Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anyone be Hypnotized?
Most people can be hypnotized to different degrees, as long as they are willing and open to the process. Hypnosis requires cooperation and focus, and it’s more about relaxation and openness than about being easily 'put under.' Everyone's experience will vary, but with practice, most can experience a state of hypnosis.
Hypnosis is actually a state we go in and out of everyday, about 30 minutes before we fall asleep and the first 30 minutes after we wake up!
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
Hypnosis doesn’t feel any one way!
Each person's journey into hypnosis is a unique experience. Some clients report feeling physically light or heavy, while others may find themselves deeply relaxed or surprisingly alert. Many describe a profound sense of calm or peace enveloping them. When they emerge from hypnosis, many have expressed that it often feels as though they’ve just woken from a refreshing nap, leaving them revitalized and clear-headed.
Will I Lose Control or be Unaware of What's Happening During Hypnosis?
During hypnosis, you remain fully aware and in control. You’re in a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus, but you are never asleep or out of control.
You won’t do or saying anything in hypnosis that you wouldn’t do or say in your fully alert conscious state.
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process where we guide your mind toward positive change while remaining conscious of the experience. It is important that you are alert and aware so that your mind is able to take in the positive suggestions we intentionally plant.
How Does Hypnotherapy work?
Think of your thoughts and beliefs as hiking paths in a jungle. The more we travel a path, the clearer and easier it becomes—this is neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and strengthen pathways over time. When we repeatedly think certain thoughts, they become automatic.
On the other hand, when we stop using certain pathways, like outdated or negative beliefs, they become overgrown and harder to navigate. Eventually, they fade away, leaving fewer automatic negative responses.
This is where hypnotherapy comes in. By intentionally focusing on positive pathways and letting go of unhelpful ones, we can reshape our mental landscape. Techniques like cognitive reframing and mindfulness help reinforce empowering beliefs, allowing us to create lasting change in our thoughts and habits.
In short, just as we can clear and strengthen mental pathways, we have the power to create lasting change through intentional thought and practice. This highlights the brain’s incredible ability to evolve and adapt throughout our lives
The Neuroscience Behind Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy harnesses the brain's neuroplasticity—the ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In a relaxed, hypnotic state, the mind becomes more receptive to suggestions, allowing individuals to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors. This focused attention activates specific areas of the brain linked to imagination and memory, facilitating the exploration of underlying issues that may influence current behaviors and emotions.
Research indicates that hypnotherapy can lead to significant changes in brain activity, particularly in regions associated with self-regulation and emotional processing. By integrating hypnotherapy with cognitive neuroscience principles, I help clients understand and rewrite their subconscious programming to better support their present lives.
What to Expect in Session
In a virtual hypnotherapy session, you'll be in the comfort of your own home. The first session lasts 90 minutes, and all follow-ups are 60 minutes. During the first session, we’ll discuss your goals, review the hypnotherapy process, and assess your learning style through simple, non-traditional tests to tailor our approach.
Each session begins with a goal discussion and a review of methods or reframes that resonate with you. I’ll then guide you into a relaxed, focused state using hypnosis and mindfulness techniques. Throughout our work, I’ll use imagery and hypnotic journeys to plant positive suggestions in your subconscious, reinforced through recordings and future sessions, nurturing lasting change.
How to Prepare for a Session
For your session, choose a comfortable and quiet spot where you can relax without interruptions. Headphones can help you focus, but they’re optional. Wear clothes that make you feel at ease and set up a peaceful environment.
Before we begin, take a moment to reflect on what you’d like to achieve or focus on during the session. Having a clear goal will guide our work together and make the experience more impactful.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions required can vary from person to person, depending on your specific goals and the unique challenges you're addressing. There are no set limits—we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Some clients experience meaningful changes after just one session, while others find that a few additional sessions help solidify and deepen those shifts. During our Discovery Call, we’ll discuss your goals in detail and create a personalized plan to guide and support you throughout your journey.