Among all of the alternative healing modalities of the 1990s hypnosis/hypnotherapy is the most rapidly growing alternative. Many leading medical and dental schools are teaching their students the basics of this discipline. The trend now is away from long and expensive traditional physchotherapies that could possibly run for several years before progress is evident. The popularity of self-hypnosis is also on the rise. It is our hope that the information that you find here will answer any questions that you may have about hypnotherapy and its applications

Q: What is hypnosis and what is hypnotherapy?

A: Hypnosis, simply stated, is an altered state of consciousness. We all experience hypnosis falling asleep and awakening. Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis in a healing manner,i.e., the elimination of the smoking habit, stress management, the elimination of phobias,etc.

Q: How exactly does it work?

A: It is a process involving deep relaxation that allows the subconscious part of the mind to become dominant and thus highly receptive to suggestions and visualizations to affect change. The subconscious is the seat of all behavior. Hypnosis allows the client and the therapist to explore this part of the mind, and make changes when needed. All hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis

Q: What is needed for successful therapy?

A: Only one thing is required: a strong desire on the part of the client

Q: Is hypnotherapy a long term therapy?

A: No, it is not. The average client is seen for a few visits, then taught several methods of self-hypnosis to use for reinforcement, if needed. An advantage here is that the hypnotic tapes are used over and over to reinforce the post-hypnotic suggestions

Q: What are some common uses for hypnotherapy?

A: The applications are numerous. Hypnotherapy is the oldest and most broad-based of all therapies (e.g., the ancient Greek and Egyptian sleep temples). My work focuses on smoking cessation, weight management, the reduction of stress, the elimination of all phobias, pre-birthing and post-birthing, the elimination of bruxism, the management of depression and anxiety, and hypno-sports

Q: Is hypnotherapy effective with children?

A: It is highly effective! In fact, children from the ages of about 5 to 11 are ideal candidates. All children are superior candidates for hypnotherapy; I work with children on issues such as bed wetting, nail biting, stuttering, needle phobias, etc.

Q: For the serious reader, would you recommend a good book on hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

A: I recommend SELF-HYPNOTISM by Leslie M. LeCron, a paperback. This book is a classic in the field