​"Hypnosis is a powerful transformational tool because it works beyond conscious awareness. Without interference from the ego and the intellect, profound
change can occur...without you even realizing it ... until you do."

~ ​Michele Granberg, MA, CHT

About Hypnosis
Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a combination of techniques that guides the mind into an altered state. ​The hypnotic or trance state is a completely natural state of deep relaxation and heightened concentration. In fact, we spontaneously go in and out of this state many times per day, its the optimum state for restoration and accelerated learning.  Hypnotherapy deliberately creates and unites this dynamic state with specific suggestions to bring about any desired positive change.

Is hypnosis a form of mind control? Can I be hypnotized against my will?

You are in full control and only go as deep as you allow yourself to go. All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. The hypnotherapist's role is as a guide and coach. Understand that hypnosis works in partnership with your desire and free will and can never work against it. You can even bring yourself out of hypnosis at any point simply by telling yourself to do so.

Is the hypnotic state the same as sleeping, daydreaming or meditating?

While all four are altered states of consicousness, the differences primarily lie in intent and purpose. The purpose of sleeping is to fully rest the body. The purpose of daydreaming is to allow the mind to engage in a positive fantasy and take a
mini-break. The purpose of meditation is to focus on one's peaceful and still center. The purpose of hypnosis is to assist in awakening your potential and reaching peak performance, so it is specifically goal-oriented.

What will I feel?

During hypnosis, you will likely feel mildly relaxed but you remain in touch with reality and in control. You know that you can resist the suggestions, yet you are in a state where you are able to welcome positive ideas, notions and images.  Most people remember nothing or very little of what is said by the Hypnotherapist during the trance state, yet when they resume ordinary consciousness they report feeling relaxed, alert, energized and clear.  

What is a Hypnotherapist?

A hypnotherapist is a professional who utilizes hypnosis as a tool to assist clients with emotional, mental, attitudinal, behavioral, physical and/or spiritual change. During sessions, a seasoned Hypnotherapist, like Michele, integrates hypnosis with writing exercises, therapeutic dialogue, homework, and lifestyle change recommendations.

Is hypnotherapy medically backed and clinically proven?

Hypnotherapy is recognized as a valid therapeutic modality by the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association and the American Psychological Association.

Can everyone be hypnotized?

Under safe and appropriate conditions, most people are hypnotizable. Key contributing factors are strong positive desire and motivation. Remember that hypnosis cannot work against free will, so if hypnosis is not proving to be effective, it may be time to re-examine true desire and motivation. Sometimes clients come with misconceptions or unrealistic expectations so those must be addressed first for techniques to work well. Other barriers include trying to analyze or control the session. These blocks can be overcome by discussing them with your hypnotherapist.

How does hypnosis really work?

The induction portion of the hypnosis session guides the conscious mind to recede into a secondary position and let go of its constant obsessive hold. Once in an open and focused state, the subconscious mind moves to the forefront of your awareness and can directly receive the specially designed and desired suggestions.

What are the conscious and subconscious minds?

The conscious mind is our current awareness. It is our immediate focus of attention on what is most important at any given moment. It is also the awareness through which we analyze, intellectualize, judge, and even distort information. The subconscious mind functions as a storehouse for all memories, beliefs, values, habits, and autonomic functioning. The conscious mind is limited, while the subconscious mind is unlimited.

What kinds of issues can be addressed through hypnotherapy?

The uses for hypnosis are virtually limitless. In general, hypnosis helps you minimize old thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behavior patterns to make room for new ones. Hypnotherapy can promote personal growth in any area and works well in tandem with traditional psychotherapy and other alternative healing methods. Hypnosis is most commonly used to improve self-esteem, stop smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, release traumas, enhance memory, improve study skills, release fears/phobias, even grow spiritually, and much more.

TESTIMONIAL FROM A CLIENT: "Michele, I can’t thank you enough for getting me over the fear of flying. It worked!
I boarded the plane with not a single negative thought all the way to Palm Beach. My friend sitting next to me was amazed.
I couldn’t be more relaxed. I will keep up with deep breathing, meditation and visualization. A thousand times thank you." 
                                                               ..... Ingrid, A client with a former fear of flying

Michele's integrated
​approach to Hypnosis

With over 25 years experience, Michele Granberg is a
Certified Hypnotherapist with a strong background in psychology and counseling. She uses hypnotherapy as a complementary tool to assist clients in reaching their fullest potential. Michele has been trained in both Ericksonian hypnosis (permissive/indirect) and classical hypnosis (authoritarian/direct). She is skilled at combining both approaches for an extremely effective hypnosis session. Additionally, she may weave in spiritual metaphors and concepts for a deep and heart-warming experience.

Learn More About Michele

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Watch Michele Granberg discuss the nature and benefits of hypnotherapy
as a guest on Only Seniors on Princeton Television.