The mind is like an iceberg. Only 10% is visible; this is your conscious mind. The remaining 90% of your consciousness is below the surface. If the top of the iceberg wants to go in one direction, but the bulk of it is still moving in the other direction, which way do you think that iceberg is going to go? That's right. You need to engage the immense power of your subconscious mind in order to get where you want to go, the easy way. Most people get glimpses into their subconscious mind only when they remember dreams. Yet for thousands of years, indigenous healers have used trance healing to create the relaxed state (trance) in which healing can optimally take place. Modern hypnotherapists integrate the wisdom of these ancient traditions with contemporary mind-body healing knowledge to help you shape your inner vision and inner world to create the life of your dreams on the outside.

A professional hypnotherapist will begin with an in-depth intake form and interview to help you and your therapist determine your most important goals for your therapy and . Based on her training, she may also do a few assessments (which will feel like fun games) to ascertain your neurolinguistic modality or preferred way of interacting with your world: visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Your hypnotherapist will create a customized "script" for your session that pinpoints exactly what you need. The therapeutic trance part of your session will probably be recorded so you can listen to it over and over to reinforce the new program and further motivate yourself for excellent results.

Then, in a pleasant, relaxed state, you will hear positive, motivating suggestions and internalize them at a subconscious level. Most clients describe their experience as "like a nice daydream," "peaceful," "beautiful" ... and occasionally they go into such a deeply relaxed state, they feel as if they were asleep. (Even if you think you slept through it, don't worry, the hypnotherapy will still work.) Your "inner journey" will be perfect for you and will empower you for immediate and lasting behavioral change because you heal from the inside out!

If you are working with a hypnotherapist who really wants to empower clients, your therapist will probably teach you some techniques for self-healing such as relaxation, stress reduction, creative visualization, meditation, and self-hypnosis. She or he may assign "homework" to help you help yourself stay on track, such as listening to your CD or tape of your session and doing your self-healing. If you do your homework, you will get results.

"I have found in 14 years of private practice as a holistic healer and seven years as a hypnotherapist, that 100% of my clients who do their homework to reinforce the session at home get results." - Hypnotherapist Taylor Kingsley

Hypnosis has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a viable form of therapy since 1958.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, hypnotherapy works very quickly. Most people experience lasting results in only a few sessions. During hypnotherapy, you may feel sleepy but you are awake; you will hear and remember everything. If your session is recorded, in addition to having it for reinforcement, you will also know exactly what took place while you were in a relaxed state. Hollywood movies have given an impression that unethical hypnotists can "make" people do anything. This is far from the truth. No one can be forced to do anything that is completely against their value system just with hypnosis. And remember, hypnotherapy is the THERAPEUTIC use of hypnosis. If you are working with a certified, trained, experienced hypnotherapist with whom you feel comfortable, listen to your intuition, and you will find the right therapist.