Frequently Asked Questions

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Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses hypnosis to help you reach a trance-like state of focus, concentration, diminished peripheral awareness and heightened suggestibility. 

Some people wonder what hypnosis is and what trance feels like but it is just a normal natural state most of us feel every day. It feels like a deep state of relaxation and peace. Your mind will feel quiet, yet focused.

Most of us have driven somewhere and forgotten how we got there. Our conscious mind relaxes and quiets itself and our unconscious mind ensures we are safe. So, the feeling of trance is when our mind is allowed to quiet itself enough so we can switch off and relax. In that relaxed state, you are highly suggestible. 

In hypnosis, the suggestions I deliver are designed to help you turn your attention inward and discover and utilize resources within yourself that can help you overcome your areas of challenge. We will work together to ensure these suggestions meet your needs.

I don’t DO anything to you. I don’t put you in a trance. I don’t make you go into a trance. I guide you and you travel to the trance state yourself. 

Now reaching a trance state is like dancing. If you follow the “lead” then it is easy, effortless, and beautiful. But if you don’t follow the “lead,” then it becomes awkward and not the experience you seek. 

The depth and success of your ability to go into trance, is a direct result of your ability to follow instructions. The more closely you follow instructions, the deeper your trance and the more effective the session.

 Hypnotherapy can be used for a wide range of applications including anxiety and stress, fear, sports performance, limiting beliefs, pain, weight management, bad habits, sleep, substance abuse including tobacco and vaping, communication issues, and relationship challenges.

Hypnotherapy is typically performed in a calm, therapeutic environment. I will ask you a series of questions to understand your challenges and desired outcomes. It is important that you are honest and transparent, so I can help you as much as possible. 

Everything that is discussed during your session is considered privileged and confidential. However, as I have a Code of Ethics to adhere to, if you require any medical attention or support regarding your well-being or the well-being of those in your care, I will be compelled to exercise my duty of care and will advise you accordingly prior to taking any such action.

Following our initial discussion, we will agree on a path forward for the session. 

In your first session, I will conduct several short suggestibility tests to help you and I understand your depth of suggestibility.

Then, based on your needs, I will conduct a hypnosis session by guiding you into a relaxed, focused state, typically through the use of mental imagery and voice tonality. You will be aware of everything around you and will hear everything I am saying.

You are in control at all times.

During the therapeutic portion of the session, I will guide you to overcome your challenge and reach your desired outcome.

Once the change work has been completed, I will gently guide you out of trance. We will then have a discussion to review the outcome.

I typically provide you with tasks or tools to use at home following the session. You must complete any post-session tasks to ensure the success of the session.

We will then schedule a follow-up session, as required. 

Absolutely! The Australian Psychological Society (https://groups.psychology.org.au/GroupContent.aspx?ID=7346), American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis), and British Psychological Society (https://www.ukhypnosis.com/2015/01/11/british-psychological-society-report-the-nature-of-hypnosis-2001/) all concur that it does!  

At the end of the day, it works because you believe it works!