An Interview with Dr. Mary: Exploring Hypnotherapy Services

If you have ever been curious about Hypnotherapy but are not quite sure what it really involves—or whether it could work for you—you are not alone. Despite its growing popularity as a holistic healing method, Hypnotherapy is often misunderstood.

Dr. Mary, a compassionate and experienced Integral Hypnotherapist, is here to demystify the process and share how this gentle yet powerful practice can help with everything from stress and nervousness to chronic pain, confidence issues, and more.

In this Q&A, Dr. Mary explains what Hypnotherapy is (and isn’t), who it’s for, and what to expect in a session. Whether you’re completely new to the idea or considering booking your first appointment, this interview offers insight, reassurance, and a glimpse into how Hypnotherapy can support your personal growth and well-being.

Let’s dive in.

Dr. Mary’s Background in Hypnotherapy Services

Q. What first inspired you to become a hypnotherapist?

A. “Great question! I was never really inspired until I actually took the class. Let me explain. In Dr. Upledger’s model of Craniosacral Therapy, conversations, or dialoguing, is a key technique. Dialoguing was an area I was particularly “weak” in. So, I went to hypnotherapy school to become a better dialoguer. 

As I did more research into the program at the Hypnotherapy Academy of America, I saw that Hypnotherapy was being used as a clinical support option for people struggling with pain and other visceral conditions. Then, I became interested. I saw how Hypnotherapy was able to shrink a 6mm and 8mm ovarian cyst down to nothing using no medications. The power of the mind and the power of thoughts really influence our health and wellness and our abilities to heal naturally, fully, and completely.

Learning hypnotherapy also filled in the blanks for me. In chiropractic school, we learn that dis-ease is ultimately caused by thoughts, traumas and toxins. Most chiropractors treat the traumas with chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy methods. Many chiropractors treat the toxins by providing detox programs and nutrition in their offices. Not many chiropractors treat the thoughts. This is where Craniosacral and Hypnotherapy can come into play in order to achieve full recovery. I have found in my practice that there is typically an emotional, mental, and psychological component to physical pain.” 

Q. Can you briefly explain what Hypnotherapy is for someone who's never experienced it?

A. “Absolutely relaxing and rejuvenating. You feel physically and emotionally relaxed but mentally alert. A key fact is that when someone is in a state of hypnosis, he or she activates their parasympathetic nervous system. 

When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated by being in a state of hypnosis, in deep prayer or meditation, the body is in the “rest and digest” mode. The more we turn this on, the more naturally able we are to heal and restore our bodies. This is your natural right to do so. When you dedicate the time to do Hypnotherapy, you activate the healing mode of your body. You are using Hypnotherapy and the power of your subconscious mind as a resource for your own healing.”

Q. How is your approach to Hypnotherapy different from what people may have seen in movies or on stage?

A. “Hypnotherapy is completely misrepresented in movies and on stage. While no one wants to ruin anyone’s entertainment - just know that when Hypnotherapy is done in an entertainment setting, it is simply for entertainment alone. I love my share of hypnosis movies - Shallow Hal, Get Out, Now You See Me 1 and 2, Insidious 1-5 - simply for entertainment! 

The fact is, Hypnotherapy can’t hypnotize you to do anything you don’t want to do. I can only help people do what they have been wanting to do but haven’t done yet because of a deep subconscious reason. For a terrible and funny example, I can only hypnotize a bank robber to rob a bank, not a person who believes “stealing is obviously wrong”.

Hypnotherapy is a holistic modality that focuses on discovering the power of your mind in life and in health and wellness. Hypnotherapy is empowering. Where the mind thinks  is where the body goes. “I think, therefore I am” ~ Descartes. With the help of YOU, we create the affirmations and the imagery together, because if you can see it, then you can be it, AND you can have it! It becomes self-hypnosis. UNLIKE entertainment hypnosis, you are in TOTAL control of the session. A hypnotherapist is meant to guide you down the path you are going. We try not to lead you to where we think you should go.” 

The Benefits & Process of Hypnotherapy Services

Q. Who is a good candidate for Hypnotherapy? 

A. “Just know, everyone has the capability to experience hypnosis. Being in hypnosis is a “conscious” choice. You can choose to participate or not. You honestly just have to have a mind. I think the real question is, “How can I be a better candidate for hypnotherapy?” which we can talk about in a later blog. Just know that if you want to do it, YOU can do it! And you will feel some sort of benefit or change from it in a positive way. 

If I had to list some tips:  

• You have to be open to re-learning your past from conception to birth till now. There are no secrets. So, naturally, find a hypnotherapist you trust. 

• Before starting, try to forgive yourself for the real or imagined mistakes that you are about to learn in the process in a conscious and subconscious way. 

• Most of all, trust the process.”  

Q. What kinds of issues or challenges can Hypnotherapy help address?

A. “Literally almost anything because of the mind-body connection. Hypnotherapy can help with emotional and mental support, including public speaking stress, test-taking stress, and fears like fear of  elevators, birds, or fear of death. 

Additionally, Medical Hypnotherapy can be used as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment, including Non-pharmaceutical pain management, accelerating the body’s natural healing process, supporting fertility and reproductive health, complementing cancer treatment, and preparing and recovering from medical and dental procedures.

These are just a few to name.” 

Q. What does a typical first session look like with you?

A. “I listen to what you are saying and what your goals are. As a chiropractor who works in urgent care, people usually see me for neck, back, and other pains, but they stick around because I do so much more. 

It’s really a journey with me. I like to get right to business (or personal). I want to go right into your life story and see who you are. My goal is to give you “power of your own mind,” including the tools and resources to get where you are trying to go or be who you are trying to be. I will help you to answer the question: What is your truth?” 

Client Experience & Outcomes of Hypnotherapy Services

Q. What do your clients usually say after their first session?

A. “My clients usually say that they feel lighter, motivated, empowered, loved, understood, and hopeful. I am always happy to hear when clients can notice relief from their chest and neck pain induced by stress after a session.”

Q. How do you help people feel safe and in control during a session?

A. “I remind my clients that they are in control of the session - always. I may gently invite you to let go of just 1% of anger or fear just so you can experience what it feels like without them. These emotions often present themselves as protective mechanisms, and we can thank them for the role they play. Overall, I provide a safe space. My role is not to impose, but to offer—support, presence, and possibility. Using the power of touch, I create a safe, confidential space where you can feel your feelings fully and begin to understand where you are emotionally and energetically.”

Q. What advice would you give to someone who’s feeling nervous about trying Hypnotherapy for the first time?

A. “Get to know me first. Give my chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, or Craniosacral a try. Hypnotherapy is everyone’s Divine right. It’s meditation. It’s prayer. It’s existential.” 

Getting Started

As Dr. Mary shared, this process is about gaining clarity, confidence, and calm in a safe, supportive space.

If you have been thinking about trying Hypnotherapy, there is no better time to explore how it can work for you. Dr. Mary is here to guide you every step of the way with compassion and expertise. Additionally, Dr. Mary's book, A Hypnotherapy Bedtime Story, introduces hypnotherapy practices to children.

Curious to learn more or schedule your first session? Reach out to Dr. Mary today and begin your journey toward meaningful, lasting change.