Hypnotherapy

As a Certified Hypnotherapist for over 23 years, Rachel Bugh has used clinical hypnotherapy to help people change habits, ease stress, and create lasting shifts in how they think and feel. With a background in psychology and thousands of hours of experience, she has seen what this approach can do, and also what makes it work.

What the science says

Hypnosis is a real, measurable state of focused attention and deep relaxation. Brain-imaging studies show that it changes activity in regions involved in attention, self-awareness, and the processing of pain and emotion. In other words, hypnosis doesn’t bypass your mind. It works with how your brain already functions.

Research supports hypnotherapy for several concerns:

• Stress and anxiety, including anxiety before medical procedures
• Pain management, as a complement to medical care
• Irritable bowel syndrome, where gut-directed hypnotherapy has some of the strongest evidence
• Sleep difficulties and relaxation
• Habit change, such as smoking cessation, with results that vary by person

Benefits clients often experience

• Greater calm and emotional balance
• Reduced reactivity to stress and triggers
• Better sleep and relaxation
• More confidence and motivation
• A stronger sense of control over old habits and patterns
• Practical tools they can use on their own

What makes us different

My sessions are often scheduled for 2-3 hours, which gives us time to do the work well. The first 1-2 hours are a conversation. Using motivational interviewing, I take the time to clarify what you want to change, what’s been getting in the way, and what’s most important to you. Then comes the hypnosis itself, usually under 60 minutes, built around your goals and your language, not a pre-written script.

Hypnotherapy is a partnership. You stay aware throughout, you’re never controlled, and you can’t be made to do anything against your values. Your willingness to participate is what makes change possible. Some people feel a shift after one session. Many get the best results over several, as new patterns are reinforced.

Who it’s for

Anyone who’s motivated to make a change and open to participating. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, ask. I’ll give you an honest answer, and I’ll refer you elsewhere if another kind of care would serve you better.

Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Individual results vary.