When people hear the word “hypnosis,” their mind may conjure up scenarios of people entranced by a swinging pocket watch only to be instructed to perform outrageous acts when randomly prompted.

While there are certainly those who practice hypnosis for entertainment purposes, the method and ethics of hypnosis are more rooted in helping individuals overcome mental or physical health hurdles.

Salvatore J. Martone is a certified hypnotherapist and certified instructor of hypnosis, as well as a practicing psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, reiki master, and emotional freedom technique (EFT) practitioner.

He operates AMDG Family Health Resources in Southbury and currently provides telehealth sessions to clients. He has helped countless Newtown residents throughout his 50-year career, including a substantial influx of people seeking help after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Martone told The Newtown Bee he was inspired to pursue hypnosis upon “realizing the limitations of traditional ‘talk therapy.’”

While that therapeutic path can be effective for some, he found that hypnosis resulted in quicker and more permanent change by using the subconscious mind.

The realization led him to receive training through the National Guild of Hypnosis, The Wellness Institute, and the University of Connecticut Health Center, among others.

Martone defines hypnosis as an alternative state of consciousness where the person’s attention is focused away from the present and current thoughts.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnosis — also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion — “is a trance-like state in which you have heightened focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you’re under hypnosis, you usually feel calm and relaxed, and are more open to suggestions.

“Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain. It’s important to know that although you’re more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don’t lose control over your behavior.”

When Martone works with a client, he first assesses the person’s “willingness to be hypnotized” and desire to make the changes they seek. For many, the individual has previously tried traditional therapy techniques and is now looking for an alternative approach.

Benefits of hypnosis are “shorter duration than traditional methods, greater permanency, less expensive, [and] less trauma and upset as it is done with much reduced stress, tension, and in a more relaxed state,” Martone said.

Patients should expect to go into their initial session with the understanding that the hypnotist will lead them into a relaxed state.

“This is the skill and job of the hypnotist to bring them to a place where they are more receptive to explore the presenting problem. The hypnotist ‘guides’ the client to that place where they can make changes,” Martone said.

He relates the dynamic to a vehicle where the client is the engine, and the hypnotist is the wheel that can direct them to their destination.

“You do not lose control, you will not embarrass yourself,” Martone assured.

For more information about hypnosis and to see if it is right for you, contact Martone at salvatorejmartone@gmail.com. He is also available by phone at his office 203-264-6957 or cell 203-510-2079.

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Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.