Frequently Asked Questions

Generally speaking, nine out of ten people can be hypnotized.  Since hypnosis can be an accumulative state in some clients, with more practice your results will only improve.
Hypnosis is a naturally-occurring phenomenon that you already experience four hours each day.  You actually go in and out of hypnosis constantly while watching an interesting program on television, reading a book, driving a car, or even daydreaming and sleep.

People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Some describe their experience as an altered state of consciousness, while others describe hypnosis as a normal state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed.  Once a state of hypnosis is achieved, a therapist will offer suggestions specifically directed to your goals.  For example, it is possible to suggest to a person with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, that they relax the jaw muscles and then direction is given for the proper position of the jaw to stop the clinching and grinding process. (A person coming in for medical hypnotherapy must be under the direction of a medical provider.)  A person who wishes to achieve weight loss might receive a suggestion to eat smaller portions and balanced meals. Or, they could learn to have no desire to snack and make healthy food choices. Your unconscious mind can then transmit these thoughts and images throughout your mind and body, setting the process for change and healing in motion. A recording of each session will be made to reinforce the suggestions given to you and allow for practice sessions at home for daily reinforcement.

Over the years, there have been many misconceptions about hypnotherapy.  Parlor tricks and stage shows aside, clinical hypnotherapists cannot make you quack like a duck or sing like Barbra Streisand.  A person using hypnosis is always in control, just as someone who is daydreaming can decide to go on or stop the process at any time.  While a hypnotherapist serves as a teacher or a guide, the only person who can hypnotize you is YOU.  Therefore, all hypnosis is truly self-hypnosis.

A typical course of hypnotherapy may require anywhere from one to six sessions depending on your hypnotizability and response to treatment, as well as your commitment to practice the process at home with recorded sessions.

Flex spending and HSA plans do cover your hypnosis sessions. Insurance is not accepted by my office as a form of payment. However, you will receive an insurance reimbursement form at the time you pay for your visit, which includes all of the pertinent insurance coding numbers for reimbursement.
Some insurance companies do offer benefits for hypnosis.  Each company is different, so check with your company to see if hypnosis is a covered benefit.  HSA and Flex spending plans are an easy way to pay for your sessions or be reimbursed.

LDS Church Stance on Hypnotherapy

LDS Church Spokeswoman Kim Farah provided an official statement on the Church’s position on hypnosis in the Daily Universe BYU newspaper on November 3, 2004.

“Members of the church should not participate in hypnosis demonstrations for entertainment,” Farah said. “The use of hypnosis under competent, professional, medical supervision for the treatment of disease or mental disorder is a medical question to be determined by a competent medical authority.”

While the LDS Church is clear on it’s stance toward hypnosis demonstrations, the medical use of hypnosis is left to be decided by church members and medical experts.

Aaron Aldridge, a local hypnotherapist in Orem, further explains that when people are hypnotized, they will not do anything they normally would not do and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.

While in hypnosis, a hypnotist will suggest certain emotions, feelings or mindsets contrary to the old ,negative thoughts and conditions currently held by the client. The client always retains consent to accept the new suggestions or not. All hypnosis is truly self-hypnosis.