Common questions

Yes. Your mind changes states multiple times per day, from sleep, to focus, to relaxation. Hypnosis is simply a different mental state, and at the end of each session I gently guide you back into a state of centered awareness. My goal is to make sure that you are relaxed enough to experience hypnosis, while ensuring that you don’t become so relaxed that you fall asleep! You remain aware and in control, and able to speak if needed. You will not become “stuck.”

In session work, I will give you an idea, for example, “imagine a place where you feel supported and comfortable.” As you can imagine, that thought will prompt different people to think of different places. The hypnosis experience becomes uniquely yours. Films depict a “zombie” reaction to hypnosis. In fact, you are an active participant, deeply immersed in the mental practice of meeting your goals.

Most people can experience hypnosis, and my clients usually move into it with ease. Some research shows that people who try hypnosis more than once have an easier time experiencing it, so a past experience that didn’t work is not the final word. A few times, I have had extremely exhausted clients fall asleep when given relaxation cues. When that happens, I reschedule the session for a later date at no additional charge. Hypnosis is not a good fit for young children who don’t want to be still. For some mental health conditions, it may not be appropriate; we can discuss this on the intro call, and I may ask you to check with your doctor or therapist first.

Hypnosis helps you enter a state of relaxed, deep focus. There is an induction, when you relax into hypnosis. Usually, your body relaxes, and you are able to listen to my voice. Your heart rate usually settles into a resting rate, and your breathing becomes more open and relaxed. Then, we cover the session material itself. You will explore new perspectives, and practice new patterns, while in a state of hypnosis. Emergence is the last part, when I gently guide you back into a state of centered awareness.

Both meditation and hypnosis have been studied using EEG and fMRI. They have some things in common, but they are significantly different experiences. For example, many meditation practices ask you to stay present, while in hypnosis, you are often encouraged to imagine a future state.

Hypnosis does not depend on being physically in the same room. During hypnosis, you listen to my voice and engage with the process while remaining aware and in control. What matters most is that you are comfortable, can hear clearly and are unlikely to be interrupted. See Virtual sessions for how to prepare.

We start with a complimentary 15-minute call. Together, we will talk about your needs and goals and determine if my services are a good fit. After the call, you can book your initial series of sessions. Clients begin with an initial series of six 55-minute sessions. For new clients, these are usually weekly. Through my work with clients, I have found that the best results come from an initial six-session block of work. Many continue afterward, often intermittently, as new goals or life challenges come up.

Yes. I have training in complementary hypnosis services that support the care provided by licensed medical providers. I will take direction on session content to support the medical care you receive. For example, I don’t claim to treat ADHD. However, I can support a client’s medical team with hypnosis sessions about time management and organization. I will coordinate with your primary care doctor or other medical professionals as needed. I require any client dealing with an addiction to also consult with their doctor and/or therapist. Hypnosis is not intended to diagnose illness or replace medical care.

Client sessions are not recorded, and I do not use AI in client interactions. Any notes I take during or after a session are handwritten. Change One Moment hypnosis does not require disclosing a detailed personal or family history. You only need to share information relevant to your goals and the session. During hypnosis, I will often say “in the privacy of your own mind, think of…” or “in the privacy of your own mind, imagine…” After the session, you are free to share only what you choose. Client scheduling and payments run through established, secure services, and I use an end-to-end encrypted system for file sharing and intake paperwork.