Hypnosis in Morris County

Maggie Vlazny, MSW, LCSW Director Psychotherapist & Marriage Counselor Certified Imago Relationship Therapist Certified in Medical/Analytical Hypnosis Certified EMDR Therapist View Credentials

Welcome! This part of our website will explain hypnosis to you, and let you know that there is help and hope for the following:

Explanation of Hypnosis and Medical Hypnosis

Hypnosis helps change habits. This is a short term treatment method in which the therapist gives soothing visualizations to the client to relax the mind and body into a relaxed trance state. Once in this relaxed state (under hypnosis), blocks to change are bypassed and suggestions for symptom relief or behavioral change are more readily accepted and subsequently acted upon. This is most commonly used for pain management, and performance enhancement.

Medical Hypnosis: The goal here is to help patients cope with and sometimes heal faster from difficult medical diagnoses and chronic pain. Medical hypnosis teaches self hypnosis and stress management, which is very important in reducing symptoms. It is particularly helpful with migraines, cardiac problems, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Working with doctors, we often find that a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis are most effective.

*The American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the British Medical Association have approved hypnosis for use by professionally responsible individuals.

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which you feel totally relaxed, yet aware of your surroundings. This is what is referred to as "trance". It is a very natural state and happens to all of us in our everyday life. It feels similar to daydreaming, or being absorbed in a good book or movie. Your attention is so focused that you become unaware of your surroundings. Highway driving is another example. We've all had the experience of going from one exit to another without being consciously aware of what happened in between. Trance is when part of you is safely navigating while another part of you is focusing on something else.

Common Fears About Hypnosis

Many people fear being controlled while hypnotized. In reality, the client is in control. Hypnosis cannot happen unless you choose to focus on the relaxation in order to work on pre-arranged goals with the therapist. No one can be forced to do or say anything that goes against their morals or their will. They would just come out of the trance rather than do so. The people you see behaving foolishly onstage are doing so because they want to. They want to entertain an audience and expect these things will occur when a stage hypnotist invites them up. Most importantly, you should work with a licensed therapist with proper credentials, who you can feel safe with. The therapist's job is to treat your symptoms, help you to feel better, and reach your goals while simultaneously empowering you. Proper credentials means a state license in their professional field.

Scheduling

This is when we discuss your desired change of symptoms, issues, problematic behaviors, or feelings. The sessions thereafter are also 45-50 minutes. I use a brief cognitive hypnosis model whenever possible, which typically runs 5-6 sessions. The fee is $135 per session.

For more information

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• American Chronic Pain Association
• Mayo Clinic on Hypnosis
• Osteoporosis and Chronic Pain