What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural and normal state of the mind in which the body experiences a wonderful deep relaxation, while the mind remains clear, alert and focused.  In this state, the subconscious mind is receptive to positive thoughts and suggestions.  Through hypnosis, your behavior can be modified to benefit you.  This is accomplished by replacing old thoughts and beliefs you no longer need or want with the new ones YOU desire.

What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind in which the subconscious mind opens up, becoming suggestible to new ideas.  Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis by the trained hypnotherapist to help a person make positive, desired life changes.

Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes, unless you don’t WANT to be.  Hypnosis is a voluntary state of mind that requires the client’s full cooperation.

What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
Hypnosis provides a sense of profound physical and mental relaxation that is both refreshing and revitalizing.  It is actually a familiar feeling which surprises many people.

Can someone get stuck in hypnosis?
This is impossible and only happens in the movies or on T.V.  All trances end whether formally ended by the hypnotherapist or naturally by you.  Rest assured that you could easily bring yourself back to your normal state of consciousness ANYTIME you so desired….just by opening your eyes and saying your name.  It is that simple.  

Can I be made to do something against my will?
No!  A hypnotist CAN NOT make you do anything against your will, morality or ethics.  (Again, that’s just what they like to portray in the movies and on T.V.  After all, you have to admit….the truth does not make a very compelling plot.)

Will I lose control when I am hypnotized?
No.  You are always in control.  You will not say anything or do anything you do not want to say or do.  Hypnosis is actually a heightened state of awareness and you are very aware of what is being suggested.  Also, the mind would naturally reject any undesired suggestions, automatically.  You must provide your full consent for any suggestion to become effective.

Will I be asleep or will I know what’s going on around me?
No, you are not asleep.  To an observer you may “look” like you are asleep because you are in a deep state of relaxation.  You are however, completely aware of your surroundings.

Aren’t people who can be hypnotized just gullible and weak minded?
Quite the opposite.  Someone who is gullible, unintelligent or weak minded, is incapable of maintaining the necessary focus and concentration necessary to go into the hypnotic state.

How is Hypnosis different from Brainwashing?
Hypnosis is NOTHING like brainwashing.  Brainwashing is achieved by long term mental and physical manipulation that often includes sleep deprivation, starvation and emotional exhaustion.  The purpose of brainwashing is to get you to do what THEY want you to do.  Hypnosis is a voluntary short term relaxing process where we work together so that you can get the results YOU want.

Is Hypnotherapy safe?
Yes, absolutely!  Hypnosis is completely safe, effective and enjoyable.  Hypnotherapy provides a completely natural way for you to make those desired changes in your life.  And best of all….there are no side effects!  Hypnotherapy is often a preferred way to change some aspect of your life that you presently feel is not satisfactory to you.  It can be used to help you live a happier,  healthier life that feels more fulfilling and can certainly stand alone, but hypnotherapy can also be a welcome complement to other ongoing medical treatments.

How is Hypnotherapy different from Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is more about the past and “why” people think and behave as they do.  My hypnotherapy sessions are more solution oriented.  We focus more on the here and now and the “how”.  HOW to make the desired changes you want so that you can move forward and live the life you choose.  Hypnotherapy deals less with the past and more with the present.  We cannot change your past….but we can change the way you THINK about your past….and therein lies your power.  You can learn how to use your past as “wisdom” for your future.

Does Hypnotherapy actually work?
Yes! Hypnotherapy works so beautifully because we are making changes in the subconscious, which is the part of the brain that controls your automatic thoughts and behaviors.  The subconscious makes up 88% or more of your total mind power.  The conscious mind makes up the other 12%.  Clearly the 88%, the subconscious will overrule every time.  When we re-program the subconscious….the struggle ends and you can finally get the results you want.  Your new desired behavior becomes just as automatic as the one you didn’t want.

How well does Hypnotherapy work?
A comparison study shows:
Psychoanalysis:  38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behavior Therapy:  72% recovery after 22 sessions
Hypnotherapy:  93% recovery after 6 sessions

    - American Health Magazine -