Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during a session? During a clinical hypnotherapy session, you can think of it as a massage for your mind. You'll be fully clothed in a comfortable reclined position and guided through breathwork and imagery that brings your body into a state of deep, conscious relaxation similar to that heavy, floaty feeling right before you fall asleep. From there, I work with your mind and body to release tension, connect to your own inner wisdom, and introduce new patterns of ease. You remain aware and in control the entire time.

Is hypnotherapy actually effective, or is this pseudoscience? Hypnotherapy has been studied for decades and is recognized by the American Medical Association as a valid clinical tool. The hypnotic state is a real, measurable neurological phenomenon in which your brain literally functions in ways that make it more receptive to change and more capable of deep rest. Reverie sessions use protocols from the International Board of Hypnotherapy, the same clinical framework used in medical and therapeutic settings worldwide.

Will I lose control or be made to do something I don't want to do? No. This is the biggest misconception about hypnosis, thanks to stage shows and movies. You cannot be hypnotized against your will, made to reveal information you want to keep private, or guided anywhere you don't want to go. You are conscious, aware, and can stop the session at any point. Most clients describe feeling more like themselves (clearer, calmer, more grounded), not less.

What if I can't be hypnotized? The hypnotic state is a natural brain state you've likely already experienced several times today. It is simply a state of relaxed, focused attention. My role is simply to guide you there intentionally. Most people find it easier than they expected.

How is this different from meditation? Meditation asks you to direct your own mind, which can feel frustrating or impossible when your nervous system is already overwhelmed. Restorative hypnotherapy is guided and receptive. You don't have to do anything except follow my voice. It also works at a subconscious level that meditation doesn't typically access, which is why clients often notice shifts in sleep, mood, and stress response that feel almost effortless with repetition.

What will I actually walk away with? Two things: a profound experience of rest that your body will remember, and practical tools to recreate that state on your own. Think of it as both a reset and an education. Your nervous system learns what deep ease actually feels like — and that becomes a reference point it can return to.

How many sessions do I need? A single session can produce noticeable results, which is why I offer standalone bookings. That said, like any wellness practice, the benefits compound over time. The 6 week Sanctuary series exists for clients who want lasting nervous system change rather than a one-time reset. It’s like the different between going to one Yoga class and having a regular practice that compounds over time.

Is this therapy? Reverie sessions are not psychotherapy and do not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions. This is wellness work — focused on rest, regulation, and nervous system education. If you're currently working with a therapist or psychiatrist, this work is designed to complement, not replace, that care.