ComplaintsforAlternative Hypnosis

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I went to Alternative Hypnosis seeking help for insomnia. Josh, the owner, seemed very sympathetic and said he could help. I went for two sessions. These sessions were focused on weight loss, not insomnia. The sessions were with his assistant using old worn out recordings. Prior to a third session, I told Josh and Rachel, his assistant, that I would not continue the program because they were not focused on my issue. I expected for the expense that I would have a more personalized experience, not this cookie cutter weight loss program. They asked me if I was sleeping better and I told them "No, I was not". I told them on 08/23/23 that I will not continue the program and I expect that they will not charge my card again. On 09/04/23, I saw on my account a pending charge from them. I sent them an email about this. They did not respond. Two days later, I sent another email. They did not respond. I called my bank to dispute this charge. The next day, Josh responded and said it would be unethical for him to cancel the second payment for the multiple sessions rendered. I explained ethical practice includes telling someone that you can't help them if they do fit within your scope. And I reminded him that I was there for two sessions and that I thought I was being fair by not asking for a total refund, even though, I would not value two sessions of old recordings at $459.

• Initial Complaint

  01/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  November of 2022 I had paid $575 for a lifetime service guarantee for Josh K. at Alternative Hypnosis to help me quit smoking. My mother recommended me. Josh had guaranteed both of us that as long as we follow his recommendations this would work. The 1st visit he brought up things that didn’t apply & also used his phone during my session. Paperwork that Josh provided states that client/hypnotist relationship is important for success so a client should bring up any issues. So, during my next visit I tried to bring up the issues. He refused to even let me continue to speak & yelled over the top of me. When he started speaking about my job I then realized he was confusing me with my mother. I tried to bring this up & once again he yelled at me stating “Are you here to quit smoking or argue.” Then he proceeded to tell me I was crazy and deserved to be locked up & made racist comment about the Native American reservation (where I get my cigarettes). My son is Native. My next visit I stated I was no longer comfortable around him & wanted a refund. Josh said he could not give me a refund until I finished my last 2 sessions. Then proceeded to make sexist remarks how this process is not working due to me being a female & I must not like men. Josh then set me up with a female hypnotist. I figured I would get my 2 sessions done with her then get my refund as promised. But no, he is now refusing to give me a refund because he says I am no longer his client I am now the female hypnotist’s client. He also admitted to my mother that he knows he failed me & did not try his best. But again, when I spoke to him on the phone for the refund he denied I was his client & accused me of being immature then hung up on me. He has also stopped seeing my mother without any explanation. His last session with her he didn’t finish & now is not responding to her whenever she tries to reach out. Also, during 1 of my sessions he was telling another hypnotist in training how he has a crazy client & if he used his power for evil he could make her a murderer. He has made me so uncomfortable I feel I deserve i refund since he did not hold up his end of the bargain & the horrible mistreatment he put me through.

  Business response

  02/15/2023

  This statement violates our mutually signed service guarantee and is untrue to the core.  On another topic, it is important to divulge any additional stress issues prior to service, a fact that is also on an agreement signed prior to any service provided. An important part of this process is being honest about intentions.  If someone chooses to make a change, all parts of the process are to be adhered to with no exceptions. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On April 13 my card was charged $475 for a service I had initially intended to receive a called the next day to cancel the service and was promised a refund it is now almost a month later and I have had nothing but excuses and was send a nondisclosure form which was very weird to fill out as this was what I was told was a new circumstance as to why I have not yet received my refund because I needed to sign the document I signed the document returned it still has not received my refund as promised by the owner of the company Joshua K***** I did not receive the services I paid for I am entitled to a refund and I’m being strung around and now Joshua has not even been returning my phone calls in regards to my refund I am now paying interest on this amount the resolution that I want is my money back

  Business response

  05/13/2022

  Refund was submitted.  Please note the conditions of the above signed paperwork and take this complaint down completely.Have a good day,Joshua K*****

• Initial Complaint

  05/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On October 1, 2021 I paid $1,238.50 for 8 Hypnosis meetings to lose weight. First of all I was never told I had to do self hypnosis. I don't have the equipment at home to do it or the time, with 6 dogs. If I have to do it myself, I wouldn't have paid them. I was coorsed into signing the contract. I asked if it didn't work if I could get my money back. He said that if it didn't work for me, he would make it right. I took that to mean a refund. Instead after 2 sessions, I told him it wasn't working for me. I wanted to cut my losses right then and save us both time. Instead, He said I had to finish all eight sessions first. I did so, and it still did not work for me. I have several emails asking for my refund. First he, Joshua K*****, was stalling, saying he had to talk to the licensing person or owner. Then I realized that was not the case. Instead, all he kept saying was, when would you like to come in for another session. Why would I waste my time if it doesn't work for me? I have been trying for months with no results. I used money that was left to me when my husband died, in 2020, and don't appreciate it being wasted.

  Business response

  05/12/2022

  I am not interested in fielding any complaints about any hypnosis programs when clients agree to all expectations both verbally and in writing.  ******** entered the program with a 50% discount due to her tragic back story and literally chose how she wanted to proceed.  The promised services were rendered, with additional work that seemed to be necessary.  In the end, she just decided she wasn't going to actively participate and that we needed to magically relieve her distress and make the weight disappear. She eventually decided to follow no guidelines that she actually agreed upon before the program started and at one point actually reported back with good results. I ask you as you read this, would you ask a golf pro or a pharmacist or an auto mechanic for a refund after more services were rendered than actually agreed upon? Any further harassment will be dealt with as an attempt at extortion and handled legally. 

  Business response

  05/13/2022

  What needs to stop is your lack of accountability.  We, as a staff, busted ours butts to provide you with top-notch service, at an extreme discount, and all you did was cause yourself problems.  This is not, and never will be, acceptable.  Every single client is accepted into a program under the same conditions, with written and verbal acknowledgement that we cannot do it for them, that the client's effort is what we assist with. This is an attempt at theft of services and will no longer be addressed by anyone but outside professionals.

  Customer response

  05/13/2022

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.  As I said before and sent a copy of the contract, that I was afraid to sign. I said that if it wouldn’t work I won’t sign if no refund! Then I was told that they would refund my money if it didn’t work.  So I signed it. Then after a few sessions I told them it wasn’t working out for me.  But they said I had to finish all my sessions before they could refund me.  So I did, then all I got were excuses from them. Then they said have to talk to owner first. Kept stalling and never talked to owner or anyone else that I was told of! Every time I would call or email, they would say when do you want to come in. And I responded, for my refund? And was told no, for a session. I said why would I go to another session and waste both of our times, when it clearly doesn’t work at all for me. I have also talked to others that have told me it hasn’t worked for them either!  I would’ve even entertained a partial refund. But nothing was offered.   Regards,  ******** ******

• Initial Complaint

  04/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I contacted Alternative Hypnosis to aid with anxiety, stress & depression. I spoke to Joshua K***** who stated he offered a 1 hr free seminar. The first appt I had was on 2/3/22, however my daughter had to be brought to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy… I think informed Mr. K***** as soon as this happened. I finally met with him 3/7, because my father had underwent a quadruple bypass which had several complications. I inform Mr. K***** that is why it took so long to make an appt with him. The first visit he said he could help me with 6 sessions at $877.00. I attended a session on 3/17, however I did not feel comfortable going forward with this treatment. I was having a hard time with my own health and needed the treatment of my psychiatrist. I was also suffering severe stress because my father’s kidneys failed and he flatlined. They were able to revive him however he remains hospitalized. I on several occasions left messages and very detailed emails to Mr. K***** with no responses. I contacted my credit card company for a refund and was denied. He finally texted me yesterday and asked what time he could contact me afternoon/evening. I gave him a time and he followed up saying it would have to be the following day, which was today. He called me, he completely belittled me and said I was acting like a child. He was a complete narcissist.. telling me rather talking over me that he makes $700/hr. Whatever, I kindly said I’ll pay for the first session but I’m not comfortable working with you. I tried in between him verbally bullying me to say that if a Dr/patient relationship didn’t work, you move forward. Then he continued telling me he could help me and that I disappointed him. I just want a refund, he is a terrible bully and he ended the call with you’ll probably get something back and I’ll call you at basically my next convenience. I don’t know what to do anymore. I have so many unanswered texts, voicemails and emails. Please help

  Business response

  05/06/2022

  She already got denied by her CC company.
  

  Customer response

  05/09/2022

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  It is his word against mine.  He lied to the insurance company about me being a “no-show”.  February 3, I had a a scheduled appt, however we had to rush my daughter to ******** as her appendix ruptured.  I CALLED him and let him know what happened.  I told him I didn’t know when I would get in to see him so I didn’t make an appointment.  My father u underwent a quadruple bypass & he went into kidney failure.  Mr.K***** contacted me during that time to reschedule however the timing wasn’t good with my family situation.  He never provided me with any paperwork regarding services, he just told me on our March 7 visit that he could help me in6 sessions for $877.00.  I reached out on several occasions, multiple phone messages to discuss a refund as I didn’t feel comfortable working with him.  He called me 4/12 and was arrogant, narcissistic toward me telling me how much he makes, blah blah.  Every time I tried to speak he cut me off.  He has not called me to discuss service or a refund.  He is not a good business man.  It’s disgusting that someone who claims he can help others, does nothing but lie, steal & deceive.  He called me a baby and other names at times.  I don’t what to do, I need this money back to cover health expenses for my father & myself.  Bottom line he did not provide his services to me.  I had 1 appt.  Please help me.  Thank you ******** ******* Regards, ******** *******

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩