Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested, where do I start?

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What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind that everyone has already experienced many times, whether by accident or by design. The accepted medical definition of hypnosis is: An altered state of consciousness in which the conscious mind is temporarily bypassed, so that the subconscious mind becomes highly receptive to selective, positive suggestions. According to the National Guild of Hypnotists, “Hypnotherapy or hypnotism means the use of trance and suggestion to improve general self-control and maintain a positive mental attitude.”

What do you mean by the term “unconscious mind”?

The term “unconscious mind” is used to refer to everything the mind does that is not in general conscious awareness or general thinking.The unconscious mind manages the following aspects of our psychological and emotional experience:

Emotional expression

Memories and recall

Fantasies, dreams and daydreams

Intuition and inspiration

The unconscious mind also manages certain elements of our physical functioning including:

Management and awareness of physical sensations including pain.

Awareness of body position also known as proprioception

Regulating the functions of autonomic nervous system including blood pressure, heart rate, hormone secretion, body temperature, respiration etc.

The modern understanding of the workings of the unconscious mind is that it is intelligent, creative and focused on survival, well being and individual self expression. We now understand that the trance state experienced during hypnosis provides access to internal, intelligent, creative forces that can be directed toward specific therapeutic outcomes.

What are some common examples of this naturally occurring state of mind?

We often enter this natural state of mind unknowingly. If you have ever become so absorbed in a TV program, movie or video game that you didn’t hear someone speaking to you, then you were probably in a trance. You have probably experienced a state known as “road trance” or “highway hypnosis” when driving. Perhaps you’ve arrived at your destination with no clear memory of just how you got there, or maybe you’ve suddenly become aware that you just missed your exit because you were thinking of something else, or daydreaming.
The term “subconscious mind” is used to refer to everything the mind does that is not in general conscious awareness or general thinking.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a state of mind that a person experiences. Hypnotherapy is using that state for beneficial purposes.

Can a hypnotist make me do things against my will?

NO! The hypnotist has no power over you at all and cannot make you do anything against your will. Hypnosis is really self hypnosis. What the hypnotist does is guide you into a hypnotic state. This is something you can easily learn to do for yourself, if you wish. Since the hypnotist is not a master, but a guide, the hypnotist does not have any special powers over you. You are always in control, can ask questions and can end the session at any time if you choose. It is important to remember that you are forming a partnership with your therapist. The object of this partnership is to help you attain as deep a trance as you need to achieve your goals.

Is hypnosis against my religion?

Most religions (with the possible exception of Christian Science and Seventh Day Adventists) including Protestant and Orthodox churches, Judaism, Buddhism, Hindu, Shinto and Islam support the use of hypnosis to help people. Pope Pius approved hypnosis for childbirth in 1956. Please refer to the following website for several articles on hypnosis and religion: http://www.durbinhypnosis.com/hypnosisreligion.htm

What issues can hypnosis help with?

Hypnosis can be used for any area of self improvement, including (but not limited to) stress management, phobia elimination, weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices, smoking cessation, pain management, substance abuse, emotional trauma, natural childbirth, and even hypnotic anesthesia for medical and dental procedures! The use of hypnosis for anesthesia has been accepted by the American Medical Association since 1958.

How often will I need to see the hypnotherapist?

This depends on the type of problem and on the progress made. If you require two or three sessions the hypnotherapist will normally see you once a week. However, some clients see the hypnotherapist every other week or even once a month, depending on their circumstances.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis and never come out?

No! If you were hypnotized and the hypnotist left the room and never returned, your own mind would pull you safely out of the hypnosis in one of two ways. You would either realize the hypnotist was no longer talking to you, and you would open your eyes and be wide awake and feeling fine; or you would drift into a normal sleep for a few minutes and then wake up normally, feeling fine.

How much does it cost?

For a start, if your selection of a hypnotist is based on cost, it is more than likely that we are not the right choice for you. By choosing a hypnotist in this this way, you are placing yourself  last. You are saying that you really don’t want to invest in yourself. You have chosen cost over and above our commitment to help you in the best way anyone can. You have put price in front of the personal care you will receive in favor of a less expensive  service. It is unlikely that we are the right choice for you. However, if you want outstanding care in helping you to achieve your goals, then we are the correct choice. We understand the cost of hypnotherapy might seem expensive for the average person. But, consider how many times have you said  “I’d give anything to … … … “. Think of how much better you will feel if you quit smoking and how much money you will save (the average smoker spends over $2000 a year on cigarettes).  If you need to lose weight, think of how much better you will feel and look. If you consider the long term benefits to your health and your pocketbook, you will see how little it really is.