Head to Soul

Here are answers to common questions about hypnotherapy.  If you have other questions, please feel free to contact me. 

What is hypnosis?
Hypnotic trance is a profound state of focus in which the mind's critical thinking is relaxed to allow direct communication with the unconscious. In a hypnotic trance, the mind's powers can be directed to bring healing and change to specific conditions, beliefs and symptoms.  Some experts say it's the way to encourage communication between mind and body.

Being in a trance is an everyday occurrence we each experience. Have you ever been driving and suddenly realized you don't remember the last few miles?  Have you watched a movie or TV and reacted to what's on the screen by crying or feeling startled?  If so, you were in a trance. Hypnotic trance differs from these everyday trances in that you are intentionally guided into trance by the hypnotherapist for a beneficial purpose.

What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a proven therapeutic method for alleviating a variety of conditions and symptoms by working with the unconscious mind through hypnotic trance. It is a powerful way for the mind to heal the body, break habits, change behavior, restore confidence and work in a positive, constructive way to achieve success

What if I reveal secrets or say things I don't want to?
That doesn't happen.  You will say only what you want to--just like in ordinarily situations.

Will I lose control?
No. You always have control.  Hypnotherapists don’t have the power to control your mind. We guide you to a profound state of relaxation that you, the client, allows. That's it. If you don't want to reveal something, you won't.

Can I be made to do something against my will?
Hollywood films and TV perpetuate the myth that hypnotized people can be made to do something. This is untrue. In hypnosis, you cannot be made to do anything against your will or your values. If someone were to give you a suggestion that was against your will or values, you would simply ignore it or take yourself out of the hypnotic state.

What about those people on stage?
The people who do funny things on stage are inclined to be 'the life of the party.' They like attention; they like being 'on stage.' Whatever they do on stage doesn't go against their innate values. Rather it complements their desire to be the center of attention.

Can I be stuck in hypnosis?
No.  No one has ever been stuck in hypnosis.  You can also stop a session at any time.

Will I remember what happens during a session?
Yes, you will be aware of what happens because you remain conscious during the entire session.  The only time people don't remember what happens is when they fall asleep which we try to avoid if possible.

What are some of the conditions hypnosis is effective in treating?
Clinical hypnotherapy is effective in treating many health, performance, and personal issues. While effective in treating many conditions, hypnotherapy does not always affect personality issues often found to be the root cause of the conditions. Nevertheless, many clients find alleviating a distressing condition is all the relief they need.

The following are just a few examples of situations for which hypnosis is effective:

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
In a typical first session, we will talk about a variety of things that may include: what you want to accomplish, a strategy to prevent self-sabotage, the pros and cons of the change(s) and how you will know when you are successful.  Since effective hypnotherapy goes after the cause--not just the symptoms--the more thorough our first session, the more likely it is you will successfully achieve your goals.

Once we've thoroughly developed a foundation for our work, I will explain hypnosis so you feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed.  I will also thoroughly answer any questions you may have. 

NOTE:  Unless we schedule additional time in advance, we will not do hypnotherapy in the first session.  This gives us ample opportunity to create an effective, long-lasting action plan together. 

At our follow-up sessions, we'll check in and then do hypnotherapy.  At that time, I'll use different visualizations to create a trance--deep relaxation. When you are sufficiently hypnotized, I'll make therapeutic suggestions to support the goals we discussed. Where appropriate, I may also teach you a method to reinforce these healing suggestions when you are not in my office. Finally, I'll help you leave the trance with suggestions that help you feel ready for the rest of your day.

How long is a typical course of hypnotherapy?
It's impossible to say exactly how many sessions it will take for you to achieve the results you seek. For time and budgeting, plan on eight sessions--and at least four weeks in a row initially.  It may be fewer sessions, or more, depending upon your motivation and the issue(s) being addressed.

I hope this information is helpful!  If you have questions not answered here, please feel free to contact me.