Frequently Asked Questions
Does hypnosis really work?
While it may seem incomprehensible that such a non-invasive therapy can create lasting and often relatively quick change, hypnosis has been studied and shown to be effective in numerous clinical trials. You can read about some of those studies here.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that everyone enters into daily. Hypnotherapy induces a hypnotic state in a controlled environment in order to achieve a specific goal. Anyone can respond to hypnotherapy so long as they are doing so voluntarily and are ready to make the change they are coming to the hypnotherapist to help with. When someone is in hypnosis, they are in a highly suggestible state. It is in this state-of-mind that the subconscious can learn something new, but people learn information in different ways. It is important to pursue hypnotherapy with a qualified, certified, and properly trained hypnotist who has been educated in how to identify and work with clients of all learning styles. You can learn more about my own background and training here.
How do I know if my hypnotherapist is legitimate?
If you are pursuing hypnotherapy, it is crucial that you choose a hypnotist that is extensively trained and certified. Many organizations offer short certification courses that are not actually backed by a nationally recognized accrediting body. When you choose a hypnotherapist, do your research on the amount of time they trained, where they trained, where they received their certification from, and the legitimacy of that certifying organization. You can learn about my own background and qualifications here.
Will I remember what happens during hypnosis?
Most likely, yes. You will be aware of what is happening throughout your entire hypnotherapy session. Some people do experience a degree of amnesia. In the hours or days after your session, you may not remember all that was said during your session, similar to not being able to remember a dream upon waking up.
I’m afraid of losing control of myself or my body. Can a hypnotist make me do something I wouldn’t normally do?
No. Before entering hypnosis you and I will have a conversation about what it is you’d like to work on, and whether or not hypnosis is right for you. The only suggestions that will be given to you under hypnosis are those that support the reason you came in. I will not and cannot make you do anything.
But I’ve seen stage hypnosis done where people act in embarrassing ways, or can’t move their body, or cluck like a chicken...
Stage hypnosis is not the same as hypnotherapy. Stage hypnosis is designed to entertain an audience, with no benefit to the subject being hypnotized. Hypnotherapy is a private experience in which you dictate the positive changes you wish to make.
What Can Hypnosis Help With?
Hypnosis is effective in assisting clients navigate a wide variety of challenges including weight loss, smoking cessation, fears & phobias, test-taking anxiety, grief, audition anxiety, fertility & childbirth, body image, stress, tinnitus, pain, sleep, headaches, obsessive thoughts, and much more. Hundreds of clinical case studies have been performed supporting the use of hypnosis in 40+ areas. Click here to see a list of some of the areas studied in a clinical setting.
Can I see a hypnotherapist to help with a physical illness, injury, or a diagnosed emotional disorder?
Hypnotherapy has been shown to improve symptoms of many physical and emotional ailments (see clinical studies here), however, for your protection and mine, I will require a referral from your healthcare provider if we are to work together on anything within this scope. We can talk more about this during your free consultation to see if hypnosis is right for you and how to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Can hypnosis help me uncover a memory I have repressed?
No. Through clinical research, memory recovery is one area that has been proven to be ineffective with hypnosis. Attempting to do so can create a false memory in the subject, and it is unethical to attempt as it has the potential to cause harm. A hypnotist with legitimate training and education, with a thorough understanding of ethics in hypnosis, will never attempt this.
How many sessions will it take to achieve my goal?
Just like with learning anything else, repetition plays a big role in the subconscious learning something new. We will have a better idea of your treatment plan after our first few sessions together, but depending on your presenting issue, I will recommend that you commit 6-12 sessions, at which time we will reassess. Many clients have success within this time period, but sometimes there can be other factors at the root of the presenting issue that we may have to work on in order to achieve the desired result for the goal you are coming in for.
