Q: What's the difference between coaching and therapy? Coaching is forward-focused and action-oriented. We're looking at where you are now and where you want to go. Therapy tends to be more about processing the past and understanding how you got here. Both are valuable. They're just different. I do coaching, not therapy.
Q: Do I have to talk about my trauma or painful experiences in detail? No. In fact, I prefer you don't. We work with the pattern, not the pain. The whole point is to interrupt what's been happening and reorganize it without requiring you to relive it. One of the modalities I use, Quantum Time Technique, is specifically designed to release stored emotions without requiring you to disclose the specific content. You share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. The work doesn't depend on disclosure. It depends on nervous system reorganization.
Q: Will you make me dive deep into my negative feelings? No. We're focused on moving toward what you want to create, not deep diving into what you want to get away from. You'll learn specific techniques to interrupt anxiety, eliminate panic, remove phobias, and reorganize self-sabotage patterns. The emphasis is always on building toward calm, capability, and resourcefulness. Not on processing negativity.
Q: What specific things does this help with? The program helps with anxiety and worry, phobias and specific fears, panic attacks, self-sabotage and limiting beliefs, weight and body image issues, relationship patterns, creativity blocks, confidence and self-worth, and anything that involves a pattern your nervous system has learned to repeat. Basically, if it's a pattern you want to interrupt and reorganize, this works.
Q: How does hypnosis actually work? Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness that you naturally enter multiple times a day. When you're driving and suddenly you're at your destination without remembering the drive? That's hypnosis. When you're absorbed in a book or movie and lose track of time? That's hypnosis. When you're working and hours go by in what feels like minutes? That's hypnosis. Your brain does this
Q: Will hypnosis work on me? Most people respond to hypnosis. It's a natural state your brain already enters regularly. That said, hypnosis works best when you're willing to follow suggestions and engage with the process. If you go in skeptical and resistant, it's harder for your unconscious to relax. But if you're open and willing, it almost always works.
Q: What if I'm skeptical about hypnosis? That's fine. Most people are initially. But remember, you're already in hypnosis multiple times a day without realizing it. The only difference in a session is that I'm guiding you into that state intentionally for change work. If you're still skeptical after our Discovery Call, we can do the program with less emphasis on formal hypnosis. But I'd encourage you to give it a try.
Q: What if I'm currently in therapy? Great. Tell me about it. My work complements therapy beautifully. I just need to know so I can make sure we're aligned and not working at cross purposes. In some cases, I might ask for a brief note from your therapist saying it's okay to proceed. But generally, these modalities work well together.
Q: What if my situation is really complex or I have a diagnosed mental health condition? That depends. Some things are outside the scope of coaching. If you have schizophrenia, active psychosis, or certain other conditions, hypnosis may not be appropriate. That's why I have a detailed health disclosure form. Fill it out honestly. We'll take it from there. Disclosing a condition doesn't automatically exclude you. It just allows me to adapt my approach or make appropriate referrals if needed.
Q: What if I'm in crisis right now? I'm not a crisis service. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or a mental health emergency, please reach out to Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566) or call 911. My work is for people who are stable and ready to make changes.
Q: How is everything kept confidential? Everything you share in sessions, in documents, and in any communication with me is held in strict confidence. I don't share your information with anyone without your written permission. The only exceptions are if you disclose intent to harm yourself or others, if there's reasonable grounds to believe a child is at risk, or if I'm legally required to disclose by law.
Q: Can I record sessions? Not without my written consent. If you want to record for personal reference, just ask. We'll figure it out.
Q: What if you discover I need therapy instead of coaching? I'll tell you. If at any point it becomes clear that you need therapeutic support beyond the scope of coaching, I'll be direct about that and can refer you to appropriate resources. My job is to serve you well, and sometimes that means acknowledging that a different modality would serve you better.
Q: What if I decide this isn't for me after a session or two? You can withdraw anytime. If you've purchased a package, you'll get a pro-rated refund for unused sessions, minus any applicable cancellation fees. No judgment. This work isn't for everyone, and that's okay.
Q: Do you work with teens or young adults? Yes. I work with people 8 and up, with parental consent for minors. The coaching is adapted to their age and development, but the principles are the same.
Q: How often do we meet? Sessions are typically scheduled weekly. This allows the nervous system time to integrate the work between sessions. The full program runs about 6 to 7 weeks.