Frequently Asked
Questions

Hypnosis is a gentle, evidence-based practice that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help you work with your subconscious mind — the part of you that holds onto habits, fears, and beliefs that can be hard to shift through willpower alone. It is not about being put into a trance or losing awareness. Think of it more like a deeply calm, focused state where your mind becomes open to the kind of change you have been wanting but have not been able to reach on your own.

Most people are pleasantly surprised. It feels like a deep, comfortable stillness — similar to that moment just before you fall asleep, when your body is heavy and relaxed but your mind is still quietly aware. You can hear my voice, you know where you are, and you could open your eyes at any time. Many of my clients tell me it is the most peaceful they have felt in months. Some people feel warmth, lightness, or a gentle floating sensation. Others simply feel very, very calm. There is no right or wrong way to experience it.

No — and I understand why this question comes up so often. What you have seen on TV or in stage shows has very little to do with therapeutic hypnosis. In our sessions, you are aware, present, and fully in control the entire time. You cannot be made to say or do anything you do not want to. If I were to suggest something that did not feel right to you, your mind would simply not accept it. Hypnosis is a collaborative process. I guide, and you choose what to let in.

Yes. Hypnosis has been used safely for decades and is recognized by major medical and psychological organizations. There are no drugs, no side effects, and no loss of consciousness. You remain aware throughout the session, and you can stop or pause at any point. I also work within a trauma-informed framework, which means I am always paying attention to your comfort and wellbeing — not just the technique.

This is something a lot of people worry about, but the truth is, hypnosis is a natural state your brain already knows how to enter. You experience it when you daydream, when you get absorbed in music, or when you drive somewhere familiar and realize you were not consciously thinking about the route. Some people settle into it quickly, others take a little longer — and both are completely fine. I will meet you exactly where you are, and we will work with whatever comes up naturally.

Completely different. Stage hypnosis is performance — it is designed to entertain an audience, and participants volunteer knowing that is the context. Hypnosis is a private, therapeutic process with no audience, no tricks, and nothing embarrassing. It is a quiet, respectful space where we focus entirely on what matters to you. The only thing you will be asked to do is relax and stay open.

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people come to see me, and it is one of the areas where hypnosis can make a real difference. Anxiety often lives in the body as much as the mind — the racing thoughts, the tight chest, the feeling of being constantly on edge. Hypnosis helps calm the nervous system and work with the subconscious patterns that keep triggering that fight-or-flight response, even when there is no real danger. Many clients notice they start sleeping better, worrying less, and feeling more like themselves within the first few sessions.

Yes. Chronic pain is complex — it involves not just physical signals, but also how your brain interprets, amplifies, and responds to those signals over time. Hypnosis works with the mind-body connection to help shift the way your nervous system processes pain. It does not replace medical care, but many clients find that it provides a level of relief that medication or physical therapy alone did not fully achieve. If you have been living with persistent pain and feel like you have tried everything, this may be worth exploring.

Absolutely. A lot of my clients come in carrying self-doubt, shame, or patterns in relationships that they have not been able to change. Hypnosis is especially effective for these kinds of deeply held beliefs because it works at the subconscious level — where those patterns actually live. Whether it is confidence at work, intimacy in relationships, or simply feeling more at home in your own skin, we can work together on what matters most to you in a space that is completely private and free of judgment.

The first session is really about connection and comfort. We will spend time talking — about what brought you here, what you have tried before, what you are hoping for, and any worries you might have. I want to understand your world before I guide you anywhere. Then, if you are ready, I will walk you through a gentle introduction to hypnosis so you can feel what it is like without any pressure. By the end, you will have a clear sense of whether this feels like a good fit, and we will talk about what comes next. There is no obligation to continue.

We start with a check-in — how you have been feeling since we last met, anything that has come up, any shifts you have noticed. Then I guide you into a deeply relaxed state using calming techniques tailored to what works best for you. Once you are settled, we work together using therapeutic suggestions, visualizations, or inner exploration focused on your specific goals. Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Most people leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded than when they walked in.

Honestly, it depends. Some people feel a meaningful shift after just one or two sessions. Others find that working together over several weeks gives them the deepest, most lasting change. I will never pressure you to book more sessions than you need, and I will always be honest with you about what I think would be most helpful. We will check in regularly and adjust as we go.

Online sessions work just as well as in-person ones — and many of my clients actually prefer them. All you need is a quiet, comfortable space where you will not be disturbed, a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. You can sit in your favorite chair, wrap yourself in a blanket, and be in a space that already feels safe. I guide you through everything just as I would in person. The connection, the depth, and the results are the same.

Very normal. Most of my clients felt some version of nervous, skeptical, or unsure before their first session. That is not a problem — it is just your mind doing what it does when something is unfamiliar. You do not need to arrive feeling calm or ready. You can come exactly as you are, and we will take it from there. Almost everyone tells me afterward that it was much gentler and more natural than they expected.

Not really. Wear something comfortable. If your session is online, find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted. Try to avoid heavy caffeine beforehand. If it helps, you can jot down a few thoughts about what you would like to focus on — but that is entirely optional. I will guide the process. The most important thing you can bring is a willingness to try, even if you are not sure what to expect.

That is more common than you might think, especially in early sessions. Some people expect a dramatic experience and then feel uncertain because it was quieter or subtler than they imagined. But hypnosis does not need to feel dramatic to be working. Many clients notice the real changes in the days afterward — sleeping better, reacting differently to stress, feeling lighter in ways they cannot quite explain. If you are ever unsure, we will talk about it openly.

Yes, completely. Everything you share with me stays between us. I take your privacy very seriously — this is a space where you can say the things you have not been able to say anywhere else, without worrying about who might find out. Whether we are working on something deeply personal or something you simply have not talked about before, your trust is sacred to me.

Absolutely. Many of my clients come in carrying things they have never shared with anyone — and that is okay. You are never required to share more than you are comfortable with, and we will always go at your pace. I am trained in trauma-informed care, which means I pay close attention to your comfort and will never push you into territory that does not feel safe. You set the boundaries, and I respect them completely.

Yes. I use secure, encrypted video platforms for all online sessions. The same confidentiality standards apply whether we are meeting in person or online. No sessions are recorded, and no information is shared with anyone. Your privacy is protected in every format.

Session fees depend on the type and length of service. I offer a free initial consultation so we can talk openly about what you need before you commit to anything. During that conversation, I will share clear, straightforward pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises. Feel free to reach out or book a consultation to learn about current rates and any package options.

Hypnosis is generally considered a complementary therapy, so it is not typically covered by standard insurance plans. However, I can provide a receipt or superbill that you may be able to submit to your provider for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan. It is worth checking with your insurance company to see what they cover.

I offer in-person sessions in Alexandria, Virginia, with easy access from Arlington, Fairfax, and throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington DC area. Location details are shared when you book. If you prefer the comfort of your own home — or if you are outside the DMV area — online sessions are also available and work beautifully for clients anywhere.

I understand that life is unpredictable. All I ask is for at least 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel, so I can offer that time to someone else who may need it. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be subject to a fee. Full details are included in your booking confirmation, and I am always happy to work with you if something unexpected comes up.

That is a completely valid place to be. You do not need to be certain before reaching out. The free consultation exists specifically for that — it is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation where you can ask anything, share what you are going through, and get a honest sense of whether this could help. There is no commitment, and I will never push you into something that does not feel right.