Frequently Asked Questions
Q & A's
Most of the questions we receive are about hypnosis, phone and/or online counseling. Below are our answers.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a powerful, safe, and clinically proven means for allowing positive change in your life. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness in which the conscious mind is bypassed, and communication is established directly with the subconscious.
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is the state that a person experiences. Hypnotherapy is using that state for beneficial purposes.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Anyone can be hypnotized as long as they want to be. A hypnotherapist cannot force you to go into hypnosis against your will. It has been shown that the greater the intellect of an individual being hypnotized, the easier that individual is to hypnotize.
What are the effects of hypnosis?
Hypnosis guides you into a "Deeply Relaxed State" allowing access to the subconscious mind where all deeply rooted behavior and thought patterns reside. In this state, the mind's conscious power to reason, make excuses, and rationalize, does not come into play. Hypnotic suggestions are then used to uproot negative old thought associations, replacing them with positive new ones, thereby changing behavior.
Why does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis re-programs the subconscious mind that contains it’s own individual program which controls and determines our behavior. Whatever the mind agrees with, the body will respond to.
So how can being in hypnosis help resolve a problem?
When in hypnosis the body is more relaxed, physically and mentally. When this occurs the mind operates more efficiently and effectively. When the mind and body are relaxed there is better access to memories. We are a product of our memories and past experiences.
What happens during hypnosis?
During hypnosis, your body and conscious mind are in a relaxed state while your subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestions. You will always be in control, free to accept or reject any suggestions given.
Will I know what is happening?
Yes, in fact you are more aware of what is happening. Although your eyes are closed your other senses can increase their awareness and sensitivity.
Will I be forced to accept suggestions?
No. Your mind is very protective of you and you will not accept any suggestions that go against your morals or belief system.
Will I do something I don’t want to do?
No. While hypnotized you will not do anything that is against your moral code, belief system, or that would endanger your safety. This is important because for example if your purpose is to stop smoking but this is to please someone else, it is not going to happen.
Will I remember being hypnotized?
Generally speaking, yes. If during hypnosis you uncover things that the conscious mind does not want to know about, your hypnotherapist will usually give a command before waking that says "You may remember from this session what is safe for you to remember and that you want to remember, and forget what is not safe for you to remember or that you want to forget."
Can I get "stuck" in hypnosis and never wake up?
No. Hypnosis is a voluntary state that a subject can terminate at any time if they chose. There is no known documented case where a hypnotic subject couldn’t be awakened or was in any way harmed by the hypnotic state.
Is hypnosis medically approved?
Yes. Hypnosis has proven to be effective and has been approved by the American Medical Association since 1955. Medical Hypnosis is increasingly recognized as a powerful healing modality with applications in all fields of medicine. Medical Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in many areas, including patients undergoing surgery.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
No. In fact, hypnosis is completely safe, harmless and natural.
How soon can I expect changes?
Each individual is different and has their own issues or concerns. Results and changes will vary based on each individual, the number of years their problem existed before seeking help, how often they come for sessions, if they do any 'homework' given, how willing and ready they are to change, whether they come for follow-up or reinforcement sessions, etc. Personal disappointments may arise due to unrealistic expectations or preconceived misinformation.
Can I address more than one problem or issue in the same session?
The answer is "it depends". If the problems are reasonably closely related, then often you can address both problems in the same session. If, however, the problems are poles apart, then it can be impossible or indeed unwise, as the unconscious mind might get over-burdened, and then neither issue is adequately addressed or resolved.
What is self-hypnosis?
This is a state of hypnosis that you can put yourself into to work on some problems that are important to you. It is not as effective as hypnosis by a hypnotherapist, and is not at all effective for some problems. But there are a great many problems that it is very effective in dealing with.
Phone & Online Counseling Therapy (FAQ's)
Is online therapy for me?
If you are in a severe emotional or medical crisis, thinking of killing or hurting yourself or someone else, or feeling completely out of control at this moment, STOP reading right now. Call your local emergency room or crisis center.
If you are lonely, unhappy, mildly to moderately depressed or anxious, seeking personal growth, wanting help with life choices, relationships, family issues, addictions, or creativity, or in need of support and understanding, GO ON reading.
Online therapy may be a good choice for you if you meet the following criteria:
You are comfortable on the Internet - use Skype or other video chat programs regularly or are familiar with them.
Online therapy may also be a good choice if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
- You have difficulty leaving your home due to disability, care giving responsibilities, health related issues or some other reason
- You live in an area where there are few or no registered, licensed or certified helping professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists available to do psychotherapy
- You live in a community or work in a field in which it may be important not to reveal that you are in therapy or the issues that you need to talk about
- You are too busy to spend time commuting to a therapist's office
- Your schedule varies from week to week so that you need scheduling flexibility in order to commit to therapy
- You are uncomfortable around people, but think you might be able to open up on the phone or via Skype or another video chat program with a caring therapist
- You are in the military and want safe and confidential access to support with stresses and family issues
- You and your spouse or partner want to work as a couple on your marriage or relationship, but you are currently located in different communities, states, or countries.
How do I pay?
Payment is made in advance for each session. Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, & Discover are accepted.