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Here are just a few of the most common questions we hear from clients:
A Comfortable Setting at Beyond Therapy

What is the difference between a hypnotist and a certified Hypnotherapist?
A hypnotist is trained in hypnosis. They do not have any ethical guidelines or requirements. They may take a three-hour workshop and begin to do hypnosis.
A certified Hypnotherapist is trained in Hypnosis and therapeutic treatments. They must have a Masters Degree in their field, work a certain amount of hours, have a certain amount of training hours in hypnosis, and be trained and experienced in the therapeutic areas that they treat. They cannot use hypnosis for entertainment purposes.
How long have you been practicing hypnotherapy?
Robbie Greenfield, MA, LSW, has over 11 years of hypnotherapy
experience and is certified by the National Association of Cognitive
Behavior Therapists (NACBT). Robbie has run a group practice in
Greensburg, Pa (near Pittsburgh) since 1996, treating chronic pain
disorders, mood disorders, panic, phobia, anger, cutting, fibromyalgia,
Tourettes syndrome and PTSD. Her clients include adolescents and adults
for individual, couples, and group therapy. She has
achieved the Diplomate status in Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
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Will I do something stupid or embarrassing while under hypnosis?
The client may be afraid that he or she will do something that he or she might otherwise not do. In hypnosis, the therapist still holds the same ethical code that he or she is bound by and will not engage in behavior that runs counter to his or her ethical code. In addition, the therapist will not ask the patient to do anything that is unrelated to the patient's goals.
What will I experience in the hypnotic state?
Hypnosis is simply the setting aside of the conscious mind proper, and dealing with the subconscious mind directly. The subconscious mind becomes the boss. The physical experience in hypnosis will be identical to that of full consciousness, with two exceptions:
First, your concentration will be more focused. Second, every muscle in your body will feel relaxed. Thus, a hypnotized client will experience increased concentration and complete relaxation. In addition, the senses are more developed in this state of awareness.
It is this state of awareness that allows us to be connected with the subconscious part of our minds, a resource not ordinarily available. It allows the conscious mind to do whatever it needs to do while the subconscious mind begins to work on the issues or problem.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
The client fears that he or she will be out of control and that the therapist will be in control of him or her. The popular myth exists that when an individual is hypnotized, he or she is unaware of what is going on and, therefore, not in control of his or her own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The truth is that in hypnosis an individual remains in control, although the perceptions, affects, and behaviors may seem different. In effect, the person is able to assume even more control.
Am I dependent if I am easily hypnotized?
The client may believe that only dependent people can be hypnotized. Actually, hypnosis may be used in such a way as to foster independence of thought and action. Because of the versatility of hypnosis, dependency can be minimized, particularly when the person is taught self-hypnosis.
Am I gullible if I can be hypnotized?
Entering a hypnotic state and maintaining it require concentration and vigilance. Intelligent and imaginative people are able to maintain some behaviors more easily.
Will I say things that I will regret later?
The client may be afraid that he or she will say something that he or she had not meant to say. Even in hypnosis, the person has a choice about what is said or done. The person has power over any suggestion and can choose whether or not to respond, to speak, or to remain silent.
Can I remain stuck in the hypnotic state?
Because hypnosis is such a pleasant state and the individual person is so comfortable, he or she may not wish to terminate hypnosis. Nonetheless, while in hypnosis, through discussion about the need to come out now, the client can terminate the hypnotic state easily and naturally. Many different methods are used to come out of hypnosis.
Will I remember what I said or did while under the hypnotic state?
The client may be fearful of not remembering what happened in hypnosis. Most people remember everything that happens in hypnosis. Those people who typically do not remember are those who generally have difficulty remembering even in their usual state. We can tape record the session so as to have an ongoing account of what happened so that we can compare experiences.
Why use hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an excellent tool for clients.
Hypnotherapy shortens the length of therapy, helps clients digest concepts more
quickly, and helps them feel better about their progress. Hypnosis is very
motivational and aids in eliminating past issues that otherwise would have
lingering, negative effects. Each session is personalized to the
individual and the situation. In addition to its many other benefits,
hypnosis provides a non-stressful and relaxing therapeutic environment.
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