What is Hypnosis?

The human mind may be subdivided into three parts: the unconscious, subconscious, and conscious. These compare to a computer:

Unconscious - operating system 
Subconscious - hard drive 
Conscious - RAM

The Unconscious mind operates your automatic body systems, such as telling your heart to beat, much like a computer's operating system includes it's basic functions. The Subconscious mind operates like a hard drive by storing files of all the memories and experiences and emotions you have from your past, and more importantly protecting you from harm. The Conscious mind makes our day-to-day decisions and choses what information is to be acted upon or let go. This is how you do tasks such as comparing, reasoning, making decisions, and developing your core beliefs and values. These abilities are called the Critical Factor and are the things we bypass in hypnosis to make the permanent changes you desire.

Hypnosis is a blend of physical relaxation and focused concentration. Hypnosis is guided imagery combined with specific suggestions to effect desired change. The Canadian Medical Community recognized the use of therapeutic Hypnosis in 1995.. You do not have to be relaxed to undergo hypnosis. That is why it also works with childbirth, pain control, and dentistry.

Am I asleep or unconscious during hypnosis?
No, you are not asleep or unconscious during hypnosis. You are in a state of deep relaxation. You must still be conscious in order to hear the suggestions. It feels very similar to the first five minutes when you fall asleep.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis
A hypnotherapist is your guide, not telling you what to do, but telling you what you want to do to reach your goals. You choose to enter the state, to remain in the state, and to do the work. This is why, ultimately, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotherapist moves the process along faster and easier.

Can the hypnotist make me do funny, weird, or bad things?
No. You are awake, relaxed, and in total control throughout the entire session. No hypnotist can ever make you do anything you don't want to do. People do funny things for a stage hypnotist because they volunteer to go on stage and expect to do funny things. If they really don't want to listen to the hypnotist's suggestions, they don't. For example, if a hypnotist asked you to do something immoral or unethical (such as hit somebody or rob a bank) you would react in one of two ways: you will either emerge or you will ignore the suggestion.

Can I be hypnotized?
Dreaming, daydreaming, and experiencing "highway hypnosis" (when you're driving down the highway and all of a sudden find yourself at your exit) are all examples of being in a hypnotized state. Just about anyone can be hypnotized (except if you are psychotic or below average intelligence). The state of hypnosis is fully voluntary. Whether the hypnosis works depends mostly on how much you want to change that part of your life.

Can I get lost or stuck in hypnosis?
Hypnosis is never a permanent state. If your hypnotist were to stop talking long enough, you would notice and emerge automatically. With self hypnosis you can set time limits when going into self hypnosis, and your subconscious mind will automatically emerge you when your time is up.

How much does it cost? How do I pay?
Sessions vary depending on the program. Allow up to 1-2 hours for hypnotherapy sessions, depending on what you are working on. See Fee schedule for further information, or ask me for more information.

Can this be billed to my insurance?
I do not file insurance for you. But some insurance companies will cover programs such as smoking cessation or weight reduction. I will provide you with a receipt that you can submit independently to your insurance company. You should contact your insurance provider first, to see if they will reimburse you for your hypnotherapy or counseling sessions. I am a Registered Social Services Worker, in addition to being a Registered Counselling Clinical Hypnotherapist, and some insurance companies will reimburse for services provided by an R.S.S.W.

Is hypnosis really going to help me lose weight?
Definitely - as long as you are willing to make permanent lifestyle changes! Whereas diets are only temporary, and pills and drugs require you to keep buying them over long periods of time, hypnotherapy will permanently improve your life and allow you to live a healthy, fit, lifestyle. Keep in mind that hypnosis doesn't just melt the fat away with no effort on your part! It is not a quick fix. We will find out why you are choosing to eat in an unhealthy manner, if there are any emotional factors involved, and change these as well as any other unwanted habits such as portion size, cravings, etc.

I've tried to stop smoking many times, can hypnosis make me stop?
You will experience a lifestyle shift from being a smoker to a nonsmoker, and you will do different activities instead of smoking. This program is very behaviour-oriented, so I need to know what you want to do behaviourally instead of smoking in the car, with your coffee, etc. Something has to "click" inside of you, at which time you decide once and for all that you are ready to be a nonsmoker. 

There is Always a Human Factor when Helping People.
Hypnosis is a very powerful method for change and has helped thousands of people to make all sorts of changes in their lives. But....hypnosis is not mind control. For instance, not even the most excellent hypnotist can MAKE you lose weight or stop smoking if you really don't want to. Neither can we accurately predict how many sessions you will need. Most people, but not everyone, begin to experience the benefits from the very first session and are done in four to six sessions. Ultimately, you are responsible for the changes that occur as a result of your hypnosis sessions. You have to follow the instructions and want to make the changes. Most changes are permanent. Some people are able to have a few sessions, and be changed forever. Sometimes excessive stress may cause some people to revert back to old habits, but that is rare. If you do revert back to some unwanted habits, you can always listen to your personalized hypnotherapy CD to help you return quickly to the lifestyle you desire.

No hypnotist can guarantee that the changes will happen. But actually, this is true in any situation where a professional is trying to help you. There is always a human factor. Doctors don't guarantee that you will get well. Teachers do not guarantee you will learn. Lawyers do not guarantee you will win your case.  But I can guarantee that I will do my best to help you reach your goals.

OTHER USES FOR HYPNOTHERAPY
- Addictions
- Anger and stress management
- Anxiety control
- Morning sickness/nausea control
- Eliminating unwanted habits
- Releasing fears and phobias
- Controlling pain due to headaches & migraines
- Insomnia
- Increasing motivation & confidence
- Helping with pre-op anxiety & post op healing
- Increasing relaxation
- Improving memory recall
- Learning to use self-hypnosis for any behaviour you want to change or    improve
- Increasing sports performance
- Decreasing test anxiety

• PATH® hypnotherapists know how to match and customize the right inductions, deepening techniques, suggestions and other techniques to each client for maximum results.
• Your work with me will not be one of those one-shot deals. We will work together as a team as you go through the process, neutralizing any old limiting beliefs, emotions, or habits.
• I will go beyond merely suggesting changes and the visualization techniques offered by so many which only bring about limited results. I have been trained to find the actual cause of the problem and eliminate it, and then give you suggestions for success. This enables my clients to be very successful and experience long term and even permanent results.
• I am even able to deal with issues that could be causing problems that you may not have thought of, such as internal conflicts. For example, most people who want to make positive changes in their lives also are a bit conflicted by making the changes, like the smoker who wants to stop but is fearful that he or she will miss the cigarette habit or gain weight. Another example is the person who has been abusing alcohol or drugs who fears that if he or she abstains they will be lonely or anxious without the alcohol or drug.