Question 1

What is hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation we enter into every day — while we’re reading, watching TV, falling asleep, waking up, and daydreaming. It is a state of highly focused attention. Being in hypnosis is incredibly relaxing and usually brings a sense of peace and well-being.

Question 2

Is hypnosis similar to meditation?

Accepted Answer

The state of hypnosis is essentially the same state of mind individuals often strive for during meditation. What is the difference? In meditation, one generally seeks to clear the mind of all thoughts while in the clear and focused state; whereas in hypnosis, one is generally there to use the power of that state for a specific therapeutic purpose

Question 3

Will I be awake and fully aware of the process or will I go into a dream like/trance state?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is a spectrum with different depths. There are lighter and medium states, which is like having your eyes closed, being deeply relaxed, and being in a state of rich visualization, but some people do go deeper. However, you are always aware of where you are and the situation and you are always in control. See also 'How deep will I go?' below.

Question 4

What does hypnosis do?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis reduces or eliminates the activity of the conscious mind, calms the nervous system, and allows the benefits of a relaxed, focused state to come to the surface. In hypnosis there is an enhanced ability to:  Access deep self-knowledge and wisdom Experience natural ease, well-being and grace Step out of a negative thought pattern or perspective See a more positive perspective, to embody hope, to release attachment to outcome and to forgive Revisit and reinterpret memories from the past in a broader, more supportive context Reveal emotions that may be associated with and causing psychosomatic illness  Influence physiological processes through visualization (medical hypnotherapy)

Question 5

What is the conscious mind?

Accepted Answer

The conscious mind is the name given to describe a certain set of mental functions in the waking state. Typically when we talk about the conscious mind, we are talking about the analytical part of the mind — it is the part of us that judges, analyzes, scrutinizes and filters the information and experiences we encounter.  Our conscious mind is where we experience our running “stream of consciousness”, our self-talk, our fears, our doubts, and our sense of limitations. The conscious mind is rooted in what we generally think of as “reality” and generally only believes things to be possible when they make logical sense in the context of our past experiences. When the conscious mind is relaxed, and its functions subside, anything is possible. This is what happens when we dream at night — the most fantastical dreams of flying or other seemingly impossible feats and circumstances seem completely feasible and we believe them to be real. This is because the conscious mind is out of the way – dreams occur in the subconscious.

Question 6

What is the subconscious mind?

Accepted Answer

Our subconscious mind is the name used to describe a certain set of mental functions that occur below our level of conscious awareness. These activities occur regardless of being awake or asleep. The dream state is a great insight into the function of this so-called subconscious.  The subconscious mind does not judge or filter experiences. It believes what it is told and generally holds onto those beliefs permanently. The subconscious is where all our memories and beliefs are stored, where our emotions are generated, and where our imagination lies.  As children, we generally don’t have very developed conscious filters before we hit puberty, explaining why children believe much of what they are told. It is around this time that children develop what is called 'the Critical Factor' where they start to question and analyse things. Prior to this, children don’t yet have enough life experience by which to judge or filter new information as being correct or reasonable. This is why so many of our emotional challenges as adults lie in events or circumstances from our childhood.   Parents who don’t show love to their children or who abuse their children verbally or otherwise can cause deep-rooted negative beliefs in the child about the self and the world. Common examples include believing that they are inadequate, undeserving, unlovable, unimportant, not valued, unappreciated, etc.

Question 7

So what makes hypnosis so powerful?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis opens up the subconscious mind to the way it was when we were children – malleable and open to changes in belief. This is extremely powerful since it allows a skilled therapist to literally undo damage that was done through a person’s misinterpretation of earlier life experiences.  While regular psychotherapy (talk therapy) allows a client to understand on an intellectual level how an earlier life experience affects their current psychology (and in the process provides some empowerment), hypnotherapy targets the actual experience, reframes how it is perceived and completely changes the associated emotional context and resultant belief.  Working with the subconscious mind directly also allows incredible changes to occur physiologically. There exists a very strong connection between the subconscious mind and our physical body. Science is only beginning to understand the mechanisms of these connections, yet in the meantime we have found that simple hypnotic and visualization methods can improve or eliminate a large range of medical conditions.

Question 8

How "deep" will I go?

Accepted Answer

How "deep" you will go, depends on a variety of factors:  The strength of your desire or motivation to reach your therapeutic goal: The more you really want to achieve whatever it is you are seeking hypnotherapy for, the more “on board” your whole being will be with engaging in the process. The level of comfort and trust you have with your hypnotherapist (rapport): Allowing another person to guide you through the hypnosis experience can make some people feel vulnerable, particularly if they have never experienced hypnosis before and don’t know what to expect. Naturally, allowing one’s self to go to deeper levels of relaxation and comfort requires a certain level of trust and confidence in your hypnotherapist. It is important to follow your gut instincts when choosing a hypnotherapist. If you don’t get a good feeling from them, seek someone else. Also, it helps to seek a hypnotherapist that describes a life and healing philosophy that matches your own. A hypnotherapist with a value set close to your own will act synergistically to accelerate the change you are seeking. Your previous experience with hypnosis or meditation: The ability to go into hypnosis, like meditation or any other activity in our lives, improves with practice. Individuals who experience multiple sessions of hypnosis usually experience successively deeper hypnotic states. Each session is training for the mind, and as someone has reached a certain depth in their first session, the feeling of that state is often noted in the mind as a reference point from which they can go deeper during the next session. For individuals with some apprehension of the process, this increase in depth is also likely caused by increasing levels of trust in the hypnotherapist, and a realization of how incredibly enjoyable the hypnotic state feels. Preconceived ideas about hypnosis: If you have any negative, preconceived ideas about hypnosis that you have not had resolved with your hypnotherapist in your pre-session talk (pre-talk), you may not be completely open to the experience. This resistance can cause mental distraction from the focus required to both experience deeper levels of hypnosis, and achieve your therapeutic goals. Your hypnotherapist should ask you in the pre-talk whether you have any previous experience with hypnosis, and if you have any concerns they can put to ease. If you are not asked about any previous experience concerns, make sure to ask about what you can expect during the session — it will positively impact your results. Your natural susceptibility: Individuals have a wide range of natural susceptibility. Some people go into a very deep hypnotic state during their very first experience, while others may take several sessions before getting to that point. The reasons for this variation in individuals likely depends on a number of factors, some of which incorporate some of the factors described above – personality (how trusting you are in general), ability to relax, stress level, and right brain-left brain dominance (highly creative and imaginative people often engage in the process more easily) are some of the commonly accepted factors.

Question 9

What does being in hypnosis feel like?

Accepted Answer

As you go into hypnosis, you will feel a deepening relaxation. A good state of hypnosis is similar to that wonderful feeling of just gaining awareness as you wake up in the morning. Your body is still very much asleep, and your conscious range of awareness is very narrow, but perhaps focused on a dream, an idea, a feeling or an image.   During hypnosis, you will likely lose total awareness of your body, as your mind is completely focused on whatever is being discussed at the time. When you do turn attention to your body, you will often feel like it is extremely heavy. Your heart rate has slowed down, your breathing has slowed, and your body temperature will have dropped slightly. At the end of the session, when you emerge from the hypnotic state, you may feel reluctant to move your body for the first few moments. Your mind typically wakes up first, then your body, and you have the desire to stretch out, just as if waking up from a nap. After the session is over, you will typically feel so relaxed that it can feel like you’ve just had a full body massage. Your stress levels will be very low, you will likely feel very calm and peaceful.

Question 10

Am I in control through the whole process?

Accepted Answer

You can think of it like being lead through a guided visualization. There are no control dynamics because overwhelmingly you are generating the content for your own experience and transformation.

Question 11

What makes for the most successful Transformational Hypnotherapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

The greatest factor is you. I find that the clients that are the most successful share some common traits that include, but aren't limited to;  -Being deeply committed to their transformation -Being courageous about facing what's not working for them in their lives -Having a deep desire to change -Feeling a desire to work on themselves and aren't looking for "quick fixes" -Being honest with themselves  -Having an openness and curiosity about themselves and their lives -Being coachable/teachable and want to learn ways to live better -Wanting and committing to developing emotional flexibility  -Being willing to let go of conscious ways of thinking that don't serve your highest good

Question 12

How do I get permanent results from Transformational Hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Permanent results can be seen in just one session for some, and over several sessions for others. It varies by person. The extent of those results can vary widely as well, from marginal improvement, to a complete resolution of your issue. Sometimes a healing goal is at close reach. Many times, a more gradual and layered approach is appropriate.  ​ As with any good holistic practitioner, I work with you to heal the root cause of your issue(s). When people can heal the core issue, they almost always find rapid and lasting relief from symptoms. Hypnotherapy works to identify core limiting beliefs that often date back to childhood and directly swap them out for more empowered perspectives. Guiding you to your own internal wisdom to generate these alternative perspectives is a key aspect of the work, and to generate the healing answers for yourself is also great at building self-esteem. Core beliefs are simply deep-set thoughts that are often outside of your conscious awareness. When you can bring these core issues to light for yourself, you have the power to change them. And when you heal your thinking at a core level, mental and emotional peace naturally follow.   I recommend that clients plan to do at least three sessions on any issue. This is to ensure that you and I are being as comprehensive as possible at addressing and resolving all the root layers of your issue(s). From there I assess if any further work is required and how to proceed.

Question 13

How much do Transformational Hypnotherapy sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

For full information go to my Sessions page.

Question 14

How many sessions will I need to have?

Accepted Answer

I recommend that clients plan to have at least three sessions on an issue they are working on. This allows the time and space to be as comprehensive as possible. Everyone is individual and coming to the table with their own unique circumstances, life experiences, learning style, personality and history.   I work with my clients to get the best results possible as quickly as possible. I support my clients to do their best work and direct their own healing trajectory.   If you have any questions, request a consult call to discuss with me your particular situation and I can make suggestions about how to best move forward with session work.

Question 15

Can I speak to you first before deciding to book sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Although I hope I've covered every thing you might ask about hypnotherapy and hypnosis both here and in my Sessions page, I offer a 15 minute consultation call to help you decide if hypnotherapy is right for you. No obligation and it's completely FREE!  Go to my Contact me page, fill in my contact form and request a call.

Question 16

Do any medications interfere with hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

While there doesn’t seem to be any research conducted on this topic, my experience has been that clients who are on psycho-pharmaceuticals may sometimes have reduced ability to visualize and make emotional connection to memories and imagery. The success of hypnotherapy is closely tied to these two abilities, and so yes, these types of medications can sometimes interfere. But not always. I have worked successfully with many clients who were still able to achieve powerful insights and breakthroughs while on prescription anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications. Each drug and each person are unique, so if you are concerned about this, just ask.

Question 17

Will I cluck like a chicken? Bark like a dog?

Accepted Answer

If you really want to...but I generally prefer that you don't.  Many of us have seen a stage hypnosis show, or know someone who took part in such a show. Stage hypnosis is purely for entertainment and utilizes a very deep state of hypnosis that not everyone enters into naturally. Stage hypnosis is an excellent display of the sheer power and malleability of the subconscious mind when the function of the conscious mind is temporarily suspended.   These experiences are far removed from clinical hypnosis which is a well recognized and serious therapeutic modality. Everything done in a therapeutic session is done in complete cooperation and agreement with you, the client.   Hypnotherapy clients usually feel a sense of awareness throughout their sessions and are able to recall what transpired.   Occasionally some individuals in deep hypnosis will experience a natural amnesia and may not remember portions of the session.

Question 18

What is your Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

I require at least 24 hours advanced notice for any changes to your appointment.    If you are unable to keep any of your appointments it is essential that you inform me by email at least 24 hours in advance, upon which you will receive written confirmation from myself should you wish to change the appointment to an alternative date. ​ Failure to obtain written confirmation from me will result in a cancelled appointment charge. Being more than 15 minutes late for a session without 24 hours notice and agreement from me is considered a forfeiture of the session.

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