27499 Riverview Center Boulevard, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our FAQ before calling or booking an appointment
Home Book Now! Services Fees About
Are you a licensed therapist?
Yes! It is actually a felony in Florida to engage in therapeutic hypnosis if you are not a licensed mental health professional or medical professional, or acting under their supervision. Some people calling themselves a hypnotherapist may not actually be a licensed therapist. My credentials are listed here.
What is therapeutic hypnosis?
Treating illness, injury, or disease, would qualify as therapeutic hypnosis. Stage hypnosis is clearly not therapeutic hypnosis. Arguably, everything else could be considered therapeutic hypnosis.
What is hypnosis?
We would define hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness, paradoxically described as a relaxed state, with a heightened sense of awareness and focus, with a decreased peripheral awareness accompanied by an increased suggestibility.
How Long Have You Been Doing Hypnosis?
Since 1997! About Me
Is hypnotherapy effective?
In our view, hypnotherapy (even if called by different names) has been the most effective mode of healing therapy for thousands of years. We think this is still true today. Results of course may vary with each individual. Generally, even when all things are equal, results are typically seen more quickly with hypnotherapy. One hypnosis or hypnotherapy session can sometimes be the equivalent of 5, 10, or even 20 talk therapy sessions.
How does it work?
The conscious mind is bypassed and the hypnotist can place suggestions directly in the subconscious mind. A person in this altered state of consciousness is more amenable to suggestion and conditioning of the subconscious mind.
Why work with the subconscious mind?
Altering subconscious beliefs allows for the optimum conditions for changing behavior as well as accessing mind body interaction. It is believed that the subconscious mind retains all the thoughts, memories, and everything learned since birth. Accessing the subconscious mind's insight into causes of behaviors, emotions, and attitudes, may facilitate change. Reconditioning on the subconscious level is also very effective and usually quicker.
What can we use hypnosis for?
Hypnosis has been demonstrated to successfully treat a wide range of issues. These include but are not limited to, mental health issues, physical issues, sales performance, pain management, and self-improvement in general.
Can anyone get hypnotized?
The short answer is yes. Most people can indeed be hypnotized. The actual percentage of people that can be hypnotized is debatable and may depend on who you speak to. We would say that everyone that wants to be hypnotized can in fact be hypnotized. The exceptions would be examples where a person can't follow suggestions well enough. Mentally challenged people with an IQ below 70 may not be able to be hypnotized as they may not be able to focus and follow suggestions.
The issue of how deep into a hypnotic state a person can go will also vary. New research shows that it is cognitive style not brain structure that determines who can be hypnotized and how deep they may go. Therefore, it can be inferred that with practice, people can increase their hypnotic ability.
For most issues a light or medium state of hypnosis is all that is required and it is not necessary to enter a deep state. Generally for those that enter only a light state of hypnosis, repetition will increase the effect.
Can I get Stuck in hypnosis?
Only in the movies.
Am I under the control of the hypnotist?
Again, only in the movies. You are not under anyone's control unless you want to be. You have the ability to reject any suggestion given. In many ways as a hypnotist you are teaching your clients how to use the power of their own mind to create change. The hypnotist empowers their clients which is the opposite of controlling them.
Many of these misconceptions are due to movies and stage hypnotists. Stage hypnosis is a professional use of hypnosis for entertainment purposes only. People participating in stage hypnosis shows are doing just that. They are having fun and going along with the suggestions and being part of the party. In a clinical or professional context, the role between hypnotist and client is completely different. If a client was instructed to act out an absurd role as often seen in stage hypnosis they would probably laugh at the hypnotist giving the suggestion.
Is hypnosis harmful?
No. Hypnosis itself is not harmful in any way as it is a natural state of consciousness. The only known way that hypnosis can be harmful is if it is misapplied or used instead of a necessary treatment.
Is hypnosis acceptable to Christians?
Yes. The Catholic church and most mainstream denominations of Christianity accept hypnosis as a legitimate therapeutic tool.
Is hypnosis sleep?
No. Hypnosis is typically a relaxed state that often includes an increased focus. While there are similar patterns hypnosis feels different for different people. The state is often described as being similar to the feelings associated with just falling asleep at night or the way you feel when just waking up in the morning. It is generally described as a pleasant experience.
What is self-hypnosis?
The hypnotist facilitates the process, but the power rests with the mind of the person being hypnotized. With practice you will learn to enter the hypnotic state on your own.
I am strong willed can I be hypnotized?
Yes. If you want to be hypnotized you can direct your will toward following suggestions. Remember, you need to want to be hypnotized.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
No. We do not allow face masks at our practice. In fact it is not possible to conduct hypnosis wearing a face mask for the client or hypnotherapist. The client may be asked to do occasional deep breathing and the therapist may speak non stop for 45 minutes to an hour. Besides the logistical prohibition on wearing face masks these masks often induce fear and anxiety which may pose a barrier to a positive clinical outcome and even in some cases recreate trauma during a trance. And finally, the indirect suggestion of illness created by wearing a mask may be greatly amplified while in a trance and potentially be harmful.
In the case of talk therapy, face masks also pose a barrier to a positive clinical outcome and impede our ability to conduct proper therapy or counseling. Besides the anxiety induced by a face mask, we need to be able to see your face to properly conduct therapy. We can do talk therapy via telehealth if this is an issue.
Do you do EMDR?
EMDR is a proprietary term. Bilateral eye processing and desensitization while inducing a light trance may be an effective method for some people, although we generally do not use this specific hypnotic technique, as we feel that we have more advanced approaches at our disposal.
Do you provide medical services or care?
No we are not medical doctors and don't diagnose medical diseases or disorders or treat any specific physical medical disease or disorder. We can treat the mind to facilitate natural healing processes. We can provide complementary mind body hypnosis that is used as an adjunct (in addition to) traditional or non traditional medical treatments.
Do you accept health insurance?
No, we do not. At this time we have chosen not to work with insurance companies in any fashion. We provide high quality hypnosis, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counseling, and life coaching services. In order to do so we will make decisions about our services in coordination with our clients, not insurance companies or other entities.
Can you treat or diagnose mental health disorders?
Yes, however our focus is on treating symptoms, resolving core issues, and being solution focused. We typically do not apply a diagnosis to clients since our service is not insurance driven. Many clients are seeking self improvement and don't have a specific disorder. Our focus is on results not placing labels on our clients.
Do you do telehealth sessions?
Yes, but not for hypnosis. We can do telehealth for counseling, psychotherapy, or coaching.
How much do you charge?
Please visit our Fees page for the most current information.
What is your cancellation policy?
We request 24 hour notice for cancellations and reserve the right to charge for no shows and late cancellations.
How long is a session?
Our fees are per session not by the hour. Initial sessions may take longer as we need to gather more information. The time for a session will also vary depending on what is being worked on. We make it a point to block out enough time for a high-quality visit. Typically for a hypnotherapy session we spend approximately 1.5 to 1.75 hours per session. You will not be charged any additional fees for sessions that last longer than 60 minutes.
Counseling/psychotherapy sessions (no hypnosis) are 50 minutes although may go longer if time permits it with no additional charge..
How many sessions do I need?
That depends. Some issues may require more sessions than others. Clients may come once or twice a week over several weeks if working with an issue that requires it. Other clients may come once a week, or once or twice a month while some attend one session a month over a longer period. Some clients may come once and resolve their issue. Although not mandated, a minimum of three sessions is recommended. Keep in mind that repetition is always good. This is why a marketing campaign usually has more than one advertisement.
Can I learn self-hypnosis?
Yes, but typically we give a trigger to practice self-hypnosis after a few sessions. Some of the factors affecting this are what issues you are working with and how hypnotizable you are? Also, some clients enjoy self-hypnosis tremendously while others prefer to be guided through the process.
What issues do you provide hypnosis services for?
Please visit our services page for more information or Book a Session Now!
Home Book Now! Services Fees About
