Common Questions

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis can simply be defined as a state of heightened receptivity in which you’re able to refocus your mind and body for success. It’s an integrative process of rebuilding habits and behaviors, as well as emotions, beliefs, and feelings.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state you’ve already experienced thousands of times. You are simply experiencing life using learning that you already have stored to do things. In fact, we don't even have to think about it! It is not manipulation, mind control, or magic. It simply is a tool that will allow you to tap into the power of your mind and take control of your life.

When used toward a focused goal in hypnosis sessions, we are simply helping the process along, just like programming a computer to produce a document, project or program that will produce more desired or positive results!

All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis

Better yet, All Hypnosis becomes Self-Hypnosis. You are always in control of your mind and your body while in hypnosis. You choose to enter hypnosis, stay in hypnosis, accept the suggestions, and emerge from hypnosis at all times. You develop your goal and set your intention for the changes and suggestions you are making.

Can anyone be Hypnotized?

Yes! Anyone who is willing to be hypnotized can experience the state. When working with an experienced professional, the techniques and program will be customized for you. My clients report they easily achieve the state and can use it for their continued success long after the sessions are over.

Hypnosis is a deep state of focussed relaxation & attention in which you are:

1. Totally Conscious.

2. Consenting Participant.

3. Fully In Control.

4. Comfortably Relaxed.

5. Aware of surroundings.

6. Can accept or reject any suggestions.

Hypnosis is not:

1. Being controlled by someone else.
2. A loss of self control.
3. A state of unconsciousness.
4. A state of sleep.

5. An eerie trance state.

6. Prone to reveal confidential information.

Hypnosis is a everyday naturally occurring state, which you have already experienced:

Have you ever found yourself completely immersed in an activity to the exclusion of everything else? That is a natural trance state.

1. Driving in your car.
2. Reading a book.

3. Watching TV, movies, computer screens or videos.

4. Listening to music.

5. Daydreaming, drifting off, “zoning out”.
6. Waking up and going to sleep.

What does it feel like?

By definition, hypnosis is NOT a state of relaxation, but as many issues are related to stress or anxiety, we often create a profoundly relaxed state to assist in making the changes. Most people report feeling very relaxed or pleasantly lethargic. Many clients are surprised at how “normal” the experience feels, as many have been conditioned by movies or television to think there is a “magic feeling” that suddenly washes over you.

Your mind will be alert and perceptive of the suggestions it is receiving. Your focus will be directly on your experience or the words of the suggestions you are receiving. It will feel completely unique to you and no two experiences are ever identical. During Hypnosis you are able to speak, answer questions, and follow simple guidance to access that part of your mind that can help you achieve your goals . After hypnosis you will remember everything you “see” or think while in the hypnotic trance state. Clients are rested and calm and have improved clarity after a Hypnotherapy session.

Is Hypnosis Safe?

During Hypnotherapy the client is in control and aware at all times. No one can get stuck in hypnosis. Although superficial inhibitions maybe lowered, people under hypnosis will not say or do anything that they do not wish to, or that contradicts their sense of what is right. A hypnotized client will not access suppressed information he or she is not ready to deal with.

Will I lose control?

No. Hypnosis is a state of mind that requires consent. You will be aware of what I am saying during the session and cannot be made to do against your own morals. You cannot be made to tell secrets while experiencing hypnosis. A common misconception of hypnosis involves a potential client thinking that they may be “too strong-willed” to be hypnotized. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The stronger your ability to focus and concentrate, the faster and easier you will go into hypnosis.

Will I be asleep?

No. Hypnosis is actually a heightened state of awareness. The hypnotized subject is cognizant of their surroundings. You will hear cars outside or even voices from the room next door – confirming you are alert and in control the entire time. I also employ a number of techniques utilizing post-hypnotic suggestions, and you will remember everything that happened during your session.

Is Hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis is a natural ability of the mind that we all experience daily. The use of hypnosis was recognized by the American Medical Association in 1958. It is completely safe when practiced by an experienced, professional hypnotist. It is only dangerous if you are driving or operating machinery, so hypnosis audio products should not be listened to in those circumstances. There has not been one documented case of hypnosis doing harm to a person.

How long does it take?

Rapid change is possible with hypnosis. Most of my clients are scheduled for a brief series of sessions, as my goal is to provide you with the most effective hypnotic process in the most efficient use of your time. This model allows for an effective series of sessions with continued reinforcement, self-hypnosis training, and proper customization for your unique set of needs. Most people begin to experience benefits from the very first session, though hypnosis is a process.

What if I move, change positions or feel and itch?

While in hypnosis, it’s perfectly fine to change positions for your comfort or attend to any of your body's needs. You can itch, scratch, move in the chair, or readjust to your comfort. Hypnosis is not a feeling of in/out or an on/off phenomenon. It is a state of focussed attention that may include deep comfort and relaxation. So, while you feel the itch, you may slide into a slightly lighter level of trance. The best thing you can do is to scratch the itch because doing so is going to immediately make it easier and easier for you to go deeper into comfortable relaxation. Finally, if you need a blanket, change locations or feel the need to go to the restroom, just let me know and we’ll make it happen easily and smoothly.

Is Hypnotherapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing personal, family or relationship issues, for situational challenges or to help in difficult decision making or finding roadblocks. Other times it is in response to changes in one’s life such as infertility, grief and loss, becoming a parent, or work transition.

Many seek the advice of a clinician as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist in therapy, hypnotherapy or integrative therapy can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. It is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives. I will work with you to develop a toolbox of skills that you will be able to pull from at times of need or difficulty.

Can I use my Out-Of-Network benefits?

If you have insurance, I recommend you get in contact with your carrier and ask them about your mental health coverage. Be sure to ask all the questions necessary in order to obtain a full range of knowledge about the subject. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per session?
What session types and codes are covered?
How many sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
How do I submit the bill for reimbursement from my out-of-network provider?

Does what we do or talk about in a session remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with your sensitive and private experience. I will provide a written copy of the Client's Informed Consent. Sometimes, however, if you decide you want to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, such as a doctor, or other support person, you can request for that communication to occur.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions to this rule required by law.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

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