Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation. We all experience this state at least twice a day, when falling asleep and when waking. There are other times we enter this “flow” state: while driving, watching TV, playing a sport or engaging in a favorite hobby. Hypnosis teaches you to more easily access this relaxed yet intently focused state at will. This mindful state can be used to change unwanted habits, overcome longstanding obstacles and unlock your deeper potential.
Does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Hypnosis is not “magic,” but a structured, clinical process of learning to relax the mind and body. Although with Jon’s assistance you will enter the hypnotic state in session, you will also receive take home assignments, encouraging you to practice relaxation, mindfulness and self-hypnosis on your own. Your experiences in session, combined with structured homework, help you cultivate new habits of thinking, feeling and doing.
Treatment issues including:
- addiction
- weight loss
- smoking cessation
- depression
- anxiety and social anxiety
- improved performance in creative, athletic and career pursuits
- pain management
- work stress
- PTSD and trauma
- phobias
- sexual and relationship issues
Is it safe?
You might have seen a stage hypnotist asking people to cluck like a chicken or bark like a dog. Hypnosis is not used for entertainment. All hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis, and no hypnotherapist can make you do anything you don’t really want to do. Since you always have control during hypnosis, you can come out of this light trance state anytime you want by simply counting to yourself and opening your eyes.
How much does it cost?
$100 per session. All sessions are 50 minutes.
Holistic Treatment Approach
Jon Johnston, MA, LPC-Intern, supervised by Heather Carlile, MA, LPC, LPC-S, trained in hypnotherapy with Carol Kershaw, Ed. D. and William Wade, MDIV, LPC, LMFT, co-directors of the Milton Erikson Institute in Houston.
In addition, Jon is a licensed professional counselor-intern who also offers meditation training and traditional counseling for a wide variety of treatment issues. For more than two decades, Jon has studied mindfulness and meditation practice. At the Zen Mountain Monastery in New York, Jon studied meditation with author and renowned expert in the field, John Daido Loori. Jon’s integrated treatment approach, utilizing a variety of hypnosis and meditation techniques and strategies, allows him to effectively work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and interests. His treatment style is warm, relaxed and non-judgmental–while still fostering structure, goal setting and personal responsibility.
Jon is an accomplished musician as well as mental health professional. He studied music at the highly prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he focused on jazz, world music and composition. Jon’s studies took him to Japan, where he further pursued his passion for Zen, studying the Japanese flute (shakuhachi) with Stan Richardson and Yodo Kurahashi II, internationally recognized masters of the instrument. He feels his musical explorations are organic extensions of his core interests in Eastern philosophy and self-actualization.
What can I expect?
At your initial session, Jon will take some time to get to know your issues and answer any questions you may have about hypnotherapy. You will then be guided through a relaxation exercise using a series of mental images and suggestions intended to relieve symptoms. For example, someone experiencing panic attacks may be given the suggestion that, in the future, he or she will be able to relax whenever he/she wants. Jon will also teach you the basics of self-hypnosis and give you an audio recording you can use at home to practice what you learned during the session. A treatment plan will be discussed, and follow-up sessions will be scheduled with your personal goals in mind.
How do I get started?
If hypnosis sounds like something you may be interested to learn more about simply give us a call at (972) 755-0996 or fill out our Contact Us form.