How will I know that I've been hypnotized? 

At the end of the day, you will know that you have been hypnotized when you easily experience the improvements you were seeking. I always trust that you will have the right and perfect experience that benefits you in creating positive change. If you have certain expectations about what hypnosis is "supposed" to feel like, it is important that you share that so we can work with that information. Otherwise, hypnosis feels very relaxing and allows you to easily respond to whatever suggestions are being offered. You quite likely will not even notice that hypnosis has already begun. 

Am I asleep during hypnosis?

No, you are not asleep during hypnosis even though the orgin of the word means 'condition of sleep'. When you are in a state of deep relaxation, the mind can easily take in new information. We use this ability to induce relaxation and suggest ideas to the mind that it can either willingly accept or reject. Trance is a naturally occurring state even when we don't recognize it as such: driving trance, listening to music trance, watching a movie trance, running trance etc. It is a state between full sleep and full awareness, using the best of both worlds to give suggestions that will support you in moving forward.

Why use hypnosis? 

As hypnosis becomes more widely accepted as a modality that can effectively and efficiently provide results, there are many reasons to use it. Because we are dealing with subconscious programming, the ways hypnosis can be used is really unlimited. Some of the benefits are: improvement and results usually happen quickly; there are no side effects; it helps you build skills; it often goes beyond dealing with just the symptom and it accesses YOUR resources, making you the source of your own improvement!

What does hypnosis feel like? 

Being in a hypnotic state feels very relaxing. The depth of that relaxation can change depending on the environment. You may experience such relaxation that you no longer are aware of your surroundings but there remains an awareness of being aware. You may simply feel at ease in your body, deeply relaxed, and still be able to engage in an activity or conversation. I compare it to the feeling you get when you are a passenger on a long car ride and you are lulled into a zone of relaxtion--nothing needs a response from you, so you just chill. It is a highly creative state and one where deep learning can happen with ease. It feels very good. There is no wrong way to do it and trusting that the experience you have is the right and perfect experience for you allows you to be open to a uniquely beneficial session.

Should I stop taking my medication? 

Always work with your medical professional to determine your medical course of action including any medications that have been prescribed. A properly trained hypnotist will never provide a diagnosis, medical recommendations or treatments. 

Does hypnosis wear off? 

This question is often asked and it implies that hypnosis is a passive state with no participation. Successful hypnosis is about teaching you the power of YOUR mind and giving you the tools to be the master of it. It requires your participation. Some people think they have to go out and 'test' it to make sure it doesn't wear off. This means that you hand over the power you just gained to some external situation. You don't have to test it--you simply have to do the work that is required to keep you being successful--not revert back to what you were doing before. I spend a lot of time with my clients discussing this so they understand that when I do my part and you do your part, awesome things can happen. We are in it together and you feel empowered to continue doing what you need to do on your own. 

How do I know if I can be hypnotized? 

If you can breathe and are willing to follow instructions, you can be hypnotized. This is my standard response however, there is a question of timing. We are not doing entertainment hypnosis in my office so I do not need people who go quickly and deeply into trance. For our purposes, we can take our time and create a gentle experience, knowing that your mind is capable of taking on suggestions at any state of consciousness. Your willingness to participate is key; if you feel the need to resist, be stubborn or show how willful you are, you will likely create that kind of experience. I record your session and send it to you so if you aren't able to fully let go the first time, you can replay the session and give yourself an opportunity to relax where you don't feel the need to prove how strong your will is. Hypnosis is all about allowing. 

Will this be an emotional experience? 

Releasing any kind of suppressed emotion can be emotional. Release however, is good. The processes we do allow for things to organically be explored and discovered and that may include emotional experiences. We work together to identify what it is you've been experiencing, what it is you want to experience more of and what needs to happen to make that happen. There may be some uncovering of events or emotions that can be challenging but it is always dealt with making sure you feel empowered to move forward in the ways that are most meaningful to you. I am committed to creating a safe environment for you to experience and release whatever is meaningful for you to experience and release. 

What is hypnosis not?

Hypnosis is not mind control. It is not voodoo. It is not knowing what you are doing. It is not forgetting. It isn't manipulation. It isn't me arbitrarily deciding what is best for you. It isn't forced. 

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that allows you to respond to a suggestion without thinking about it. We do this all the time without noticing it. It is a state of trance (at varying depths) that allows the mind to let go of judgements and critiquing and simply accept information and respond to it. It can be used for entertainment like in a show where people volunteer to accept funny suggestions or it can be done for therapeutic purposes where people are seeking specific suggestions to improve their lives. In either scenario, hypnosis is all about allowing. We subconsciously respond to things all the time in regular life activity. A good example of this is when you see a police car on the side of the road and automatically check your speed or slam on the brakes, even if you aren't going too fast. You don't think about doing it, it just happens.

Does hypnosis work? 

The short answer is "yes". The longer answer must include the conversation of an individual's desire to participate and commit. The power of suggestion is a known fact (our advertising industry knows this). Hypnosis practiced by professionals is also an area where there are many contributing factors. The biggest variable being the client. Just as a doctor or therapist cannot guarantee results, neither can a Hypnotist. Ensuring that you are working with a professional with whom you have good rapport will create the kind of relationship that sets you up for success. There is also compounding imperical evidence adding consistent credibility to this powerful modality. After all, when you say, 'It's all in my head', you're onto something. The full power of the mind is hard to grasp intelluctually and hypnosis can open the door to discovering your power subconsciously. We always impose our own limitations and with the right guidance, you can turn those limitations into opportunities.