|
|
|
Services: Weight Loss & Exercise | Smoking Cessation | Goal Achievement & Performance FAQs about Hypnosis and My Services
It is a common misconception that only weak-willed, “suggestible” people can be hypnotized. Just about anyone can be hypnotized—if they want to be. This is an important factor because hypnosis requires full participation and consent. The only other exceptions are people who have an IQ below 70 or are suffering from psychological disorders such as schizophrenia or clinical paranoia. Experiencing trance requires trust, relaxation, concentration, and the ability to follow instructions. What does it feel like to be in trance? A trance state is a normal state that we experience every day. Have you ever been so engaged in a good book or television show that you didn’t hear your name being called? Or have you ever been so wrapped up in your thoughts that you flew right by your freeway exit? Then you have been in a trance state! In a hypnotherapy session, when you enter into trance, everything seems to dissolve and your attention is fixed on what you want to accomplish. Again, this means that you won’t be asleep—a common misconception. You will be fully alert and aware of everything going on around you, even those annoying or mundane noises, like a car alarm, the hum of a heater, or the tick-tock of a clock. You will also remember everything you so choose about your session. More than likely you will continue to make discoveries about it days later. Am I giving over my control? Can a hypnotherapist make me do something I don’t want to do? It is so unfortunate that most people are introduced to hypnosis through stage shows, where the hypnotist appears to control his or her subjects, making them do silly things such as barking like dogs or clucking like chickens. The fact is that hypnosis requires consent. The audience members who participate in those shows choose to follow the hypnotist’s suggestions. You can be assured that if a hypnotherapist ever suggested that you do something that you felt uncomfortable with, you would either simply ignore the suggestion or you would come right out of trance. While in a trance, you will never do anything that is against your morals. Nor will you blurt out your deep dark secrets. You will decide whether or not you want to share your insights and discoveries and with whom. No! If you were in trance and the hypnotherapist walked away and never came back, you would come out of hypnosis on your own. If a fire alarm went off, you would pop right up and evacuate without a moment lost. While in the trance state, it might feel like your conscious mind has taken off on a holiday, but it’s really close by. It would notice if your hypnotherapist walked away or if there were some sort of emergency. How is hypnotherapy different from psychotherapy? Psychotherapy works from the conscious mind and tends to be a long-term therapy. Hypnotherapy works from the subconscious mind and is short term. What is the difference between a hypnotherapist and a hypnotist? Essentially, there is no difference. A practitioner who uses hypnosis for therapeutic work may choose to call his or herself either a hypnotist or a hypnotherapist, while an entertainer who uses hypnosis will call his or herself a stage hypnotist. What does it mean to be “certified” as a hypnotherapist? Hypnotism is a self-regulating profession and its practitioners are not licensed by state governments. There are, however, many professional organizations and non-accredited schools that are devoted to promoting and advancing the ethical practice of hypnotherapy. To be certified as a hypnotherapist means that a practitioner has undergone the minimum intensive training required by the particular school of hypnotism or professional organization that he or she has chosen. Many of these institutions offer—and sometimes require—continuing education. We will spend part of the first session addressing any questions, anxieties, or misconceptions that you still may have about hypnosis. We want your mind to be at ease so that you can effectively focus on your goals. We may also do a couple exercises that will show you how hypnosis works. Next we will discuss what you want to achieve through hypnosis, the history of your problem and what you feel has prevented you from making the change you desire, or from finding the answers you seek. This will help me determine the best techniques to use. It will also help me personalize the suggestions I will give while you are in trance. Once all of your questions have been answered and your issue and goals have been discussed, I will help you enter the trance state, where the work begins. How can I prepare for my first session?
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions will vary depending on the number of issues you would like to work on, your desired outcomes, determination, and readiness for change. While many clients experience positive results after only one session, and some fully achieve their goals, I find that most benefit from three to six sessions per issue. Some clients choose to do long-term hypnotherapy as an alternative to coaching or other traditional personal growth work. Will I need to listen to a hypnosis recording between sessions? Most people don't have time to listen to a recording each day, and fortunately, this is not necessary. When a session is effective, there is no need to reinforce it by listening to the same suggestions over and over. If a session doesn't quite get the desired results, then using a different hypnotic technique is the best approach. This being said, I do give each client a complementary relaxation CD to help them release any unwelcomed thoughts, feelings, and behaviors they might have. The recording also guides them to send a message to their subconscious about what they want to be experiencing instead. This recording can be focused on any issue, and therefore is always relevant. In other words, it isn't limited to the issue the client presents in a session. I also teach clients to do self-hypnosis, which is a wonderful, quick and versatile grounding technique. Do you charge for a consultation? I know how important it is for a client to feel a connection with his or her practitioner. If you think I might be the right hypnotherapist for you, I invite you to call for a free phone consultation. I would be happy to answer all of your questions at length. An initial session is 2-hours long. Follow-up sessions are 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I suggest clients plan on 2-hour follow-up sessions, though sometimes 90 minutes or so is sufficient. Please be sure to tell me at the beginning of a session if you have any time constraints. No, I do not charge by the hour. I charge a flat fee per 1 1/2 to 2-hour session. Please call to discuss my fee. What form of payment do you accept? I accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. In general, insurance companies do not like to cover hypnotic services; however, with advance notice, I will issue a receipt so that you may bill your insurance. I have found that some flex spending plans do reimburse for hypnotic services. If you have a flex plan, it is worth calling them to inquire. Do you offer a money-back guarantee? Because I do not have control over my clients’ level of motivation, which is essential for hypnotherapy to be successful, I do not offer a money back guarantee. What is your cancellation policy? Life is unpredictable, and I respect that you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment; however, I do require 24-hours notice. If sufficient notice is not give, you will be expected to pay for the session. Emergencies are an exception. ______________________________________________________________________________ |
 |
