What is hypnosis? Does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis
is a state of deep relaxation, combined with heightened suggestibility and concentration. It is a direct way to reach the subconscious,
which governs our habits and behavior. While
you are deeply relaxed, your hypnotherapist makes suggestions, which are agreeable to you,
about what changes you are ready to make in your life.
You visualize these changes and, after the session is complete, you
naturally act on the suggestions to achieve your goals.
Hypnosis definitely works to help you change your life through the power of
your mind!
Am I asleep or in a trance during hypnosis?
No, you
are not asleep or in a trance during hypnosis. You
are in a state of deep relaxation. You must
still be conscious in order to hear the suggestions.
It feels very similar to the first five minutes when you fall asleep.
You may hear the dog next door barking or be aware of someone else in the room, but you
don't want to open your eyes or move. However,
if you had to open your eyes and get up, you could, because you are not asleep and are
always in total control.
Can the hypnotist make me do funny, weird, or bad
things?
No. You are awake, relaxed, and in total control
throughout the entire session. No hypnotist
can ever make you do anything you don't want to do. People
do funny things for a stage hypnotist at a comedy club because they volunteer to go on
stage; they expect the stage hypnotist to ask them to do funny things. If they
really don't want to listen to the hypnotist's suggestions, they don't. For example,
if a hypnotist asked you to do something immoral or unethical (such as hit somebody or rob
a bank) you would reject the suggestion. You have the same free will to reject
"silly" suggestions at comedy shows.
Can I be hypnotized?
Dreaming,
daydreaming, and experiencing "highway hypnosis" (when you're driving down the
highway and all of a sudden find yourself at your exit) are all examples of being in a
hypnotized state. Just about anyone can be hypnotized (except if you are psychotic
or below average intelligence). Whether the
hypnosis works depends mostly on how much you want to change that part of your life.
Why are Lakeside Counseling
& Hypnotherapy Center CDs/mp3s different than other
"self-help" hypnosis available over the Internet?
Our CDs/mp3s
are not "generic". We
customize each and every one to match our individual clients' specific needs and goals. Since your hypnotherapy session is personalized to
fit your goals and your lifestyle, the hypnosis is much more powerful than a "one
session fits all" CD that is just pulled off the shelf and shipped to you.
How do I hypnotize myself with just a CD or mp3?
All
hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Simply find a quite room where you will not be disturbed
and a comfortable place to sit or lay down.
Play the CD or mp3, and listen! After all, hypnosis is so easy, all you have to do is sit
back, relax, and listen! That's all there is
to it! (Just never listen to your
CD or mp3 while
driving in your car or operating machinery of any kind.)
How long does the hypnotherapy last?
Most
changes are permanent. Some people are able to listen to the CD/mp3 once, or just have
a few sessions, and be changed forever. Other people need the reinforcement of
listening to the CD/mp3 on a regular basis or just every now and then as a
"booster." Hypnosis works at the deepest part of your mind to help you
change your lifestyle and habits. Sometimes
excessive stress may cause some people to revert back to old habits, but that is rare. If you do "fall off the wagon", you can
always listen to your personalized hypnotherapy CD/mp3 to help you return quickly
to the lifestyle you desire. Sometimes a
“booster” session is required when a CD/mp3 becomes outdated or when a client
wants to improve his/her life in another way.
How much does it cost?
Can this be billed to my insurance?
Sessions are $125 for the initial session and
$110 for subsequent sessions. We are providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield of
North Carolina (BCBSNC). If you are covered through BCBSNC, you are responsible
for your deductible and/or co-pay at the time of service. We will file your
claim for you.
If you are insured by a different insurance
company, we are considered an out-of-network provider. You would pay us
directly, and then we can provide you with the necessary information to file
your claim with your insurance company, so that you can be partially reimbursed
by your insurance company, if applicable.
We offer a reduced initial session rate for those
who have insurance with companies other than BCBSNC and for our self-pay
clients. For these clients, all sessions, including the initial session, are
$110.
Please feel free
to call us if you have any questions about your insurance coverage as it
pertains to counseling and/or hypnotherapy.
Is hypnosis really going to help me lose weight?
Definitely - as long as you are willing to make permanent lifestyle changes! Hypnosis works at the deepest part of your
subconscious mind. Whereas diets are only
temporary, and pills and drugs require you to keep buying them over long periods of time,
hypnotherapy will permanently improve your life and allow you to live a healthy, fit,
lifestyle. Keep in mind that hypnosis doesn't just melt the fat away with no effort
on your part! It is not a quick fix. Your Hypnotherapist is not a
Registered Dietician or Medical Doctor, but research has shown that the healthy way to let
go of the weight is to eat less, eat healthier, and exercise more. Weight reduction
hypnotherapy is not intended for clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia
nervosa.
Why three sessions to lose weight?
Each of the
three sessions focuses on a different part of weight loss: body image, proper
dietary habits, and exercise, to solidify a healthy, fit lifestyle.
I’ve tried to stop smoking many times. How can hypnosis make me stop?
Hypnosis
works at the deepest part of your subconscious mind.
You will experience a lifestyle shift from being a smoker to a nonsmoker, and you
will do different activities instead of smoking. This program is very
behavior-oriented, so your therapist needs to know what you want to do behaviorally
instead of smoking in the car, with your coffee, etc. Something has to
"click" inside of you, at which time you decide once and for all that you are
ready to be a nonsmoker. If you are ambivalent about wanting to quit, it won't work.
You must be serious about becoming a nonsmoker.
“When I went to see Amy I was smoking 4 packs of cigarettes a day.
I smoked everywhere - in the tub, in the car - I was a walking furnace.
Thanks to her and hypnotherapy I am smoke free
for a year. Thank God. I am around smokers at the bar and
restaurant but it doesn't bother me whatsoever. Thank you, Amy, for
helping me leave cigarettes and nicotine and poison behind and becoming
healthier every day.”
- Dillard A., Cornelius, NC
Is hypnosis better
than the patch or that nicotine gum?
Hypnosis
works to change your habits on a subconscious level.
It is very powerful and does not rely on a temporary chemical substitute. Instead of providing you with an alternate source
of nicotine, hypnosis works at a deep level within your mind to make you a nonsmoker.
Hypnotherapy is a "cold turkey" method of smoking cessation that works!
Does hypnosis work for chewing tobacco,
pipes and cigars as well as just cigarettes?
Yes.
What
are Emotional Freedom Techniques™
(EFT)?
Emotional Freedom Techniques™ (EFT) provide a quick and easy way to eliminate
pain, such as headaches and backaches, and other health problems.
It also can help you improve at sports, overcome cravings and eliminate
feelings of anger, depression, grief, guilt, and anxiety. The EFT program
was developed by scientist Gary Craig as recently as 1995 and is based on the
work of psychologist Dr. Roger Callahan.
With EFT, relief from symptoms is very quick, often within minutes.
EFT is easy to apply.
The method is so simple, even children can use it.
EFT methods are similar to acupuncture and acupressure, except instead of
using needles or pressure, you tap on energy points throughout your upper body.
By tapping on several energy points while focusing on the issue you want to resolve, you can
quickly experience profound changes in your emotional and physical health.
You will be given a handout that describes the techniques and shows the
tapping points, so you can do EFT on your own after just one session. For
additional information, please visit the official website www.emofree.com.
What
is right for me? Hypnosis? EFT? Or both?
Hypnosis
and EFT work very well together.
Your first session includes an orientation to both methods.
Once you understand how hypnosis and EFT work, you and your therapist
will decide the best technique(s) for your needs and develop a personalized
program for achieving your goals.
Hypnosis and EFT are fast, safe, effective, and proven ways to improve
your life.
What kind of experience does Amy Bernstein, LCSW,
CH have?
Amy Bernstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and
Certified
Hypnotherapist. She trained through the American Institute of Hypnosis and is a member of
the National Association of Social Workers and the National Guild of
Hypnotists. Amy has a BA in communication from NC State
University and a BS in social work from UNC-Greensboro. She earned her Master of
Social Work degree at the University of South Carolina.
She is a Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist with over ten years of experience.
