Photo of Amanda Levy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08527, NJ
Amanda Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
Jackson, NJ 08527
Are you struggling with an important decision, having difficulties in a relationship? Maybe you are the kind of person that finds yourself overwhelmed or lives from crisis to crisis. Do you want to stop the pattern of putting out the personal fires in your life? Maybe you are interested in a more satisfying and successful life? Perhaps your child has school issues, or has difficulty managing his feelings or experiences. Perhaps , knowing what to do as a parent isn't so clear.
Are you struggling with an important decision, having difficulties in a relationship? Maybe you are the kind of person that finds yourself overwhelmed or lives from crisis to crisis. Do you want to stop the pattern of putting out the personal fires in your life? Maybe you are interested in a more satisfying and successful life? Perhaps your child has school issues, or has difficulty managing his feelings or experiences. Perhaps , knowing what to do as a parent isn't so clear.
(973) 517-4062 View (973) 517-4062
Photo of Sherry Goldman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 08527, NJ
Sherry Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jackson, NJ 08527  (Online Only)
Has life become a never ending battle of suffering with chronic anxiety and depression? Do worry and stress nag at you day and night? I know you do your best, and have really tried to feel better. So why does it seem like other people have it all figured out and already know how to be happy? What are you doing wrong or missing? Even when you're happy it never lasts. You try to relax but your mind never stops. It's a constant stream of worries about the future, of what needs to get done, and it all seems so overwhelming. You know this is no way to live. But when tomorrow arrives, you will wake up and just start it all over again.
Has life become a never ending battle of suffering with chronic anxiety and depression? Do worry and stress nag at you day and night? I know you do your best, and have really tried to feel better. So why does it seem like other people have it all figured out and already know how to be happy? What are you doing wrong or missing? Even when you're happy it never lasts. You try to relax but your mind never stops. It's a constant stream of worries about the future, of what needs to get done, and it all seems so overwhelming. You know this is no way to live. But when tomorrow arrives, you will wake up and just start it all over again.
(732) 806-5009 View (732) 806-5009
HypnoTherapy

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy works by using guided hypnosis to help you reach a state of focus and concentration through mental imagery and soothing verbal repetition. The state is somewhat like being absorbed in a book, a movie, or your own thoughts. You are not under a therapist’s “control,” but they can help you relax and turn your attention inward to discover the resources to achieve behavior change or better manage psychological concerns. Therapy sessions may involve guiding you through recognizing a problem, releasing problematic thoughts about it, and considering and accepting more productive alternatives before returning to normal awareness. Hypnotherapy is typically used by a therapist along with traditional forms of talk therapy. Eventually, your therapist can help you learn hypnotherapy techniques yourself so you can establish a stronger sense of control on your own in stressful or challenging moments.

Is hypnotherapy the same as hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy, which is sometimes called hypnotic suggestion, is a therapeutic technique in which a therapist uses hypnosis to help patients. It is not the kind of hypnosis portrayed in stage shows, or in movies or on television. You will not be unconscious or asleep during hypnotherapy, you will not lose control of yourself, your thoughts, or your free will, and you will be able to fully recall your experience. And while you will hear your therapist’s suggestions, it is always up to you to decide whether to act on them. Hypnosis by a trained mental-health professional is not a form of mind control, which is impossible to achieve anyway.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

The most common challenge of hypnotherapy is that as many as one in four people cannot be hypnotized. Brain imaging has confirmed differences in patterns of brain connectivity between those who respond to hypnotism and those who do not. Other people who could potentially be hypnotized may not respond to the technique because of their skepticism or resistance to entering a hypnotic state. If a therapist’s “post-hypnotic suggestion” is effective, it’s because they are suggesting something you want to achieve.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Through hypnotherapy, you can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. Like other talk therapy techniques, when hypnotherapy succeeds, it’s a case of mind over matter. Effective hypnotherapy involves self-healing because you access resources you need to change inside of yourself and learn how to tap into them whenever you need. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective therapy for anxiety, phobias, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and undesirable behaviors like smoking. It can be used to help improve sleep or to address relationship challenges, and to aid with pain management, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and the gastrointestinal side effects of pregnancy or chemotherapy.