What should I expect during a session?

You and I will begin building a relationship in therapy, one that is judgement-free and where you feel comfortable opening up to me about things you’ve probably never told anyone before. Although I ask a lot of questions, I’m really just curious about getting to know you better. Sometimes there will be exercises we may do in a session that might help you have a different experience, such as hypnosis. Sometimes you will just want to talk and have me be a sounding board. One thing to remember is that you, the client, are in control.

How will I know psychotherapy is working for me?

I often check in with clients after we’ve had a number of sessions. This is when we reassess to see if you’ve noticed any shifts in your thoughts or moods. You will most likely know that something is different because you are more aware of yourself, you may have a clearer understanding of why you feel the way you feel. You may notice some changes even in your behaviour. Mostly, you will start to feel OK even when you are not OK.

Do you take insurance?

I don’t direct bill to insurance companies. Once I’ve received payment for a session, you will be emailed a paid invoice. Your invoice will have the date and time of our session as well as my name and registration numbers. Usually, this is all the information that insurance companies require. You will need to submit the paid invoice to your insurance to be reimbursed for the session.

Do I need a referral from a physician?

No, although I do accept referrals, they are not necessary to access my service.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy, or therapy utilizing hypnosis, is often used as part of a

treatment plan in therapy (for example anxiety or depression). It is also used throughout the medical field for pain management, weight loss, and a variety of other applications. 

Hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes only. Hypnotherapy utilizes the heightened awareness of the hypnotic state to help you explore your issue more deeply. Hypnosis accesses the subconscious, the place where you hold your habits and reasons for doing things, reasons that you may not be aware of consciously. A hypnotherapist will guide you into a state of focused relaxation, this can be done in a lot of different ways. Like most therapies, hypnotherapy is developed around how the client learns and the clients’ interests. This makes each hypnotherapy session very personal to each client. For example, a hypnotherapist can treat two clients for depression but the hypnotic portion of the sessions will be very different depending on the client. 

During hypnotherapy, you remain in control. It is not possible for someone to do anything against their will, even under hypnosis, it is not mind control. You may be very focused on the work at hand, and so you may not pay attention to your surroundings, but you will always be in charge of your own actions, behaviour, and statements. 

Hypnosis is not the same as being asleep. You will remember the things that occur during your hypnotic state, you will not be unconscious, and you will be able to break the hypnotic trance at any time.