Question 1

How do I chose a qualified hypnotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Although many practitioners use the title of Hypnotherapist, their level of qualification, training, and expertise can vary widely. Search for a top-qualified and board-certified practitioner who has completed a minimum of 300 hours of basic training, is committed to completing Continuing Education Units (CEUs), is registered with their State Department of Health, and who underwent training that used scientifically validated methodology.

Question 2

Can everyone be hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, everyone can be hypnotized if they choose. Hypnosis is a choice.

In the hypnotherapy industry, we have a saying “all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.” Hypnosis is a natural and normal process where we pop in and out of trance (brain wave states) throughout our days. It's just that most people aren't taught how to use those trance states in productive ways. Experiencing an induced trance by someone else requires rapport, trust, relaxation, concentration, and the ability to follow instructions.

It is a common misconception that only weak-willed, “suggestible” people can be hypnotized. Many people confuse "suggestibility" with the concept of "gullibility." Gullibility is when someone uncritically accepts ideas, whereas suggestibility is a measure of the degree to which your brain and nervous system respond to incoming ideas. Gullibility is undesirable, suggestibility is desirable.

The only exceptions may be people who have IQs significantly below average or are suffering from certain psychological disorders.

Question 3

Is online as good as in-person?

Accepted Answer

When Zoom came along, I was skeptical of performing hypnotherapy online. But what online sessions have taught me is that distance does not matter, it is your mind and my voice working together.

As long as you have a quiet, private, well-lit space without distractions, reliable internet connection, and good audio quality, an online hypnotherapy session is just as effective as an in-person session. Remote sessions can even be an added benefit to the client because a) you are able to choose a home environment that provides a sense of complete safety and comfort and b) you can more easily find and work with highly qualified hypnotherapists who might be located outside of your immediate geographic region.

That said, I absolutely love meeting people in-person and will always offer in-person sessions. For many clients, having a private location to talk about their lives outside of their own home or office is relaxing and freeing.

Please note: Hypnotherapy sessions may be performed online via Zoom but all QHHT® sessions are performed in-person.

Question 4

Will I remember something I don't want to remember?

Accepted Answer

No. In hypnosis, you will only remember what you want to remember and are ready to process. Memory regression therapy can be a very powerful tool to help you make changes to your life, but this is a method that is only used when it is discussed ahead of time, you feel very comfortable with the process, and you decide it is what you want. You will not go into spontaneous memory regression unless this is what you want.

Question 5

Will I remember what takes place while in hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

"Remembering what happens" depends on the depth of the hypnotic state. How deep you go into hypnosis is your choice, but may be effected by how conditioned you are to hypnosis. Different issues require different depths. Once you experience hypnosis a few times, and know what to expect, then your subconscious will take you to the depth that is most beneficial for the issue you are working on, but this will always be your choice.

I find that more people are remembering more of what happens while in hypnosis. I believe this is due to our minds being increasingly willing to accept and incorporate the subconscious messages, insights, and visions. In the past, people were less connected to their Higher Self and, as a result, a sort of wall was often generated to "forget the session." As humankind becomes more in touch with the workings of the mind and comfortable with the Higher Self and Source, this veil becomes thinner.

Question 6

Will I lose control or do anything embarrassing in hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. Hypnosis is not the same as mind control or brainwashing.

Hypnotherapy is a tool for self-empowerment. Because it provides access to the subconscious mind, hypnosis gives you the power and control of your own thoughts, emotions, patterns, and actions. Through hypnosis, one is able to reverse much of the subconscious programming that we automatically and unknowingly adopted in our life - these programs are running like a computer program behind the scenes of our day to day lives.

While in hypnosis, you will do nothing outside your control. You will only accept positive suggestions and insights that align with your values, being at all times in control. If you have any questions or concerns, I will make sure we address these before our session.

Question 7

How long does it take to see results of hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The answer is: it depends. Because we are all different, and in different places in the process of change, the amount of sessions it will take to reach your goals is different for everyone. Some hypnotists and national chains offer cookie-cutter programs that treat every person the same. This is not how I practice hypnotherapy.

After your first session you will have a good sense if hypnotherapy is going to work for you and then we will lay out a program that works best for your goals and your budget. I have seen results in one session and other individuals chose to work with me for several months. In general, however, most people see positive change within 3-6 sessions.

Question 8

Are my sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Confidentiality, your general well-being, and safety are my number one priorities.

Information revealed in sessions will not be disclosed without extraordinary justification such as reasonable suspicion of harm to another or serious threat/danger to another or oneself.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not accept insurance, or file insurance or any other third party claims. Insurance companies usually consider hypnosis as an alternative therapy and therefore do not cover it. However, you may present your invoice receipts to your insurance provider or flexible spending account to see if they may cover your sessions. This does not mean that they will cover the service or the cost. You must check with your own provider.

About Hypnotherapy

Benefits of Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy Success Rates

A survey of psychotherapy literature revealed the following success rates:

Source: Barrios, Alfred A. “Hypnotherapy: A Reappraisal,” Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice

Hypnosis Research & Articles

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