Understanding Hypnosis

Your FAQs Answered

  • Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness that helps you access your subconscious mind, which is the part of you that holds onto habits, emotions, memories, and patterns. It’s gaining more and more recognition in the scientific community.

    Let’s clear up a common misconception: hypnosis isn’t a mind control or a magic trick despite what Hollywood might have you believe.

    It feels a lot like being lost in a daydream or getting so immersed in a good book or a movie that the rest of the world fades away. You’re still in control, fully aware of what’s happening, yet your mind is deeply focused and open to new possibilities, while your body is simply relaxed.

    For some people hypnosis feels like a deeply relaxing mental reset. Others find it as a mental workout for the mind. No matter how you experience it, hypnosis is a powerful tool for managing stress, breaking old habits, relieving pain, and addressing anxiety or trauma symptoms.

    Even science backs it up! The American Psychological Association (APA) describes hypnosis as a partnership between the clients and the hypnotist. APA states that hypnosis is effective for calming the mind, relaxing the body, and supporting medical and therapeutic benefits like reducing pain, and managing stress. It complements medical treatments and has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, making it an excellent tool for creating meaningful and lasting change.

    At my San Jose office, or online, I offer personalized intensive hypnosis sessions tailored to your needs.

    Curious if hypnosis is right for you? Book your consultation today and lets explore how hypnosis can benefit you too!

  • Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility. It is not a mind-control.

    Nobody can make you do anything you do not want to do during a hypnotic session. You are always in full control and able to stop participating if you choose to.

    It is a common misconception that hypnotherapist has some extraordinary power over a client to induce an altered state of consciousness without the client’s knowledge.

    It is essential to point out that all Hypnosis is self-hypnosis. As such, it is only a client who can alter their thoughts and unwanted patterns of behavior.

    As my client, you are always in complete control and can stop participating if you choose to. Think of me as your guide, where I am using my voice and words to help lead you into a space where YOU can alter your thoughts and unwanted patterns.

  • Absolutely! The majority of people can benefit from hypnosis regardless of their level of suggestibility. Being “hypnotizable” or choosing to be responsive to suggestions means that you can use hypnosis effectively. It is not related to being weak-willed or gullible.

  • While hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for change, it is not therapy in the traditional sense. Hypnotherapy is a technique that helps clients shift patterns, behaviors, and habits, often complementing psychotherapy and other forms of personal growth.

    Many clients find that hypnosis facilitates change more quickly than traditional psychotherapy alone by working directly with the subconscious mind. If you’re seeking therapy in the clinical or mental health sense, hypnotherapy alone wouldn’t be the right fit. However, if you’re looking for a solution-focused approach to break through blocks and create meaningful change faster, hypnosis may be a great option.

  • No matter how deeply hypnotized you become, you will remain in control throughout your session. You are able to stop participating and end a hypnotic state if you choose at any point.

  • NO. Although people might feel physically relaxed and emotionally calm during hypnosis, they are still active participants in their hypnotic journey and can direct or stop the session.

  • Our brain has billions of interconnected neurons that communicate with each other through small electrical currents. Once all neurons mobilize, these currents create electrical pulses, which we call brainwaves. Five brainwave patterns are experienced in our brain: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. All brainwave patterns hold different wavelengths, from slow to fast and associated with varying processes. Hypnosis takes place in the Alpha and Theta brainwave states. A deep state of Hypnosis is associated with Theta state when we are most susceptible to suggestions improving our thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and behaviors.

  • For most people, it is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. During this experience, their body feels relaxed, and their mind is focused on a specific idea.

  • No, I do not accept insurance for hypnotherapy. However, some of my clients explore reimbursement options after paying upfront. If this applies to you, your provider may require a copy of a paid invoice and/or a note from your doctor approving hypnotherapy for your condition.

    Some clients successfully use their HSA ( Health Savings Account) or FSA ( Flexible Spending Account) funds to cover sessions.

Curious how hypnosis could work for you?

To explore your next step…