1. While under hypnosis, will I bark like a dog or quack like a duck?
No, unless, of course, you want to. While under hypnosis, you will not do or say anything you would not do in a wakeful state. You will be in control at all times, and will be able to open your eyes, if you like, any time you choose.

2. What if I’m not able to be hypnotized?
When we’re motivated, and trusting of our therapist, most of us are able to experience a state of hypnosis. And when we’re addressed/spoken to in a language, a “modality” that we can understand, our subconscious mind will be receptive. Part of my training is to first assess exactly how you take in information, e.g., inferentially or literally, and whether you’re more suggestible to visualization, tones and sounds, feelings and sensations, or logic. As mentioned in the hypnotherapy page, we all experience states of hypnosis each and every day, in various situations.

3. What if I don’t come out of hypnosis?
You will. Hypnosis is an enhanced state of awareness and not a sleep state. Different brain-wave patterns are utilized in sleep than when relaxed with hypnosis. I would not allow you to leave my offices if you felt or appeared groggy in any way. Before you leave, I make sure that you’re fully present and alert, and yet you’ll feel refreshed and calm.

4. Is childbirth really painless with Hypnosis?
Most women experience nothing more than sensations of pressure and tightening with hypnosis for childbirth. What I can promise is that you will be relaxed, peaceful, will feel safe and in control, thus lessening the perception of pain to a great degree.

5. If I’m so relaxed during childbirth, how will I push my baby out?
Good question. With these relaxation techniques you will learn to breathe your baby down the birth path, as opposed to traditional pushing. The uterus is made up of strong muscles that are designed to expel a baby. Dr. Michel Odent has written about the “fetal ejection reflex”. Animals do not push, and women in comas birth babies. Ask your doctor if she/he will allow you time to breathe your baby down and out. Most will respect this request. At some point, and in the case of “unforeseen circumstances”, a doctor will instruct you to push, or to “bear down,” but usually you will be given the time to breathe, visualize, imagine, and experience the sensations of your baby wriggling down on its own prior to actual pushing. You will be energized and strong for the welcoming of your baby.

6. Is it appropriate for children to observe labor and childbirth?
Absolutely, as long as you’re comfortable with their presence. I have worked with many children in both home and hospital births, and have never once found them to be uncomfortable or scared. In fact, children appear more comfortable than most grown-ups, and this may be due to being closer in time, than you or I, husbands/partners, to their own birth experience. Their psyches remember what we have forgotten. To children, birth is nothing more than a natural occurrence, which is what I remind the grown-ups in my classes and trainings. As assistants, the helping hand of a child can be immeasurable - their purity can be an asset to a birthing room. I have found them to be enthusiastic, curious, calm and highly respectful of what is going on around them, though the younger ones may get bored and leave the room at various times. The youngest child, content at my side, was a boy of four.

7. What does a Doula do?
In Greek, “Doula” means “mothering the mother.” A Doula will provide both parents continuous emotional support, comfort, and information. Her presence allows your husband/partner time for rest and refueling, as need be, with the awareness that you are never left unattended. With the assistance of a Doula, labors are 25% shorter in duration than for those without. A Doula is not trained to diagnose nor prescribe medical interventions as this is in the hands of your medical caregivers.

8. What is a “Hypno-Doula?”
A Hypno-Doula provides all the same comfort measures and techniques as a Doula, with the added skill of hypnotherapy.

9. Will the education I receive from your Tao of Birthing Classes be sufficient for birthing or will I need a Doula?
Your education will suffice, along with the presence of your husband/partner and your commitment to practice at home. If you were planning to run a marathon, or to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, you would be in serious training for these events. Childbirth is no different. A Doula will provide additional comfort and support on your journey, as a mountain guide would do. But yes, from my classes you will have all the tools you need to ensure an informed, empowered birthing experience.

10. What makes your bodywork different from a normal massage?
The incorporation of many techniques with focus on releasing blocked energy. Though a traditional massage may accomplish the same, I work with specific skills geared toward your specific issue/s in order to ensure deeper relief and core healing rather than a general "feel-good" experience. However, this type of bodywork also promotes feeling good, and relaxed, resulting in a greater sense of peace.

Offices located in West Los Angeles, California
For more information or free phone consultation call 310.239.4023