What to Expect
No surprises. Here is what working with me actually looks like.
Before your first session
We start with a phone consultation — usually 15 to 20 minutes, no charge. I want to understand what you're trying to change, and you'll have a chance to ask any questions you have before committing to anything.
I'll ask you to come in with a specific goal. "I want to feel less anxious" is a starting point. "I haven't been able to sleep through the night in three years and I want that to change" is something we can work with directly.
If during the consultation I don't think hypnotherapy is the right approach for your situation, I'll tell you. I would rather lose a session fee than have someone spend money on something I don't believe will help them.
During a session
Sessions take place in my office in San Rafael. You sit in a comfortable chair. We talk first — about where you are, what's been working, what hasn't — then I guide you into a deeply relaxed state using a verbal induction.
In that state I work with you using suggestion and imagery tailored to your goal. You are aware throughout. You can hear everything. You can speak. You can open your eyes and end the session at any time. You will not be asked to do anything, say anything, or reveal anything you don't want to.
Most sessions run 60 to 90 minutes. Some targeted sessions — particularly for smoking cessation — run longer.
How many sessions you'll need
Smoking cessation: typically one intensive session, sometimes two.
Anxiety, sleep, confidence, and moderate habit change: often four to six sessions.
Deeply layered issues or long-standing phobias: sometimes more, assessed as we go.
I will give you a realistic estimate after the phone consultation. I don't book people into open-ended packages. If we're not making progress by the expected point, I'd rather tell you that honestly.
After your session
Many people feel noticeably different immediately — calmer, lighter, clearer. Some notice changes gradually over the days following. A small number feel little in the first session and significant change after the second or third. All three patterns are normal.
I may give you a recording to listen to between sessions, or a simple practice to reinforce the work. Hypnotherapy is not passive on your part. The more engaged you are with the process between sessions, the better your results will be.