Hypnosis - Hypnotherapy

Counseling Expertise - Advanced Hypnotherapy Training - One Integrated Approach

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and trained hypnotherapist, I integrate advanced hypnotherapy techniques into a broader therapeutic process when clinically appropriate to create an individualized approach to change.

General Information

What Is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a state of deep focus, heightened awareness, and concentrated attention. It is an altered state of consciousness that we naturally experience when we become deeply absorbed in a book, music, a movie, or an activity, such as driving a familiar route and realizing that we don't remember every detail of the journey.

Hypnosis is not about being unconscious, losing control, or being “put under.” During hypnosis, we remain aware, present, and in control, while becoming more deeply focused. This focused state creates an opportunity to work with thoughts, emotions, beliefs, habits, and behavioral patterns from a different level of awareness.

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis to facilitate meaningful, lasting change. By combining the focused state of hypnosis with therapeutic techniques, we create an intentional space to explore and shift patterns in the way we think, feel, and respond.

During hypnotherapy, we use focused attention, guided relaxation, therapeutic language, imagery, suggestion, and other counseling techniques to work with patterns that may be difficult to change through conscious effort alone.

Hypnotherapy: A Different Way to Create Lasting Change

What Hypnotherapy Isn't

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis, largely influenced by stage performances, movies, and television. Hypnotherapy is not:

Being unconscious or asleep.
Being controlled by another person.
Giving up your free will.
Being forced to reveal secrets.
Being made to do something against your values.
Losing your mind.
Being placed into a permanent hypnotic state.
Magic or mind control.
A guarantee of instant or permanent results.
A replacement for appropriate medical or mental-health care.

You remain an active participant throughout the process. You never surrender your ability to choose.

It is not about controlling the mind. It is about working with the mind.

What Can We Work On?

Hypnotherapy may be incorporated into counseling when it is appropriate for your goals and circumstances. Areas we may explore include:

Stress and relaxation
Anxiety and nervous system regulation
Confidence and self-esteem
Unhelpful habits and behavioral patterns
Fear and specific phobias
Sleep and relaxation
Emotional regulation
Personal growth and self-development
Performance, focus, and mental preparation
Pain coping and symptom management
Other patterns that may benefit from focused therapeutic work

Hypnotherapy is not appropriate for every concern or every person, and the approach will always depend on your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be awake during hypnosis?

Yes. Hypnosis is not the same as sleep or unconsciousness. You generally remain aware of what is happening and can communicate throughout the process.

Will I lose control?

No. You remain an active participant and retain the ability to make choices throughout hypnosis.

Can I be hypnotized against my will?

Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. You choose to participate, and you can stop at any point.

Will I reveal things I don't want to reveal?

No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You remain able to decide what you want to discuss and what you do not.

Will I remember what happens?

Experiences vary, but hypnosis does not require forgetting what happens during a session. You generally remain aware throughout the process.

Do I have to be highly suggestible?

No. People experience hypnosis differently. You do not need to experience anything dramatic or unusual for the process to be useful.

Is hypnosis the same as stage hypnosis?

No. Stage hypnosis is designed for entertainment. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis within a therapeutic context and is approached with different goals, boundaries, and responsibilities.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no universal number. The number of sessions depends on your goals, circumstances, response to treatment, and the type of concern being addressed. I do not promise a specific number of sessions or guarantee a particular outcome.

Can hypnotherapy replace counseling or medical treatment?

Hypnotherapy does not need to replace counseling or medical care. In many cases, it can be integrated into a broader therapeutic approach. When medical or specialized mental-health care is needed, hypnotherapy should not be used as a substitute for that care.

How quickly will I see results?

Everyone responds differently. Some people notice changes relatively quickly, while others benefit from a longer process. No ethical practitioner can guarantee a particular outcome.

Can hypnotherapy work for everyone?

No therapeutic approach works identically for everyone. Hypnotherapy may be helpful for some people and some concerns, while another approach may be more appropriate for others. The goal is always to determine what makes sense for you.

Professional Disclaimer

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that may be integrated into counseling when clinically appropriate. Individual experiences and outcomes vary, and no specific result can be guaranteed.

Hypnotherapy is not intended to replace necessary medical evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, emergency care, or other treatment provided by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental-health emergency, please contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis resource.

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