"What is hypnosis?" Hypnosis is a way of using naturally altered states of consciousness in order to communicate directly with the subconscious mind. Clinical hypnotism or hypno-counseling uses relaxation, suggestion and imagery in order to accelerate the process of self-improvement. Hypnosis allows us to more readily change the way we perceive our selves and the world around us. Quite often by developing a different set of perceptions, change becomes that much easier. The person who wants to quit smoking for example, will be that much more likely to succeed if he or she views the cigarette habit as an unacceptable behavior over which the individual has a large measure of control. In contrast, if you hold onto the idea that you are powerless over the nicotine craving, quitting will become much more difficult (if not impossible). "How effective is hypnosis counseling?" A survey of psychotherapy literature by noted psychologist Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. revealed the following recovery rates: Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions. Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions. Hypnotherapy: 93% recovery after 6 sessions. Source: American Health Magazine In my practice I use a formula that helps a prospective client determine if hypnosis is right for them, dubbed "P.W.B." P = Possible, is the goal something that can attained with the proper plan and motivation? Generally the answer is yes. Many other people just like you have people quit smoking, reduced excess weight or have become calmer and more confident- in fact it happens all the time. W= Do you WANT the outcome? Quite often an individual will state that they "should" or "need" to quit smoking or "have to" lose weight. If this is the case there is usually a lack of motivation and success is less likely. However, when we have a strong "want" we can become like an unstoppable force of nature when this is coupled with strong belief. B= Belief, we may have the ability and the want, but if the belief is not there, often self-sabotage kicks in. We are all familiar with the idea of self-fulfilling prophecy, where the belief system keeps us within certain boundaries. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis can help you extend past previous limits and to start living a healthier and happier life (as long as the goal is possible and truly wanted). "Does a person become unconscious or lose control during hypnosis?" Actually the opposite is true as you are gaining control over mental functions most other people are scarcely aware of. Contrary to popular myth, you will never tell secrets you want to keep to yourself or accept suggestions that are not in your best interests. Also you will be awake the entire session and will be able to recall all that took place. YOU are ALWAYS in CONTROL! "What does being hypnotized feel like?" Most clients report pleasant feelings of mental and physical relaxation, similar to those moments before we fall asleep at night. Relaxed, yet still aware and able to respond if we need to. "Can anyone be hypnotized?" Anyone who can follow simple instructions can work with hypnosis if they want to. The better informed a client is as to the truth and fictions regarding hypnosis, the better the results. It is true that some people find it easier to access a deeper level of hypnosis than others. However, the deepest levels of therapeutic trance are only necessary for drugless pain control or childbirth. A light to medium level of hypnosis is more than adequate for most situations. After all, chances are that you were not in deep hypnosis when the problem started! If you are curious as to what type of hypnotic talent you have, take the "Can YOU Be HYPNOTIZED?" quiz which you can access at this web site. "What is the difference between hypnosis counseling and psychotherapy?" Hypnosis counseling uses trance, suggestion and instruction in self-hypnosis to adjust and correct unwanted habits of thought, feeling and behavior (this is what Dr. Jim practices). Psychotherapy is the diagnosis and conversational treatment of mental disease. In other words, a psychotherapist treats people who have been diagnosed with some type of mental illness while a hypno-counselor or clinical hypnotist addresses the habits of normal people wishing to improve their lives. The term "hypnotherapy", according to New Jersey regulations is reserved for psychotherapists or psychiatrists who integrate hypnotic techniques into the work they do with people who have emotional and mental disorders. When selecting a hypnotist, you should inquire as to his or her training and avoid those persons who are not comfortable discussing that with you. Like most of the United States, in New Jersey hypnosis is not tightly regulated, one thing you can look for is training and certification via one of the more reputable hypnosis organizations. Some of the better established groups include the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA)International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT)and the National Association of Hypno-Counselors (NACH). Certification through these organizations signifies certain training standards have been met along with continuing education requirements for annual membership renewal. "What about those group hypnosis programs for smoking and weight control that I see advertised in the paper, are they effective?" Clinical research shows that hypnosis is far more effective in the private session or small group format. First, someone running a large program cannot give individualized attention to each person there. Second, many people find it hard to relax in a room with 100-300 strangers, especially if it is your first time working with hypnosis. Third, many problems require follow-up visits, which the traveling programs cannot provide. I personally have nothing against these programs, some of them provide useful information about smoking cessation or weight control and occasionally the presenters are good motivational speakers. However you are far more likely to reach your goal by working with a qualified practitioner privately or in a small group over a period of several weeks. The added investment is certainly worth it. How can I tell which hypnotist is right for me? You should inquire as to the person's training and qualifications, with certification through one of the major organizations being a big plus. If you are seeking assistance with a mental disorder, make sure that the practitioner is licensed to work with such conditions. Ethical hypnotists are willing to inform you about the session fees, their qualifications and the likely number of sessions that will be needed up front. Pressured sales tactics to pay a large initial fee or to buy additional products are usually a warning sign that you would be better off going elsewhere. "How many sessions will be needed?" This depends on the nature of the goal or problem. On average 4 visits are needed for most cases with the exception of smoking cessation, which usually takes 2. The range of sessions can be anywhere from 2-8, which is far shorter than many other types of assistance. By accessing the subconscious mind, the process of personal transformation is accelerated via hypno-counseling. "What are the costs?" The fee structure is $100 per standard office visit. An initial consulation involving an evaluation of the presenting problem, suggestiblity testing and outline of the treatment plan is $50. This fee will be applied to your first visit if you decide to proceed with hypnosis counseling. The complete smoking cessation program is $250 and includes reinforcement at no additional cost (if needed) for the year following your quit date. A six session weight control program is available for $425. Cash and personal checks are accepted payment at the office. If you wish to use your credit card, you must use the Pay Pal links provided throughout this site. When using this option, you must pay before the session time and print out a receipt to ensure you receive proper credit. In general, insurance companies do not like to cover hypnotic services and you should not expect that they will. Stop smoking programs may be tax deductible (contact an accountant for details) and this office will issue you a receipt for that purpose if requested.