I answer questions about hypnosis and clear up misconceptions about who can be hypnotized, and how the process works. Frequently Asked Questions Daniel explaining hypnotherapy to students at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (2016) What is hypnosis? Hypnosis has been defined as an altered state of consciousness characterized by focused imagination and a heightened receptivity to suggestion. Can everyone be hypnotized? It's a misconception that many people cannot be hypnotized. This is based on stage hypnotists and stories of those who participated in group hypnosis sessions. Individual clinical hypnotherapy is different. While some may take more time than others, I've only encountered 5 clients in over 10 years who I could not hypnotize. It hasn't happened in years! Will I be aware of what is happening? There are 15 levels of trance, and your awareness decreases as you go to the deeper levels. At the superficial levels you might hear everything I say. The middle levels get kind of dreamy and your conscious mind might "miss" some of what I say. At the deepest levels (after many sessions) you might "miss" most of what I say. However, you are not unconscious or asleep. Your subconscious is always listening and aware. Even in a deep dream, you are aware if your spouse kicks you, right? Can I be forced to do something against my will? This is another misconception. Even in stage hypnotist shows, every participant has a line he or she won't go past. Part of the fun is helping the audience believe the hypnotist is in total control, but that is just not true. NEVER! The men and women on the stage volunteered and agreed to be silly. And, as long as the hypnotist stays within those bounds they will cooperate. Similarly, the idea of a hypnotist getting someone to rob a bank or kill someone is totally ridiculous! Can I drive and go to work or home right after a session? Yes! It may take you 5 minutes to get fully present, but afterwards you will feel relaxed and ready to get on with your day or night. The only lingering effects are positive ones! How many sessions will I need? The vast majority of my patients will experience improvement after just the first session. However, I am usually working with issues or habits that go back years or decades. One-session promises usually use negative conditioning and don't address the underlying problem. That is not how I work. Many people who have stopped smoking that way end up with a weight issue or another issue because the underlying problem wasn't healed. I always recommend at least 4 sessions to have the best chance for a permanent solution. More involved cases require more sessions. However, while you are always welcome to come back at any time, the vast majority of my patients do not need follow-up sessions once we completed the course of treatment. Do you take insurance? No, like many other alternative healthcare professionals these services must be paid out of pocket. There have been instances where payment was completed through a Health Savings Account, but the program rules must allow it. The good news is for weight loss or smoking cessation services, my fees can be deducted as a medical expense on your income taxes. Is your office conveniently located? The office has been located in the same building since 2007. It is a few hundred feet from the intersection of East Broadway and the 101 (Price Freeway), across the street from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. The office is convenient for people who live or work in Tempe, Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Scottsdale. Patients have also traveled from Sun City West, Prescott, Glendale, Casa Grande and Tucson. How does hypnosis compare to other treatment options? Most patients have tried a variety of methods before stepping into my office. Diet plans have a terrible track record, and without doubt, hypnotherapy works faster than various forms of psychotherapy or counseling. I've treated many people who made more progress with me in a few months than they had with a psychotherapist in many years! I do believe counseling can be useful in certain cases, but there is no comparison in speed or efficacy when compared to hypnotherapy. I am also not a fan of a pharmaceutical approach--although again, there may be cases where it can be useful. The best proof for me is provided by the Veterans Administration that switched from using hypnosis for "shell shock" or PTSD in the 1980s to a protocol of group counseling and pharmaceuticals. If that approach were effective, why would we have 22 veterans killing themselves every day? Perhaps millions of other veterans suffer with drug and alcohol abuse in an attempt to quiet their demons. This is a tragedy. How should I pick a hypnotherapist? There are people who pick a practitioner based on fees or proximity to their home or job. I don't agree with that approach. In every profession there are those who are more skilled and those who are less skilled. If you read my testimonials, you'll see I often help people make significant life changes. Could just anyone do it? Another variable is where a hypnotherapist practices. Many of my competitors practice out of their home. While that is a cost savings for the practitioner, it could raise pet/allergy issues, extraneous noise concerns or worries about safety. My office is in a professional office building that houses many small businesses. It is centrally located, with plenty of free parking in our lots. Training in this profession varies greatly. There are competitors who were trained and certified over the internet. Others whose training is less than impressive. And, very, very few who have any sort of psychological education--on an undergraduate or graduate level. So choose based on what's important to you. My only advice is: Treat this as an important decision, because it is!

Are you a daily drinker? Binge drinker? Drinking more nowadays? Have trouble stopping or cutting back? Hypnotherapy can help! Hypnosis for Alcohol Abuse Hypnosis for Alcohol Abuse Binge drinking is the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption. It's defined as 4 or more drinks in a few hours for women and 5 or more drinks in a few hours for men. Heavy drinking for women is 8 or more drinks per week, and 15 or more drinks per week for men. The gender difference is based solely on average size and weight. The CDC's Dietary Guidelines for alcohol define moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Many are surprised that these recommendations are so low. They think they can hold their liquor, and point to how frequently heavy drinking is shown on TV and in the movies--with few negative consequences. Many look to family and friends for comparisons. However, since heavy drinkers tend to associate with other heavy drinkers--and shun those who drink in moderation, or don't drink at all-- these comparisons just feed the denial. Because early experiences shape our lives, alcoholics frequently have family members who are also heavy drinkers. By the time someone comes to my office wanting help with their alcohol problem, the women are drinking at least a bottle of wine a day, and the men are drinking at least 4-6 beers or drinks per day. At the higher consumption levels, alcohol can create problems on the job, with a spouse, children, health, and with the law. Everyone I've known in my professional and personal life who had an alcohol problem has damaged their children and spousal relationship(s). Even for those who aren't heavy drinkers, I always suggest that when both people have been drinking, that's not the time for an argument with a loved one! So, is alcoholism a disease? Although medical societies, hospitals and treatment facilities lobbied to get it classified as such, I don't believe it is a disease. This classification allows healthcare providers to bill insurance companies for their services, but it actually does not fit the disease category. If you are curious about this point, you can click this link to find an excellent article: "Is Alcoholism a Disease?" Does alcoholism run in families? Researchers have found some (minor) genetic propensities, but that is not the most important reason it runs in families. The reason is behavioral. Alcoholic parents not only serve as role models for their children, but they also damage their children. Those children have a greater likelihood of becoming alcohol abusers themselves, and/or marrying an alcoholic. Most of those who start drinking early in life, cut back as they get older. Their college years were enjoyable, but family and job responsibilities take precedence as they age. In addition, as we get older our bodies are not as good at metabolizing alcohol, so most cut back. However, some men and women continue heavy drinking as they get older. They seek my help when they recognize the dangers and negative effects on their lives and families. Treatment Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935. You probably know someone who has been clean and sober for years or decades thanks to this program. I've known those people; I've had some as patients--for issues other than alcohol. However, research shows that only 5-10% of AA members are able to quit drinking permanently. The track record for most residential treatment programs is not much better. Some people have been able to successfully stop drinking on their own, but the reasons vary. Sometimes a serious health issue arises, or a beloved spouse makes a credible threat of divorce. My program for people who are heavy drinkers involves getting to the heart of the (subconscious) causes and healing those causes. I work with people who could be classified as functional alcoholics. With treatment they are able to decrease their consumption, and many have been able to become social drinkers with no worries about going off the deep end again. I do not treat those with alcohol dependence--those who are not able to maintain their responsibilities and have no control over their drinking. However, even in those cases, after they have been through a rehab facility and gotten sober, I'm able to help them minimize their chances of abusing alcohol again. It is possible to enjoy life without being tipsy, high or drunk! < Back

I have two degrees in psychology and was trained in Hypnosis by an internationally-known teacher. Don't settle for less! Experience In May, 2012 Daniel was invited to present at the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners international conference in California (photo above). It was a great opportunity to share his approach with other practitioners. At this conference he learned there are great differences in the quality and effectiveness of hypnotherapy training programs across America. Some practitioners only completed a short online course. While others achieved greater understanding through full-time courses (such as the one he attended) that included supervised clinical practice sessions. Many hypnotherapists from around the country had never attended college. Others were college graduates, but few also had a graduate degree. And fewer still were in his category with an undergraduate and graduate major in psychology. Work history among his fellow practitioners also varied greatly. A few had begun their practice at young ages, and worked for decades perfecting their skills. For others, it was a second or third career, with years of prior work experience in unrelated fields. As a Life and Business Coach, Daniel brings decades of experience analyzing situations and problem-solving with clients in a variety of occupations and industries. Prior to starting Inner Power Hypnosis, he taught management, communication and interpersonal relations at the undergraduate and graduate levels; he also consulted with Fortune 500 corporations such as AT&T, Chase, HP, Citibank, NYNEX, Weight Watchers and NY Life. As part of his consulting work, he published articles and was asked to present at local, national and international conferences. During his time in the naming business, we used a group creativity process (pictured below) to name O'Doul's beer, Teddy Grahams cereal, Kudos granola bars, and many lesser-known products. Although his consulting work was demanding and lucrative, he became dissatisfied in that profession. The projects were fascinating; but his life was geared toward generating greater profits for his clients, rather than helping people. After much soul searching, he decided to switch careers, and was trained in Colorado as a clinical hypnotherapist. Daniel believes in living a healthy lifestyle, having hobbies and connecting with family and friends. He enjoys exercise, boating, classic car shows, antiques, and enjoying the beautiful Arizona scenery and weather. Here is a photo of him enjoying a visit with two of his grandchildren, taken a few years ago. < Back

Are you ready to cut back or stop your cannabis habit--or other drug addiction? Hypnosis can help eliminate the NEED for this and other drugs. Hypnosis for Drug Abuse Hypnosis for Drug Abuse Cannabis In November 2020 Proposition 207 made it legal for people in Arizona 21 and over to possess and use recreational marijuana. It can be smoked or eaten, and purchased legally by adults at dispensaries. It is also readily available on the black market for those too young to purchase it legally. Partly because of its popularity and legality, many people think this drug is harmless, or at least less damaging than alcohol. Marijuana had accepted medical uses for years, and for certain illnesses cannabis/CBD can be beneficial. However, daily recreational use, even to lessen anxiety and/or insomnia, can have negative consequences. At low doses, cannabis can decrease anxiety, but at high doses people can become more anxious. Although research on the negative effects of cannabis, especially on young people, was conducted a few years ago, this information is not widely known. However, that may change; on June 23, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled: "Psychosis, Addiction, Chronic Vomiting: As Weed Becomes More Potent, Teens are Getting Sick." The article's subheading reads: "With THC levels close to 100 percent, today's cannabis products are making some teenagers highly dependent and dangerously ill." Many parents and grandparents remember the marijuana of their youth, and think of it as harmless. Yet, through genetic manipulation, the current versions of cannabis are many times more powerful--and dangerous--than those available in the 60s, 70s or 80s (when the typical THC content was only around 5%). The article goes on to say: In addition to uncontrollable vomiting and addiction, adolescents who frequently use high doses of cannabis may also experience psychosis that could possibly lead to lifelong psychiatric disorder, an increased likelihood of developing depression and suicidal ideation, changes in brain anatomy/connectivity and poor memory. The article is illustrated with cases where temporary, or permanent, damage was the result of daily ingestion of powerful cannabis. In addition, there are instances of violence and lawbreaking made more likely when a regular user is high. I've had patients who looked back at their stoner years and realized how weed decreased their motivation, and held them back from fulfilling their dreams. Hard Drugs Hard drugs are seen as more potent and toxic, both physically and mentally. Cocaine : Over 14% of Americans 12 and older have tried cocaine. It's a powerful stimulant and one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Cocaine often starts with recreational use, but addiction can develop quickly. Symptoms include insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, loss of appetite, excessive sweating and restlessness. Opioids : Opioids are narcotic drugs that affect the nervous system and act as a pain reliever. They include synthetic or partly-synthetic drugs that mimic opiates such as heroin. Common prescription opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone. While prescribed opioids are a common and effective method of treating severe and chronic pain, long term use and abuse can lead to addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Opioids are some of the most commonly abused drugs worldwide. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the last year, and 75% were from opioids. Since fentanyl is so potent and relatively cheap, it is added to many illicit drugs (meth and cocaine), and some counterfeit prescription drugs. There is no way to detect if a lethal dose of fentanyl has been added. Many teenagers and adults have rapidly died from ingesting this drug, often unknowingly. It has been reported that 80% of the fentanyl sold illegally in the USA comes through Arizona from Mexico. Does that mean that black market Adderall or Xanax pills in Arizona are more likely to contain lethal fentanyl doses? Possibly, only 13 states have drug overdose death rates worse than Arizona. Methamphetamine : Is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically similar to amphetamine, 5.6% of Americans 12 and older have tried meth. Addicts take it by smoking, swallowing a pill, snorting or injecting the powder dissolved in water/alcohol. Effects include, increased wakefulness/activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature. Most illegal meth is also produced in clandestine labs in Mexico. Long-term meth use can result in extreme weight loss, addiction, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, memory loss, paranoia, hallucinations and violent behavior. In 2017, about 15% of all drug overdose deaths involved methamphetamine. It should be noted that fentanyl is sometimes added to street meth without the user knowing. Treatment Cannabis : Because of its legality, availability and acceptance, most cannabis users do not try to cut back or stop using. They don't see the negative consequences, although often those around them are aware of the effects. Colorado legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014. Since then, traffic fatalities have increased by 75 a year and many people have been arrested for driving while impaired. Legalization in Arizona and other states is too new for extensive research on the deleterious effects of this drug, but loss of motivation and interpersonal problems with loved ones are widely reported. In addition, many companies now conduct random or regular drug tests of their employees. Use of marijuana, even though legal, can be a cause for discharge. It is essential that the teenager or adult wants to stop the marijuana habit. Sometimes a parent or spouse provides the initial push, but the patient themselves must see the benefits to stopping or at least cutting back on use. My approach is to use hypnosis to decrease the need for the drug--usually by diminishing anxiety--and slowly ween the patient off marijuana. Sometimes this is a very rapid process, and takes only a few sessions. The person's desire for a cannabis high is just gone. In more extreme cases, it may take more time, but the process is thorough and effective. When the issue that motivated them to take cannabis is healed or at least diminished, it is much easier to create a successful long-term outcome. Hard Drugs : Very often an intervention from a spouse or family member is required to get the addict to admit he/she has a problem. Users lie to themselves and others, so promises are mostly meaningless. And despite the person's claims to the contrary they will not be able to do it on their own. It is important to seek help for prescription or illicit substance abuse/addiction. Withdrawal from many of the common street and prescription drugs can be uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening. In many cases, it will be important to detox in a medically supervised facility, where medications can be prescribed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. In the case of drugs like heroin , hydrocodone , and oxycodone , specific treatment medications such as Suboxone are approved for use in facilitating detox and for longitudinal treatment of opioid dependence. Detox should be followed by further treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction, and to develop relapse prevention skills. This is when hypnotherapy can be effective. The issue for most hard drug users is not one of stopping, the challenge is to keep from using again. The relapse rate found after most residential treatment programs is very high--at least 90%. Some patients are able to make permanent changes in those programs, but those cases are rare. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy provides healing at the subconscious level, and has much better odds of helping to achieve a permanent solution. The patient can begin at any point in their sobriety, but motivation is very important, and sometimes multiple sessions per week are advised. The good news is there is clinical research to prove the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in cases of addiction. Here is a typical research study on hypnosis for drug addiction . In addition, the famous Passages Malibu rehab center also believes in getting to the root of the problem and makes extensive use of clinical hypnotherapy to help permanently heal their patients.

Hypnotherapy has a proven record for helping to heal the damage from childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. Childhood Sexual or Physical Abuse Childhood Abuse Although I've treated adults with debilitating childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, and although some psychiatrists diagnose PTSD for every case of sexual abuse, I find it more accurate to restrict the PTSD designation to those whose lives were threatened. In some extreme childhood abuse cases, that was true. I've worked with patients who were threatened with guns, knives, and strangulation as children. The aggressor was often a parent, sibling, or older relative--and those terrifying threats had a lasting effect. On occasion I've treated a woman or man for anxiety/panic attacks or obesity, and discovered they were physically and/or sexually abused as a child. Yet, they had no conscious memory of it. This type of repression is more common than people realize. The mind attempts to protect the individual from painful memories that it doesn't think could be accepted or handled. A tell-tale sign exists when the patient reveals that her/his childhood memories have major gaps or blank periods. In extreme cases, they may remember very little of their childhood. Sometimes they have a feeling that "something happened," but not always. In less extreme cases, the patient remembers the beatings or sexual abuse. However, even when remembered, it is rare for the child to report the abuse to a parent or school official. They just accept it, and try to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, these experiences usually have life-long negative effects unless treated. According to the CDC, approximately one in four girls, and one in 13 boys experience childhood sexual abuse. Because so many victims never speak up, school counselors are taught that a girl's obesity could be a symptom of sexual abuse. From the point of view of the inner child, this makes perfect sense. Men are much less interested in an overweight girl or woman. Thus, it serves as a useful layer of protection. And, even though the threat and abuser may be long gone, the inner child maintains the extra pounds for decades--because in her world the threat is still very real! While the healing process usually takes longer in cases of severe childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, life-changing improvements have been experienced by my hypnotherapy patients. < Back