Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis (FAQ)
The subconscious mind (or unconscious mind as some people call it) is a powerful resource which during our active moments is tapped into by our conscious mind on a regular basis. However, the conscious mind can be a barrier to change habits.
Hypnosis taps directly into the subconscious to help make changes that can otherwise be difficult to achieve.
But hypnosis is not magic, and hypnotherapists are not magicians.
This frequently asked questions section covers much of the basic information about hypnosis and other therapies I use to help people make lasting lifestyle changes.
A: Hypnosis can help with a lot of challenges associated with habits and self-improvement. The obvious ones are to help quit smoking, weight loss, stress and anxiety, sleep problems, and gaining confidence and self-esteem, and of course all manner of phobias.
Our unconscious minds controls our habits and hypnosis works by "talking" directly to the unconscious mind and creating new pathways that help bypass the existing habits causing negative outcomes. I have posted a detailed article about "what hypnosis can and cannot do and what it can help with" at the blog here. Enjoy the article.
A: Most people can be hypnotized even though they may think they can’t. We move in and out of hypnosis many times each day without realizing it such as when we are driving or watching TV or a movie. Everyday activities can put us in a “trance” without us recognizing it as hypnosis. Some people will unintentionally “resist” going into hypnosis and for those people getting into a relaxed state – which is key to hypnosis – can be a challenge.
A: Yes, hypnosis works. But... it doesn't work for everybody. Just as many medical procedures do not resolve all patient issues then the same is true of hypnosis. But to be fair my answer requires some further explanation...
Hypnosis is not a magic pill or silver bullet therapy. It requires active participation of the client both in the session and outside using the resources provided by the hypnotist. I can't make you do anything you don't want to do. I also can't be responsible for your behavior outside your session.
In my decades of experience, the client's with the most success of achieving the outcomes they want - ex. Quit Smoking, Lose Weight - display the following attributes: highly motivated to achieve outcomes, fully participate in the sessions, follow directions faithfully in the session, use the resources provided outside the session. If you come to the hypnosis session with these mindsets then you improve your chances of achieving the outcome you desire.
A: This is a common question and the answer is no but... For my private stop smoking program I offer a follow-up session within six weeks of the session if needed. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee the behavior of my clients in between sessions like they can't guarantee their kids behavior.
I also find that guarantees are more a marketing gimmick than substance as those who offer it expect most people not to follow-up to redeem what they paid. I don't play those games.
A: You’ll feel relaxed, and aware of your surroundings and everything that is being said and explained to you. You’ll be in control all the time. It will be an enjoyable and rejuvenating experience for you. Your subconscious will retain everything that is said during the session even though you may not be able to recollect everything immediately. This is normal.
A: You’ll not go to sleep in the normal sense. You may loose track of time because you’ll be relaxed and engaged in a highly focused and soothing experience for your brain and whole body.
A: One of the most common concerns I get relates to so-called “mind control“, and is caused by the confusion many stage hypnosis acts have introduced to the therapeutic value of hypnosis in tackling serious life problems. I will not attempt, nor can I, force you to do anything against your will. This is one of the myths, caused by watching stage hypnosis entertainers, that a person has complete power over what you do. This is just not true, and in our sessions together you’ll remain in control all the time. My role is to be your guide to the resources you already have to overcome life challenges.
A: I've been offering online hypnosis sessions for many year. I use a professional version of software called Zoom. However, the technology isn't important. Having a quiet and undisturbed environment for an online session is most important.
You'll need a computer with webcam and microphone. I recommend headphones to get the best possible effect for the hypnosis portion of a session, but providing the room you're in is quiet and free of distractions headphones is not a must if not available.
As regards the results there is no significant difference. It comes down to personal preference of the client. After all, it is my voice you're listening to in the hypnosis portion with your eyes closed, and this is the same whether I'm in the same room as you or not.
A: Hypnotists and hypnotherapists don't usually take insurance and I don't. Some health insurance plans do offer reimbursement for stop smoking sessions so if this is important to you check with your plan first. You'll always receive a receipt for your session from me for your records which can be used for submission. But private therapeutic hypnotists are not equipped to submit insurance forms for you.
If this is important for you then there are Clinical Psychologists who are also trained in hypnotherapy and these professionals are usually equipped to take insurance. If you live in my area I can refer you to some local psychologist professionals if that's your preference.
A: This question is a difficult one to answer as it may seem to some as if we can forget trauma but in reality its just "buried." I will answer the question this way... Hypnosis can help your response to a traumatic event but not forget it. For example if your child or friend was killed in front of your eyes, or you suffered a traumatic abuse, then, hypnosis can help you cope and not suffer the deep depression whenever the incident is triggered, but not forget it.
People suffering abuse at an early age can "bury" the event in their subconscious but it is never really "forgotten" and many times can come back to impact them in later life until it is exposed and the healing begins.
A: I provide a free consultation for all private appointments. For quit smoking clients this is usually done over the phone and lasts about 20 minutes. For weight loss clients this can be done over the phone or in office depending on your location. My weight loss consultations are in depth and take about an hour.
Consultations provide an opportunity to discuss your goals and how I can help to determine if we are a good match for each other. This is important to ensure you get the results you're seeking and why I don't book appointments until we've had this discussion.
A: Hypnosis conducted by a trained and certified hypnotist is considered a safe alternative and complimentary therapy. Adverse reactions to hypnosis are rare but there have been documented cases of headaches after a session, although this has never happened to my clients to my knowledge.
People with a mental illness diagnosis, including anxiety disorders, should consult with their medical provider before seeking hypnosis as these conditions can interfere with the ability of the person to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
A: The cost of a hypnosis session generally depends on the experience of the hypnotist and how long the session lasts. Sessions generally range from 60 minutes to 2 hours, and can vary in price from under $100 per session to $400+ or more. While I have a set fee of $350 for an individual session however long it lasts, for programs with multiple sessions I provide a discount for 4 or more sessions. Some of my programs such as Stop Smoking or Weight Loss are charged by program and not length of sessions.
A: This is a difficult question to answer before consulting with a client as I need to evaluate the issue to be resolved, outcome desired, and challenges presented by each client. Some issues can be tackled in 1-2 sessions - such as Quit Smoking and Sugar Addiction. Other challenges require more sessions 4-6 or more - such as Weight Loss, Stress and Anxiety, and Confidence and Self-Confidence.
Many times the issue a client comes to me to help resolve is a symptom of another deeper core issue that needs to be resolved first before tackling the issue the client is looking for help. A core issue can take 1-2 sessions to manifest itself at which point the number of sessions required can be more accurately predicted.
A: NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It’s a way of tapping into your natural predispositions to effect changes in your habits. Combined with the power of hypnosis it provides you with a winning team for helping you lose weight, stop smoking or achieving self-improvement goals. I use NLP concepts throughout my programs and have achieved the level of Master Practitioner.
If you prefer to listen to a video where I go into more detail about what to expect in a hypnosis session then watch my video What is Hypnosis and How Does it Work.
Learn Self-Hypnosis in 16 Minutes, Free
In this free audio lesson, I'll teach you the float-in method. It's a simple way to work with your mind instead of fighting it. You'll do it once with me guiding you. Then you can use it on your own, anytime. A one-page guide comes with it.