DO YOU TAKE MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Shine only takes direct payments from clients. However, we do provide clients with the necessary proof of payment so they may submit claims to their private or extended health insurance providers. There are a few insurance providers in Canada and the US who may reimburse you for our service fees. If concerned, please review your service provider’s coverage allowance prior to the visit by contacting them directly; specifically request information regarding your coverage and limits for clinical hypnotherapy and/or smoking cessation programs. Shine Therapies may be covered through some extended health insurance, or if applicable, through organizations/services such as Crime Victim Assistance Program, DMI, ICBC, and First Nations Health Authority.

Sliding scale fees may be negotiated for students and others who have financial challenges.

CAN I CHOOSE TO USE SHINE THROUGH MY INSURANCE OR DISABILITY CLAIM?

Shine is often the Counsellor of choice through many who are on disability, and/or off work due to stress, anxiety, and depression or for other mental health reasons. You can simply request to see Shine, and have the health officer contact Shine to arrange the sessions and confirm payment arrangements by the insurer or disability contractor. 

ARE YOUR SERVICES TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

To the best of our knowledge, yes–they are deductible both in Canada and in the US. We will provide you with the necessary proof of payment in order to deduct the expense on your income tax. However, we recommend that you consult your chartered accountant in order to verify this information and ask about any further requirements.

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

For your convenience, we accept Interac/Debit, Visa, and MasterCard. We will accept Cash only if exact. Please no personal cheques. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM LATE TO MY SESSION?

In order to maintain a smoothly operating schedule, late arrivals will result in a shortened session length so as not to delay the start of the next client’s session. In some cases where the patient arrives more than 20 minutes late, they may need to reschedule and the cancellation fee will apply.

IF I GO TO THERAPY, DOES THAT MEAN SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH ME? 

No. People who use SHINE are interested in their personal growth and adjustment in the world around them. People face normal developmental concerns and academic pressures, they may feel anxious, angry, lonely, or depressed. SHINE is a  trained professional who helps people explore alternative coping strategies and ways of dealing with themselves and their environment.

TALK? I CAN TALK TO A FRIEND FOR FREE - WHY PAY SOMEONE?

You're quite right. If you have a wise and understanding friend who is willing to listen to your problems, you may not need professional help at all. But often that's not enough. You may need a professionally trained person to help you uncover what's really bothering you. Your friend probably does not have the skills to do this.

HOW CAN JUST TALKING MAKE PROBLEMS DISAPPEAR? 

 When you're talking to someone who has professional training and has helped many others with problems similar to yours, that person is able to see the patterns in your life that have led you down a particular path. In therapy, the job is to help you recognize those patterns - and you may try to change them. 

HOW EFFECTIVE IS HYPNOSIS?

Very effective! In a study conducted by clinical psychologist Dr Alfred Barrios (B.S. Caltech, PhD. UCLA), he notes that “… for psychoanalysis we can expect a recovery rate of 38% after approximately 600 sessions. For [Behaviour] therapy, we can expect a recovery rate of 72% after an average of 22 sessions, and for hypnotherapy, we can expect a recovery rate of 93% after an average of 6 sessions.”

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPNOSIS AND MEDITATION?

Meditation is generally a self-imposed trance where one is typically taught to “empty” their mind of all thoughts. The attainment of this state can sometimes take years of practice to achieve. In hypnosis the impetus comes from the outside, specific suggestions are made which allow the body and mind to enter into trance, a place where the mind and body feel extremely relaxed. What helps you to achieve your goals quickly and permanently is having the conscious mind give permission for the suggestions to be accepted and then stepping out of the way to let the therapist facilitate change for you via your subconscious mind.

CAN YOU ADDRESS SOME OF THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS?

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot be hypnotized unwillingly. Also, when you are hypnotized, you will not follow directions against your wishes. You will not become unconscious and you will be aware of everything at all times. Your will is not weakened in any way. You are in control and cannot be made to do anything against your will. You will not begin to reveal information you wish to keep secret. Hypnosis is not sleep.

A common misconception is that a hypnotized person loses their will and is partially or completely under the command of the hypnotist. Nothing could be further from the truth. This unfortunate belief is reinforced by many stage hypnotists. You are in control of yourself, and cannot be made to do anything that is against your will.

Hypnosis, particularly the deeper forms, can appear to be like sleep because the person's body is typically very still and quiet. There is usually a great deal of mental activity, and in measurements of brain activity during hypnosis, shows a significant level of neurological activity.

CAN I OPEN MY OWN HYPNOTHERAPY BUSINESS WITH SHINE TRAINING? 

Yes you can! SHINE Hypnotherapy is a Certified Accredited Training Provider for the International Association of Therapists, and has committed to upholding the professional training standards required to provide the student with the information and practices needed to confidently use hypnotherapy as a trusted modality.