Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

Yes, hypnosis is a natural experience for almost everyone. The only people who cannot be hypnotized are those with extremely low IQs and people with certain kinds of brain damage. The ease and success of utilizing hypnosis depends on various factors: how comfortable you are with the person guiding you, the skill level of the hypnotist, how much you can relax and trust in that environment, etc. Also, the more times you use hypnosis or self-hypnosis, the easier it is to relax and go deeper.

Often your subconscious mind is sabotaging your goals. Old habits, fears and beliefs from the past can be holding you back and blocking the changes you seek. Hypnosis is a powerful tool for changing your beliefs at this deepest level, allowing your conscious mind and your conscious goals to be aligned with your subconscious mind so they can work together to fulfill your goals.

In your first session, we will talk about hypnosis, what it is and what it is not. We'll identify your goals and why they are important to you so I can help you in a specific personalized way. Then with you relaxing in a comfortable recliner, I'll guide you into hypnosis. Your waking brain wave pattern will move to the alpha frequency associated with creativity and heightened awareness. We'll use imagery and positive suggestions to help you reach the goals you desire.

Many people find the hypnosis amazingly relaxing and refreshing. You will not be asleep, but will be so deeply relaxed that healing and changing can happen. Your focus will be on your inward experience and the direction we’ve set, your awareness of your outer environment will be in the background.

Yes, your mind will be very focused and you can remember everything that happens. With more experience, some people move into an even deeper, slower "theta" brain wave pattern (the same frequency we are in while dreaming) and their experience will be similar to remembering a dream.

Absolutely not. Professional hypnosis is quite different from the TV and movie images most of us see. A trained hypnotherapist works with you to help you release old patterns to allow the choices you want; your full cooperation is essential. If you were given suggestions you didn't agree with or were against your moral or ethical beliefs, you would reject them. Many studies have shown this to be true. You will only accept suggestions you agree with and that support your goals.

Yes. In 1958, the American Medical Association approved hypnotherapy for use by qualified professionals. The American Psychiatric Association and the British Medical Association also adopted hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool. Many renowned hospitals in the U.S. now teach and use hypnosis. In my practice, clients with medical issues are requested to obtain a physician's referral.

For some concerns, change can happen in two sessions. Other issues might take longer depending on the complexity of that issue, its connection to other issues, and your own level of motivation and readiness. I suggest three sessions to stop smoking and four or more sessions for food issues and weight loss goals.

I use a sliding scale from $90 to $180 per session, and sessions generally last about an hour and a half. I also have some time reserved for lower income clients at a reduced fee. If that is your situation, talk with me before we meet. Payment is due at the time of the session. Credit cards, cash, and checks are accepted.

For some people, their changes are immediate and permanent. Others may need reinforcement. Remember that it took many years for you to develop your old patterns. The more you utilize hypnosis and practice the self-hypnosis you will learn, the deeper and more permanent the changes become.

Of course you can learn self-hypnosis from books or CDs. You can also learn to play the piano or repair your car from a book, but the process is much slower and not personalized for your specific needs. When you work individually with a hypnotherapist, your changes can be achieved more quickly and thoroughly. In the process of working together, I will teach you self-hypnosis so you can continue to use it as a powerful tool.

Yes, children and teens do extremely well with hypnosis. They have vivid fantasies and powerful imaginations, which are forms of self-hypnosis.

They often identify clear goals for themselves: doing better in school, conquering fear of certain situations, increasing self-confidence, doing well in athletics, music, and many other activities.