What if I can't be hypnotized?

Anyone can experience hypnosis. In fact, we all enter into different levels of hypnosis on our own accord several times a day, such as when we are deeply immersed in a book or movie, daydreaming, driving on the freeway or on the verge of falling asleep. Since experiencing a hypnotic state is different with a hypnotherapist than when you are on your own or participating in stage or entertainment hypnosis, it may take some time to adjust to the process. If you are resistant to the process, skeptical, over-analyzing the process or coming in with specific expectations it may be more difficult for you to relax. It is best to come in with an open mind and discover the way that you personally experience hypnosis or the hypnotic state.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind, a focused state of concentration during which your mind is calm and your body relaxed. During hypnosis you are not asleep but rather in a deeply relaxed state of consciousness where the hypnotherapist can better connect to your subconscious mind. As a client, you may experience a heightened state of awareness to certain things and/or heightened sensory perception at times. However, each person is different so it is best to stay open to whatever hypnosis feels like to you!

Can hypnosis hurt me?

In over 200 years of recorded hypnosis history, there is no documented case of anyone being hurt by hypnosis. If your hypnotherapist tried to give you suggestions that were against your morals, ethics or belief systems, you would instantly emerge from the state of relaxation on your own.

However, hypnosis may not be suitable for people who experience hallucinations or delusions. If you are someone who experiences hallucination or delusions of any type, check with your medical professional before pursuing hypnotherapy.

Do some people enter the state of hypnosis more easily than others?

Certain people do enter the state of hypnosis more easily than others. This ability can change throughout a person's life. However, regardless of your ease of access, you can benefit from hypnosis it may just be a slightly different experience from those with quicker access. People who are more imaginative, creative, trusting of others and more open to new things tend to enter hypnosis more easily. People who absorb information intuitively, may have quicker access as well as those with a history of trauma or abuse.

If you often fantasized as a child or are more likely to get so caught up in a good movie or play that you forget they’re watching one, you may have easier access to hypnosis. If you are less insistent on logic and order and more experiential , or if you find it fun to use your imagination, hypnosis may be a natural fit for you.

How will I know I have been hypnotized?

People have reported feeling very light, calm, relaxed, warm or tingly but no person’s experience is the same and no one experience is better than another. For the most part, you will hear everything your hypnotist is saying and be able to participate in conversations during hypnosis. Occasionally, your attention may drift as thoughts enter in and out of your mind during the process. Some clients become so relaxed that they fall asleep. Should this occur, your hypnotherapist will gently wake you and continue with the session.

What if I don't wake up?

Hypnosis is a state of 100% consent on your part. You are free at anytime to emerge from the state by simply opening your eyes. No one can keep you in hypnosis against your will.

How many sessions will it take?

Most people are amazed at how quickly they can accomplish their goals with hypnosis. Those who are 1) highly motivated to achieve their goals, 2) willing participants in the complete process and 3) adopt an attitude of “I like this, I want this” do the best with hypnosis and may only need 2-4 sessions. Those will multiple goals often require more sessions.

What does a first session consist of?

Your hypnotherapist will first have you fill out some paperwork. Then she will explain how hypnosis works and what to expect during hypnosis. She will conduct a suggestibility assessment, provide an initial induction with deepeners and begin to add hypnotic suggestions in line with your goals. She may utilize guided imagery, progressive relaxation or idiomatic response in the first session in addition to other techniques. Toward the end of the session she will return you to the more conscious or fully awake state. The first session usually runs 75 to 90 minutes. Subsequent sessions are closer to 50 minutes.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose clothing is best but most casual, business or leisure attire will work adequately.

How should I prepare?

It is helpful to bring a list of questions if you have any to your session. Drinking caffeine or alcohol, taking recreational drugs or eating a heavy meal right before your session is not recommended.

What is CBT-I?

CBT-I is short for Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia. CBT-I is a structured program that helps you identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems with habits that promote sound sleep. Unlike sleeping pills, CBT-I helps you overcome the underlying causes of your sleep problems.

How often should I come?

Your hypnotherapist will help you discern how often you should come depending on your specific situation and session availability. In general, if you have a specific event, deadline or date you are preparing for, you may want to come more often perhaps twice a week leading up to the deadline.  If you have a longer time frame, once a week is a good option as it keeps the momentum going but also allows adequate time between sessions for processing and reinforcement. Your hypnotherapist may also provide a more specific session schedule for issues such as smoking cessation, insomnia relief or weight management.

What types of payment are accepted?

Hypnotherapy and Wellness accepts cash, checks or credit.

Do you take insurance?

At this time, most insurance companies do not provide coverage for hypnotherapy but things are slowly changing in certain states for certain issues. It is always best to check with your provider. If you are looking to have your insurance cover your sessions it would be best to seek out a hypnotherapist who is also a licensed psycho-therapist.

Hypnotherapy and Wellness is happy to provide receipts of services for tax purposes and many company HSA or FSA accounts will consider Hypnotherapy to be a health service and an acceptable part of a person's health and well-being regimen.