Hypnosis is a voluntary state where you are in total control. It is a combination of techniques that guides the mind into an altered state -- one of deep relaxation and heightened concentration. It is the optimal state for both restoration and accelerated learning. Hypnotherapy both creates and unites this relaxed state with guided suggestions that bring about the desired change.

Hypnosis works by bypassing the conscious mind through relaxation and/or verbal techniques and speaks directly to the subconscious mind in a language it understands. Once the subconscious mind moves to the forefront of your awareness it can directly receive the specially designed and desired suggestions.

You are the one who is in control when you are in Hypnosis. The conscious mind is always present, guarding against the unacceptable. Hypnosis works in partnership with your desire and free will and will never work against it. The hypnotherapist acts as a guide and coach. There has never been a case of someone being "stuck" in hypnosis.

No. While these are all considered altered states of consciousness, the difference is in intent and purpose. The purpose and intent of hypnosis is to assist in healing and reaching peak performance in your life. Unlike sleeping, daydreaming and meditating, it is specifically goal-oriented.

During hypnosis, you will likely feel very relaxed but you remain in touch with reality and in control. You know that you can resist the suggestions, yet you are in a state where you are able to welcome positive ideas, notions, and images. Generally, people remember either all, some or nothing of what is said during their session.

Through hypnosis, a hypnotherapist is a professional who assists her/his clients with emotional, mental, attitudinal, behavioral, physical and/or spiritual change. During sessions, a certified Hypnotherapist acts as a guide who assists to create specific suggestions tailored to your needs.

Yes. The American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Psychological Association recognize hypnotherapy as a valid therapeutic modality.

Yes. Most people can be hypnotized under safe and appropriate conditions. Hypnosis cannot work against free will so it’s important to possess and maintain strong positive desire and motivation. Sometimes clients come to the practice with misconceptions or unrealistic expectations that must be addressed first for techniques to work well. Other blocks include trying to analyze or control the session. These blocks can be discussed with the hypnotherapist and overcome.

There are limitless uses for hypnotherapy. Hypnosis helps you minimize old thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behavior patterns to make room for new ones. Hypnotherapy can promote personal growth in any area and is most commonly used to improve self-esteem, abandon addictions, stop smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, release traumas, enhance memory, improve study skills, release fears/phobias, grow spiritually, and more.

We are all made up of different parts. There is the positive part, a critical part, a curious part, etc. There is also the part of you that caused or is controlling the issue you are wanting to change. In parts therapy, we identify that part and while in a state of hypnotic trance, with the subconscious at the wheel, I guide you through a regression back in time to the origin of that part’s existence. This regression is done as an observer and in no way is it a means to retraumatize or relive an unpleasant memory. What it allows for is a way of finding the source of a problem and addressing it. Once we find the origin of the behavior, we neutralize it through a guided process that creates profound healing. Parts therapy is a useful tool to clear old patterns and to let go of unwanted behavior, leaving the client able to move forward with a sense of freedom and ease.

An important element for change is consistency.  Susan offers a digital recording of every session and it is recommended that you listen to your recordings daily, for at least a month following your session.  Occasionally, Susan will offer suggestions of things to do at home to support what it is you are looking to accomplish.

Generally, most issues require 2 – 5 sessions, which is also subject to your desire and willingness to change.  Susan recommends 2 sessions, to start after which together we evaluate if there is a need for more support.  Smoking cessation usually is accomplished with one session, while weight management requires a longer commitment, depending on the long-range goal of the client.