Clinical Hypnosis
What is clinical hypnosis?
Clinical hypnosis is a collaborative, focused state of attention. You stay aware throughout and in control the whole time. Using imagery, metaphor, and guided attention, we help you reach your own internal resources and explore new ways of responding.
It isn't mind control and it isn't stage hypnosis. You won't be made to do anything, and you can't get stuck
❋ Clinical Hypnosis vs. "hypnotherapy"Many people searching for hypnosis find practitioners who offer hypnosis alone. Clinical hypnosis is different in a few ways:
• It's practiced by a licensed mental health clinician, within the scope of psychotherapy.
• It's tailored to you, with no scripts read from a binder.
• It can be combined with other approaches, such as parts work, EMDR, and Brainspotting, when they
fit.
• It's grounded in an established professional community, with standards of training and ethics.
❋ What it can help withHypnosis is often used within therapy for:
• Anxiety and the physical tension that comes with it
• Perfectionism and people-pleasing patterns
• Performance and test anxiety
• Burnout and creative blocks
• Reconnecting with your younger self and building self-worth
• Stress and nervous-system regulation
• Quitting smoking or vaping
❋ What a session is like1. We talk first. We clarify what you want to change and how you want to work.
2. We prepare. I explain what to expect and answer questions before anything begins.
3. We go inward, together. Using guided imagery and metaphor, you settle into a relaxed, focused state while I guide the process.
4. We integrate. We talk about what you noticed and how to carry it into daily life.
Many clients find the Depth Session (90 minutes, $200) especially suited to hypnosis, since it leaves room for preparation, the experience itself, and integration without watching the clock.
❋ My Training• Level 1 and Level 2 clinical hypnosis training through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
(ASCH)
• Many advanced trainings through the North Texas Society of Clinical Hypnosis, North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and others
• Post-graduate Fellow with the Milton H. Erickson Foundation
• Current president of the North Texas Society of Clinical Hypnosis (NTSCH)
• Additional training in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which can be combined with hypnosis when appropriate
Hypnosis for smoking cessation
Many people come to hypnosis when they're ready to quit smoking or vaping. Hypnosis can be one part of a quit plan, helping you work with the habit, the cues that trigger it, and the moments of stress that make you reach for a cigarette. In a session, we explore what smoking does for you (a break, a stress release, a transition) and use guided imagery and suggestion to build new responses. Results vary from person to person, and hypnosis works best when you're motivated to quit. It's often most effective alongside other support, and I encourage you to talk with your doctor about quitting aids as well.
Focused 10-Session Program
For a defined goal like quitting smoking, I offer a structured program: 10 sessions of 50 minutes each, $1,250. It includes a clear starting point, a plan built around your goal, clinical hypnosis, and practice tools for between sessions. Results vary, and we'll discuss whether the program is a good fit during your consultation.
FAQs
Will I lose control or say something I don't want to?
1
No. You stay aware and in control throughout, and you can open your eyes or stop at any time. Nothing happens without your participation.
Can anyone be hypnotized?
2
Most people can experience hypnosis to some degree, and responsiveness varies. Curiosity and willingness help more than being easily hypnotized. Openness helps, but belief isn't required.
Is hypnosis safe?
3
When practiced by a trained clinician, it's generally considered safe. It isn't appropriate for everyone, and we'll discuss whether it's a good fit during your consultation.
Is clinical hypnosis the same as stage hypnosis?
4
No. Stage hypnosis is entertainment. Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic tool used in a confidential, professional setting.