1. What is Medical Hypnosis?
Medical hypnosis is also known as: Clinical hypnosis Visualization Mental imagery Guided imagery It is a highly focused state during which patients are taught to create an experience, in their minds, that allows them to realize that…
2. Who is a Candidate?
People with open minds who are motivated and willing to use their imaginations do very well with medical hypnosis. Dr. Lazarus works with all ages of clients, but specializes in children and adolescents, particularly ages 5 through early…
3. What are the Benefits of Hypnosis?
Rather than merely taking a temporary pill, learning a permanent skill is very empowering. It shows patients that they have the ability and power to gain control over their bodies and life challenges. This raises self-esteem and awareness, builds…
4. What is short-term therapy?
Short-term therapy, also known as brief therapy, requires only a few visits. Dr. Lazarus is neither a psychiatrist nor a psychologist, and he knows the limits of his training and the limits of medical hypnosis. He screens his patients carefully,…
5. How does medical hypnosis work?
Adults and adolescents may begin a medical hypnosis session by relaxing deeply, muscle group by muscle group. When the body is relaxed, in the state of hypnosis (also called a trance), the mind is more open to suggestions. From there, one visits…
6. What is a trance?
Trance, or the state of being in hypnosis, is a highly focused state of mind in which the body is relaxed and the mind is open and able to do things that we didn’t know we could do.* For example, you may have noticed while driving in the car one…
7. What myths exist about medical hypnosis?
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis lists these as the three top myths about medical hypnosis: People often fear that being hypnotized will make them lose control, surrender their will, and result in their being dominated, but a hypnotic…
8. What is the difference between medical hypnosis and biofeedback?
Medical hypnosis and biofeedback are essentially the same treatment. The difference is that with biofeedback, the patient is hooked up to a monitor, usually one that wraps around the finger, with the other end attached to a computer. The patient can…
9. What is the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist?
A hypnotist: • Is not a medical professional • Accepts virtually anyone for treatment • May get good results but, may engage in indiscriminate use of his or her skill, often with unfortunate or humiliating results. A clinical…
10. What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is simply therapy with mental imagery. It is a treatment with specific therapeutic goals and specific techniques used while the patient is in a highly focused state,* or trance. Trance is not sleep. In trance, you can communicate and…
11. How does hypnosis work with children?
Children are typically able to enter trance more quickly and easily than older adolescents and adults do. They are in and out of trance all the time, and they use their imaginations far more easily than most adults do. They are often less inhibited…
12. What if my child goes into trance and cannot come out of it?
When people are in trance, they feel wonderful, and sometimes patients are not in a hurry to return to their usual state of mind. Dr. Lazarus has had extensive training not only in guiding people into trance, but also in helping them return from…
13. What are the benefits of clinical hypnosis for children?
Rather than merely taking a temporary pill, learning a permanent skill is very empowering. It shows them that they have the ability and power to gain control over their bodies and life challenges. This raises self-esteem and awareness, builds…
14. Will the doctor control my child’s mind?
No. No one can ever control anyone else’s mind. Medical mental imagery, also called medical hypnotherapy, is very different than stage hypnosis, and from the kind of hypnosis that is shown in children’s cartoons. Stage hypnotists are highly…
15. Are there any side effects to medical hypnosis?
No. None. Medical hypnosis has no negative side effects. However, it is not right for everyone. The patient must be motivated to learn and change their current position.
16. How long does it take to learn self-hypnosis?
Like any other skill, the learning curve depends on the patient. If one is motivated, one can learn this technique easily and quickly. In learning any new skill, one can improve one’s ability by working with an instructor or coach, and by…
17. How can I help my child do even better at self-hypnosis?
One of the most challenging aspects of treating children through self-hypnosis is educating the parents on how they can best help. Studies indicate that the more the parents are involved, the less effective the treatment. The best way to help your…
18. How often do you see the patients? How soon can we expect results?
This depends on how motivated the patient is and if there are other psychological problems in the patient and/or family. Dr. Lazarus tries to take on only patients whom he thinks he can help. If the child is otherwise emotionally well, then…
19. Is medical hypnosis covered by my insurance?
Dr. Lazarus accepts only fee-for-service payments. You will be required to sign a form that indicates that you understand that his services may not be covered by insurance. Our office accepts checks and cash. Payment is required at the time of each…
20. How much does it cost?
Many of my colleagues and I have found that rather than spending the traditional 45-50 minutes of talk therapy once a week, that by spending longer, intensive sessions, we can accomplish a great deal more, more efficiently and more…
21. What is the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis?
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis membership includes psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, medical doctors, masters-level nurses, dentists and chiropractors. As an…
22. Where can I find more information about hypnosis?
American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis American Society of Clinical Hypnosis The ASCH is the largest U.S. organization for health & mental health care professionals utilizing medical hypnosis. The organization was founded by…