Frequently Asked Questions
Every question below comes from real conversations with clients — before, during, and after sessions with me. Questions are grouped so you can jump to what’s most relevant to you. If you don’t see your question here, that’s exactly what a Discovery Call is for.
Getting Started
What’s the first step if I want to work with you?
Every new client starts with a Discovery Call. It’s $47, and it’s a real conversation — not a sales pitch — so we can talk through what you’re actually dealing with before committing to anything further. By the end, we’ll both know honestly whether Clinical Hypnotherapy, BWRT®, or a combination of the two is the right fit for your specific situation.
How do I know if I need Clinical Hypnotherapy, BWRT®, or a combination of both?
That’s exactly what your Discovery Call is for. I’ll ask questions, you’ll ask questions, and I’ll tell you honestly which approach — or combination — makes the most sense for what you’re dealing with, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all answer up front.
Do I need any prior experience with hypnosis or BWRT® to get started?
No. Neither technique requires any special skill or prior experience. With Clinical Hypnotherapy, you’re never “under” — you stay fully aware and in control throughout. BWRT® doesn’t involve a hypnotic state at all; you’re alert and engaged in conversation the entire time. I tailor every first session to walk you through exactly what to expect.
About the Techniques
Is Clinical Hypnotherapy the same as stage hypnosis?
Not even close. There’s no swinging watch, no loss of control, and you’re never “under” in the way movies portray it. You remain fully aware, and nothing happens without your participation.
Will I lose control during a session, or “black out”?
No. You’re in a relaxed, focused state the entire time — similar to the calm, drifting feeling right before you fall asleep, where you’re deeply relaxed but still aware. You can hear everything, respond, and stop the process at any point.
Is BWRT® the same as hypnosis?
No. Clinical Hypnotherapy and BWRT® are two separate techniques I offer. BWRT® doesn’t involve a hypnotic state at all — you’re alert and engaged in conversation throughout the entire session.
Do I have to describe my trauma or the original event in detail?
With BWRT® specifically, no — this is one of the things that sets it apart from a lot of traditional talk therapy. We work with how your brain is responding right now, not a detailed retelling of the past. With Clinical Hypnotherapy, I still need to understand your general pattern before we begin, but you’re never required to relive or narrate the original event in detail.
Is this safe, and can I do it alongside my therapist or doctor?
Yes to both. Clinical Hypnotherapy and BWRT® are credentialed clinical techniques, and I tailor every session to your specific history and pace. Neither is a replacement for medical or mental health treatment, and many of my clients use this work alongside — not instead of — care from their doctor or therapist. If panic or anxiety are affecting your daily functioning, I’d also encourage you to loop in your other providers.
What if hypnosis “doesn’t work on me”?
This is one of the most common worries I hear, and it’s almost always based on a misunderstanding of what hypnosis actually is. It isn’t a party trick that works on some people and not others — it’s a natural, relaxed, focused state that most people can access with the right guidance. We’ll also make sure we’re using the right technique for you, which is part of what we sort out during your Discovery Call.
What to Expect in a Session
How long does a session take?
Most sessions run about an hour, whether we’re working in person or over Zoom.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the technique and your specific pattern. Some clients see real movement in a single Clinical Hypnotherapy session, while BWRT® is offered as a 3-session package — your first session is booked directly, and I schedule the next two with you as we go, based on how the work is unfolding. We’ll talk through what makes sense for you during your Discovery Call, rather than assuming a fixed number up front.
What if I feel like I lost track of time, or like I drifted off?
That’s normal, and it doesn’t mean anything went wrong. The relaxed, focused state we work in is closer to the calm feeling right before sleep than to being unconscious — many clients are surprised by how much time seems to pass, precisely because they’re so deeply relaxed. You’re still aware of your surroundings and in control the entire time, even when it feels like time moved differently.
Will you give me anything to use between sessions?
For some sessions, yes — I may provide you with a practice meditation to use between sessions or to help reinforce the work we’ve done together. Not every session includes this; if it’s part of your process, I’ll let you know and walk you through how to use it.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for a session?
Comfortable clothing helps, since you’ll be settling in for about an hour. I’d also suggest avoiding a heavy meal right beforehand — feeling overly full or sluggish can make it harder to relax into the session. Beyond that, just come as you are; we’ll take it from there together.
Zoom & Session Logistics
Do sessions have to happen in Nashville, or can they really be done just as effectively over Zoom?
All of my sessions — Clinical Hypnotherapy, BWRT®, and everything in between — can be done over Zoom, and Zoom can be just as effective as meeting in person. For some clients, it’s arguably more effective, because you’re in your own comfortable, cozy environment — your own home — rather than an unfamiliar office. I also see clients in person in the Nashville/Brentwood area, so you’re welcome to choose whichever fits your schedule and comfort level.
How should I prepare my space for a Zoom session?
Find a cozy, quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. If you have pets, it helps to put them in another room or somewhere they won’t wander in or make noise partway through. Silence your phone notifications, let anyone else in the house know you’ll be unavailable for the hour, and settle in somewhere comfortable before we begin.
What do I need, technically, for a Zoom session?
A stable wifi connection and a device with a working camera and microphone are the essentials. Headphones are helpful if you can use them, since they cut down on background noise and make it easier to hear me clearly. I’d also suggest logging into the Zoom link a few minutes early to make sure everything’s working before we start.
Clinical Hypnotherapy and BWRT® are not a replacement for medical or mental health treatment and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical or psychological condition. Many clients use this work alongside — not instead of — care from their doctor or therapist.
Still Have a Question?
A Discovery Call is a real conversation, not a commitment. Learn more about Clinical Hypnotherapy, BWRT®, or Anxiety & Panic Support, or skip straight to a $47 Discovery Call to talk through what you’re dealing with.