Nancy Jordan sat down in my office and lit a cigarette--a deadly habit, given her severe asthma and tobacco allergies. Jonathan Hunter, M.D.--my supervisor, her psychotherapist--was also in the room.

“You’re under my power. When I snap my fingers you’ll flap your arms and cluck like a chicken.” Is this your fear when you think about going to a hypnotherapist? That you’ll be under their power and ...