Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know About Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy
In light of the current CDC recommendations to minimize risk of exposure to and spread of the COVID-19 virus, I am suspending in-person hypnotherapy sessions with me in my office. However, phone and Zoom consultations ARE and WILL REMAIN available!
Following are the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy:
Q: What is hypnosis and how does it work?
A: Hypnosis is an effective, natural, drug-free tool that allows you to gain access to your subconscious mind and change the scripts for behaviors that no longer work for you. Hypnosis has been used as a therapeutic tool for centuries.
Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?
A: Yes. In fact, everyone goes into a light, natural state of trance (hypnosis) twice each day: first, for about 30 minutes after waking up in the morning; and again 30 minutes before drifting off to sleep at night. Another example of naturally occurring hypnosis is being so relaxed or distracted in thought that you drive past your street or miss your exit on the highway.
Q: What if I don’t “go under” and the hypnosis doesn’t work?
A: The subconscious mind knows and recognizes hypnosis as a state of relaxation and comfort. During my training at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, I mastered various techniques to help my clients enter hypnosis and accept the hypnotic suggestions that they provided. People who seek hypnotherapy are very determined and confident that it will work. This determination is a key to the success of hypnotherapy.
Q: Will I be asleep when I’m in hypnosis?
A: No. I use the terms “sleep” and “deep sleep” to heighten relaxation in hypnosis, but you will always be conscious and in complete control of your actions. Contrary to popular belief, people are actually more aware of their surroundings and have heightened perceptions (e.g., sound, smell, sight) when they are in this state. You can always bring yourself out of hypnosis by opening your eyes, stretching or standing up.
Q: Will you be in control of my mind and actions while I am in hypnosis?
A: No. If you do not agree with or feel comfortable with a suggestion, your subconscious mind will reject the suggestion and you will not do it.
Q: Will I remember everything that I said or did during hypnosis?
A: People typically remember some details about the session as soon as they come out of hypnosis, but the amount of recall varies between individuals and in terms of the depth of your hypnotic state. Rest assured that your subconscious mind will remember the hypnotic suggestions that it receives even if your conscious mind does not.
Q: If I only want to change a specific behavior (e.g., stop smoking), do I have to tell you details about my early childhood to accomplish my goal?
A: In general I will not ask you to divulge personal details about information that is not relevant to your therapeutic goal. However, if you are experiencing physical symptoms or have behaviors/issues that are beyond my scope of expertise, I will require a referral from a licensed medical doctor or psychotherapist to work with you.