Joan Krueger Hypnosis
What is Hypnosis?
The declarations listed below have been made by “experts” in the field of hypnosis. I have listed all of these remarks to show that hypnosis is something that can be very useful but is extremely difficult to define. I have also given my explanation of hypnosis in an effort to simplify something that most people don’t know much about.
1. Hypnosis is the process of communication with the unconscious mind recognizable by an unconscious response to suggestion. (E.A. Barnett, MD)
2. I stressed the words if the subject is willing because consent is imperative. You cannot impart a suggestion unless the subject is willing to take it. At all times and in all degrees of hypnosis, the subject has complete power of selectivity. He therefore reacts only to suggestions that are reasonable and pleasing to him. (Dave Ehlman)
3. Hypnotism is simply exaggerated suggestibility. (George Estabrooks)
4. A state of intensified attention and receptiveness, and an increased responsiveness to an idea or to a set of ideas. (Milton H. Erickson)
5. Hypnosis is largely a question of your willingness to be receptive and responsive to ideas, and to allow these ideas to act upon you without interference. These ideas we call suggestions. (Andre M. Weitzenhoffer and Ernest R. Hilgard)
6. An altered state within which suggestions have a peculiarly potent effect. (K. S. Bowers)
The way that I describe what happens in hypnosis is as follows:
Your conscious mind is where your thoughts are and the subconscious part of your mind is where you function from. You can only have one conscious thought at a time. You can have many thoughts, one right after the other, but only one at a time.
The subconscious part of your mind is like a big filing cabinet. It holds a record of everything you’ve ever experienced. All of your habits, behaviors, responses, reactions, memories and emotions are stored there as though there is a file about everything you do. That is the information that you function from.
When you come into my office to be hypnotized, we discuss what you want to change. Essentially, I’m trying to find out what is in the file right now, because that is the information that you are currently working from. When you are in hypnosis, what we are doing is getting the subconscious part of your mind to open up intentionally (or pulling open the filing cabinet) so that we can put a new file in about how you want to function (i.e. being a non-smoker, having different eating habits, being more confident). After the session is over, your mind has new information to begin to work from and doesn’t need to keep going back and working from the old information.
I think it’s easier for people to understand it in this way. Hopefully it takes some of the mystery out of hypnosis and gives people a more concrete idea to work with.
What I Do
Changing Habits
Since 1994, Joan Krueger has been providing hypnosis sessions and hypnosis therapy out of Kirkwood, MO. Some of the main areas that Joan focuses on through hypnosis are: Stopping Smoking, Weight Loss, Test Anxiety, Improving Memory, Self Esteem Issues, and more.
Medical & Other Uses
Hypnosis has been used as a medical tool for over 200 years. Joan uses hypnosis to help relieve clients of acute and chronic pain due to injuries, illnesses, operations and surgeries, and more. Hypnosis can also be used for mental issues such as anxiety and depression.
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Joan Krueger Hypnosis
As a Certified Hypnotherapist, I have been in private practice since 1994. Feel free to email your
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with or without. It’s built from repeated internal messages. If those messages have been critical or limiting, I can help shift them into something supportive and steady. Confidence can feel natural again.
Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect on those who gave so much. It can also bring up emotions we don’t always expect. If this day feels heavy for you, know that your mind deserves care and support too. I’m here to help you find calm.
Anger is often a fast response to deeper feelings like frustration or fear. It’s not random. It’s learned. Through hypnosis, I help clients slow that reaction and create space for more balanced responses that feel calmer and more intentional.
With exams and evaluations around this time, I often work with students and professionals facing test anxiety. That “blank mind” feeling isn’t a lack of knowledge. It’s a stress response. Together, we can train your mind to stay calm and accessible under pressure.
Difficulty focusing is often less about distraction and more about mental clutter. When your subconscious is holding onto stress or unresolved thoughts, your attention naturally drifts. Hypnosis helps clear that internal noise, making it easier to stay present and engaged.
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