The Zone: a powerful self-hypnosis/meditation exercise


Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy


What is self-hypnosis?

Self‑hypnosis is simply guiding yourself into a relaxed, trance‑like state—much like meditation—where you can give your own mind positive suggestions for stress relief or personal growth.

 

For a powerful self-hypnosis experience, see the video above.

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Will I remember what happens during my session?

Yes—most clients remember their entire session. If you drift into an especially deep trance, you might experience brief gaps in memory, but I’ll prompt you to note anything you wish to recall later.

 

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Will I lose control in hypnosis?

No. You remain fully aware and can reject any suggestion that doesn’t feel right. If something conflicts with your values, you’ll simply ignore it or awaken from the trance.

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How does it feel to be hypnotized?

Hypnosis often feels deeply peaceful—some notice warmth, coolness, heaviness, lightness, or tingling, while others feel no sensation at all. It’s not sleep; you are aware of everything, responding naturally to suggestions.

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Can everyone be hypnotized?

Absolutely. Hypnosis is an altered state we all enter daily when daydreaming or losing ourselves in a movie. With the right guidance, anyone who is willing to relax and focus can be hypnotized.

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Can hypnosis help with my pain?

Yes—using simple “mind‑tricks,” you can reduce immediate discomfort and learn self‑hypnosis techniques to manage chronic pain. For deeper emotional factors behind persistent pain, we integrate advanced methods like Wholeness Work.

Neuro‑Linguistic Programming (NLP) explores how we each build a personal “map” of reality through language and perception—and offers precise tools to reshape that map for better thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

 


I get very anxious. Can hypnosis help with that?

Yes. We’ll pinpoint exactly how your anxiety shows up—whether it’s worry, phobias, or physical tension—and apply tailored NLP and Core Transformation techniques to dissolve triggers and restore calm.

 

I use several powerful NLP modalities to work with anxiety, in particular, Core Transformation and Wholeness, with wonderful results!

 

Also see my blog, "Stalked by Bird Callers".                                                    Top

How many sessions will I need?

Most concerns resolve in three to five 90‑minute sessions. Smoking usually takes three sessions; weight management starts with 4–5 sessions plus follow‑ups. Complex or interrelated issues may require occasional additional visits.

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What happens in a hypnosis session?

We begin with a detailed discussion of your goals and experiences. I’ll teach you basic self‑hypnosis exercises, then guide you through trance work—using pain‑control methods, Core Transformation, and Wholeness techniques—to shift the beliefs and patterns that hold you back. 

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Can hypnosis really make me lose weight?

Hypnosis isn’t a magic diet—it aligns your subconscious with your goals so you naturally adopt healthier eating, manage stress‑driven cravings, and stay motivated to exercise. The result is sustainable weight loss without feeling deprived. 

 

See also my Virtual Gastric Band Weight Loss Program.

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Can hypnosis really make me stop smoking?

When you’re truly ready, hypnosis synchronizes your conscious desire to quit with your subconscious habits—dramatically increasing your chances of becoming and staying smoke‑free. If you’re unsure, we’ll first clarify your motivation before proceeding.

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Could I become stuck in hypnosis, unable to wake up?

Not at all. You always remain in control of your mind and body—hypnosis naturally ends in minutes if the hypnotist steps away, and you can awaken yourself at any time.



Insurance

I am a certified hypnotherapist (by the IMDHA - International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association), not a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist licensed by the State. Hence I am not able to accept insurance payments.

Initial Consultation Session

I offer an Initial Consultation session for those who may want to get a sense of what hypnosis is like and how I work. In this session we will discuss your issues and talk about what hypnosis is. I will teach you a basic self-hypnosis exercise ("The Zone") and do some preliminary hypnotherapy work.

Session Packages

With a new client I typically schedule a package of several sessions:

 

Smoking (and Vaping) Cessation: We will do three sessions, a two-hour main session, followed by two shorter sessions for follow-up and reinforcement. Of those who do this three-session protocol, 75-80% are still smoke-free a year later.

 

Anxiety, Depression, Phobias and Feard, and Other Issues: I usually schedule 4.5 or 6 hours of work. The first session is 90-minutes; after that sessions will be (usually) 90 or 60 minutes, as we decide together. For many clients, this will be all they need; others may want to do a few more sessions, scheduled one at a time.

Weight Loss: We will start with 4.5 or 6 hours, to change your eating habits and enable you to slim down at a healthy and sustainable rate (1-2 pounds per week). I will want to continue working with you until you reach your desired goal (losing 50 pounds will take 6-12 months), but shortening the sessions spreading out the time between them. After a point these will be very short check-ins.