Awaken To Self

Your Journey to Healing and Transformation

FAQs

What kind of issues do you treat ?

Here is a list of some of the presenting problems that my clients come in to see me in my practice.

  • Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Attacks
  • Depression, Grief, Loss
  • Self-Esteem, Motivation
  • Co-Dependency, Relationship Issues
  • Trauma, Abuse, PTSD
  • Addictions
  • Smoking Cessation/Weight Loss
  • Eating Disorders, Body Image
  • Stress Reduction, Coping and Adjusting
  • Pain Relief, or Psychosomatic Concerns
  • Sleep Disorders, Nightmares, Insomnia
  • Life Transition Issues, i.e Divorce, Change of Career
  • Existential Issues and Spiritual Inquiry

Where are you located?

I see clients in Great Neck and New York City

My address  in Great Neck is:
29 Barstow Road Suite 304
Great Neck, New York

My Address in NYC:

302 Fifth Avenue 8th Floor, New York City

I live too far away, are you available to do sessions via phone or Internet?

Yes, I offer both phone sessions, FaceTime and use Zoom or SKYPE.

What are your office hours?

  • Mondays  9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Great Neck
  • Tuesdays: Internet Sessions only
  • Wednesdays: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Great Neck
  • Thursdays: 9am – 9:00 pm – NYC only
  • Fridays:  Internet Sessions Only
  • Sundays: 9:30am – 1:30 pm – Great Neck or Online

What are your fees and do you accept insurance ?

Typically a 45-50 min session is $150. ( Duration of sessions vary depending on type of service) Although I am currently not accepting insurance, I can offer receipts to submit to your insurance companies for reimbursement as an out of network provider.  Discounts are available for multiple sessions purchased in advance or for those on a monthly payment schedule.

What kind of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, Venmo, personal check, PayPal* and credit cards*.

* with these purchases. please include the 3% processing fee

What is the duration of a typical psychotherapy session?

Most clients choose to do 45-50minute session, while others prefer 60-minute sessions on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Typically the first session is 60-minutes in duration for history and information gathering purposes.

What is the duration of hypnotherapy or past life regression sessions?

A traditional hypnotherapy session is one hour long, past life or childhood regression sessions are typically 90 minutes. The first regression session might be a bit longer to allow for information gathering, and subsequent sessions are 90-minutes in duration.

What kind of services do you offer?

Psychotherapy, couples therapy, hypnotherapy, past life regression therapy,  meditation instruction and guided imagery, dream analysis, coaching or brief oriented therapy. See my services page for more information.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state that is often referred to as an altered state of consciousness where an individual is more open to suggestion, increased motivation and self-exploration. This is a natural state of disassociating from the environment and a deep focus or concentration on inner thoughts and images of the mind. A hypnotic state is a natural state that you enter at least twice a day, while waking up and while falling asleep. You may have also experienced it while day dreaming or meditating.

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?

Hypnotherapy is a treatment technique used by mental health professionals or doctors practicing hypnosis to treat a client’s problem or concern. In this state there is more access to the subconscious mind where memory, habits, and emotions are stored allowing the hypnotherapist to help a client achieve positive and long lasting changes and a relief of the symptoms or presenting problem. During a session a client is guided to a deep state of focus and relaxation, where guided imagery , suggestions and reprogramming of mind patterns are created.

What can hypnotherapy treat?

Hypnosis is a treatment modality that has been used to treat the widest range of human concerns. Here is the list of the more common issues hypnotherapy can explore and treat:

  • Depressed mood
  • Low Self Esteem
  • Grieving a loss
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Irrational Fears (i.e public speaking, flying, elevators)
  • Post Traumatic Stress
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Anger Management
  • Relationship Issues
  • Chronic pain
  • Compulsive Eating
  • Weight Loss
  • Minor Addictions
  • Life Transitions and Changes
  • Creative Blocks
  • Life Purpose and Career Issues

What can’t be treated with hypnotherapy?

Serious psychiatric or mental health problems, such as major clinical depression, psychotic disorders and drug addictions may require extensive psychotherapy and psychopharmacology as a primary intervention. Hypnosis may be recommended as a supplementary treatment only. Physiological concerns, or medical issues, must always be treated by a physician, who can recommend hypnotherapy for pain control or relaxation. Please consult with your psychiatrist or physician first to determine whether hypnosis is appropriate for you.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

The state of hypnosis is a natural state similar to daydreaming or meditation and can be achieved by anyone interested in being hypnotized. There is no right or wrong way to feel while under hypnosis and the depth as well as the experience itself varies widely.

Will I lose control?

This is a myth perpetuated by entertainment hypnotists. You always have control, and you can always hear as well as remember your session. Hypnosis is a state of a deeply relaxed inner focus. You will only accept a suggestions given to you by a hypnotherapist, if it is in alignment with what you believe and desire for yourself. You can also take yourself out of trance at any time by counting 1-2-3 and opening your eyes.

Is Hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis is in no way dangerous or harmful either physically or psychologically as evidenced by its acceptance as a therapeutic technique and its widespread use by the medical and mental health professionals. In fact studies have found that being in a hypnotic state actually has health benefits in that clients experience a reduced respiratory rate, decreased level of stress-induced cortisol secretions and decreased blood pressure.

Can someone not be able to come out of hypnosis?

There has never been a documented case of someone remaining under hypnosis. In fact coming out of hypnosis is refreshing and relaxing to most individuals who often compare this feeling to waking up from a deep or restful sleep.

What is Past Life Regression Therapy?

Past life regression therapy, sometimes known as past life therapy or regression therapy is based upon the premise that we are eternal beings who carry forward relationships, unresolved issues and experiences from one human lifetime to another.  Any issues that have not been resolved in traditional psychotherapy settings can be further explored with this treatment modality. The belief behind this system is that on a soul level, we choose our life circumstances, challenges and relationships in order to learn and grow spiritually. Through past life therapy, we may understand the origin of why we engage in certain life patterns, or are plagued with fears which originate in past life experiences that unconsciously rule our lives today. Through the process of past life regression, individuals can recognize and release these influences and transcend recurring issues.  Clients often report significant life changes and deep understanding of themselves and those around them after doing regression work . One of the greatest added benefits of doing this type of therapy is the elimination of the fear of death and the connection to a higher power and life purpose.

What if I don’t believe in reincarnation or the existence of a soul?

If an individual does not believe in reincarnation or the existence of other lifetimes, this same technique can be used as a metaphor for a current life situation. The story that is elicited in a hypnotic state can be analyzed and understood better as symbolic representations of the subconscious mind.  In this case, this is a valuable and often very powerful tool to healing and understanding an issue.