Frequently Asked Questions

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation with a heightened state of focus on a desired outcome. 

Therapeutic hypnosis is a process of bypassing the critical analysis of the conscious mind, and speaking directly to the subconscious mind where suggestions for change can be accepted and incorporated into new positive behaviors.

What are your credentials?

I am a Certified Consulting Hypnotist. My certifications are from The National Guild of Hypnotists and The NLP Center of NY.

What kind of things can hypnosis help with?

Hypnosis is successfully used for a great variety of life’s problems and dilemmas:

Professional burnout, releasing guilt and shame, anxiety reduction, breaking bad habits, fear of public speaking, self motivation, fear of germs, weight loss, writers/creative blocks, enhancing self confidence, nail biting, attracting abundance, sports performance, building self confidence, quieting negative self talk, raise negotiation, sales enhancement, stage fright, aging gracefully, smoking cessation, body acceptance and gratitude, attracting luck, confidence with dating, starting over seeking imaginative solutions, breaking destructive patterns, recovering from failure self forgiveness - and many other issues as well.

What is the difference between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind?

The mind is composed of two parts. The conscious mind is the logical, rational, information processor. We are in this part of our mind for the majority of our waking hours. The conscious mind governs critical and analytical thinking.

The subconscious mind (also known as the unconscious mind) is where we reside while dreaming, when completely absorbed in a task or daydreaming/fantasizing. This is a deeply resourceful place where seeds for positive change can be planted and nourished to bring relatively fast changes and resolutions to destructive behaviors.

What is a trance?

A trance state is a completely natural state where we go several times per day without even knowing it!  A long car journey that seems to have only taken 5 minutes is a good example. Or perhaps a time when you are so absorbed in a movie or TV show that you don’t hear someone calling you . . . Or maybe you are an avid day dreamer and have fluid ideas and images as your mind wanders. . . These are all examples of everyday trance states.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

The majority of people can be successfully hypnotized. One does not need to be in a deep state of trance for hypnosis to be successful. Light, medium or deep trance states are equally effective.  Sometimes people in light trances don’t feel they were hypnotized at all, but become convinced once they start seeing results.

How many sessions will I need?

Often people hear stories of someone who smoked for many years and stopped once they had a single hypnosis session. While this is possible, it is not typical.  Most issues can be helped within 2 - 4 sessions, although each person’s experience is unique. The number of sessions required can vary.

What does it feel like to be hypnotized?

A hypnosis session is deeply relaxing and comfortable. Sometimes clients find they feel like they have woken from a nap after being in a trance, and feel calm and refreshed.

How is hypnotherapy different from a stage show?

Hypnotherapy is totally different from a stage show! Hypnotherapy is used to improve your health and well being. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes. Being in a trance in a hypnosis session cannot cause you to say or do anything against your free will or ethics. Integrity and dignity are of utmost importance. 

Will I remember my session?

The majority of clients remember most of the session, although some go into a very deep trance state that is similar to sleeping, and have trouble remembering.

Does the hypnotist have control over me?

No! The TV and movie depiction of hypnosis has given people the impression that hypnosis is mind control - this is NOT correct. The hypnotist cannot make you do anything against your will, or against your moral codes. The hypnotherapist is a guide only. Dignity and respect during a hypnotherapy session is of the utmost importance.

Can I get ‘stuck’ in a trance state?

You can easily come out of a trance state by simply opening your eyes and indicating that you want to come out.  The hypnotic trance state ends when the hypnotherapist brings you out or when you naturally come out yourself. When listening to a hypnosis recording before bed, it is common for people to fall asleep. You then go through the normal sleep cycle and wake up normally.

Will insurance cover my hypnosis session?

Concentric Hypnosis does not accept insurance. All major debit and credit cards are accepted.

Is hypnosis guaranteed to help me? How long will it take to see results?

The timing of results depends on many factors.  Sometimes results are seen and felt immediately, sometimes days or weeks later. Occasionally clients start noticing changes a month or more after a session.

Hypnosis has helped many people overcome bad habits and lead more positive lives. Just like any other type of therapy, there is no guarantee that it will work.

What are Group Lecture/Demonstrations?

Hypnosis lecture/demonstrations are an enjoyable and informative way to introduce your group to the benefits of hypnosis. I have given lectures to veterans groups (focus on anxiety release, healing the past, living positively in the present), design businesses (enhancing creativity, finding fresh ideas, working calmly under deadlines), sales seminars (increasing sales, trying new sales techniques, easily exceeding goals), sports teams (developing group intuition, winning the game, playing your best with integrity), wellness and health groups (breaking destructive patterns, anxiety release, envisioning a healthier life), Business groups (raise negotiation, creating new strategies, increasing workplace harmony), women’s groups (quieting negative self talk, aging gracefully, body acceptance and gratitude), and more.