Q1: What is hypnosis and how does it work?

A: Hypnosis is an effective, natural, drug-free tool that allows you to gain access to your subconscious mind and change the scripts for behaviors that no longer serve you. Hypnosis has been used as a therapeutic tool for centuries.

Q2: Can anyone be hypnotized?

A: Yes. In fact, everyone goes into a light, natural state of hypnosis twice each day: first, for about 30 minutes after waking up in the morning; and again 30 minutes before drifting off to sleep at night. Another example of naturally occurring hypnosis is being so relaxed or distracted in thought that you drive past your street or miss your exit on the highway.

Q3: What if I don’t “go under” and the hypnosis doesn’t work?

A: The subconscious mind knows and recognizes hypnosis as a state of relaxation. During my training at HMI, I mastered various techniques to help my clients enter hypnosis and accept the hypnotic suggestions that they provided. People who seek hypnotherapy are very determined and confident that it will work. This determination is a key to the success of hypnotherapy.

Q4: Can you help me?

A: With very few exceptions, I can help the majority of people with the challenges they are experiencing.

Q5: Does hypnosis work over Zoom?

A: Yes, Hypnotherapy sessions done via Zoom are just as effective as if you were in person with me.

Q6: How does the Zoom session work?

A: There are just a few requirements such as having a quiet place where you can relax and focus on your session. Also, you must have a good internet connection with a working smartphone, tablet or computer or laptop with working video and audio. I will send a Zoom link to use when logging in at the time of the video.

Q7: Will I be asleep when I’m in hypnosis?

A: No. I use the terms “SLEEP” and “DEEP SLEEP” to heighten relaxation in hypnosis, but you will always be conscious and in complete control of your actions. Contrary to popular belief, people are actually more aware of their surroundings and have heightened perceptions (e.g., sound, smell, sight) when they are in this state. You can always bring yourself out of hypnosis by opening your eyes, stretching or standing up.

Q8: Will you be in control of my mind and actions while I am in hypnosis?

A: No. If you do not agree with or feel comfortable with a suggestion, your subconscious mind will reject the suggestion and you will not do it. As a matter of fact, you will not do anything you are not morally comfortable with.

Q9: How long will this take?

A: It depends on your presenting issue. Some of my clients feel accomplished after 3-6 sessions, while others enjoy continually improving themselves with continued, on-going hypnotherapy sessions.

Q10: What should I look for in a hypnotherapist?

A: This depends on the changes you are trying to make, or the issues you’re dealing with. If you’re looking to build your confidence, maintain focus, or help make progress in other forms of self-improvement, or to handle common fears, phobias, and anxieties, you should seek out a hypnotist or hypnotherapist with extensive training in hypnotherapy. As a graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, I have that training and experience to help you achieve your goals.

Q11: Will I remember everything that I said or did during hypnosis?

A: Clients typically remember some details about the session as soon as they come out of hypnosis, but the amount of recall varies between individuals and in terms of the depth of your hypnotic state. Rest assured that your subconscious mind will remember the hypnotic suggestions that it receives even if your conscious mind does not.

Q12: If I only want to change a specific behavior (e.g., stop smoking), do I have to tell you details about my...

A: In general, I will not ask you to divulge personal details or ask for information that is not relevant to your therapeutic goal. However, if you are experiencing physical symptoms or have behaviors/issues that are beyond my scope of practice, I will refer you to a licensed medical doctor or psychotherapist to work with you.

Q13: Will you make me cluck like a chicken, walk like a duck, say or do something weird?

A: I get this question a lot! Most often people are referring to stage hypnosis, which is fun and entertaining; however, the work I do is focused on helping my clients overcome their challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals.

Q14: Are there any spiritual pitfalls associated with hypnosis?

A: When hypnosis is used ethically and responsibly, any suggestions or ideas that are not in accordance with your beliefs, morals, principals, desires or wishes, will be quickly rejected. Hypnosis is here to help you make positive changes in your life.

Q15: Will I reveal any secrets during hypnosis?

A: No, hypnosis does not work like that. You will have full control of how you answer any questions you are asked under hypnosis, and any questions I ask will be to help you get the most out of your session.

Q16: Is being hypnotizable a sign that I'm weak-willed or easily influenced?

A: No. To the contrary, research by Stanford professor and psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel has indicated that people with quick decision making skills and a high attention span tend to be more capable of being hypnotized, while those who are more judgmental and less trusting of other people tend to be less easily hypnotized.

Q17: Do you accept my insurance?

A: I get this question a lot and although there is change on the horizon, hypnosis or hypnotherapy are not licensed fields so most insurance companies or organizations will not cover or supplement the cost of the hypnosis sessions.

Q18: What is Past Life Regression?

A: This is an interesting question. The standard answer is that one’s experience during Past Life Regression Therapy is a combination of one’s own memories, imagination, and confabulation, valuable more for the meaningfulness of the experience and its lessons for one’s current life, than for the objective historical truth of the events experienced.

Q19: Can you tell me about your background and qualifications?

A: I have a diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and a degree in Social Psychology. I'm an honors graduate of the Hypnosis Motivational Institute, HMI College of Hypnotherapy in Tarzana, California.

I am certified as a Hypnotherapist by the American Hypnosis Association.

As a clinically trained hypnotherapist, I specialize in anxieties & fears, but also help clients with stress, quitting smoking/tobacco, weight-loss, pain management, habit control, sleep issues, grief recovery, and general self-improvement.

Q20: What is your disclaimer?

A: "The services we render are held out to the public as nontherapeutic hypnotism, defined as the use of hypnosis to inculcate positive thinking and the capacity for self-hypnosis. We do not represent our services as any form of health care or psychotherapy or medical practice, and despite research to the contrary, by law we may make no health benefit claims for our services. This is for entertainment and educational purposes only."