FAQs

How many scientific studies have concluded that Hypnotism is a highly effective treatment?

Many! Here are just a few:

• Smoking Cessation (Texas A&M and others)
• Weight Loss (Oxford University and others)
• Pain Management (Stanford University and others)
• Drug & Alcohol Addiction (Ohio State University and others)
• Healing Faster (Harvard University and others)

Is Hypnotism accepted by the Medical and Psychological Communities?

Hypnotherapy has been approved by the medical and scientific establishment as far back as the 19th century (England). The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) first recognized hypnotism as a valid medical procedure in 1958. Since 1995, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has recommended hypnotism as a treatment for chronic pain. In 1961 the AMA Council on Mental Health recommended that medical students receive 144 hours of training in hypnosis over a 9- to 12- month period at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In 1960 the APA endorsed Hypnosis as a branch of Psychology. 

Can Hypnotism really help me with weight loss?

“Hypnotism can actually help you lose weight.” Harvard Medical School psychotherapist Jean Fain, Oprah Magazine, (2004) “Study of the effect of adding hypnotism to cognitive-behavioral treatments for weight reduction, additional data was obtained from authors of 2 studies. Analyses indicated that the benefits of hypnotism increased substantially over time.” (Weight loss doubled in this study.) Kirsch, Irving (1996) on “Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss.”

Is Hypnotism covered by health insurance?

Hypnotism is motivational coaching through the use of hypnotism. It is usually not considered health care by health insurance companies, and therefore usually not covered by health insurance. It may be best to think of hypnotism as a service that you pay for personally. As a self-pay service, your privacy is protected. 

When prescribed by a doctor Hypnosis is deductible per IRS Publication 502- Medical. 

What exactly is Hypnotism?

Everybody passes through natural states of hypnotism many times a day -- while falling asleep and waking up, becoming engrossed in a movie or book, spacing out at a traffic light. In fact, that little break your mind wants you to take throughout your day is a natural brief state of hypnotism called the "Ultradian Rhythm." ​

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Hypnotism helps you use your natural abilities to feel better. The hypnotist uses inductions to guide you into phases of relaxation or self-hypnosis, also known as alpha or theta state, or trance. Once in this deeply focused state you are highly responsive to ideas or images called suggestions, which are basically the artful use of your imagination to increase your enthusiasm for self-improvement, that result in the positive change you desire.

Hypnotism feels wonderful...it's like being lulled into relaxation while someone is speaking peaceful, calming words to you.  Upon emerging from a session, people typically make comments like "wow, that was the most relaxed I've ever been" and “I feel like I just spent four hours at the spa!”

A Board Certified Hypnotist is a teacher, motivator, coach or guide whose goal it is to assist you in resolving normal problems of living. Hypnotists do not engage in the independent diagnosis and treatment of medical or mental disease.

Will I do or say anything under Hypnotism that I would not ordinarily do or say?

Absolutely not! A person under Hypnotism would never do or say anything that he or she would not do or say under ordinary consciousness. Hypnotism is not brain-washing.  Hypnotism is not mind control. In fact you are in full control at all times, and can easily come out of trance at will. All hypnotism is considered self-hypnotism because it requires your full cooperation to happen. An added benefit, Hypnotism can teach you how to master your own states of awareness.

What actually happens during Hypnotism?

During Hypnotism your body and conscious mind relax and your subconscious mind becomes open to suggestion. Many people experience highly focused hearing. Like other relaxation techniques, Hypnotism lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Like meditation it changes brain wave activity. In this relaxed state, you feel at ease physically yet mentally alert, and may be highly responsive to suggestions (that we negotiate during the pre-induction portion of the session). If you are trying to quit smoking, for example, the hypnotist’s suggestions may help convince you that you will not like the taste of cigarettes in the future. Smokers undergoing hypnotism can actually re-experience how awful their very first cigarette tasted. 

How long has Hypnotism been around?  

Use of trance state (or an altered state of awareness) is among the oldest psychological phenomena known to man and is found, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world. 

Modern hypnotism was first associated with the work of an Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer. The word “mesmerized” comes from his name. Hypnotism became popular in the mid-1900s due to Milton H. Erickson (1901 - 1980), a successful psychiatrist who used hypnotism in his practice. In 1958 both the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) recognized hypnotherapy as a valid medical procedure. Since 1995, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain. 

What will happen during my appointment?

During pre-Hypnotism interview you will be asked for information about the problem, challenge or issue you wish to address, including history and the exact goal you would like to accomplish. You may be instructed on the use of self-hypnotism, energy balancing and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). The best scripts, suggestions and hypnotic techniques for the resolution of your issue will be discussed. 

During Hypnotism, you may be directed into deep relaxation, a self-hypnotic state, through a series of visual imagery and somatic relaxation. The agreed scripts and suggestions are then introduced to your subconscious mind. For example, if you have a fear of flying you may be given the suggestion that, in the future, you will be able to relax totally whenever you want. The hypnotist may also collapse the fear of flying using Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Scripts for ego-strengthening, release of old thought patterns and behaviors, and suggestions for general well-being may also be used. 

How many sessions will I need?

Many problems are solved with one session and “homework.” For instance Stress Reduction may be achieved in a single session.  The majority of my clients are good to go after one to four sessions. Some return for periodic ‘tune-ups.’

Sometimes a few sessions are necessary such as in the case of time-based goals like weight loss or rehabilitation from an illness or injury. In dealing with issues caused by a chronic illness, a number of sessions may be scheduled as needed. 

Smoking cessation is usually done in one to four sessions with follow-up if necessary.  

What is Regression?

The self-help technique called Regression is a review of significant or remarkable life events by the client with the Hypnotist serving a guide.

What is Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

NLP is a method of changing the way we think about things, which causes the things we think about to change. NLP helps you feel better gently. It is a 100% natural method of re-programming problematic areas. It is a practical application of how we think, and a unique model of how we learn, motivate ourselves, and change… to achieve improvement in any endeavor. 

What if I have a medical or psychological diagnosis?

If you have received a formal diagnosis from a medical or mental health care practitioner, and are seeking hypnotism to help you recover from that condition, we will provide a letter for your health care professional in an effort to incorporate their recommendations. In this way we can help them to help you achieve the best possible results from the treatments you are receiving, and to help you obtain the fastest, most comfortable recovery experience possible.

Are Hypnotism services confidential?

Yes, your information will not be released to anyone without your written authorization.

What is the Reasonable Person Test?

This is a ‘test’ that the Hypnotist applies to determine if she can work with a prospective client. If a prospective client’s self-report or behavior is such that a reasonable person would doubt the client’s mental or physical health, the Hypnotist would refer that person for medical or mental health assessment. Hypnotists may work with issues related to a medical or mental health disorder only on the referral of a licensed health care professional. Hypnotists do not diagnose, treat or prescribe.

What is the Hypnosis Agreement?

The Hypnosis Agreement is an informational document covering items such as Hypnotist’s education, training and certifications, fee structure, cancellation policy and disclaimers. It is provided to each new client for signature and retained on file.