Hypnotherapy is a proven and safe method of helping a person to modify behavior, emotional content, and attitudes, as well as a wide range of conditions including dysfunctional habits, anxiety, stress-related illness, pain management, and personal development.  With a master's degree in Women’s Studies, I have a special interest in providing hypnotherapy for a wide variety of issues of interest to women and their families.

Hypnosis is a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration—a state of mind and body in which we communicate suggestions to our subconscious mind. This part of our mind influences what we think, how we feel, and the choices we make. There is no magic to achieving success with self-hypnosis. Anyone who chooses to can reach deep relaxation and redirected focus.

Common Misconceptions about hypnosis

"In hypnosis, a person has to do whatever the hypnotist says to do."  

• You cannot be controlled and won’t do anything while in a hypnotic state that you would not be likely to do in your normal state. People will not accept any suggestions to do anything that is opposed to their morals, standards, ethics, beliefs, etc. Since the subconscious mind will not allow you to be hypnotized against your will or accept any suggestions that are not in your best interests, even while in the hypnotic state, you retain full choice. No one can be hypnotized unless they want and allow it to occur.   

"I will be unconscious if I am hypnotized."

• People are generally fully aware of everything that is going on and being said while under hypnosis. Even in the deepest levels of clinical hypnosis, most people will remember everything that happens and is said. Hypnosis in not the same as going to sleep or becoming unconscious. On the contrary, a typical hypnotic state is a condition of heightened awareness and deepened relaxation. It is a state in which the mind works so well and the "Law of Self-Preservation" works so beautifully that no one could ever take advantage of you in the hypnotic state.  

"If I am hypnotized I will lose control of myself."

"Not everyone can be hypnotized."

• There are many levels of hypnosis. Everyone can reach at least the lightest states of hypnosis if they are willing to be hypnotized. If you ever "daydream," suddenly realize that you have passed your exit on the freeway, meditate, or become immersed in a good book or movie, then you have been in a hypnotic state.

Everyone can be hypnotized if they want it to happen, believe and expect it to happen, and allow it to happen.