. This will save time during your first session.
When you come for your appointment, dress comfortably. Your comfort is important, so choose loose-fitting clothing and avoid anything that might bind or constrict you in any way.
If you wear contact lenses, you may find it more comfortable to remove them prior to each session as the eyes can water during hypnosis.
Please be aware that using mind-altering substances, many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and even coffee, can affect the quality of your hypnosis experience. Please be sure to inform me of these influences so I can maximize the quality of our work together.
Arrive a few minutes early so you can go to the restroom prior to your session. You'll then have full use of your appointment time. Payment will be collected prior to your session. You will then be accompanied to a comfortable session room.
During your first session you will be taken through a brief educational presentation to ensure you have the information you need to be successful using hypnosis to overcome your problem.
You'll then be asked for a brief history of the problem and specific questions designed to customize your program.
You will then be guided into a state of hypnosis for the purposes of assessment and to establish a solid foundation for your success. So be willing to participate fully and follow instructions and you'll find you enjoy a successful hypnosis session and emerge feeling wonderful.
Remember, the objective is to help you achieve your goal quickly and as easily as possible. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, so the more you cooperate and participate, the more benefit you will receive from each hypnotherapy session.
Finally, expect success! Your success is important and hypnotherapy can help you succeed - even when nothing else has worked.