Hypnosis FAQ

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that people enter into many times a day without even realizing it!  Humans have successfully used hypnosis since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, but with modern technology, we now understand WHY it works.  It is not magic or "woo-woo" even though it can feel that way.  

It is literally brain science!  

Hypnotherapy is a safe and relaxing process that uses skilled guidance to take a client into a particular natural state of consciousness and allow the subconscious mind to examine, learn, adapt, and change.

Does hypnotherapy really work?

Yes! Therapeutic Hypnosis is proven to be the most effective and fastest route to solve emotional issues. It has been shown through research that hypnotherapy has a massive 93% success rate after only 6 sessions.

Is it true that ANYONE can be hypnotized?

Yes!! Anyone who can fall asleep can be hypnotized! Movies and cartoons have given people a false sense of what hypnosis is, and many people believe that if they retain awareness, they must not be in a state of hypnosis.  There are even some contradictory mythologies out there that only certain types of people can be  hypnotized.  

While we flatly reject such notions, the fact remains that ANYONE can be hypnotized because hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness. When people ask this question, what they are really asking is whether it is possible for everyone to have a dissociative experience during hypnosis. While that CAN happen (about <9% of all humans) it is extremely rare.

How long do sessions last?

We do not put a stopwatch on client sessions. Almost all sessions will last at least an hour and a half, but some sessions take more time. We will not arbitrarily stop a session because of the clock. If a client is in deep hypnosis and continuing to make progress, we will continue the session to a natural stopping point. Because of this, and due to individual differences, some sessions may last up to 2 hours or more. We will always be respectful of your personal constraints and needs. 

How many sessions do I need?

The goal of hypnotherapy is to have rapid breakthrough with lasting results, not to create lifelong clients! The number of sessions needed depends upon the type of issues you are dealing with and varies greatly person-to-person. We treat individuals as individuals. Some individuals achieve their goals in a single session, while others may desire a longer approach as they move through many different individual goals. 

Can hypnosis make me do or say things that I don't want to do?

No way! A person in hypnosis will only accept suggestions that they approve of, and they will reject  suggestions that violate their conscience or values. It is impossible for hypnosis to fundamentally change your personality or your core values. If you have ever seen the entertaining comedy hypnosis shows, that works because people are already in a state of mind to be entertained and they want and expect shenanigans to happen.  

A client in hypnosis will not say anything that they do not wish to say. Hypnosis is not a truth serum and it will not cause you to divulge your secrets unless you WANT to deal with them in a safe and confidential setting for therapeutic reasons. The client is in control of their words and actions at all times.

Can I "get stuck" in hypnosis?

Not at all! Despite the way that hypnosis is portrayed on TV and in movies, it is impossible to become "stuck" in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. You go to sleep every night, but you never become "stuck" in your sleep.   

What is the difference between hypnosis and sleep?

It is perfectly normal for a client to drift into a deep state, just on the edge of sleep, and then drift into a lighter state.  But no matter how deep or how light the state, it is all still hypnosis, and the subconscious mind is engaged. Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation, sometimes referred to as a "trance" state, similar to what people may experience in a very deep meditation. In this state, the client is able to hear and speak, respond to simple suggestions, and enter into the subconscious mind to make lasting beneficial changes. 

Is it true that I won't remember anything that happens while I am in hypnosis?

There is a common misconception that hypnosis is supposed to be a mystical "dissociative event", like an "out of body experience." While it is true that a very small percentage of people CAN dissociate during hypnosis, it is extremely rare. The vast majority of time, clients retain awareness during hypnosis but enter a deeply relaxed state, floating between sleep and waking. The process of hypnosis creates an environment where the active conscious mind is relaxed and quiet, and the subconscious is free to come forward to make profound changes. Most clients remember the majority of their experiences. 

Is hypnosis really just mind-control?

Not even a little bit! Hypnosis is a beneficial partnership between client and therapist and is never  coercive or forced.  The mind will reject suggestions that violate the individual's personal values. Hypnosis involves a cooperative effort between the therapist and the client. 

What if I am working with another counselor?

We love and welcome the opportunity to partner with other counselors and therapists!

There is no one-size-fits-all path to meeting clients needs. While some people choose hypnotherapy only, and others choose traditional therapy only, we have discovered that professional partnerships promote much faster progress and breakthrough to propel client growth and well-being. Hypnosis often allows clients to reach the breakthroughs and make the connections needed to get "unstuck" so that they return to their traditional counselors ready to work.

Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?

Some insurance will accept hypnotherapy as reimbursable or partially reimbursable. Also, some medical flex spending accounts will also reimburse for hypnotherapy. There are as many answers to this questions as there are insurance plans. We advise you to contact your own plan with any questions that you may have, but unfortunately, we are unable to submit any requests on your behalf. 

Is hypnotherapy effective over zoom?

Definitely! Because everybody has different challenges and different needs, hypnotherapy can be conducted either in-person or through private sessions using Zoom. This means that you do not need to leave your home or live in a specific region to experience the life-changing benefits of hypnotherapy. And yes, hypnosis is just as effective through a remote video session as it is in person!

From a client's perspective, once in hypnosis, their experience is identical as long as they can hear the therapists voice-regardless of whether the voice originates in the room or through your computer speaker.