Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnotherapy (often simply referred to as hypnosis) is a guided, focused relaxation process that supports change by helping you access inner awareness and self-regulation. It is a collaborative wellness tool for stress reduction, habit change, and intentional personal growth. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire process. For a deeper explanation, visit How Hypnotherapy Works.

Most clients describe hypnotherapy as deeply relaxing — similar to that calm, drifting feeling just before sleep, while remaining completely aware of everything around them.

You have already experienced states like this. You may have heard the term “highway hypnosis” — driving a familiar route for miles and realizing you don’t remember parts of the journey. Or you have simply daydreamed, losing track of time while your mind wandered somewhere pleasant.

In each case, your body was present and functioning normally — but your attention had shifted inward.

Hypnotherapy uses that same natural ability in a focused, intentional way. The experience feels familiar, safe, and controlled — and everything proceeds at your own pace.

No. Hypnotherapy is a complementary wellness practice, not psychotherapy or clinical mental health counseling. Paul does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. That said, hypnotherapy can be an effective partner to licensed medical or mental health care. Some clients are referred by their therapist and work simultaneously.

Not at all. What most people picture — a hypnotist on stage getting volunteers to cluck like a chicken or act out otherwise embarrassing scenarios on command — is entertainment, pure and simple. It works by selecting highly suggestible volunteers who are willing to play along in front of a crowd. Clinical hypnotherapy is something entirely different. You remain aware, in control, and nothing happens that you haven’t agreed to. The process is collaborative, not performative — and the only goal is your progress.

Yes. Hypnotherapy has a well-established and growing body of research behind it. Major universities have studied its effects on the brain and found measurable changes in how people respond to suggestion, pain, habit, and anxiety. It is recognized as a legitimate complementary approach by many in the medical and mental health communities — and many clients are referred by their doctors or therapists precisely because of its track record. Results vary by person and goal, but for the right candidate it can be remarkably effective and longer-lasting than many people expect.

No. You remain aware and in control at all times. Hypnosis is not sleep, and nothing happens against your will.

No. You can return to full alertness at any point — hypnosis has a natural endpoint, much like drifting off and waking up on your own. In a session, Paul always guides you out intentionally and at the right moment. But even if that didn’t happen, you would simply return to awareness on your own. No one has ever been stuck in hypnosis.

This is one of the most common concerns — and it rarely turns out to be true. Most people who believe they can’t be hypnotized simply haven’t experienced it in a clinical setting. Hypnosis isn’t something that happens to you — it’s something you allow, and most people are more capable than they expect.

Hypnotherapy can influence just about any area where the mind plays a role — and that’s most of them. Clients come for all kinds of reasons: stress, habits, performance, fears, and personal growth. If you don’t see your situation on the list, just ask — chances are good we can help.

Hypnotherapy works well for most people. It is generally not recommended for individuals experiencing dementia, active psychosis, or severe dissociative conditions — but those are exceptions. For the vast majority of people it is a gentle, accessible, and effective process. The consultation is the best place to figure that out together.

A suggestion session uses guided relaxation followed by carefully structured language and imagery aligned with your goals. Paul directs the session while you remain relaxed and receptive — it is a clear, one-directional process. Sessions are recorded so you can reinforce the work between visits. This is the form of hypnotherapy most people are familiar with and is highly effective for habits, cravings, performance, and straightforward behavioral change. Session length: 50 minutes.

An exploratory session is a deeper, client-directed form of hypnotherapy. Rather than delivering suggestions, Paul guides the process through carefully chosen questions while you explore your own responses, memories, and insights. The process is guided — but the direction comes from you. This approach is used when surface-level change isn’t enough, or when understanding the root of a pattern is important before it can shift. What emerges varies widely by person — some revisit earlier experiences or memories, others gain unexpected clarity about current patterns, relationships, or decisions. This type of work requires more specialized training and is approached with care and structure. Sessions run longer to allow the work to unfold at its own pace. Session length: 110 minutes.

Performance coaching combines hypnotherapy with structured coaching to help remove mental interference and improve focus, confidence, and execution in high-stakes situations. Ideal for executives, managers, athletes, professionals preparing for high-stakes presentations, exams, public speakers, and anyone who wants their best performance to become their default setting. These sessions are designed for highly skilled individuals looking to remove mental interference and perform at their true level — with greater clarity and confidence. Session length: 50 minutes.

Paul has instructed public and private group classes and one-on-one self-hypnosis training sessions. If you would like to learn, you can schedule a training session. This is an excellent way to reinforce your progress between sessions and do some of the work yourself.

View and download – A Simple Self-Hypnosis Procedure

Many clients have a general sense of what they’re looking for based on the descriptions above. If you’re unsure, that’s completely fine — that’s exactly what the consultation is for. We’ll figure it out together.

Every new client begins with a consultation. The consultation is a focused planning conversation to understand your goals, answer questions, and determine the best approach for your situation. If you decide to move forward, your sessions are then scheduled separately based on the plan we outline together. There is no pressure to continue beyond the consultation.

Yes. If you have one brief question that isn’t answered elsewhere on this website, you’re welcome to EMAIL ME.

I’m happy to answer a simple question that will help you decide whether hypnotherapy may be right for your situation.

If your question requires a discussion of your history, symptoms, goals, or whether hypnotherapy is the right approach for your specific circumstances, I recommend scheduling a consultation. That gives us the time to explore your situation thoughtfully and determine the best next steps for you.

If I don’t believe hypnotherapy is likely to be helpful for your situation, I’ll tell you. If another approach or professional would better serve your needs, I’ll be happy to let you know.

Most sessions are available both in person at Paul’s office and virtually (by phone or video). In-person is often recommended for initial sessions involving deeper or more exploratory work, though exceptions are made based on individual circumstances and distance. Virtual sessions are equally effective for suggestion-based work, and many clients choose phone or online sessions for convenience. First-time clients often opt to begin in person.

Each session begins with a brief discussion of your goals. From there, the process follows the structure and plan for the session type you selected and is always tailored to you.

The number of sessions depends on your goal and how you respond to the work. Most habits are addressed in a structured three-session approach, while some concerns require fewer sessions, and others may benefit from additional work. This is something Paul will outline clearly during the consultation.

Yes — what’s shared in session stays in session, with standard legal exceptions.

For current pricing, please visit the Services Menu. ????

Hypnotherapy is generally not covered by insurance — but HSA and FSA funds may apply. Check with your provider to be sure.

For group sessions, workshops, demonstrations, and speaking engagements, please contact Paul directly — rates vary based on content, context, length, and location. Paul has held group sessions for work groups on their Health & Wellness retreat days.