I can't believe you even read this one!  I wrote this for those who don't want to tackle one of my marathon stories.  I wanted to write Alice in a way that I could appreciate her shallow interests.  I just find it hard to connect with someone who cares so much about fashion, make-up, presents and parties.  But giving her a flip side she's trying to forget... I could totally buy it.  In fact her past being a blank, her time in a mental hospital, and her visions of the future, all make her a much deeper character than we see most of the time.  Hypnotism really isn't magical mind control, it's just a way of relaxing, letting go of worries, and being guided by the hypnotist.  I'd bet Alice does remember, and has to work to forget.  I always see Alice as someone with the abiltiy to compartmentalize her mind, as a way to deal with her visions.  Carlisle is able to just guide her and let her remember in the safety of the session, then she can close the door again.