FAQ
I’ve done my best to answer many of the questions clients tend to ask. Please read and if you still have questions, contact me!
What is Hypnosis?
The formal definition of hypnosis is a natural, yet altered state, in which your mind is relaxed, focused and open to positive suggestion. But what’s an altered state? It’s when your awareness drifts away from its usual analytical or reasoning state. It can also be called the relaxation response. Most people don’t realize it, but everyone experiences altered states daily. When you’re so engrossed in a project or a great movie that outside noises and distractions barely exist. Think Flow, if you know of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, or dance, yoga, meditation or even intense laughter.
So what’s the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is the vehicle for hypnotherapy. After being guided into a deeply relaxed, hypnotic state, we re-train your brain to release its old ways, by processing past experiences and feelings. Your mind is then ready to forge new pathways, behaviors, habits and thought changes. To support, reinforce and anchor the changes we’ve made, we then use positive suggestions and sometimes an audio to maintain the progress at home.
And how about between Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy?
Both are useful for addressing a wide range of issues. A licensed psychotherapist formulates a professional opinion describing the problem and treats or counsels the client accordingly. A hypnosis practitioner works with the client’s subconscious mind to change a habitual response. Psychotherapy is the appropriate approach for people with significant emotional issues. *Please note: If you are under the care of a psychotherapist or health care professional, you must get their permission to use hypnosis as an adjunct therapy before working with me. Hypnosis is not a replacement for medical care.*
What is the difference between Hypnosis and Meditation?
Hypnosis and meditation are two different ways of reaching the same destination. Hypnosis can be like flying to a particular locale whereas meditation may be more like walking. Studies have shown both to be beneficial to your mental and physical well-being. The main difference is that in hypnotherapy, your practitioner is your second ear and is there to guide you and help process any experiences that may be blocking your goal and flood your mind with positive suggestions. Many of my clients have found that hypnosis has strengthened their meditation practice – it has certainly improved mine!
Does It Work?
The success rate for hypnosis is very high. A survey of psychotherapy literature by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. showed a recovery rate of 93% with only 6 sessions of hypnotherapy. The key to successful hypnosis is having the desire, motivation and commitment to make a change. There have been numerous studies on hypnosis and hypnotherapy; learn more here.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Anyone who wants to experience hypnosis, can be hypnotized. All you need is the desire and the willingness to follow the guidance. Highly intelligent, creative and strong-willed individuals are great candidates for hypnosis because they are accustomed to directing their minds to reach goals and create results. There are a variety of techniques that are used to guide people into hypnosis. If you have “tried” hypnosis before but it “didn’t work”, it may be that you need a different technique that is more in line with your personality and learning style. Or you may have been busy waiting to see what happens when you become hypnotized, or anxious about losing control while not realizing that you’re always in control, that you hypnotize yourself and the practitioner is only a guide.
Can I Be Controlled in Hypnosis?
Most people ask this question because of the stage hypnosis acts they have witnessed. The first thing to know is that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. It is a participatory process, you are simply following the practitioner’s instructions because you have chosen to do so. Please know that you are always in control. You will not cluck like a chicken unless you want to! It is not a truth serum, you cannot and will not do or say anything in hypnosis that you don’t find acceptable in your waking state. Ultimately, hypnosis allows you greater control over your mind and body.
Can I Get Stuck in Hypnosis?
This question is one of the many myths that always makes me smile. No one has ever gotten stuck in hypnosis. It simply cannot happen. You are in a highly relaxed state, similar to sleep. When you’re ready to open your eyes and come up and out of hypnosis, you will.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Ask 100 people and you’ll get a 100 different answers! Most clients report pleasant feelings of mental and physical relaxation. One of my clients said that it’s even better than a massage! Just know that you will be relaxed and focused, yet you will remain aware and able to respond as necessary.
Is hypnosis or hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
It depends on your alternative healthcare coverage. Most of my clients who have successfully used insurance have taken advantage of their “flex” accounts.
QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING WITH KARLA
What does a private session cost?
I don’t generally do single private sessions for new clients, as a series of sessions has proven to be more effective. For more information about package pricing, please check out the work with me page here.
How long does a session last?
The average session runs between 1.5 to 2 hours. Initial sessions are 2 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
Many issues are resolved in 6-8 sessions. However, the total number of sessions can vary, depending on the client and the issue or issues being addressed. Hypnosis is a cumulative and progressive process, so for optimal results, consistent weekly appointments are recommended. Sessions are usually experienced in person, but Skype sessions are also available. You are free to choose the issue you would like to work on.
Please note: All the work that we do together is completely confidential.
What if I complete my work before using my entire package?
You may use any remaining sessions that have been purchased in advance at any time. Sessions are transferable, but they do expire one year from date of purchase.
Can I still receive a discount if I need to purchase additional sessions?
Yes, your original discounted package rate will be available to you if you want to purchase more sessions.
What if I can’t make my appointment?
You must provide 24 hours cancellation notice by email or phone. You can reach me directly here. Otherwise, you will be charged the full amount for your missed visit.
What if I’m scared to try hypnosis, but I know I want to make a change?
It is essential that you are upfront about any fears or concerns you may have. This way, we can discuss and clarify what’s on your mind, so that you may have a beneficial experience.
DISCLAIMER: Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are educational and self-improvement processes that facilitate access to internal resources that assist people in solving problems, increasing motivation or altering behavior patterns to create positive change.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not the practice of medicine, psychology or psychiatry, and are not in any way intended to be a replacement or substitute for diagnosis or treatment of any complaint or ailment. Karla Lightfoot does not practice medicine or psychotherapy and her services are not a replacement for counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric or medical treatment. No service or product is intended to treat any disease or illness, psychological or mental health condition.
*Persons with an ailment or physical complaint are to see their physician first for treatment, and make use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy as an adjunct to medical treatment. Persons with mental disabilities or mental illnesses should seek psychiatric care. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy employ and teach skills for self-improvement; therefore their effectiveness depends on the client and no guarantee can be made regarding the results of their use.
The contents of this website are for educational purposes only.