F A Q

If you have reviewed this list of frequently asked questions and still need more information please do not hesitate to call or email for further information.

1. How long is each session?
The sessions run 50-60 minutes. My Stop Smoking program first session usually runs 1 ½ - 2 hours and subsequent sessions are the normal 50-60 minutes.

2. What does a first session consist of?
You will be ask to either print out your forms from my web site and bring the originals with you, or if you prefer, you will be ask to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than you scheduled time and ask receptionist for forms to complete prior to session. We will review the intake forms and discuss your specific issue that you would like to change or improve. During the first session we will also do a suggestibility questionnaire to determine which is your dominate suggestibility. Knowledge is power and knowing what your dominate suggestibility is helps you understand your behavior and behavior of others. We will discuss and clear up any misconceptions or myths or fears you may have concerning hypnotherapy.  You will be in hypnosis for 15-20 minutes. Upon return to regular state we may briefly discuss the experience, we will schedule your next appointment, you will pay for the session and leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

3. How often do I need to come and what are subsequent sessions like?
Sessions are schedule once a week. Subsequent sessions are 50-60 minutes long and we will review your progress and discuss issues on a cognitive level. You will be in hypnosis for 15-20 minutes and specific or metaphoric suggestions will be given to subconscious which will assist you with your specific issue.

4. How many sessions will I need?
The purpose is to bring about your desired change as soon as possible. There are several factors which determine how many sessions you will need such as:
A. What the issue is.
B. How long you have had this issue
C. Your motivation to change
D. Your ability to follow instructions and your responsiveness to hypnosis
I require a 24 hour notice to cancel or reschedule any appointment or you will be changed for that appointment. However, it is completely up to you, the client, to decide if you wish to continue or discontinue our sessions.

5. I wonder if I can be hypnotized?
If your IQ is over 60 and you can follow directions you can be hypnotized. If you have been diagnosed with a severe mental disease then you will be referred to a mental health physician.

6. Can hypnosis cure me?
A hypnotherapist does not have the ability or the legal right to diagnose, prescribe, or heal. If your issue has a medical origin we will request a referral from your physician before we begin specific work. Hypnotherapy used in conjunction with your prescribed protocol can prove to be a very effective tool. Please go to Topics page and see how hypnosis can assist in different issues.

7. Are the results guaranteed?
Hypnotherapy has been proven to be a fast, effective, drug free alternative for many people. Results are never guaranteed. Results depend on your motivation to change and improve and follow directions. No one can guarantee or predict human behavior. I invite you to go the “Why Hypnosis” page or go to specific issue pages for documentation to effectiveness or hypnosis. There are also quite a few articles and information on the Mayo Clinic web site and Pub Med and also quite a few books concerning the effectiveness of hypnosis.

8. Am I out of control?
This is one of the most common concerns. In hypnosis your senses are actually more acute. You will be ask to participate in suggestions to be used and you are always in contact with my voice and your surroundings. Hypnosis actually puts you back in control of 100% of your mind. As discussed thru out this web site, the reason you can not change a behavior or habit or improve certain areas of your life is because currently you are not controlling 90% of your mind---the subconscious. Thru hypnosis you will learn to effect the wanted changes and therefore be back in control of 100% of your mind…..not just the 10% where your logic, reasoning, and willpower reside. Hypnosis is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. You never lose your personality, free will, or your personal strength. I only serve as your knowledgeable guide or facilitator and my goal is only to assist you with specific issue we have discussed.

9. What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis is unique to each individual. I have had clients indicate the experience of that of a very relaxing heavy feeling while others have indicated that they felt light and refreshed. Because the subconscious mind does not have a “clock” 15-20 minutes of hypnosis may leave you feeling as relaxed as if you had 4 hours of deep sleep.

10. How will I know I was hypnotized?
Because a lot of people have the misconception that you are in a coma or asleep they are always surprised when they realized that they can hear me speaking and are aware of surroundings and noises. As a hypnotherapist I look for indicators of depth of hypnosis. Your breathing will slow and become deeper; your muscles will relax; your eyes will close and there will be eye movement under the lids; you are more open to suggestions.

11. What is hypnosis?
Have you ever been totally absorbed in a book or movie? Do you practice meditation? Have you ever “zoned” out and experienced a trancelike state or focused attention?

Hypnosis is not meditation:
With meditation you focus on yourself; there is no specific goal; and when you enter an altered state it is for the purpose of focusing on yourself. With hypnosis you focus on something outside yourself; you have a specific goal to change a behavior or habit or improve health; when you enter an altered state you are then open to receive suggestions for change.

Hypnosis is not sleep:
When you are asleep your eyes are closed; your body is relaxed; you do not hear conversations; you usually move around; there is no ability to concentrate; EEG studies indicate very little alpha activity in the brain.
With hypnosis your eyes are closed, but could remain open; body is usually relaxed, but can be instructed to become tense; you will hear my voice; you will usually remain still because you are too relaxed to want to move; your ability to focus is extremely high; EEG studies indicate that there is high alpha activity (usually in the Theta waves).

With hypnosis your attention is more focused; you are more responsive to suggestions and you are more open and less critical.

It is not clear how hypnosis works. However, it appears to affect how your brain communicates with your body thru nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals. Hypnosis creates a deep relaxation which quiets the mind. You then can concentrate intensely on a specific thought or objective while blocking out distractions. You are more open to the suggestions and this can be used to bring about the wanted changes in health and habits.

12. Is it safe?
Hypnosis can assist you in changing behavior, habits, and improving health.  Hypnotherapy is an unlicensed field and I strongly recommend that you make sure the sessions are held in a professional office atmosphere and that the hypnotherapist has received a minimum of 1000 hours of training and education and is a member of professional organizations which help to regulate this field Be very careful about anyone that indicates a guarantee for their services or does not work in a professional office atmosphere. If a medical doctor can not guarantee a service or treatment, why would a hypnotherapist be able to make that claim? Also, because a hypnotherapist can not diagnose, cure, or prescribe be careful of anyone that is willing to treat a medical issue without knowledge and referral of your physician.

13. How much does it cost?
When my office was open in Temecula I was the ONLY hypnotherapist in Riverside County which was on Blue Cross Healthy Extensions Referral Program due to my training and credentials. Now that I have moved my practice to San Diego County Blue Cross has reorganized and is not longer offering their program regarding hypnotherapy.  However, I am a participating hypnotherapist with Healthways WholeHealth Networks. If you are a member of this organization then you are eligible to receive 10% discount off the normal session rate. Please contact the office for current rates and availability of discounts for groups, corporations and prepaid series pricing. My office takes most major credit cards, checks, and cash in order to make it as affordable and convenient to my clients as possible. What would be the value to improve your life and health? Only you can answer that.