What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that is similar to daydreaming. It's a deep state of relaxation that causes your conscious mind to relax so much that it allows the subconscious mind to accept positive thoughts and suggestions of the Hypnotherapist, which helps you to reach your desired goals or change your behavior in a positive way.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to create a hypnotic state to solve problems. Hypnotherapy enables you to change habits, reduce stress and achieve your goals - much more easily than you can in a state of normal awareness.
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
Have you ever been deep in thought while driving and all of a sudden you arrive at your destination and cannot remember how you got there? Have you ever been so focused on a movie or book that you didn't hear someone talking to you? Have you ever daydreamed? That's what being hypnotized is like.
Will I be in control of what I do or say during hypnosis?
Yes, the best thing about hypnosis is that you're always in complete control. Even though you attain a deep state of relaxation, you still hear everything that is said. You have the ability to come out of it anytime you want by just opening your eyes. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis so of course you're not going to do anything against your values or morals. As your hypnotherapist, I act as your guide to help you reach your desired goals, but the control is always in your hands.
Can I ever get stuck in hypnosis?
No, you can come out of hypnosis just as easily as coming out of a daydream. You are just in a deep state of relaxation and can open your eyes at any time to bring yourself out of hypnosis.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Any person of normal intelligence can be hypnotized to achieve positive, long lasting benefits. It requires little effort, simply the willingness and ability to follow directions, to concentrate, and to use your imagination.
What happens in a typical hypnotherapy session?
Your first visit is called the "Initial Visit". No hypnosis is done on the Initial Visit. During this visit you will be asked to complete a "Client Intake Form", which contains questions that when answered will be helpful to create a personalized hypnosis session for your unique situation, and a "New Client Information Form". We will then discuss the reason you came for hypnotherapy and what goals you would like to set for yourself. I will ask you about any past experiences you may have had or answer any questions you may have about hypnosis. If time permits, I may even teach you self-hypnosis, which can greatly increase your success rate in accomplishing your goals more quickly.
Feel free to print out the Client Intake Form and the New Client Information Form to complete in advance and bring with you to your Initial Visit.
If you are seeking hypnosis for any medical or psychological problems (besides weight management) I can only work with you if your doctor completes a Doctor Referral Form.
Your second visit is your "First Hypnosis Session".
We will again discuss the issue that you would like to work on, to see if anything has changed with your situation. I will have prepared some positive written suggestions, using the information that you provided on your Client Intake Form, to use for the hypnosis session.
You will then sit or lie in a comfortable position with your eyes closed while I guide you through a full body relaxation. I may play soothing music in the background. I will invite you to relax deeper by counting down from 10-1 and let you visualize a place where you feel totally relaxed and safe. Once you are relaxed the positive suggestions and imagery that we have mutually agreed upon prior to the session will be made. After that, I will count you back to a fully awake state. It's that simple!
We can then discuss your hypnotic experience and I'll answer any further questions you may have. I will then teach you self-hypnosis so that you can continue to reinforce the positive messages in between sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Generally, three to six sessions are adequate for most issues, but that depends on the subject matter and the depth of the desired change. It is possible to make good progress with even one session. Single sessions of hypnotherapy are useful for deep relaxation and stress relief, clarity, decision making, accessing creativity, getting back on track and reinforcing positive change. My goal is to assist you in the shortest amount of time possible. Learning and using self-hypnosis on a daily basis can improve your success rate greatly.
A survey of psychotherapy literature by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. revealed the following recovery rates:
Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions
Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions
Source: American Health Magazine
Are my conversations confidential?
Yes, all conversations and records are confidential, and can only be released upon your written authorization or as provided for by law.
I think I'd like to try this - What's next?
I'm so glad you've decided to step forward into growth! I'd like to speak with you briefly over the phone (707-889-0167) to discuss your needs and determine if hypnosis is appropriate for you. (We can also do this by email if you prefer) If hypnosis is appropriate for you and your situation then we'll probably schedule two visits, the first of which is the "Initial Visit" and the other one for your first hypnosis session. I look forward to speaking with you!