Q: What do you mean by "Presentations & Training"?

As I described in the "Stage Hypnosis" FAQ , there are three types of stage hypnosis. I have done all three, but for the purposes of this site, I am referring to the final two mentioned there: Another type of stage hypnosis is the hypnosis demonstration. In this type of performance, the purpose is to educate, rather than to entertain. Hypnotic phenomenon takes front stage and the comedy takes a back seat. In this type of show, the purpose is for you to walk out with a better understanding of what hypnosis is and more importantly, what it is not. The final category is the seminar presentation. The purpose of this type of performance is once again educational, but in this case, hypnosis is only used to prove a point about some other topic. A classic example is a performance given before a group of salespeople, where hypnosis is used to show illustrate how a mindset can have a large impact on the success or failure of a sale. I enjoy working on stage, so if you have something in mind, let's talk. I bet we can come up with something that suits your audience and fits your budget." Presentations & Training

Q: Are there people who should not be hypnotized?

Medical doctors and mental health professionals may indicate that hypnosis is contraindicated for a number of conditions, including: Although hypnosis has seen some amazing results over a wide spectrum of conditions, hypnotherapy is generally an adjunct therapy and is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.

Question 1

What hours are you open?

Accepted Answer

Since we don't see "walk up" traffic, we don't post "open hours". Besides, it's fun to keep getting nagged by Yelp! because they want us to post some hours of operation. :)

Booking is by appointment only. If you visit the booking/scheduling section of the site, it will allow you to choose from the available time slots. If you can't book it, it's not open. If you can, it is.

The exception is, of course, you can mail us at anytime with questions, comments, or maybe just to talk.

Question 2

I can't be hypnotized!

Accepted Answer

It's a little known fact that hypnosis works with anyone who has average or better intelligence and even the tiniest bit of imagination. Period.

So, if you "can't be hypnotized", well, I will let you read between the lines...

When someone tells me "I can't be hypnotized!", I will admit to smirking a bit, (on the inside only). On the outside, I know what they really mean is "I haven't been hypnotized." And that is something I can work with and help them out with.

If you've managed to read this far, you CAN be hypnotized if the hypnotist knows what they need to do to reach you. The VAST majority of failures to hypnotize are the fault of the hypnotist, not the subject. Sure, as I describe elsewhere in this FAQ, you can resist and even prevent hypnosis, but assuming that you are willing to go along with the process, you will go into hypnosis just like the rest of us.

Question 3

What is hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is a focus and imagination. Usually, relaxation is part of the clinical experience, but it's really a secondary benefit.

The Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term "hypnotism", then later he sought to change the name to ""monoideism"", but the name had already caught on. He changed his mind on the name because as he researched it, he found that "hypnosis" had a lot less to do with "hypno" (Greek for "sleep") than it did with focus.

In a hypnotic trance, the noise in your mind stops and you are able to focus with crystalline clarity on the voice of the hypnotist and the suggestions being made.

Question 4

Who can be hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wants to be. If you can pay attention and follow instructions, you are going to go under. The "depth" of the trance may vary with the natural ability and experience of the subject, but hypnotic trance is natural and we all slip in and out of it daily even without a hypnotist being present.

Question 5

Where can I experience "street" hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

In person, it's like running across a musician or a street magician. Fairs and festivals, boardwalks, events, beaches, malls and other public places are becoming regular haunts for street hypnotists.

Barring running across a street hypnotist in person, YouTube has a lot of videos. As with anything on YouTube, some are great, some are interesting, some are fake and some are completely inexplicable.

Question 6

What do you mean by "Presentations & Training"?

Accepted Answer

As I described in the "Stage Hypnosis" FAQ, there are three types of stage hypnosis. I have done all three, but for the purposes of this site, I am referring to the final two mentioned there:

Another type of stage hypnosis is the hypnosis demonstration. In this type of performance, the purpose is to educate, rather than to entertain. Hypnotic phenomenon takes front stage and the comedy takes a back seat. In this type of show, the purpose is for you to walk out with a better understanding of what hypnosis is and more importantly, what it is not.

The final category is the seminar presentation. The purpose of this type of performance is once again educational, but in this case, hypnosis is only used to prove a point about some other topic. A classic example is a performance given before a group of salespeople, where hypnosis is used to show illustrate how a mindset can have a large impact on the success or failure of a sale.

I enjoy working on stage, so if you have something in mind, let's talk. I bet we can come up with something that suits your audience and fits your budget." Presentations & Training

Question 7

What Is Hypnotherapy Used For?

Accepted Answer

I started keeping this list on my "General Hypnosis" page and I add to it as I wander across new uses.

Abandonment Fear of Loss of Control Moodiness Self-Control Addictions Fear of Needles Motivation Self-Criticism ADD/ADHD Fear of Success Nail-Biting Self-Defeating Behaviors Age Regression Fear of Surgery Nausea Self-Esteem Aggression Fear of Water Negativity Self-Expression Agoraphobia Forgiveness Nightmares Self-Forgiveness Anesthesia Frustration Obsessions Self-Hypnosis Anger Gagging Obsessive-Compulsive Self-Image Anxiety Gambling Overeating Self-Mastery Assertiveness Guilt Overly Critical Sexual Problems Assist Healing Hair Twisting Pain Management Shame Attitude Adjustment Headaches Panic Attacks Skin Problems Bedwetting Helplessness Passive-Aggressive Sleep Disorders Biofeedback Hopelessness Past Life Regression Smoking Breathing Hostility Perfectionism Social Phobia Career Success Hypertension Performance Anxiety Sports Change Habits Hypochondria Pessimism Stage Fright Childbirth Immune System Phobias Stress Chronic Pain Impotency Postsurgical Stubbornness Communication Improve Health Premature Ejaculation Study Habits Concentration Improve Sales Presurgical Stuttering Controlling Indecision Problem Solving Substance Abuse Cramps Inferiority Procrastination Sugar Addiction Cravings Inhibition PTSD Superiority Creativity Insecurity Public Speaking Tardiness Death or Loss Insomnia Reach Goals Temptation Discouraged Irrational Thoughts Rejection Tinnitus Dreams Irritability Relations Test Anxiety Exercise Jealousy Relationship Enhancement Thumb Sucking Fear of Animals Lack of Ambition Relaxation Tics Fear of Death Lack of Direction Resistance to Change Trauma Fear of Dentists Lack of Enthusiasm Responsibility Ulcers Fear of Doctors Lack of Initiative Restlessness Victimization Fear of Failure Lower Blood Pressure Sadness Weight Loss Fear of Flying Medication Side Effects Self-Awareness Worry Fear of Heights Memory Self-Blame Writer's Block Mistrust Self-Confidence

Question 8

Are there people who should not be hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

Medical doctors and mental health professionals may indicate that hypnosis is contraindicated for a number of conditions, including:

Although hypnosis has seen some amazing results over a wide spectrum of conditions, hypnotherapy is generally an adjunct therapy and is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.

Question 9

How do I know you are qualified to help me?

Accepted Answer

That is a great question and probably the most important one in this FAQ.

There are a lot of people out there claiming to be "hypnotherapists". In Washington, the Department of Health has some very specific rules about who can use that title, but in most states, it's completely unregulated.

I recommend you view two pages on this site:

Choosing a Hypnotherapist and Education and Credentials while you are researching this subject.

Question 10

Are some people better at hypnosis than others?

Accepted Answer

Most certainly.

There is a natural ability inherent in hypnosis, but willingness goes a long way toward overriding that.

I would rather work with a willing participant who is low on the hypnotizability scale than someone with a ton of natural ability who won't do the work.

There are people who are naturally gifted at hypnosis. They are known as "somnambulists" or "sleepwalkers". While somnambulists have a natural ability to experience hypnotic trance, it is a skill that can be learned and improved by anyone who is so inclined. Practice, practice, practice.