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What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a familiar and natural state of mind, a focused state of concentration.  It is a state that the brain enters when it is more receptive to suggestion, a pleasant state of mind similar to daydreaming.

Is hypnosis dangerous?
No. Hypnosis is a normal state of mind, one which most people experience every day in some form.  It can be as simple as being engrossed in music that you are listening to, or being in the very relaxed state just before falling asleep and just when waking up. 

Will I be aware of what is going on?
You will not actually be asleep or unconscious.  Hypnosis speaks to your mind on a subconscious level.  You are always awake and aware of your surroundings, yet easily able to disregard normal environmental distractions.   A person that expects to be unconscious might think (s)he was not hypnotized because (s)he retained awareness of the surroundings. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness and focus- not a loss of consciousness.

Will I do or say anything I don't want to?
In hypnosis, your mind will not allow you to do or say anything you would not normally do or say, nor anything you would find inappropriate. You will always be in control and able to emerge from hypnosis yourself at any time, if you wish. 

Can anyone be hypnotized?
Anyone of normal intelligence can easily achieve a state of hypnosis. If you can focus your attention and use your imagination, hypnosis will probably occur immediately.  For various reasons, some people do require additional time.  As you practice, it gets easier and easier. A person that expects to be unconscious might think (s)he was not hypnotized because (s)he retained awareness of the surroundings.

What is a typical session like?
An initial session, (including the consultation if not done previously), lasts about 90 minutes.  During this time you will fill out a short questionnaire and discuss with me what behaviors and attitudes you want to change.  It is ok to have more than one goal in mind. Together we can form a plan of action.  After our initial interview is complete, we will try a few simple concentration and suggestibility tests. We'll then proceed to the hypnotic induction and positive suggestions. You will be fully aware of your surroundings during the entire session. After emerging you from hypnosis, I will give you materials and further instruction on self-hypnosis so you can reinforce the suggestions at home. We can schedule follow-up sessions if needed and you can ask any questions you may have.

How much does hypnosis cost?
Please see the fee schedule on the "Services" page.


Please Note: Your attitude about reaching your goal is very important.  A good attitude produces good results. To achieve maximun results from hypnosis, you must be willing to participate by practicing self-hypnosis exercises and/or listening to hypnotic recordings, when appropriate, to reinforce the positive suggestions.


THE  FOLLOWING  ARE  SOME  COMMON   MYTHS...

Loss of consciousness - A person in hypnosis is in an altered state of consciousness.  S/he is aware of what is going on and not in a sleep state.

Hypnotized people do crazy things while in hypnosis - Stage hypnosis exists for the entertainment of the audience.  It has given a very wrong impression of clinical hypnosis in the therapeutic setting.  Hypnosis exists for the realization of the client's goals, to release limiting or negative habits, fear and physical discomfort.

Surrender of will, loss of control - Hypnotized people remain in total control and will never do in the hypnotic state anything he/she would not do in his usual state of consciousness.

Weak Mindedness - You must be of average intelligence to be hypnotized.  You must have the ability to imagine and concentrate.  The very fact that a client is looking for another tool to help themselves with an issue and willing to do the work they have to do connotates a strong mind.

Revelation of Secrets - A person will never reveal anything that they don't want to reveal because they are in total control at all times and totally responsible for their actions.

Fear of getting "stuck" in hypnosis - A person can't get "stuck" in hypnosis.  What keeps a person in hypnosis is the hypnotist's constant dialog.  If the hypnotist stops talking the client will do one of two things:  1) they will emerge from hypnosis, curious to see why the session stopped, or  2) The may be so relaxed that the just fall off to sleep and wake up naturally as if from a nap.

Hypnosis weakens the will - A person cannot succumb to any suggestion made by the hypnotists that is contrary to their goals and wishes, because they remain in complete control.

Hypnosis is habit forming - This technique is not habit-forming.  It is highly successful and can be deeply relaxing which encourages people to do self-hypnosis.  It is just another tool to use for self help when and if you choose.

Repeated induction weakens the mind - Repetetive inductions strengthen your resolve to achieve your goals and release your fears and/or discomforts.

Hypnosis against the will - Hypnosis is an interactive experience.  It is a useful tool a person can choose to help with whatever issues he/she needs to address.  When there is proper rapport, a person's conscious and unconscious mind will be more open to positive suggestions for change.

Criminal or anti-social acts - A hypnotized person maintains their usual moral values and would never do anything he/she would not do when they are not hypnotized.