Frequently asked questions
Thought precedes all action
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness that we all enter into naturally on a daily basis. It is most often compared to daydreaming, or the feeling of "losing yourself" in a book or movie. You are fully conscious, but you tune out most of the stimuli around you. You focus intently on the subject at hand, to the exclusion of other thoughts. While in this state, you have access to your subconscious mind which holds thoughts, feelings, and memories that are unaccessible with your conscious mind. Hypnosis is guided and safe. In a state of hypnosis you are still able to decide what to share and can emerge whenever you want to. Just like when reading a book or movie where you can be very engrossed but if something happens that you need to tend to, or something happens (example fire) you will simply emerge. You will only do or share what you normally would in a waking state, I cannot convince you to do anything you would not normally do nor get you to share anything you would not be willing to share. Hypnosis is not me "doing" anything to you, it is YOU allowing yourself to surrender to the process, like you would for example in a guided meditation.
How does Hypnosis work?
Once the hypnotic state is induced and the doorway to the subconscious mind is opened, with your permission, your therapist can provide information, in a language and form that your subconscious can accept, to help you change behaviors, feelings and thoughts that you want to change. The subconscious mind has the ability to accept what it wants to and work through emotions, thoughts and feelings to assist you in making the changes you want.
Can a person be hypnotized against his will?
No. You cannot be hypnotized against your will, you must be a willing subject. Hypnosis is simply allowing yourself to enter into a relaxed state. I cannot MAKE you enter into that state or even make you stay there. Once youre in that state, you are in complete control and can stop anytime you want to.
Will I be asleep?
No. When a person is in hypnosis, they are not asleep. You are very much aware of all that is going on. I would compare it to watching a movie. You are completely engrossed in the movie yet fully aware of everything going on around you. At anytime you can stop your focus on the movie, you can decide anytime you want to, to stop watching it, get up and go about your business...but if its a good movie you won't want to. Instead you just block out the external activity or noise around you and continue focusing on the movie.
Is it possible that a subject could not be brought out of Hypnosis?
No it is not possible. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis because you do not lose control when you are hypnotized. Hypnosis is a cooperative relationship. When you are hypnotized, you retain full control over your mind and your body. Sometimes, people feel so relaxed and comfortable in hypnosis that they may wish to remain in that state for a little longer. Most importantly, you can come out of hypnosis any time you want but you won't want to! If for some reason I just stopped talking during your session, you would just open your eyes and get up.
Will I tell any secrets under hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You retain full control over what you say. I can't make you talk about something unless you feel comfortable and ready.
Can a person in Hypnosis be made to bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken?
No. This is not what happens in therapeutic or clinical hypnosis. On the other hand, volunteers during stage hypnosis show, which is for entertainment purposes only, will typically go along with the stage hypnotist’s suggestions as long as it is all in good fun and for entertainment purposes. A hypnotized subject cannot be made to do anything he is not willing to do. A person must be a willing and cooperative subject for hypnosis to work.
What about the idea that some people are just not hypnotizable?
Nobody can be hypnotized against their will. If a person is not willing to cooperate, they cannot be hypnotized because they just won't allow themselves to enter into the relaxed stated. However, you already enter the trance state many times a day willingly... whenever you are concentrating heavily or reading a book, or driving (think highway hypnosis) Some people may initially have problems with feeling that they may lose control in some unacceptable way which may lead them to intellectually second guess and over analyze what is going on. Thinking too much will interfere with the process and your ability to enter trance. Additionally, you may feel you will hand over your control which could impede your ability to surrender to the process.
Hypnosis is NOT about controlling you. It is about you gaining more control over yourself. Once you realize that experiencing hypnotic trance will (a) help you feel how you want to feel and do what you want to do, AND (b) actually give you more control and power than you previously had, you will stop over thinking and just allow it to happen.
Sessions & Prices
Hourly rate is $120. While hypnosis is a powerful tool for change, the work we do will be done together and a collaborative partnership that is custom tailored for you.
One free initial consultation is conducted before all bookings. The free consultation is designed to establish if this style of hypnotherapy is appropriate for you and to establish goals and expected outcomes. The initial consultation is max 20 minutes by phone and allows you an opportunity for you to ask any questions to see if this is a fit. All information obtained during the consultation is kept strictly confidential.
***Extra Info
* Refund Policy:
There are no refunds. You may reschedule within 48 hours of your session time.
All missed appointments and/or appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged the full session fees. I reserve the right to decline, reschedule or cancel any appointment. If that is the case you will receive a complete refund of any monies paid in full.