Hypnotherapy is a gentle and safe therapeutic technique that utilizes hypnosis to access the subconscious mind. In this relaxed state, individuals become more open to suggestion and positive change. It's a collaborative process between the client and the therapist, aimed at addressing various emotional, behavioral, and physical issues.

A typical session usually involves:

1. Discussion: We'll start by discussing your goals, challenges, and progress.

2. Induction: The therapist will guide you into a relaxed state of hypnosis using verbal cues and imagery.

3. Suggestion: While in hypnosis, the therapist will offer positive suggestions tailored to your specific goals.

4. Deepening: Techniques may be used to deepen your state of relaxation.

5. Awakening: The therapist will gently guide you back to full awareness.

6. Review: We'll briefly discuss your experience and any insights gained.

While there are different courses and certifications available, some are much more comprehensive and in- depth than others. I attended an accredited college of hypnotherapy (Hypnosis Motivation Institute) that requires nearly 500 hours of training and makes me a qualified member of the American Hypnosis Association. I also have 100+ previous hours of training in a transformational therapy course. My current ongoing studies for a degree in Mind-Body psychology reinforces my prioritization of ongoing education.

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. Some people may experience significant progress in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. We will discuss your specific goals and create a personalized treatment plan.

No. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes and often involves suggestibility tests and volunteers who are willing to act in a certain way. Therapeutic hypnotherapy is a professional and confidential process focused on your individual well-being and goals. You will not be asked to do anything embarrassing or against your will.

Most people describe hypnosis as a state of deep relaxation, similar to being pleasantly absorbed in a book or daydreaming. You remain aware of your surroundings and in control throughout the session. You will be able to hear and speak, and you can choose to accept or reject any suggestion. It's not a state of unconsciousness or sleep.

This is an important question with a loaded answer.

Hypnotherapist scope: Hypnotherapists work with the subconscious mind using hypnosis to help clients with issues like anxiety, habits, phobias, stress, and improving well-being. They guide clients into a relaxed state and offer suggestions for positive change.

What hypnotherapists can't do (outside scope):

• Diagnose mental health disorders: This is typically within the scope of licensed mental health professionals like psychologists or psychiatrists.

• Prescribe medication: Only medical doctors (like psychiatrists) can prescribe medication.

• Provide long-term, in-depth psychotherapy for complex mental illnesses: While hypnotherapy can complement such therapy, it's often not the sole treatment for severe conditions.

• Guarantee specific outcomes: Ethical practitioners don't make guarantees.

When hypnotherapy might be a better option:

• Specific, targeted issues: Habits (smoking, nail-biting), phobias, performance enhancement, stress reduction, and mild to moderate anxiety often respond well to hypnotherapy's direct approach.

• Client preference for a focused, potentially faster approach: Some individuals prefer the direct work with the subconscious.

• Complementary therapy: Hypnotherapy can effectively support other forms of therapy.

When hypnotherapy might be a worse option or require additional support:

• Severe mental illness (e.g., psychosis, severe depression): These often require comprehensive treatment involving diagnosis, medication, and long-term psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy might be a complementary tool but not the primary treatment.

• Lack of client willingness or ability to engage in hypnosis: Hypnotherapy requires the client's participation and openness to the process.

• Situations requiring immediate crisis intervention or intensive support: These need the expertise of licensed mental health professionals.

Referrals from mental health professionals or doctors will be requested in certain complex cases.

Yes, anyone can be hypnotized. However, everyone experiences hypnosis differently based on their individual way of learning and receiving information. What hypnosis feels like will vary from person to person, and it is equally effective regardless of the specific experience. I am trained to understand these individual differences so that I can tailor each session to who you are personally.

While hypnosis can sometimes facilitate the recall of past events, it's not primarily used for memory retrieval, and the accuracy of memories recalled under hypnosis can be unreliable. We will focus on your present experience and creating positive change for the future. If past events are relevant to your current challenges, we will address them in a safe and therapeutic way.

Absolutely not. You are always in control during a hypnotherapy session. Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and receptivity, but you retain your free will and the ability to make your own decisions. A hypnotherapist acts as a guide to help you access your own inner resources for change.

I ask for respect for my time and the opportunity for others who may wish to schedule a session. Therefore, I appreciate advanced notice as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. A $50 late cancellation fee will be applied when notice is given less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

I have found that online sessions seem to be equally as effective, if not more, as in-person sessions. I have abundant training in facilitating online sessions and believe that there is benefit to the client's comfortability in their own home. There are hardly any differences in how online vs. in-person sessions are performed.

I currently charge $150 for a client's required first session(90 min), and then offer targeted packages with hour long sessions at $125. I do offer sliding scale options for certain situations and encourage you to reach out if you need support but don't have the means to pay full price.