One of the differences between psychotherapy and hypnotherapy is that in psychotherapy the client does most of the talking. With clinical hypnosis, after information is gathered during an interview most of the talking is done by the hypnotherapist. Similarly, in our newsletters readers are hearing from us, and we’d like to pull a switcheroo this time. We’d like to hear from you! Please take the time to read on, and to take part in a survey that appears below, so that we can use your feedback to “tweak” our services and better help our clients. But first:

Over the years our fee increased incrementally as we provided longer sessions with first time clients, sent everyone home with paperwork and a prerecorded reinforcement CD, and moved to a better (more expensive) location and larger space in order to accommodate groups. It’s been 2 years since we’ve raised our fees, despite the fact that our expenditures have increased (along with everyone else’s in this economy!).　 Recently we’re hearing from callers “Wow, you’re cheap! I’ve called around and other people are charging $300-$400” we start to wonder if we’re doing ourselves an injustice. This explains the nature of our questions below.

1. Do you feel that $180 for first-time clients and $160 for returning clients is reasonable?

2. Do you think, in this economy, that raising each of the above $20 is (a) justifiable or (b) a bad idea?

3. Does it seem (a) fair to continue seeing current clients at the present return rate of $160? Or (b) do you think the same fee should apply to everyone, whether they are new, or returning?

4. If we were to offer a monthly group hypnosis session for weight management clients (limited to 8 at a time), what do you think would be a reasonable charge?　

5. If you are a weight management client, is monthly reinforcement something you would be interested in? (If not, why not? (a) Don’t want to take the time; (b) Don’t want to spend the money; (c) Don’t think it would be beneficial or (c) Don’t need the help, I’m doing fine.

6. Would you be interested in a group session for general stress reduction? If so, what would be a fair fee?

7. Do you think: (a) We should offer FREE monthly group reinforcement for all clients (8 people per group?) (b) Would you attend?

8. We give each client a reinforcement CD that reflects the issue that brought them in for help. Additionally, we sell CD’s for Stress, Memory/Concentration, Insomnia, Self-confidence, Healing, Procrastination, and so on. They are currently $14.95 each in the office or on our web site. In our classes we sell them for $10 each with a “buy three, get one free” offer. Do you think this pricing is reasonable, or outdated (since other similar material normally costs more)?

9. Some hypnotherapists actually charge much less than others. They usually practice part-time, with limited training, to supplement the income they earn at their “real” job. Do you think better qualifications, a full-time practice, and a business history of nearly 20 years is (a) more or (b) less important than the price, in choosing a hypnotherapist?

10. If you were going to suggest one change to improve our services, what would that be?