There's a lot of mystery and skepticism surrounding the practice of hypnosis, but one Billings counselor says using hypnosis helps people reach their highest potential, even in times of high stress.

Most of us have seen hypnotist entertainers bring people onto a stage, say "you're getting sleepy" and before you know it, the participants are dancing like ballerinas, driving race cars and barking like dogs.

"I'm not going to make you bark like a dog, if you want to squawk like a chicken I could help you with that but I'm not going to do that," says Patty Nichols of Positive Solutions Hypnosis.

Stage hypnosis is only one form of hypnosis. There are different techniques that help with addiction, pain or everyday stresses.

Nichols combines counseling and hypnosis to help patients. She says she spends a lot of time and effort undoing fear and hesitation caused by stage hypnotists.

"They think its some sort of voodooish type of thing but hypnosis is simply the floaty state before sleep."

Some are skeptical they can even be hypnotized.

"I say do you ever go to sleep? And they'll say well yeah. I go then you can be hypnotized this way."

This technique aims to remove blocks and obstacles. For example, your brain may get into a routine.

"If you're a worrier your mind runs down the same track all the time. If we can make a little shift get their mind moving in a little different direction they're going to easily feel better."

Nichols says business is up from this time last year and she says whether its economy related or not, it's a good thing people are looking for help to take care of themselves.

"I encourage people to manage your stress because no matter what's going on around you you're going to go through it better."

So though you won't be quacking like a duck, you may just find your stress levels dipping down to levels you never thought possible.

Nichols is holding a one day seminar on Saturday, March 27th to give those interested in hypnosis a chance to experience how it works. For more information click on connections.