Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Hypnotherapy
Is hypnotherapy scientifically proven to work?
Hypnotherapy is widely used in clinical and personal development settings. Researchers and doctors such as Andrew D. Huberman, Tara Swart, Daniel Amen, and Caroline Leaf widely use hypnosis in their practices.
Stanford University professor and leading psychiatrist David Spiegel has been conducting research and working with clinical hypnosis applications for over 45 years. Here are some facts from Doctor Spiegel's research about the benefits of hypnosis:
90% of people who used hypnosis experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms.
60-80% successfully quit smoking and overcame other addictions through hypnosis.
50-70% reported a significant reduction in chronic pain through hypnotherapy.
You can find detailed research findings from Doctor Spiegel's research here.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
It is absolutely safe. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness in which the body relaxes and the mind calms. Hypnosis is also a natural state, we all are in the hypnotic state every day when we’re ‘in the flow’. Watching a Netflix show, driving a car, walking to the bus stop on a well-known path, cooking a recipe we know by heart.
During hypnosis, two different states of the central nervous system are activated:
1. The one in which we are highly focused in
2. And the second is one in which we are deeply relaxed
In these states, neuroplasticity (the ability of the nervous system to accept and implement the desired changes) – is highly present. This is why the results achieved during hypnosis are rapid and long-lasting.
How does it feel to be under hypnosis?
A lot of people expect hypnosis to feel like an out-of-world experience, but it couldn't be any further. Hypnosis feels like a meditation, a relaxation of body and mind, some people feel floating in space, and some the opposite - very grounded. Whatever it feels, it's the right thing. Everyone experiences it differently.
What are the issues hypnotherapy can solve effectively?
You can find the list of issues here, however, if you have a specific question about your specific situation, feel free to reach out to me directly and inquire.
What if I cannot be hypnotised?
RTT Hypnotherapy® blends a variety of tools and hypnosis is only one of them. A lot of times "I cannot be hypnotised" is a belief and untested hypothesis. Hypnosis is not only about trance and being deeply relaxed. It is largely about going inward and finding the answers to your questions by feeling them.
Do I lose control during the hypnotherapy session?
Not at all. During the session, you'll be in full control, we'll be in conversation, analysing, visualising, and doing some breathwork. If you ever get uncomfortable, you can come back to your conscious state at any time.
What does a hypnotherapy session look like?
The 2-hour sensory experience involves:
Breathwork
Hypnosis and meditation
Going back to events from earlier on in life to detect the root cause of the issue we're investigating
Analysing the memories, feelings, and metaphors you experience and connecting the dots to today
With the use of various subconscious programming tools, interrupt the old patterns and reframe them into something useful to you (you have full control to decide what's right for you, not me!)
We finish the session by integrating new patterns, beliefs, and feelings through subconscious programming tools and visualisations.
Hypnotherapy programs with Laura
How many sessions will I need?
It highly depends on the issue you’re looking to solve. However, I am not working more than 3 sessions per issue (3 month-long program). I know this is the maximum it can take to start seeing the changes.
How long does one session last for?
One hypnotherapy session lasts for up to 2 hours.
How much does a session cost?
You can find all the information related to costs and what hypnotherapy programs entail here.
Are sessions online less effective than in-person?
There’s absolutely no difference. Over 90% of my sessions have been conducted online via Google Meets, and they all have proven to be equally as effective as those in person.
What does a hypnotherapy program look like?
I call this experience ‘a program’ because it consists of multiple steps over the course of your chosen timeline. Refer to what programs entail here.
What to do if I don’t know one specific problem or I have a few pressing ones?
During the hypnotherapy session, we’ll concentrate on one key problem, which can come in the form of:
recurring feeling
deep routed belief
recurring situation/loop/pattern
diagnosed physical/mental issue
If you’re not sure which one to pick or if you have a few, it’s my job to narrow it down into specific enough concepts for us to work on. Through different questions and exercises, we always end up achieving that in the pre-session strategy call.
How do I know how many sessions I'll need to get better?
A 1-month program is usually sufficient for fears and phobias, addictions, topics like confidence, and public speaking. Subject to client taking responsibility in the process and participating.
A 3-month program is recommendable for more complex cases like PTSD, chronic insomnia, depression, eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia), weight loss, panic attacks, or diagnosed physical illnesses like cancer, severe heart, lung, skin conditions, and lupus. Or in cases where conditions are chronic and long-standing.
If you're unsure and would like to consult first, feel free to reach out to me directly and inquire.
How long does it take to see the changes?
There are 4 ways my clients see changes.
Immediately after the session or the next day
Incrementally where changes are observed on a daily/weekly basis
Retrospectively where changes are obvious when looking backwards
Observed by the environment more than person. Sometimes my clients say their closest environment like family, partners, colleagues, and friends start noticing behavioural or emotional changes in them even before my clients start accepting them.
Are these programs covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans don't cover hypnotherapy, as it's often seen as a complementary alternative treatment. However, if you have comprehensive coverage, it might be included. Please check with your provider.
About Laura
What are your certifications? Are you certified to work?
I'm a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, and Certified in Rapid Transformational Therapy® by Marisa Peer's school. These certifications are approved by a variety of organizations around the world. To see more information head here.
Where can I learn more about you?
Find more information about my story and how I work here. And if you can't find answers to the specific questions you have, feel free to reach out to me directly.
