What is hypnosis?

Hypnotic trance is a profound state of focus in which the mind's critical thinking is relaxed to allow direct communication with the unconscious. In a hypnotic trance, the mind's powers can be directed to bring healing and change to specific conditions, beliefs and symptoms.

Being in a trance is an everyday occurrence we each experience. Have you ever been driving and suddenly realized you don't remember the last few miles?  Have you watched a movie or TV and reacted physically to what's on the screen by crying or feeling startled?  If so, you were in a trance. Hypnotic trance differs from these everyday trances in that you are intentionally guided into trance by the hypnotherapist for a beneficial purpose.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a proven therapeutic method for alleviating a variety of conditions and symptoms by working with the unconscious mind through hypnotic trance. It is a powerful way for the mind to heal the body, break habits, change behavior, restore confidence and work in a positive, constructive way to achieve success

Common myths about hypnosis

Will I lose control?
No. Hypnotherapists do not have the power to control your mind. They guide you to a profound state of relaxation that you, the client, allows. That's it. If you don't want to reveal something, you won't.

Can I be made to do something against my will?
Hollywood films and TV perpetuate the myth that hypnotized people can be made to do something. This is untrue. In hypnosis, you cannot be made to do anything against your will or your values. If someone were to give you a suggestion that was against your will or values, you would simply ignore it or take yourself out of the hypnotic state.

What about those performers on stage?
The performers who do comic things in stage acts are people inclined to be 'the life of the party.' They like attention; they like being 'on stage.' Whatever they do on stage doesn't go against their innate values. Rather it complements their desire to be the center of attention.

Can I be stuck in hypnosis?
No.  No one has ever been stuck in hypnosis.

Will I remember what happens during a session?
Yes, you will be aware of everything that happens because you remain conscious during the entire session.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are some of the conditions hypnosis is effective in treating?
Clinical hypnotherapy has been found to be effective in treating many health, performance, and personal conditions. While effective in treating many conditions, hypnotherapy does not always affect character issues often found to be the root cause of the conditions. Nevertheless, many clients find healing or alleviating a distressing condition all the relief they need. 

The following are examples of situations for which hypnosis is effective:

anxiety reduction                          bruxism (teeth grinding)
confidence                                    grief
guilt                                              insomnia
habit removal/creation                 phobias (such as flying)
memory enhancement                   pain management
phobias                                        stress reduction                             
sugar addiction                            study skills
test anxiety                                   relaxation
weight management                      self-confidence

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
In a typical first session, we will talk about a variety of things that may include: what you want to accomplish, a strategy to prevent self-sabotage, the pros and cons of the change(s) and how you will know when you are successful.  Since effective hypnotherapy goes after the cause--and not just the symptoms--the more thorough our first session, the more likely it is you will successfully achieve your goals.

Once we've thoroughly developed a foundation for our work, I will explain hypnosis so you feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed.  I will also thoroughly answer any questions you may have.  NOTE:  Unless you request (and pay for) extra time, we will not do hypnotherapy in the first session.  This gives us ample opportunity to create an effective, long-lasting action plan together.  In other words, since a house is only as strong as its foundation, this is a worthwhile investment!

At our follow-up sessions, you will be hypnotized. At that time, I will use different visualizations to deepen your trance. When you are sufficiently hypnotized, I will give therapeutic suggestions to support the goals we discussed. Where appropriate, I may also teach you a method to reinforce these healing suggestions when you are not in my office. Finally, I will bring you out of the trance with suggestions that you feel relaxed and energized when you leave.

How long is a typical course of hypnotherapy?
Typically, a course of hypnotherapy will average eight sessions. It may take longer depending upon your motivation and the condition(s) being addressed.

I hope this information is helpful to you.  If you have questions not answered here,  please feel free to contact me.