Pre-Talk: Each session starts with a client-therapist conversation. During your initial session with Ilona, we will discuss your goals, concerns, and specific issues. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that best addresses your needs. You'll also learn about the process and benefits of hypnosis, and you'll have the opportunity to ask any related questions.

Hypnosis: Following the conversation, Ilona guides you into a relaxed, focused state (trance) through techniques such as deep breathing and visualizations. Once you reach a state of trance, Ilona uses methods such as positive suggestions, visualizations, or regression to a certain time or memory to address your concerns.

Post-Talk: After the therapeutic work, you will gently be brought back to full awareness and receive post-hypnotic suggestions. The session concludes with a wrap-up talk.

Duration:

Initial Session: 90min

Follow-up Session: 60min

• Set Clear Intentions and Be Motivated: Think about what you want to achieve before starting. Having a clear goal and feeling motivated to change what no longer serves you will significantly help you.

• Be Open-Minded and Curious: Approach the session with an open mind and childlike curiosity. Trust that your subconscious mind knows the answers.

• Trust the Process: It's normal to feel a bit nervous or anxious, especially if it’s your first time. Trust your therapist to guide you through it. If you have concerns, share them—getting answers will help you relax and focus.

• Be Ready to Relax: Hypnotherapy requires deep relaxation. Clear your mind, let go of stress, and take a few deep breaths. If relaxation is difficult, don’t worry—the therapist will help you.

• Avoid Stimulants: Avoid caffeine if you’re sensitive to it, and completely avoid alcohol, cannabis, or other stimulants before your session. These can interfere with your ability to relax.

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that will help you feel relaxed and at ease during the session.

• Arrive Early: Arriving a few minutes early will allow you to settle in and relax before the session begins. A relaxed mind will support your session.

Most people can be hypnotized, though some are more responsive than others. Factors like relaxation, openness, and willingness to participate play a key role in how easily someone enters a hypnotic state.

Even those who are less responsive can still benefit from hypnotherapy, though it may take longer. Trusting the therapist and being open to the process can improve the experience.

Yes, online hypnotherapy sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions!

The key factors influencing their effectiveness are the same as with in-person sessions: the skill of the therapist, the client's willingness to relax and engage, and the comfort level of the environment. In fact, many clients prefer their familiar home environment as it allows them to fully relax.

Ilona asks online clients to ensure they have a strong internet connection and no distractions, such as other people, pets, or technology issues.

You enter a deep state of hypnosis when your brain produces Theta waves, which can enhance therapy by making the mind more focused and receptive. However, deep states aren't always necessary for success. Some people experience positive changes in lighter Alpha states. The key is finding a depth where the client feels comfortable and engaged.

Every person’s experience with hypnosis is unique. Effectiveness depends more on the client's responsiveness and the therapist's approach than on the trance depth.

After a session, you may feel deeply relaxed, calm, and at ease. Some people experience a sense of clarity, while others feel more focused and energized. It’s also common to feel lighter or emotionally liberated, especially if the session involved releasing old patterns or addressing deep emotions.

After some sessions you may feel tired, drowsy or a bit disoriented as your mind processes the experience. In this case it is recommended to avoid driving for at least 30 minutes and try grounding exercises, like a walk in nature.

The number of hypnotherapy or Somatic EMDR sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the issue being addressed.

Some people may experience significant improvements after just 1 or 2 sessions, while others might require more sessions to achieve lasting change. Typically, anywhere from 3 to 6 sessions is common for many issues, but it can take more for deeper or more complex concerns.

Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan and assess progress throughout the process.

Hypnotherapy coverage depends on your insurance plan and location. Many traditional plans don't cover it, but some may. In British Columbia, coverage varies by plan—check with your provider for details on complementary therapies.

• Extended Health Plans: Plans from insurers like Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Great-West Life and Manulife may cover hypnotherapy under "psychological services" or "complementary health."

• Health Spending Accounts (HSAs): Some employers' HSAs may reimburse hypnotherapy services.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs may offer limited access to mental health services, including hypnotherapy, as part of their employees’ wellness benefits.

No, you cannot be manipulated against your will during hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focus, where you remain in control of your actions and decisions. A trained hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don't want to do. The process is always collaborative, and you can choose to accept or reject any suggestions given during the session.

Hypnotherapy guides the brain into a deeply relaxed, focused state, increasing theta brain waves, which are linked to learning, memory, and heightened receptivity. In this state, the amygdala (fear center) calms down, while the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex help regulate emotions and attention. This combination allows to change unhelpful thought patterns, reduce stress and anxiety, manage pain, and support lasting personal growth and healing.

No, it's not possible to get "stuck" in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation, and it’s typically easy to come out of it.

A trained hypnotherapist will guide you through the process and ensure that you return to full awareness at the end of the session.

Yes, hypnotherapy works well for children, as they are typically very receptive to it. It is often used to address issues like anxiety, sleep problems, phobias, bedwetting, and stress management. The therapist tailors their approach and techniques to be age appropriate.

Hypnotherapy for children typically involves gentle, engaging methods like storytelling and guided imagery to help them relax and address their concerns in a safe, supportive way.

Yes, you can hypnotize yourself! Self-hypnosis involves using relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and focused concentration to enter a relaxed, trance-like state. It can be effective for stress reduction, improving focus, and even changing habits.

There are various guided audio recordings you can use. However, for deeper or more complex issues, working with a trained hypnotherapist is recommended. A professional clinical hypnotherapist creates a client-centered treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which is crucial for addressing complex issues—something generic self-hypnosis tools do not offer.

Caution: Do not listen to a hypnosis recording while driving or operating heavy machinery.

No, regression hypnosis and past life regression are not the same, though they share some similarities.

Regression hypnosis is a therapeutic technique where the client is guided back to memories or experiences, typically from their current life, to help resolve issues or gain insights.

Past life regression, on the other hand, is a specific form of regression hypnosis where individuals are guided to recall experiences from what they believe may be their past lives.

In some cases, during regression hypnosis as a therapeutic process, spontaneous past-life regressions can occur. This can be a powerful experience. Don’t hesitate to ask Ilona more about this subject.

No, hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis are not the same. In short, hypnotherapy is a professional therapy, while stage hypnosis is for amusement.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice where a trained professional uses hypnosis to address issues like stress, anxiety, or bad habits, focusing on personal growth and healing.

Stage hypnosis, on the other hand, is for entertainment, where a hypnotist selects volunteers to perform dramatic or funny acts. While generally safe, it’s not meant to address personal issues.

Somatic EMDR combines EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessi) , which uses gentle left-right movements (eye movements, taps, or touch) to reprocess traumatic memories in the brain, with Somatic Therapy, which focuses on body sensations to release tension and trauma stored physically.

Yes, Somatic EMDR is evidence-based and conducted in a safe, supportive environment. The therapist guides you to stay grounded while processing trauma, ensuring you remain secure and are not re-traumatized. This approach helps release stored trauma, regulate your nervous system, and support healing in both mind and body at your own comfortable pace.

Somatic EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or touch) to help the amygdala (fear center) settle, the hippocampus (memory processing) integrate traumatic experiences, and the prefrontal cortex (reasoning and regulation) regain control over stress responses. Somatic Therapy complements this by engaging the vagus nerve and nervous system to release stored tension and trauma-related sensations, supporting overall regulation, balance, and a greater sense of safety in the body.