The Initial Session

Every new client must have an initial, or “intake”, session with me.  This session usually only has to be done once, meaning that a repeat client is able to receive additional services in a reduced number of sessions.  The initial session runs for 1.5 to 2 hours.

This initial session is an integral part of the process and sets you up for success.

What Happens in the Initial Session

During the initial session I learn about you and your background, address any questions or concens you have, you learn about me and hypnosis, and then we try some practical hypnosis exercises.

Why is this an Important Part of the Process?

If I do not know about you or you have questions and so are not comfortable with the process, then getting effective benefit from hypnosis will be difficult.

Over the years, I have had several people tell me that they can’t be hypnotized. When I ask them to tell me why they think that, and the answers are all similar.

Usually it involves an experience where someone insisted that they can hypnotize anyone and has then failed to do so. That failure is usually due to no time being spent discussing hypnosis with that person, not discussing what it is and what it is not, addressing any questions or possible concerns they might have, and not building rapport with them.

Hypnosis is a 100% consent state and the client (you) must be 100% comfortable and on board with the process.  If there is even the slightest doubt, concern or uncertainty we can (and will) prohibit ourselves from entering a nice, truly deep state of hypnosis which could result in important messages & suggestions being blocked.

Hypnosis is also like most practices in life in that the more you practice, the deeper, easier and faster you go.  The more comfortable you are with both me and with being in hypnosis, the easier it will be for you to do the work required and to accept the suggestions you need to make the changes you desire; meaning we can work more effectively together, getting you the results you seek.  At our initial session, I will give you a CD allowing you to practice hypnosis on your own; again, ensuring you are really comfortable with the entire process.

The initial session usually only has to be done once.  In the event that we have worked together previously, and a customized session is later needed, we can usually connect over the phone for a 30 minute specialized telephone consultation ($50) - the establishing session.

The establishing session gives me all the information I need to customize our work together.

How Many Sessions are required?

This is a common question and truly depends on many things.  The number of sessions required is dictated by the nature of the issue, the layers of complexity and by what is needed to meet the needs of the unique individual.  Certain programs I offer (fertility for example) require a minimum commitment of 5 sessions.  I may only see a smoker twice, other smokers may need 3 or 4 sessions if there are emotional attachments.

There may be instances where I meet with someone regularly for a few weeks and then they step away to do work in other areas before coming back later on to continue in the process.  Hypnosis is not a magic pill - it is part of the process of you tapping into the power of your own incredible mind & making the changes that you want (or need) to make.  For some people, this process will be very quick and for others it may take more time. 

One thing to note is that hypnosis is generally not something that you must continue with for an undefined period of time.  I usually see people for an average of 4-6 sessions and then may not hear from them again until something else comes up in their lives.  As a hypnotherapist, my goal is is to help you find your wings so that you can fly solo.