FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Why Use Hypnosis?
The purpose of using hypnosis is as an effective tool to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. It's not clear how these techniques work but some scientists believe hypnosis affects how your brain communicates with your body through nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals, such as neuropeptides. When you're hypnotized, you can quiet the mind and achieve deep relaxation allowing you to concentrate intensely on a specific desired result.

Will the Hypnotist Have Control Over Me?
If you've ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you've probably thought this was the case. However, the volonteers know what the type of silly behavior that might be expected and agree to it when they raise their hands to participate willingly.
Legitimate clinical hypnosis practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage but it does involve your willing participation in the process for it to be successful. A more accurate depiction of hypnosis is that it is actually more like a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. A hypnotist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator to help you achieve goals that you desire. You don't lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength.

Will I Be Asleep?

Almost all my clients remember their sessions! However, at home, many clients do fall into a light sleep while listening to their reinforcement CDs. This happens because your conscious mind has filtered the suggestions and repetition of the same suggestions will cause most people to go deeper with each listening. The fact is, You do not have to be asleep to achieve success with hypnosis.

Can I Be Hypnotized Without My Consent?
Successful hypnosis depends on your willingness to experience it. Even with voluntary participation, not everyone can be led into a hypnotic state. Desire is key!

Are There Risks to Using Hypnosis?
Hypnosis has been acknowledged by the American Medical Association (AMA) since 1954! It is not a replacement for proper medical care by a licensed physician or psychologist. However, hypnosis, conducted under the care of a trained expert is considered safe as a complementary healing art and and has often been used as one of many alternative medicine modalities incorporated into a holistic healing approach. Hypnosis is one of several relaxation methods for addressing chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Moreover, the NIH has stated that hypnosis and guided imagery, two of the most well-studied complementary modalities, are "used increasingly to improve patients' experiences and healthcare outcomes."

Can I get reimbursed by insurance?
That depends on your individual health coverage insurer's current policy and your specific coverage. Some people can get reimbursed for hypnosis when it has been prescribed by a physician. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for more information.

YOU CAN RECEIVE AN IRS TAX CREDIT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND SMOKING CESSATION:
Tax laws passed in 2003 onwards allow a tax credit that reimburses 100% of the money you pay for for smoking cessation programs. If you are advised by a physician to lose weight, you can also be reimbursed 100% for weight loss hypnosis.

This is a tax credit - not a tax deduction, so that means 100% credit on your taxes! It's almost as if your smoking cessation and weight loss hypnosis programs were free!

The information below is derived from pages 12 and 15 of IRS Publication 502 year 2003.

Stop-Smoking Programs:
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for a program to stop smoking. However, you cannot include in medical expenses amounts you pay for drugs that do not require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches that are designed to help stop smoking.

Weight-Mangagement Programs:

You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to shed weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities.

How to Report:
To claim the credit, complete Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit, and attach it to your Form 1040 or Form 1040NR. Report the credit on Form 1040, line 67, or Form 1040NR, line 62, and check box c. You cannot claim the credit on Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ.

You need to attach invoices and proof of payment for any amounts you include on line 2 of Form 8885 for which you did not receive an advance payment. Be sure to ask me for a receipt! If you file your return electronically, attach the invoices and proof of payment to your Form 8453. Proof of payment may include a pay stub if insurance is through a spouse's employment, a bank check, or bank statement for premiums that are automatically deducted from your account.

If you claim this credit, you cannot take the same expenses that you use to figure your health coverage tax credit into account in determining your:

• Medical and dental expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040)

• Self-employed health insurance deduction

• Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA) distributions.

Please note that the above should not be considered tax advice. Please confirm with your tax consultant for as you know, tax laws change.