Overview:
As your coach, I want to help you grow, change, develop, and achieve your life goals. While I will challenge you to live out your values and reach your potential, our relationship starts with your agenda, your values, and your initiative. I will also hold you accountable for action steps you have agreed to make. The balance between support and challenge is the key to keeping you focused.
Metaphysical Counseling, Coaching services, and hypnotherapy vary depending on your needs and your desired level of support. To be successful requires your commitment as the Client to take responsibility for your participation and the outcomes that result from it. You are responsible for your life, and you will make the choices about what actions to take and what we work on together. You will need to be open and honest about your issues and needs, keep agreements, and stay committed to your goals.
The services to be provided by the coach to the client are coaching or tele-coaching as designed jointly with the client. Coaching services include values clarification, education, and brainstorming, identifying plans of action, examining modes of operating in life, asking clarifying questions, and making empowering requests. Coaching is not psychotherapy, psychological counseling, or any type of therapy; nor is it a substitute for these services. In the event that you, the client, feel the need for professional counseling or therapy, it is your responsibility to seek a licensed professional who can provide these services. If the Coach believes that such services will be valuable to the Client, the Coach will recommend them.
Goals:
As your coach, I will provide support, accountability, perspective, and suggest possible resources for your change goals. We will create a growth plan including regular homework and action steps that you are committed to carry out. Since much of our interaction will center on these assignments, I may choose to cancel or reschedule our appointment if you have not followed through.
Confidentiality:
The coach recognizes that certain information of a confidential manner may be relayed during either regular or coach-on-call sessions. The coach will not, at any time either directly or indirectly, use this information for the coach s benefit nor disclose said information to anyone else without specific approval of the client (excluding disclosure of illegal or unethical activities). Throughout the working relationship, the coach and client will engage in direct and personal conversations. The client can count on the coach to be honest and straightforward in asking questions and making requests. The client understands that the power of the coaching relationship can only be granted by the client. Therefore, the client agrees to do just that enable the coaching relationship be powerful.
Coaching sessions are recorded to benefit the Client and the Coach for coaching purposes. These recordings are reserved for use by the Coach and the Client only. No additional fees are incurred by the Client for the recordings that will remain available to the Client throughout the duration of this Agreement.
Payment Procedure
Office fees are in paid advance of sessions. An Hour (60 minutes) is $50.00 per session online or $75.00 per session in person. Overtime charges are $20 per quarter hour, rounded to the next quarter hour. Packages are offered at discounted rates.
Payment for Sessions is to be made online through PayPal with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Sessions can be paid per session, or at a discounted packaged option of monthly or full coaching season of 12 weeks. If paying per session payment to be made within 24 hours of session. If purchasing packages, payment is due within three business days of start date.
Day/Time:
Day and time of our sessions will be mutually selected. We agree to be diligent and to be punctual for our meetings so that we will make the most of our time together.
Appointment Procedure:
Our sessions will be held via Skype, through the CSD Chat Room, in-person, or by phone. When using the distance-coaching option, please find a quiet place where you won t be distracted. Let us avoid talking in the car, in public places, etc.
Session Cancellations:
We will try not to cancel or reschedule out of respect for each other s schedules, but if we do have to reschedule, we will give each other as much notice as possible (24 hours minimum). If you are late for an appointment, I will try calling you after five minutes or so. Any changes must be made via telephone or by e-mail at least 24 hours in advance.
If the Client is greater than 15 minutes late without notice to the start of a session, the session is considered forfeited/cancelled by the Client and the Client will be charged. When given sufficient notice by the Client, CSD Coaches will always attempt to reschedule prepaid Client sessions without additional charges to the Client.
If you completely miss a scheduled appointment with no notice, that will be counted as one of your sessions. If you miss an appointment, it is your responsibility to contact me and reschedule rather than my calling you. However, repeated cancellations will result in a termination of this Coaching Agreement and the Client/Coach relationship.
Termination:
Termination of a life coaching contract can be made either by the client or the coach. A coaching contract states how many months the coaching contract will exist, and may be extended on a month-to month basis following the initial agreed upon sessions with the mutual agreement of both parties. Should the client or the coach determine that insufficient progress or cooperation exists after a session, either party may cancel this agreement without recourse.
It usually works best for both of us to bring some kind of closure to the relationship, so if you would like to end things, let s talk about it. If there is a misunderstanding, let s try to work it out. If we can t resolve the issue or if it s just time to move on, we ll leave with best wishes for each other as we go.
Disclaimer:
The client has been made aware that coaching results cannot be guaranteed and agrees that he/she is entering into coaching with the understanding that the client is responsible for their own results. The client agrees to hold the coach free of all liability and responsibility for any actions or results from adverse situations created as a result of specific advice given by the coach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy attempts to address an individual's subconscious mind, using the power of suggestion for beneficial change. A hypnotherapist uses hypnosis to give relevant, positive beneficial suggestions to help an individual bring about the change they desire. Although hypnotherapy is not the same as sleep (the individual will still have awareness and control), hypnotherapists often require the individual to be in a deeply relaxed state to enable them to use their imagination fully. For this reason, it’s imperative that the individual feels completely comfortable with their hypnotherapist. Hypnosis is a different state of consciousness from being awake or asleep, and many people compare the deep, relaxed state of hypnosis to daydreaming.
Altered states of awareness have been recognized for thousands of years and hypnosis is widely accepted as a beneficial psychological therapy to access our inner potential. Techniques can be used to reveal issues from an individual’s past that may be causing them distress, or the approach can be focused more on their present problems. Hypnotherapy can generally help with most emotional problems an individual is finding hard to cope with, and some physical problems can be effectively treated with hypnosis too, such as IBS and insomnia. However, it is important for an individual to consult their Primary Care Physician before approaching a hypnotherapist if they suffer from clinical depression, epilepsy, or schizophrenia.
Hypnotherapists will often combine hypnosis with other psychotherapy and counseling techniques to benefit individuals. The techniques used will depend on the issue the individual is seeking help to treat.
Are there different types of hypnotherapy?
Suggestion Hypnotherapy
Suggestion hypnotherapy involves the hypnotherapist giving an individual’s unconscious mind a series of ‘suggestions’. These suggestions can help an individual to find it easier to do something they want to do (e.g. public speaking) or easier to stop doing something they do not want to do (e.g. smoking).
Suggestion Hypnotherapy is often used when there is no root cause that needs to be dealt with, or when there are time constraints (such as an individual wanting to deal with a fear of flying). Suggestion hypnotherapy is often considered a short-term therapy compared with other types of therapy, and if changes occur, they can so so within the first few sessions.
Analytic Hypnotherapy
Analytic Hypnotherapy (also called hypno-analysis) can be effective in dealing with deeper issues and involves psychotherapy using hypnosis. Analytic hypnotherapy seeks to find the root cause of a problem, and deal with the issue. For example, a phobia may be 'masked' using suggestion therapy, however the root cause will still exist. Analytic hypnotherapy seeks to identify the root cause and deal with it; the root cause then becomes powerless.
Analytic hypnotherapy is a very involving process and usually requires much more commitment than suggestion therapy. However, once the root cause has been identified and dealt with, the results can be life changing. Whereas suggestion therapy manages a problem, analytic hypnotherapy aims to resolve it.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy
Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a modern, scientific approach to therapy that is significantly different from the traditional schools of Hypnotherapy. Cognitive Hypnotherapy draws its influence from a number of other validated theories, such as Positive Psychology, Neuroscience, Evolutionary Psychology and NLP and combines these in a way that fits the client's personal goals, values and personality. Drawing from a range of techniques from different disciplines means that a tailored approach for each client can be created - there is no "one size fits all" model here.
Cognitive Hypnotherapists attempt to get into the mindset of the client to work through any presenting issues, using techniques and language based on the client's unique model of the world. Cognitive Hypnotherapy also uses an analytical approach to clearing away unwanted thoughts and behaviors from the past, but then uses techniques that retrain the brain in the present to ensure that the changes that clients would like to make are fully realized.
What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), explores the relationship between language, behavior, and excellence. It is essentially a model used to identify and analyze the linguistic techniques used subconsciously by successful people, in order to produce a recipe for excellence.
The process of NLP explores neurology (which regulates how our bodies function and receive experiences), language (which determines how we communicate and think) and programming (our behavioral response) in a bid to find out how their interplay with one another effects our behavior and the outcomes of our behavior. NLP techniques use both the conscious and unconscious mind to replace pre-programmed negative behaviors with far more positive ones.
An NLP practitioner will look at your attitude, language and your use of it, your understanding of relationships and how you build a rapport and the physical and emotional states, and which are best for accomplishing a task. Effective communication and perception of others and ourselves, will also be key focuses and all will be examined so that strategies for improving understanding, motivation, learning and remembering can be formed.
The terms Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner are often used interchangeably.
Some people find it easier to relax than others do. Similarly, some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others are. Most people can go into at least a light trance and with most hypnotherapeutic goals that is enough so therefore everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotism?
Hypnosis and hypnotism refer to the same thing. Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis or hypnosis used in a clinical setting as opposed to say, stage hypnosis. In many states in America, it is not permissible to refer to oneself as a hypnotherapist without having an appropriate medical or psychological background. Hence, the word hypnotism has become far more common for practical reasons.
How do I know what type my therapist will use?
When you meet with your therapist and talk about your goals for hypnotherapy, it is likely that they will then choose the type of treatment that they feel will be most effective for you. For example if you are seeking help with changing a habit (such as smoking) they may use one approach and then use a different approach with someone who is seeking help with stress and anxiety. The whole idea is to tailor the hypnotherapy to your needs – and your therapist will explain what they are going to do to ensure you feel at ease.
Does everyone respond to hypnotherapy?
According to the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH), it is estimated that 85% of people will respond at some level to clinical hypnotherapy. Some individuals are more likely to respond to hypnotherapy than others and having confidence in the technique helps. Believing change from hypnotherapy is possible is important and if an individual is personally motivated to change, hypnosis is often more likely than if the individual relies completely on their hypnotherapist and doubts whether they have the ability to access their subconscious and make changes happen.
It is important to recognize that it is not possible to hypnotize an individual against their will, and even if an individual is hypnotized, they can reject any suggestion that is not beneficial to them. Hypnotherapy is therefore natural and safe, with no harmful side effects.
Will you lose control when under hypnosis?
No. This is a common misconception about hypnosis. Nobody can be hypnotized against his or her will. Hypnosis is not about control by the hypnotist. It is about working together so that the client can be empowered to create change in his or her life. Nobody can be forced to do anything against his or her will. The 'control' misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis, which funnily enough also involves people doing exactly what they want to be doing.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are about empowerment and people's incredible capacity for change.
Will you be asleep when hypnotized?
You will not be asleep when hypnotized. The word hypnosis comes from the ancient Greek word 'Hypnos' meaning sleep. It is a misnomer. Hypnosis is generally a very relaxed state but it is not sleep. Many people after a session of hypnosis do not believe that they were hypnotized at all but that comes from misconceptions about just what a 'trance' in fact is.
What happens if I cannot relax?
Your therapist is skilled at helping people to relax and there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way for you to behave. Try not to worry about things like this as this may make you feel less relaxed. This is something you will be led into gently – and your therapist will be aware of your apprehensions.
Will you be able to wake up and come out of the trance?
Hypnosis is not about control. If you want to come out of hypnosis, you simply choose to do that. We go in and out of hypnosis and other altered states of consciousness (e.g. daydreaming), many times a day but we always come back out of them easily and naturally.
What happens if I fall asleep or do not wake up?
The state of relaxation that you enter is not the same as sleeping – but some people do fall asleep and this is nothing to worry. You will be in a secure environment and your therapist will be aware of this possibility. Your therapist will also explain about the method that they will use to ensure you are fully aware and ready to get on with your usual activities after the session.
Will you blab out secret information under hypnosis?
No. You cannot be forced to say or do anything under hypnosis that you do not want to. Remember that you are completely in control and empowered.
I am worried that I may say or do something stupid
When you meet with your therapist for the first time do tell them about any concerns that you may have and they will be able to reassure you. Unfortunately, the only thing that many people know about hypnosis is what they have seen of so called ‘stage hypnosis’ where people may indeed be encouraged to do ‘silly’ things for the entertainment of an audience. Hypnotherapy is nothing like this – your therapist is an ethical practitioner and everything that happens during your therapy is completely confidential.
How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need?
This will depend upon your individual circumstances. This is something that you will discuss with your therapist when you first meet and many therapists will agree a set number of sessions with you, which they will review with you. Depending on the issues you want to address, hypnotherapy can often be a relatively short process.
How long is a session?
An individual session will usually take 50 – 60 minutes and your therapist will make this clear to you at your first meeting. In some cases, a session can take longer but you will discuss this with your therapist in advance.
How often will I see my therapist?
This is something that you will decide with your therapist. It may be once a week but this is flexible for example you may meet once a week initially and then decide together that you want to meet more or less frequently depending on how you feel.
Can I bring a friend with me to the sessions?
You may want to get a friend to accompany you to the place you are meeting with the hypnotherapist and then ask them to meet you afterwards. Talk about this with the therapist – the reason why it is better not to have another person you know in the room is that it may get in the way of you talking honestly about your issues.
Is there any age limit?
Anyone over the age of 18 years can choose to see a therapist. If you are a minor, you may need the permission of a parent or guardian and you should talk to your therapist about this. If you are a parent or guardian seeking a hypnotherapist for a child or young person, it is best to talk to the individual therapist. There is no upper age limit.
Can I ask my Primary Care Physician to send me to a Hypnotherapist?
You can certainly discuss this with your physician– many hypnotherapists work in private practice. In urgent cases, your physician may be able to refer you to other Mental Health services.
Is it confidential?
Yes, it is important that you can feel that you can talk about things in complete confidence. Your therapist will not talk about you with others – the only time they might breach confidentiality is if by keeping a confidence it could cause significant harm to you, your therapist or another person – for example if your life is at risk. They will explain about this when you first meet.
Is Hypnotherapy guaranteed to make me feel better?
A hypnotherapist will never offer to ‘cure’ you. During your initial consultation, you will be able to talk about why you are seeking hypnotherapy and together you will decide on a course of treatment. They will always refer you to your GP first for any medical issues.
I am taking prescribed medication – is it ok to have hypnotherapy as well?
It is likely that when you first meet your hypnotherapist they will ask you about any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have and if you are taking any prescribed medication. They may well ask you to check with your GP before you start hypnotherapy.
