Question: Will I know where I am?
Answer: A hypnotized person does not go to sleep or lose touch with reality. They are aware of everything going on around them. Most people don’t recognize the state of hypnosis, as they expect to become unconscious. Unless they are among the 1 in 10 people who easily achieve deep sleep, or the somnambulistic level of hypnosis, they remain completely aware of where they are and what is happening. This does not mean that they weren’t hypnotized. It simply means that they were experiencing a hypnotic level somewhere between a light and medium state which, for purposes of behavior and habit modification, is generally more effective than deeper levels of hypnosis. Bottom line: if the building catches on fire while you are hypnotized you will easily come to full awaking and will have no trouble leaving the building.

Can you make me do something I don’t want to do?
Answer: Directly proposed hypnotic suggestions cannot make a person do anything contrary to their morals, religion or self-preservation. If such a suggestion were given, the subject would either refuse to comply or would spontaneously terminate the hypnotic state. No, I cannot make you bark like a dog unless for some reason you want to.

I think I might be too smart to be a good candidate.
Answer: The best subjects are not unintelligent people. The more strong-willed, intelligent and imaginative and individual is, the better subject he or she tends to be.

I don’t think I can be hypnotized.
Answer: Anyone can be hypnotized. As explained elsewhere, hypnosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon, akin to stages of sleep, which we all experience. There is no such thing as not being able to be hypnotized. Once an individual overcomes their initial apprehension through understanding the truth about hypnosis, it is an easy experience, one in which the subject will awaken feeling relaxed, at ease and more positively motivated than they were before going into hypnosis.

What does it feel like?
Answer: Most of my clients report that it feels like a deep meditation. Often people tell me they didn’t “FEEL” hypnotized because they expected it to be very different than anything else they’ve experienced before. Actually, you are already familiar with hypnosis, although you may not realize it. We all go through these “altered states of consciousness,” or brain wave levels, at least twice each day — upon awakening in the morning and crossing over into sleep at night.

How many sessions do I need?
Answer: Everyone and every condition is different, but for most people, four to six sessions on a given situation is usually best, though most people start feeling some relief after the first session.

Does this really work over the phone?
Answer: I have a lovely office in Encinitas, but many of my clients prefer to work over the phone. My experience has been that as long as they use either a speaker phone or a headset, they actually do just as well or better over the phone than they would in person. My clients tend to be better able to go into the deepest levels of hypnosis when they are comfortable in their own home. This is particularly true of my post surgery or cancer support clients.

How long will the results last?
Answer: For many, the results are a permanent change. But just like anything, people can and sometimes do relapse into old familiar behaviors. This is why at the end of each session you will receive a CD of the therapeutic session as a reinforcement.

How often should I listen to the reinforcement CD?
Answer: It really depends on the condition, but a general rule is if you are on a four-session program like weight loss, smoking or confidence, I would recommend doing it every day during the program. Afterwards, monthly or anytime you start to relapse into old patterns. Clients working with me for occasional support for a specific issue do the CD daily for 21 days to achieve optimal results.