A: Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as a trance. In this state, individuals are more open to suggestions, which can help them address specific challenges, such as breaking habits, managing pain, or reducing anxiety. Essentially, it taps into the subconscious mind, where deeply rooted beliefs and behaviors reside, allowing for transformation and healing.

A: Not at all. Stage hypnosis is primarily entertainment, where the stage hypnotist is trained to find the most hypnotizable participants who may in part be playing along for fun. Clinical hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is a professional and therapeutic practice. It's about creating a safe space for personal growth and healing. The individual remains in control and aware throughout the session, contrary to common myths about losing control.

A: A session usually begins with a discussion to understand the client’s goals and concerns. This is followed by:

1. Induction: The hypnotherapist guides the client into a relaxed state using techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation.
2. Deepening: The client’s relaxation deepens to enhance focus and receptivity.
3. Suggestion Work: While in this state, the hypnotherapist provides positive suggestions or therapeutic guidance aligned with the client’s goals.
4. Reorientation: The client is gently brought back to a fully alert state, often feeling refreshed and calm.

Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, and trust is a key component of the process.

A: The hypnotherapist does not have the ability to fix or simply remove the problem.  The problem has been repeated for a certain amount of time, which led you to seek hypnotherapy. Therefore,  to establish a new healthy behavior, a person has to be willing to change and committed to practicing the new pattern. Hypnotherapy helps rewire the thoughts and emotional triggers around the problem, so that change is easier. 

A: The therapeutic hypnosis portion of each appointment is audio recorded. You are expected to listen to your audio recording daily for 1 to 3 months.  Listening to it regularly increases your long-term success.

A: For anxiety, hypnotherapy might focus on helping the individual identify triggers, reframe negative thought patterns, and cultivate a sense of calm. For smoking cessation, the therapist might work on reinforcing the desire for health, breaking associations with smoking triggers, and visualizing life as a non-smoker. By addressing the subconscious beliefs that drive these behaviors, hypnotherapy facilitates lasting change.

 A: Most people can be hypnotized to some extent if they are willing and open to the process. However, the depth of trance varies from person to person. Factors like trust in the hypnotherapist and a genuine desire for change play a significant role in the effectiveness of the session.

A: The number of sessions depends on the individual and the issue being addressed. For kids and teens, typically two to three sessions is sufficient for reaching the goal.  For adults, three sessions focused on a single goal is recommended, while some may benefit from additional sessions. For example, smoking cessation often requires fewer sessions than managing chronic pain or longstanding anxiety.

A: Most people describe it as a deeply relaxed and enjoyable state, similar to being absorbed in a good book or daydream.  Some people report changes in body sensations such as heaviness or lightness of the arms and legs, some notice changes in temperature or tingling, others report that their sense of time was slower or faster during hypnosis.  Others report no obvious change in sensations. You remain aware and in control, and you can end the session at any time if you wish. It’s a state of heightened focus rather than unconsciousness.  It is not sleep.

A: Yes, hypnotherapy is often used alongside traditional medical or psychological treatments. It’s especially effective for enhancing relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting other therapeutic goals.  Research suggests it enhances the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy.  Please inform your healthcare provider if you’re incorporating hypnotherapy into your treatment plan - many providers do not know about the positive impacts that hypnosis has on the mind and body!

A: No. If you are experiencing a mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD - it is best to seek more comprehensive mental health support, such as a regular talk therapist to work together over time on managing symptoms.  That being said, adding hypnotherapy alongside talk therapy can offer an additional tool for improving mental health.

A: Keep an open mind and ensure you’re clear about your goals. Don't be hard on yourself or feel like you "have to do it correctly" - the state of hypnosis works better when we are less critical and more curious. And remember, hypnotherapy is a collaborative process—your active participation and commitment are key to its success.