Clinical Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis-like practices are incredibly ancient, going back thousands of years and have been found in cultures around the world. While these ancient practices involved trance states and suggestion, they weren't "hypnosis" or "hypnotherapy" as we define them today. The modern clinical approach was significantly shaped by pioneers like James Braid, who coined the term "hypnosis" in the 1840s, and Dr. Milton Erickson, whose innovative techniques in the 1950s revolutionized the field and helped secure its recognition by major medical associations.
Hypnotherapy is frequently integrated with other therapeutic modalities. This is generally considered best practice, as hypnosis enhances other techniques rather than replacing evidence-based therapies. The therapeutic power of hypnosis comes from the trance state itself. In a trance state, the critical, analytical part of your mind becomes less active, which allows for less resistance to different ideas and perspectives and fewer automatic "yes, but" responses. In this state, you remain aware and in control, but you're more open to suggestions and can access your thoughts, feelings, and memories more easily. This doesn't mean you lose judgment, or control, but you're more receptive to helpful reframes and insights.
Click here to learn more about: American Association for Clinical Hypnotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, hypnotherapy is about as safe as other forms of psychotherapy when done properly. It is safest when working with a licensed mental health professional who has specialized hypnotherapy training, but should be avoided for certain conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, or active substance abuse.
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People fall on a spectrum of hypnotic suggestibility. About 10-15% are highly hypnotizable and can enter deep trance states easily, while the majority (60-70%) are moderately hypnotizable and can experience hypnosis with varying depths and benefits. Roughly 10-25% have low hypnotizability and struggle to enter trance or respond to suggestions. This responsiveness appears to be a stable trait, somewhat like personality, with some people being naturally more susceptible than others.
Several factors can enhance hypnotic success. Willingness and trust are essential—you cannot be hypnotized against your will, as resistance, fear, or distrust will block the process. Expectations matter too; believing hypnosis won't work can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. People who easily get absorbed in books, movies, or daydreaming tend to be more hypnotizable due to their natural ability to focus deeply. The therapeutic relationship is also crucial, as rapport and feeling safe significantly impact responsiveness. Finally, practicing quieting the mind can improve one's ability to enter hypnotic states over time.
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No, you will not lose free will during hypnosis. This is one of the most common misconceptions about hypnotherapy. You stay conscious and aware throughout the process. Hypnosis is not sleep or unconsciousness you hear everything, know where you are, and can think and make decisions. You can reject suggestions that don't align with your values, goals, or comfort level. Your moral compass and judgment remain intact. You can end the session anytime by simply opening your eyes and deciding you're done. You're not "stuck" in hypnosis.
You won't do things against your will. The idea that a hypnotist can make you do embarrassing or harmful things comes from stage hypnosis entertainment, not clinical reality. Stage volunteers are willing participants who've chosen to go along with suggestions for entertainment.
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. The therapist guides, but you're an active participant. If a suggestion doesn't feel right or helpful, your mind will simply ignore it or reject it. The therapist's suggestions only work when they resonate with what you genuinely want to achieve.
Think of it like this: A GPS can suggest a route, but you're still driving the car and can choose to follow it or not. Hypnosis is the suggestion; you're still making the decisions.
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Hypnosis feels like a pleasant, focused relaxation state, not dramatically different from meditation or being absorbed in something engaging like a good book or movie. Think of it as being "in the zone" rather than "out of it."
Some people feel like they're floating, while others feel grounded and heavy. You're conscious and hearing everything, but there's a dreamlike quality. The goal is for you body to feel deeply relaxed, but your mind feels clear and focused on the therapist's voice and the therapeutic work. Many people are surprised that it doesn't feel "magical" or dramatically different. It's more like a pleasant, deeply relaxed state of focus rather than anything mystical.
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Hypnotherapy is best utilized as an adjunct tool to enhance evidence-based treatments, such as combining hypnotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy. The scientific community supports its use: neuroimaging studies show measurable brain changes during hypnosis, and major medical organizations (APA, AMA, British Medical Association) recognize it as a legitimate therapeutic tool.
The process of
scheduling an appointment.
1. Schedule a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation in therapy involves setting up a phone call to discuss your goals and needs. During this initial conversation, I’ll share my specialties and approach to ensure we’re a good fit for working together. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and decide if continuing with in-person sessions feels like the right step forward.
2. Intake Session
An intake session is an essential first step in our work together. During this one-hour session, we focus on creating a safe, welcoming space where we can begin to build rapport and explore your unique needs. I’ll guide you through a series of intake questions to better understand your background, goals, and any concerns you may have. This helps us lay the foundation for our work together and ensures we’re on the right path for your growth.
3. Ongoing Sessions
Ongoing therapy sessions are focused on supporting your progress and deepening our work together. Each session is tailored to your current needs, whether that’s exploring challenges, developing coping strategies, or working toward your goals. We aim to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and heard, so we can explore what matters most to you and help you move forward at your own pace. It’s all about making real progress, one step at a time.