Contact Information

800 Main St., Suite 28
Antioch,IL 60002
Phone: 847-347-4357 (HELP)
Fax: 866-931-5820
Email: james@jamesmichehl.com

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state in which the conscious mind is distracted or preoccupied, allowing a positive statement or suggestion to bypass your conscious thoughts and access your subconscious mind.

We can be in a hypnotic state at various times throughout the day, as it is a perfectly natural state for humans. Have you ever daydreamed about a beautiful vacation spot, visualized being there, and then realized, briefly, that you lost track of time? Did it feel like you were really there for a moment? Have you ever driven a car on a familiar route only to find yourself suddenly at your destination and realizing you weren't paying attention to each turn or maneuver of the wheel? Who or what was driving the car?

With hypnotherapy you focus your concentration through visualization to help you to overcome personal obstacles, achieve your goals, and to feel better.

Is hypnosis sleep?

The term hypnosis came from the Greek root "hypnos," meaning sleep. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not sleep. It only superficially resembles sleep because the subjects are relaxed and usually, but not always, keep their eyes closed. Hypnosis is a state of inward focused attention. It is an amazingly wonderful feeling. When hypnotized you can hear and understand everything your therapist says. You can talk with your therapist, and after the termination of the trance state, you have a full and complete recollection of everything that occurred while you were hypnotized.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

The short answer is Yes. Some clients can be hypnotized in seconds, while others can take a bit longer. Anyone is able to achieve hypnosis. The questions is not can I hypnotize you. The question is will you allow yourself to be hypnotized.

What can I expect from my first visit?

During your free 30 minute consultation you will learn about hypnotism and all your questions will be answered. Your goals will be identified and a plan of treatment discussed. We will complete an assessment to determine how easily you may be hypnotized. You will learn self-hypnosis to reinforce the work that we've done together. You will then be able to use self-hypnosis for any future goals or challenges.

How will I know if I am hypnotized?

You will be very happy to know that you need not worry about this. This is what I am getting paid for. I will give you a little checks along the way to see haw well you are doing. You will positively know that you are under. When you are guided out of hypnosis you will know without any doubt that you have been hypnotized as your reaction to the issues are starting to, or completely changed for the better. The level of hypnosis that I guide you into depends on what we are working on. I will guide you to the most profound healing you can achieve.

What does it feel like to be in hypnosis?

There are varied experiences of hypnosis. For some people there is very little difference between the hypnotic state and their normal waking state. Those clients who expect to be knocked out and in a sleep-like state will experience that . For others, the sensation is that of being extremely calm and relaxed, just as you feel prior to falling asleep. In most cases subjects notice that their senses are more alert and aware, quite the opposite of what they had expected. In some situations you won't even think you are hypnotized because a technique called waking hypnosis is being used, rather like stage hypnosis when the volunteers appear to be wide awake and perfectly normal.

What does it feel like to zone out? To daydream? Most people feel very relaxed and are very aware of what is going on around them You will hear everything that is going on around you. You never totally lose control of your actions. This is why a person can never be made to do anything against their will.

Potential uses for hypnosis

Many people benefit from hypnosis in a lot of different ways. The people with open minds benefit the most as they come to see me when they know they are in need of assistance. Other people seek intervention only because all other approaches they have attempted have failed. Often for many people, alternative therapies, such as hypnosis, are a last resort. Whichever the reason, I can help you obtain your goals!

Hypnosis can help an infinite number of issues. Here is just a short list of possibilities...

  • Smoking Cessation
  • Weight Loss
  • Stress
  • Self Confidence
  • Self-esteem
  • Insomnia
  • Phobias
  • Fear
  • Addiction
  • Pain Control
  • Poor Concentration
  • Unwanted Habits
  • Stress Relief
  • Academic Problems
  • Sports Performance
  • Grief


And much more...
(Some issues may
require a doctors referral.)