Hypnosis is a natural experience that occurs when the conscious mind is gently guided into a state of trance, allowing for the subconscious mind to be more easily accessed, consulted and informed. It entails the use of suggestion, which is designed to align your subconscious motivation with your goals for improved well-being. All of your senses are awake and alert while you are in a hypnotic state. You only say and do in hypnosis what you would normally say and do in a fully conscious state, and you can return to full consciousness any time you choose.

Sessions begin with a basic introduction to hypnosis, and treatment planning according to the issue we're addressing. I'll collect information from you about the patterns and obstacles that are keeping you from where you want to be, and the goals you'd like to achieve. We’ll then complete the hypnosis session, with suggestions custom-designed to facilitate the progress and change that you're looking for.

Sessions also include education on methods for self-hypnosis, to augment the results of these sessions and to use in the future as needed. Hypnotherapy sessions are typically 60-90 minutes in duration for the first session, and 50-60 minutes in duration for follow-up sessions.

Hypnotherapy is often provided through a self-pay arrangement. You’re certainly welcome to contact your insurance company to check whether they cover that service. If you learn that your insurance does cover hypnosis, and you sign permission and provide insurance information, your insurance company will be billed. You will be held responsible for any remaining fees that may not be covered by your insurance. Credit cards are accepted.

Sometimes sufficient progress can be achieved in a single session. I've also offered the option of a series of three to four sessions in programs for weight management and smoking cessation because, for some people, more sessions can bring better results. We can plan for whatever works best for you. Sometimes people choose to complete one session, and decide afterward whether there is any remaining need to schedule another.

Generally speaking, the experience of hypnosis is easy, safe, and relaxing. It is important, however, to be aware of some restrictions. If you are in crisis, feeling unsafe toward yourself or others, or have moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms, including but not limited to psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia), or moderate to severe dissociative symptoms (feeling substantially ‘detached‘, losing time), hypnotherapy may not be indicated for you at this time. Please be forthcoming about whether you are having any substantial difficulty with distress or psychiatric symptoms, and contact me if you have any questions.

I was certified as a hypnotherapist by the National Guild of Hypnotists in October of 2008. I'm trained to provide hypnotherapy for a variety of difficulties, including smoking cessation, weight management, and many other goals.

I was also certified as a self-hypnosis instructor by the Mottin & Johnson Institute of Hypnosis. I received additional training in Advanced Regression techniques, which are used in hypnosis to revisit past events and experiences that have contributed to the problem at hand, in order to reframe and resolve it.