FAQ

Initial sessions take a bit longer because new clients fill out a little paperwork. They also watch a video called “The Truth about Hypnosis” to address common misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

We’ll be sure to take time to make sure I understand the problem and answer any questions before we do any hypnosis.

Much of what I do I learned many years ago from two very skilled hypnotherapists who commanded fees of $500/session and $425/session, respectively. My results are very comparable to theirs and are actually better in the areas I specialize. Personally, while I need to make a living, helping people is a top priority for me. So, I strive to be as affordable as possible. I currently charge just:

$197 for a single session.

$561 for a 3 session package (Save $30)

$1062 for a 6 session package (Save $120)

All sessions must be prepaid before they are scheduled. Prepayment is required for a couple important reasons. The first is, I get busy and my schedule can get booked solid for weeks or even months in advance. Pre-payment reserves your time slot for YOU. You’ve purchased it, it’s yours.

The second reason is all about “skin in the game.” Let’s face it, committing to a change can be hard. And commitment to doing what it takes is invaluable. Pre-payment helps many clients to be more committed to showing up for their sessions, doing home assignments, etc. and, therefore, they get better results. And getting the best results is the top priority for both of us, yes?

Please note: Any scheduling changes must be approved at least two working days before your appointment or you will be charged for the appointment.

Second, it’s a huge, time-consuming hassle to deal with insurance companies. I would have to hire someone to do that and would then have to charge clients more to provide my service.

You should definitely talk to your doctor and/or tax professional about it.

Stop-Smoking Programs: You can get a tax credit that reimburses you 100% for money paid for a hypnotherapy program to stop smoking. However, you cannot include amounts you pay for over-the-counter drugs, such as nicotine gum or patches that are designed to help stop smoking.

Weight-Loss Programs: You can also be reimbursed 100% for a weight loss Hypnotherapy program if you were advised by a physician to lose weight for a specific diagnosed disease (such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease).

Yes. Pre-payment for sessions is required for a couple important reasons. The first reason is a very practical one. I get busy and my schedule can get booked solid for weeks or even months in advance. Pre-payment reserves your time slot for YOU. You’ve purchased it. It’s yours and no one else can have it.

The second reason is all about “skin in the game.” Let’s face it, change can be hard. And commitment to doing what it takes is invaluable. Pre-paid clients tend to be more committed to showing up for their sessions, doing home assignments, etc. and, therefore, they get better results.

And getting positive results is the top priority for both of us, yes?

I’ll do my best to give you a realistic answer and also a caution. Hypnosis has a reputation for being goal-oriented and rapid, mostly for good reason. Instead of needing years or many months to get the results you want, one of the biggest advantages of hypnotherapy is that it often enables people to make lasting positive changes when nothing else has worked… and to get results faster and more easily than they could otherwise.

There are obviously many variables at work in a typical therapeutic setting. It’s impossible to know for sure how many sessions a client will need. That being said, most of my clients in most situations will get the results they want within just 3-12 sessions.

And now for the caution…

It is true that there have been many occasions in my practice where people have gotten immediate and lasting results with just one session. You can and should feel good that hypnosis will help you make the changes you want as quickly and easily as possible.

However, you should not assume that if you don’t get the change you want after a single session that hypnosis doesn’t work or that you are unable to “do it.” It’s important to understand that numerous studies have made it clear that it is better to err on the side of more sessions as opposed to less. According to the evidence, relapse is incredibly common with single session hypnosis approaches.

As a general rule, the more sessions you have, the more likely your results will last. I think this makes complete sense to most clients. Two specific examples of issues for which research substantiates the benefits of a longer-term approach are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and weight loss.

Another major factor influencing positive outcomes is a cooperative relationship of trust between the client and therapist. In therapy, this is known as the “therapeutic alliance.” Again, research has made it clear that regardless of the type of therapy used, a strong therapeutic alliance contributes greatly to positive results.

Trust is pretty hard to develop in just one or two sessions. This is another reason more sessions generally result in better outcomes compared to one session or just a few.

That’s easy. Just call me at (208) 440-3306 and we’ll talk a bit so I can learn a little about what you’d like help with, answer any questions you have, and determine if we’re a good fit to work together. It’s called a phone consultation. It’s free and if I don’t think I can help you, I’ll let you know and refer you to alternative resources.

Once we’ve both decided to work together, I’ll take your payment for as many sessions as you’ve decided to start with and we’ll get them scheduled for you right then and there over the phone. That way your sessions are reserved for you. You can feel good about having taken action toward making the change you want a reality.

Any scheduling changes must be approved (by me) at least two working days before your appointment or you will be charged for the appointment.

In such cases, couples will often meet together for the initial paperwork, “The Truth about Hypnosis” video, and to get any questions answered.

Then, I will do the hypnosis individually so that the hypnotherapy sessions can be personalized for each person. Again, this is to maximize positive results.

I am a strong ally of the LGBTQ community. I treat LGBTQ individuals and couples with the same respect, compassion, and professionalism as everyone else I work with.

The goal is to get clients to the point where they don’t need me anymore, and completing “homework” is an important part of that.

One of the advantages of hypnosis is it makes virtually any effective method of therapy even more effective.

For example, there is overwhelming evidence that hypnosis combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), known as Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy (CBH), is likely the most effective approach in helping people with anxiety disorders.

I combine hypnosis with other evidence-based systems of therapy, including CBT, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and breathing techniques… as well as modalities such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) (also known as “tapping”).

I use any combination of these evidence-based methods to help my clients get the results they want.

I have also taught hypnotherapy courses, and I authored “The Ultimate Guide to Hypnosis: What You Need to Know to Get the Change You Want” (available for sale on Amazon).

This question mostly stems from misconceptions people hold about control in hypnosis. “Hypnosis” is a natural and common function of the human mind, consisting of simply focusing your attention and using your imagination to become absorbed in something.

So, whether you’re a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Athiest, or Druid… you experience “hypnosis” virtually every day.

In fact, your religious leaders probably use these same principles when they teach. As do you. So, spiritual or religious concerns about hypnosis are entirely unfounded. I don’t see how hypnosis could be in conflict with any religious belief system.

My default approach is secular, but I make it a point to work with clients’ spiritual beliefs… because it’s not about me, it’s about them.

Once the many myths are cleared up and you understand the truth about what hypnosis is and how it works, understanding a few more key things will help you get the most out of your hypnotherapy sessions.

Be active, not passive. Therapeutic work is a partnership. Take responsibility for doing your part. Hypnosis is an active process: actively focusing your attention, actively using your imagination, and actively becoming absorbed in the process. Be willing to follow instructions and do your best.

Be patient. We live in an age of instant gratification. While hypnosis is a rapid therapy, it is wise to not expect persistent problems to disappear overnight. It is important to have realistic expectations.

In hypnotherapy, you will be using skills such as focused attention and imagination. And while these things come more easily to some people than others, it is the nature of human beings to do better with practice.

The famous author, Napoleon Hill, wrote, “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” This wisdom holds very true for making all the changes you desire with hypnotherapy as well.

Most people don’t even realize they’re experiencing hypnosis, hypnotizing others, and being hypnotized by others all the time… practically every day. Some common examples of everyday hypnosis are: watching a great movie, becoming engrossed in a good book, having a fascinating conversation, time flying by doing something you really enjoy, being “in the zone” playing a sport, and many more.

Perhaps surprisingly, here are some examples of common problems caused, at least in part, by accidental negative hypnosis: anxiety, depression, addiction (alcohol, tobacco, etc.), compulsive or emotional eating, etc.

A few everyday examples of this imagination/reality crossover are when we awaken from a scary nightmare with our heart pounding, breathing heavy, and sweaty – or when we start to salivate when we’re hungry and start to think about eating a delicious meal – or how our genitals respond whether a sexual experience is real or just imagined.

And our responses go much deeper than breathing, salivation, lubrication, or blood flow. Numerous studies have clearly shown that hypnosis influences our bodies in countless powerful ways, including altering our blood chemistry and immune system… and literally changing our DNA and how our brain is “wired.”

We all understand how a hammer in the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled carpenter can be used to build beautiful and very useful structures –or how, if misused, it can cause destruction and injury.

That being said, doing hypnotherapy with a skilled and knowledgeable professional is perfectly safe. You’re in good hands at Boise Hypnosis.

The primary illusion that a stage hypnotist creates is the idea that he or she has a supernatural ability to control people and get them to do silly, embarrassing, or outrageous things. It’s important to understand that just as a magician only creates the illusion of pulling a rabbit out of a hat or cutting a woman in two with a saw, a stage hypnotist’s seemingly supernatural ability of control is just an intentionally and carefully crafted illusion.

Review the definition of what hypnosis is if you need to. Understand that ALL the power of hypnosis is in the mind of the person being hypnotized. The only “control” any hypnotist ever has is what the person being hypnotized gives to the hypnotist. In hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist is a helpful coach and guide.

From the very beginning of the show, everything the hypnotist does is geared toward identifying and separating out (cherry picking) the very best subjects who are willing and able to do whatever the hypnotist asks.

Ultimately, subjects know they are safe, and they get to be the center of attention. In truth, they are the real stars of the show.