What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness where your critical, analytical mind steps back, allowing direct access to your subconscious. You actually drift in and out of hypnosis every day—like when you're daydreaming, driving on autopilot, or deeply absorbed in a movie.

In this state, you remain in control, aware, and able to accept or reject any suggestion. Flick Connection utilizes the 5-PATH® Hypnosis System. Hypnosis becomes a reliable, structured process that helps uncover root issues, release emotional blocks, and support lasting change. It’s not sleep or mind control—it’s a powerful tool for transformation.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help individuals access their subconscious mind and create positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During a hypnotherapy session, a certified hypnotherapist guides you into a deeply relaxed, focused state where your mind becomes more open to beneficial suggestions. This process can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, trauma, phobias, insomnia, weight loss, and habit change. Unlike stage hypnosis, clinical hypnotherapy is a safe, evidence-based therapeutic practice designed to support mental health, emotional healing, and personal growth.

What is the difference between a licensed hypnotherapist and a hypnotist or coach?

A licensed hypnotherapist is a mental health professional who has undergone formal clinical training, is certified by a governing board, and is legally qualified to provide psychotherapy. In contrast, hypnotists and coaches are not licensed therapists and are less qualified in dealing with mental health conditions like trauma, anxiety, or depression. Working with a licensed provider ensures a higher level of legal and ethical standards, professional skill, and client safety.

Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety, trauma, or phobias?

Yes. Clinical hypnotherapy, when provided by a licensed therapist, can be highly effective for anxiety, trauma, phobias, and stress-related conditions. Unlike entertainment hypnosis or coaching, licensed hypnotherapy is grounded in counseling psychology, customized to your unique mental health needs.

What can I expect in a hypnotherapy session with a licensed therapist?

Sessions typically begin with a consultation and goal-setting, followed by guided hypnosis in a safe, controlled environment. A licensed hypnotherapist will use therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs—unlike a coach or hypnotist, they regularly draw on clinical experience to address underlying issues and the root causes of symptoms, not just merely symptom relief.

How is clinical hypnotherapy different from stage hypnosis or online hypnosis videos?

Stage hypnosis is for entertainment. Clinical hypnotherapy, especially with a licensed provider, is a therapeutic tool used to address mental health conditions, trauma, and behavioral patterns. Online hypnosis may provide temporary relaxation, but licensed therapy ensures deep, lasting change. Working with Tommy Flick will educate and reassure the client in ways no digital program or AI therapy bot could ever accomplish.

Can EMDR and hypnotherapy be combined in therapy?

Yes. A licensed therapist trained in both EMDR and hypnotherapy can integrate them for a more holistic approach to healing. For example, EMDR may be used to process trauma, while hypnotherapy successfully generates new positive belief systems, increases volition, and deepens emotional regulation for a client.

How do I know if I need a hypnotherapist or a mental health coach?

If you're dealing with emotional distress, trauma, or mental health symptoms, it’s best to see a licensed hypnotherapist. Coaches are great for general motivation or goal-setting, but they’re not qualified to treat psychological conditions or quickly guide you through to deeper healing.

What is 5-PATH® hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

5-PATH® Hypnosis (Five-Phase Advanced Transformational Hypnosis) is a powerful, systematic approach to hypnotherapy that helps uncover and resolve the root causes of emotional and behavioral issues. Developed by Cal Banyan, 5-PATH® Hypnotherapy combines modern psychological methods with traditional hypnotic techniques to create lasting, positive change.

This process guides clients through five structured phases of hypnosis, including identifying subconscious patterns, releasing negative emotions, and reinforcing empowering beliefs. A certified 5-PATH® hypnotherapist, like Tommy Flick, tailors each session to your unique goals—whether it’s reducing anxiety, overcoming stress, changing habits, or improving self-confidence.

5-PATH® Hypnosis is a professional, evidence-based method that supports mental health, emotional healing, and personal transformation.

What is 7th Path Self-Hypnosis®?

7th Path Self-Hypnosis® is a unique form of self-hypnosis designed to help you continue your personal growth and emotional healing between sessions with your hypnotherapist. Created by Cal Banyan, the 7th Path® system combines the power of traditional hypnosis with elements of mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual awareness.

Unlike standard self-hypnosis methods that focus only on specific goals, 7th Path Self-Hypnosis® works to release limiting beliefs and emotional blocks stored in the subconscious mind. This process helps individuals reduce stress and anxiety, build self-confidence, improve emotional balance to support ongoing mental health and well-being.

Many 5-PATH® hypnotherapists teach 7th Path as a companion practice, empowering clients to take an active role in their own transformation and maintain the positive changes achieved through hypnotherapy. When you meet with Tommy Flick, he will discuss with you whether 7th Path would be beneficial to your healing.

Who is a candidate for 7-PATH Self-Hypnosis®?

7th Path Self-Hypnosis® is ideal for anyone who wants to take an active role in their own emotional healing, personal growth, and mental well-being. This method is designed for people who are open to self reflection and interested in learning how to use self-hypnosis to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns. It’s an escalator to new levels of living and fulfillment.

It’s especially beneficial for individuals who have completed or are currently participating in 5-PATH® Hypnotherapy, as it helps reinforce the positive changes achieved during guided hypnosis sessions. However, you don’t need prior hypnotherapy experience to benefit from 7th Path — beginners are welcome.

7th Path Self-Hypnosis® is suitable for teens and adults of all backgrounds who want to:

• Release limiting beliefs and emotional blocks

• Improve self-confidence and emotional balance

• Develop a daily practice of relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness

With regular practice, this gentle and empowering system supports long-term mental health and personal transformation. Once trained in the 7th Path system, a person will be able to use the 7th PATH protocol freely on their own for the rest of their lives. It’s a life changing experience that makes your goals simple to attain.

Is hypnotherapy effective for changing habits like smoking or overeating?

Yes, especially when delivered by a licensed hypnotherapist, who can explore the psychological roots of those habits and provide tailored support. Coaches may focus on surface-level change, but therapy goes deeper to make changes stick for good.

Why choose Flick Connection for hypnotherapy?

At Flick Connection, sessions are led by a licensed, experienced hypnotherapist trained in both EMDR and clinical hypnosis. Unlike non-licensed practitioners, we provide psychological education, ethical standards, and professional levels of care that meet your emotional and mental health needs.