Hypnotherapy

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. I've seen a lot of ads for all kinds of service providers from massage therapists to energy readers who offer to hypnotize clients. How is hypnotherapy different, and how can I choose what's right for me?

A. Anyone can learn to hypnotize themselves and others and some service providers may offer hypnosis as a sideline to their specialization. Start by asking about certification. Some of these people are trained and certified in hypnotherapy, some are not. In all cases, you should trust any kind of therapy only to someone who is trained and certified specifically in that process. Certification in clinical hypnotherapy requires 300 hours of classroom training through a school that is licensed by the state, written and practical examinations and many hours of practice. A certified hypnotherapist will be able to determine if hypnotherapy is right for you, identify the appropriate strategy to get the best results, and ensure that you are getting the services you pay for.

Q. Can hypnotherapy be dangerous?

A. Hypnotherapy provided by a certified professional is not dangerous. In cooperative hypnotherapy™, the client and therapist work closely together to identify and resolve issues. At no time does a hypnotherapist "take control" of the client, or try to make a client do something dangerous or that they don't want to do.

Q. During the initial consultation, will the hypnotherapist determine what's wrong with me?

A. No. A hypnotherapist does not diagnose, and works with the client only to address symptoms. For example, someone with an ache in their shoulder or neck might be treated with therapy for pain management, stress relief and relaxation techniques. In some cases, the hypnotherapist may refer a client to a medical or other specialist in order to ensure that undiagnosed symptoms aren't from a serious underlying medical condition.

Q. My ten year old daughter was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Can hypnotherapy help?

A. Yes. While every case is different, kids with ADD usually respond very well to a treatment regimen that includes mental focus techniques, positive self image building and self control.

Q. I saw a psychotherapist over a period of several years. I'm much better now, but still have some things that are bothering me. I just don't want to start another long series of expensive and time consuming appointments. Does it sound like I'm a good candidate for hypnotherapy?

A. Hypnotherapy may be able to help. Because hypnotherapy works by directly accessing your subconscious, a small number of sessions often bring exceptional results. A brief initial consultation with the hypnotherapist is inexpensive and will help you decide if hypnotherapy is a good fit.

Q. After I've been hypnotized, how much of the session will I remember?

A. You likely will remember all of it! During hypnosis, your conscious mind will be less active and your subconscious mind will be fully awake. You'll remain completely aware of everything that's said and done during the session and likely will even participate in some way in the process.

Q. Someone tried to hypnotize me before, but I'm not really sure it worked. Is it possible that I can't be hypnotized?

A. While some people are hypnotized more easily than others, it's very rare to find someone who can't be hypnotized at all. It also is very common that people who have been hypnotized have some doubts about the experience, especially the first time. A trained hypnotherapist uses a number of indicators to determine if and to what level a client is hypnotized.

Q. How long is each hypnotherapy session?

A. The length of each session varies, depending upon the objectives and circumstances of the session. Typically, sessions last about forty five to fifty minutes, although some sessions may last well over an hour. A complex subject may be spread out over multiple sessions to allow for breaks and discussion at key points. In all cases, follow-up discussions will provide an opportunity to address open issues, ask questions and develop a plan of action.

Q. What if something comes up during a session that I don't want to talk or even think about?

A. During a session, you will be in communication with the hypnotherapist. If a sensitive memory, issue or topic arises, you will help determine how or if it is approached. The therapist may, with your concurrence, use techniques to address the issue in a way that is acceptable to you, especially if it is important for you to resolve.

Q. I tried to quit smoking with hypnosis. The class was interesting and I did quit for almost a month. How is your program different and why should I expect it to work this time? Is it expensive?

A. Anyone who wants to quit smoking can! With cooperative hypnotherapy™, it likely will last. And, if you've tried to quit in the past, the likelihood of success may even be greater. My smoking cessation program is individualized, so I treat one person at a time. It's probably different than any program that you've seen or tried, but it really works, by addressing the addiction, habits and behaviors associated with smoking. For many smokers, the cost of quitting isn't much more than the money saved by not smoking for the duration of the program.

Q. I wouldn't say that I have a "phobia," but flying makes me uncomfortable. Can hypnotherapy help?

A. In most cases, yes. In addition to hypnotherapy sessions designed to reduce your discomfort, simple exercises will be provided that will help to make your next flight the most relaxing you've ever experienced.