Hypnotherapy is the only technique that directly accesses your subconscious mind for truly long-lasting, behavioral change. You effectively break the negative thought cycle by interrupting an automatic loop of limiting beliefs that your subconscious plays on repeat in the background of your mind.
Imagine hearing a recording outloud all day long, repeating all your negative thoughts. This is what happens in our minds at the rate of 45,000 - 60,000 times a day due to our survival mechanisms designed to protect us: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. We're just not consciously aware of 95% of this. But they run our lives and are the reason why conscious change can seem impossible.
With hypnotherapy, you can access these thoughts and reprogram them to eradicate low self-worth and channel self love aka your inner badass.
What is not hypnotherapy?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misinformation out there about hypnosis.
Thriller movies or scary TV shows that depict mind control scenes instructing others to do nefarious things are complete fiction and strictly from the minds of writers in Hollywood.
Stage hypnotists whose volunteers seemingly drop in a dramatic fashion or cluck like a chicken or bark like a dog are not an accurate representation of hypnotherapy. They're selecting specific participants. These are either extroverts who crave the spotlight and enjoy acting and putting on a show or those succumbing to peer pressure and compliance with authority rather than hypnosis. The stage hypnotists are aiming to create Las Vegas inspired entertainment.
While some religions would have you believe otherwise, there is nothing remotely ominous going on. No spells are being cast in hypnosis. If that were the case, as a believer in God, I wouldn't practice it. And no, there will not be any swinging pendulums.
Why hypnotherapy over therapy?
Sometimes therapy is absolutely warranted, especially in the case of serious mental illness. And I do advise anyone in that situation to seek the appropriate treatment.
But if you have not been diagnosed with any mental disorder and you're not going to talk therapy for trauma but rather just general life dissatisfaction, then three things will happen. First, you will spend a lot of money as this kind of therapy will go on for years. Second, you won't feel much better talking about your problems and what you don't want, dwelling on the negative. Third, you will never get to the root cause of why you feel the way you do, continuing the cycle.
Talk therapy can feel more like a merry go-round where you have the short-term satisfaction of venting, but later realize nothing has in fact been fixed. Our continuing negative emotions that remain are a signal that nothing has changed. These emotions are essential for survival, but you're not meant to perpetually experience them.
Hypnotherapy is designed to get to the root cause of your limiting beliefs quickly to replace those disempowering thoughts with empowering ones. This means waaay less sessions (only several) and expense, an action-oriented focus on positivity, and actual long-lasting change and transformation.
Is there any research behind hypnotherapy?
Yes, there is a groundbreaking 1970 study of 2,000+ journals by a UCLA clinical psychologist that showed hypnotherapy is more effective overall - and in considerably less sessions - than psychoanalysis and behavior therapy.
Researchers and professors at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School as well as publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Time magazine have all reported on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy.
And as of 2020, the American Psychological Association has deemed hypnotherapy as beneficial for people seeking to change negative habits.
Who is hypnotherapy for?
Hypnotherapy is for anyone wanting to overwrite their negative patterns and let go of decades of baggage quickly. This is the method to feel better, improve a specific area of your life, and get help doing it so you live in a space of freedom. It's often a last resort for those who have tried to change and get positive results but no matter what they've tried have been unsuccessful. They seek out hypnotherapy for relief.
But hypnosis is actually also a powerful tool for absolutely magical life enhancement. That's why those who are already at the top of their game like celebrities, athletes, and rock stars use hypnosis.
Who is hypnotherapy not for?
Hypnotherapy is not recommended for anyone with epilepsy; narcolepsy; schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder; psychosis; alcohol/drug abuse; hallucinations; dementia; dissociative, personality, or bipolar disorders; narcissism; suicidal tendencies; serious heart conditions; or during pregnancy.
Additionally, any serious psychiatric or mental health problem should be treated by psychotherapists or psychiatrists. And any medical issues should be treated by qualified physicians and medical specialists.
Now for the legal...
Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) and root cause hypnotherapy focuses on resolving significant past events believed to be interfering with a person's present mental and emotional wellness. Only people with sound mental health who are confident that a review of past events will not adversely impact their emotional or mental health participate. Please do NOT book a session if you or your treating practitioners have any past or existing concerns about your mental health. For medical or psychological issues, I will need a referral from your provider stating that root cause hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy are not contraindicated for your particular issue.
The services I render are held out to the public as nontherapeutic hypnotism, defined as the use of hypnosis to inculcate positive thinking and the capacity for self-hypnosis. I do not represent my services as any form of health care or psychotherapy, am not a licensed physician or psychologist, and despite research to the contrary, by law I may make no health benefit claims for my services.
What is your hypnotherapy background?
I'm a Certified RTT® Hypnotherapist through Marisa Peer, creator of Rapid Transformational Therapy® and world-renowned hypnotherapist, and have received both live and virtual training from her in a 525 hour training. It's important that you know I am not a licensed physician, psychologist, or medical practitioner. Hypnotherapy should not be considered a replacement for the advice and/or services of a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or doctor.
What are your intentions and beliefs as a hypnotherapist?
When choosing a hypnotherapist, you should have an idea of the character, values, and ethics of the person you are entrusting yourself to. You should know that you're in a safe environment. I take my role and your well-being very seriously, and I believe with this comes great responsibility.
I'm a Catholic hypnotherapist, and this is a calling. I work with clients of all religions, and my intention is to serve you for your utmost good. I truly believe uplifting others is one of the most important acts we can do as humans. I also believe hypnosis is the creation, gift, and work of God, who just like through doctors and medicine, has created hypnotherapists to transform our mind and body. I don't believe God wants anyone to live at anything less than their full, unbridled, abundant potential.
With that said, I want to be clear that there is no mention of God in a session unless this is something you would like to discuss. I respect your personal beliefs. I simply share my background if you're a Catholic or Christian who would feel most comfortable working with a Christian hypnotherapist.
Is hypnotherapy for Christians okay?
This is a personal decision you have to make for yourself, but I think it's important for you to be aware of the facts so you know exactly what you are deciding on as there is a considerable amount of misinformation out there.
If you're a Christian, please know you are not relinquishing control of your mind to me. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. You are protected through an irrefutable safeguard where your mind will automatically reject any suggestion not aligned with your morals or wishes. There are no spells being cast nor is there talking to anyone from the beyond (there is none of the super trendy "witch" culture here). Rather, as a Christian hypnotherapist, I'm helping you easily access the same natural hypnagogic state of consciousness when you transition from wakefulness to sleep and vice versa every day.
The Roman Catholic Church (among several other denominations) supports hypnosis to help people. In 1847, the Sacred Congregation of The Holy Office issued a decree stating this. And in 1956, Pope Pius XII gave his approval of hypnosis, permitting it. I only practice what I believe in as a Christian. I do regressions (regressing clients back to their childhood). I don't do past life regressions (regressing clients back to the personalities they were in previous reincarnations).
I am here to share any misconceptions, but not to convince you. If you are struggling to accept hypnosis due to your religious views, those beliefs are more important than any benefit you might receive from a session. So please DO NOT BOOK A SESSION if you have any doubt.
Who do you work with?
I love to help 6 and 7 figure heart-centered entrepreneurs and executives channel their inner badass to release decades of self sabotage and attain unparalleled growth personally, professionally, and romantically through self love. Self-esteem and confidence are my specialty. However, I’m open to working with anyone who is serious about experiencing the most epic transformation of their lives. The confidence. The optimism. The motivation.
How can this help me increase my self love?
One of the ways that many people feel loved is through words of affirmation. It's a basic human need. We all want that one special person or loved one to tell us some version of "I'm proud of you." Yes, we can write out our own affirmations consciously, but there is nothing more powerful than being affirmed subconsciously in hypnotherapy. This is when you get to hear all of these validating words - and you get to hear them over and over through your personalized recording that you can play any time.
How does hypnotherapy work?
While some might like you to believe it's this mysterious, inexplicable thing, the truth is that the magic behind it lies in science. When you are getting into hypnosis, you're awake, yet you're in that same brain wave state as you are during deep sleep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement). This is why you feel so incredibly relaxed and can rapidly shift your beliefs. And you easily access this state within moments through my verbal guidance. If you'd like to learn to do this yourself, we can schedule a session where I teach you self hypnosis so you can design a life of your dreams.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Because we sometimes use the word "trance," people envision something dramatic. Don’t expect to feel hypnotized the way you may have seen from a stage hypnotist. That’s simply not the case. And know that the hypnosis you see on TV and in movies tends to be portrayed unrealistically. In reality, trance is simply a state of mind where you can explore your limiting beliefs and alter your perception of them to make positive change for deep healing. Hypnosis is simply relaxed focus and feels similar to being in meditation.
Everyone is different, so is every session and every day. Clients can feel very relaxed, sleepy, light, and floaty. When I am hypnotized, I personally feel extreme relaxation and usually am very tired afterward, getting some of my most peaceful rest and sleep. But in other sessions, I don't feel as sleepy. Irregardless of the sensations you may or may not feel, when you're in hypnosis, it's working.
What if hypnotherapy doesn’t work?
Perhaps you have fears about hypnosis working. If you want to get results in hypnosis, you will. But if you start questioning it, it won't work. Know that you are suggestible. Research suggests that most of the population can be hypnotized. In fact, you enter hypnosis every day when you lose track of time and everything around you - when you get so engrossed in what you're doing and are "in the zone." Ever not noticed someone calling your name? You were in a hypnotic state. This happens daily when you're daydreaming, watching TV or a movie, reading a book, or even driving seemingly on autopilot. Hypnosis is very powerful.
What if I don't go deep enough into hypnosis?
There is no measure of what is deep enough because everyone has a different experience. The most important part is to believe in the process.
Will I be in control of my actions during the session?
You may have the misconception that you will accept any suggestions. You only accept those given if you feel they’re in your best interest. You are completely in control during the session; you can't be hypnotized unwillingly. I’ll be talking with you the whole time, and you can talk to me at any point. You’re never immobilized. I can’t make you think or do anything you don’t want to do or that's not within your moral or ethical code. I also can't make you reveal anything about your life that you don't wish to. In fact, at any time, you have the option of not sharing specifics but instead focusing on the feeling emerging from that memory.
What if I revisit painful memories?
While I am here to help you with presenting issues related to confidence and self-esteem, it's possible painful memories will come up that you haven't thought about much or at all. Our brain often hides these memories as a protective mechanism in the midst of heightened emotional.
Realize that any memories that are unlocked during hypnosis are coming from your own mind and reemerging as a sign that you're safe enough now to process them. Know that you are not reliving the scene, it's in the past. You are simply reviewing it here in the present where you are safe. And it's a safe space in our sessions to express whatever you're feeling. I'm here to listen and support you.
What if I never come out of hypnosis?
It's impossible to get stuck in hypnosis just as you can't get stuck sleeping. You're always in control. Hypnotherapists end trances for practical reasons, but even without doing so, you'd return to your fully alert state or fall asleep. You can also end a session at any time yourself by opening your eyes and closing your laptop. If our call gets disconnected, you may just drift into sleep but eventually you'll realize you're not hearing my voice and wake up.
What if I believe I already know the reason behind my issue?
I believe there's a reason you landed on this page and are still reading this ;) As someone who is very self-aware, I can tell you I've had even deeper revelations in hypnosis. Think of this as an opportunity to gain even more insights from your all-knowing subconscious mind so you can leave those unwanted behaviors that no longer serve you in the past.
When should I see change and progress?
While hypnosis is the fast path to lifelong behavioral change, it's still important to know that you need to do the work and stay accountable. Everyone is different though and will have a unique experience in hypnotherapy. Some people will feel a massive shift immediately. Others will see small shifts cumulatively over a period of time. And then others may experience shifts retrospectively where they think there is no change but suddenly realize one day as they look back that things are, in fact, different in their life and that events that used to impact them no longer do.
What does a hypnotherapy session look like?
The session takes place by Zoom which gives you the wonderful opportunity to sit down on your couch during the hypnosis portion and even drift off to sleep, if you choose when I disconnect the line.
During a session, I do an intake, then the induction, suggestibility test, hypnosis, and transformation recording. After the session, you receive this bespoke recording by email to listen to daily for 21-30 days to further banish your limiting beliefs and absorb new, empowering ones. This is an important part of the process in getting lasting change. It cannot be emphasized enough that you play an important role in your overall success.
How many sessions will I need?
It's impossible for me to say how many sessions you will need until you've been through your first one. It varies so much as everyone is unique and has different backgrounds and circumstances. Typically, with RTT® though, issues can be resolved in 1-3 sessions. This is about 1/4 of the number of sessions you'd need with general hypnotherapy (on average 4-12). However, many people love the experience so much that they choose to do ongoing hypnosis sessions to continue their evolution.
What if I want or need another session?
One session might be enough. Or you might prefer three as they build upon one another. Often there are different angles by which we can approach the same issue. Or another issue may come up during our sessions or already be on your mind. The choice is yours.
You can get one additional hypnosis session or a package of 3. Each time you do a new session, you get an additional personalized transformative recording. This can create a nice collection of bespoke recordings that you can return to at any time as you have lifetime access.
As a Master Mindset Life Coach certified in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), I also offer the option of longer term life coaching integrated along with the hypnosis. I'm happy to offer you this continued support over a period of 6 or 12 months depending on your unique circumstances.
Can you really do sessions out of office?
Yes! I'm based in Los Angeles and do RTT® sessions all over the world via Zoom. Virtual hypnosis is just as successful as hypnosis in person and often even more so. This is because it's an audio-based modality and you're in a comfortable space - your home - so it's easy to relax. There's no driving, traffic, and parking. You can simply go right from the session to lying down and staying in a relaxed state, if you choose, further increasing the benefits of the session.
How much do the sessions cost?
If you would like more information about the cost of hypnotherapy sessions, I am happy to consult with you. When you share your story with me, I’ll tell you if my hypnosis approach can positively affect your issue.
Do you take insurance?
No, I do not take insurance, but remember that you can likely resolve your limiting beliefs in just 1-3 sessions vs years. It's very affordable when you consider the cost of years of therapy, and the results speak for themselves.
Can you guarantee specific results?
I’ve invested 5 figures in hypnotherapy certifications in order to know exactly how to produce results.
I love these sessions and I believe deeply in this work. I believe in you, and I believe you can find the self-love you've always desired, but it is up to you.
Even though hypnotherapy has an incredibly high success rate, I cannot ethically guarantee or warrant any type of results since your personal success depends on many factors that I have no control over. Ultimately, I am here to support you during our time together, but you have to do the work to get your desired results.
With that said, I do believe this time we spend together will be some of the most transformational and introspective work you've ever done.
Do you have questions that haven't been answered here?
Email hello@tarlamakaeff.com for a reply.