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wisdom hypnosis

Hypnosis In Treating Obesity

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It never fails that when I tell people how I make my living—as a hypnotherapist hypnotizing people slim—they inevitably ask: Does it work; does hypnosis really help with weight loss? My answer usually brightens their eyes with something between excitement and incredulity because most people don’t realize that adding trance to your weight loss efforts can help you lose more weight and keep it off longer. Although hypnosis predates carb and calorie counting by a few centuries, I often hear from desperate individuals that this is their last hope.  Because of stage and screen portrayals of hypnosis as mind control or at the very least parlor tricks the benefits of hypnosis has long been misunderstood.  It isn’t until everything has been exhausted and people are feeling out of control that most people are willing to try hypnosis. Once they realize their goals, I hear “I should have called you first.” If only people understood that hypnosis is a non-invasive tool that can be used for focus and reaching goals.  Hypnosis is also helpful in uncovering and discovering underlying, unconscious emotional factors that cause overeating or making poor food choices when stressed, anxious, bored, depressed, and so forth. Once these emotional eating factors are made conscious, hypnosis is then used to assist changing to more positive motivators and better choices. I understand that most people really want to do the right thing. They start diet after diet only to go back to old unhealthy habits when faced with the demands of everyday life. Most of my clients know every calorie or carb count, what exercises burn the most fat, etc. Ask anyone on the street about his eating or exercise habits and chances are, he’ll tell you he knows he should eat better and get more exercise, but … and they follow up with a litany of excuses. I hear excuses every day, yet those excuses aren’t changing the scales. When people call me about hypnosis for weight loss, I explain that I have several protocols I can follow. The Virtual Gastric Band has a huge 95% success rate according to test groups (my success has been similar). There are other methods that can be used as well, depending upon the needs and goals of the individual. There are as many ways to approach hypnosis for weight loss as there are people needing to make the change. My job is to find the proper fit for you, your job is to show up and be honest.

Excuses

There are also as many excuses for not committing to change as there are people. I have heard many of these excuses, repeatedly. It’s always easy to come up with reasons to avoid getting started with a healthy eating or weight-loss plan. But all too often, these reasons are really just excuses. “I don’t have time to cook or exercise, I have too much stress to keep on a diet, it’s in my genes, I travel too much, etc.”

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Commitment to Building Self-Confidence

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Although I have a commitment to building self-confidence in myself as well as my clients, I understand I am a work in progress. During this month of working on self-improvement, I find myself perusing all types of notes I have stored away for a rainy day. Ironically, as I am posting this, it has been a very rainy day. Part of my intent was to continue with my theme of clearing out clutter. Part of it was to continue my Happiness Habits and part of today’s perusal was due to the rain. I found the list below and I am not really sure where I first came upon it or who the author is. Most likely, Napolean Hill, as it seems like his style of writing. Regardless, I thought with this month being National Self Improvement Month and as building our self-confidence can only help us improve, this was worth sharing.

Commitment to Confidence Building

1. I know that I have the ability to accomplish all that I undertake. I know that to succeed, I have only to establish this belief in myself and follow it with vigorous, aggressive action. I will establish it.

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September Is The New January

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A modern living room with a white sectional sofa and large windows.Did you know that September is National Self Improvement Month? So, while we may not be the ones getting those new school supplies and backpacks, there is still no doubt about it – September has an energetic, back-from-vacation, back-to-school feeling. This is the month we want to make changes, embrace a fresh outlook and take advantage of all the new opportunities ahead of us. Really, do those memories of making this school year the best one yet ever go away?

As human beings, we are our own worst critics. Most of us are guilty of focusing on our weaknesses instead of our strengths. Luckily, because September is National Self Improvement month, it is a powerful month for changes and taking action. It is a part of our nature to want to improve; we just want to be careful not to become too critical of ourselves. If you are going to be using this month to accomplish the goals you created back in January, first take the time to reevaluate those goals. Are they realistic? Are they manageable? Did you just give up too soon?

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A Month of Happy: How I’m Creating More Happiness One Day at a Time

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A modern living room with a white sectional sofa and large windows.

July is my birthday month, and this year I decided to celebrate differently. Instead of a single birthday, I declared a whole month of happy — as in happy birthday to me. It also happens to be America’s birthday, which felt like a perfect reason to double down on joy.

So I made a simple decision: every day this month, I would do one thing with the sole intention of creating happiness.

Sounds easy, right?

What Actually Creates Happiness (And What Doesn’t)

Before committing to my “Month of Happy,” I did a little research on what truly creates happiness — and what doesn’t. (So much for simple.)

One thing I discovered, much to my husband’s delight, is that buying new things only creates temporary happiness. The joy fades quickly as the purchase becomes part of the new normal. In fact, acquiring more stuff can actually reduce happiness by increasing clutter, stress, or financial strain.

So if “stuff” isn’t the answer, what is?

Research — and lived experience — point to a few consistent contributors to lasting happiness:

  • Connection with others, especially family and friends

  • Good health, both physical and emotional

  • Financial peace, created by budgeting and living within your means

  • Less clutter, which creates space for creativity and calm

  • A sense of purpose, and taking steps to live it out

Each of these areas can be broken down further, and that’s exactly what I’m exploring this month.

Day One: My Happiness Proclamation

On July 1st, I made what I call my Happiness Proclamation. I publicly declared — on Facebook, no less — that I was committing to one happiness-creating action per day. Making it public made it official.

The first happiness choice? Lunch with my husband.

Strengthening relationships is one of the most powerful happiness habits we have, even when the relationship is already good. We enjoyed a delightful meal and unexpectedly ran into someone who knew us when we first met. That led to laughter, memories, and connection — a happiness bonus I didn’t plan.

Knowing that good health matters, I followed that with a bike ride in the sunshine. The exercise felt great, and I ended up at my favorite dolphin-watching spot, where I stood mesmerized as dolphins swam by. Simple. Free. Joyful.

Day Two: Happiness Grows When You Give It Away

On Day Two of my Happiness Happenings, I remembered something important: spending money on others brings more joy than spending it on yourself.

With the Fourth of July approaching, I stopped at a fireworks tent on my way to the doctor’s office where I hold sessions. Several women work there, many with young children. I bought a few fireworks for each of them and handed them out with my best Katy Perry Firework impression.

They laughed. They smiled.
And yes — I felt happy.

Decluttering for Happiness

Decluttering is also high on my happiness list.

In June, starting on Let It Go Day, I began a practice I call “3 a Day Must Go Away.” Every day, I found at least three things to give away or throw away. By the end of the month, I had eliminated at least 90 items — though honestly, it was probably closer to 900.

There’s still more to release, so I’m continuing this practice throughout July. Less clutter means more breathing room — mentally and emotionally.

Your Turn: What Makes You Happy?

I’m still early in my Happiness Happenings journey, and I plan to keep updating what I discover along the way. But I want to ask you, dear reader:

  • What truly makes you happy?

  • What small habit could you change to create more joy in your daily life?

  • If you were happier — even just a little — how would you be different?

Happiness doesn’t have to be dramatic or expensive. Often, it’s found in small, intentional choices made one day at a time.

And sometimes, it starts with simply deciding that happiness matters.

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June Is Rebuild Your Life Month: How to Reduce Stress and Create a Healthier Future

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June is Rebuild Your Life Month, a perfect time to pause and take an honest look at where you are — and where you want to go. Whether life has thrown you an unexpected curveball or you simply feel called to make changes, this month offers a powerful opportunity to recreate your life with intention.

Rebuilding your life doesn’t require drastic moves all at once. Often, meaningful change begins by identifying and removing stressors wherever possible.

Step One: Identify the Source of Your Stress

Recognizing what causes stress in your life is the first and most important step. Job stress often spills over into home life, while a difficult home environment can make work even more stressful. Because stress compounds itself, it’s essential to narrow down where it is coming from so you can address it at the root.

Clear the Clutter to Calm the Mind

Sometimes rebuilding your life starts with something simple — decluttering your home. Numerous studies show that physical clutter contributes to mental clutter, increasing stress and overwhelm.

In The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin dedicated an entire month to clearing clutter. She describes how removing excess belongings helped her appreciate what she chose to keep and experience a greater sense of freedom. A clean, organized space often leads to clearer thinking and reduced stress.

Rebuilding Your Life May Require Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

In other cases, stress stems from conflict or unhealthy relationships. This can lead to the difficult realization that certain people in your life may not have your best interests at heart.

Letting go of toxic relationships is rarely easy, and the initial separation can feel stressful. However, removing a consistently negative influence often creates a profound shift in how you experience life. Emotional well-being improves when you protect your peace.

When Your Job Is the Problem

A toxic workplace can be just as damaging as a toxic relationship. While leaving a job may not happen overnight, taking steps toward change is essential.

You spend a significant portion of your life at work, and chronic dissatisfaction can lead to serious emotional and physical health issues. Even beginning to explore new options — changing workplaces or returning to school one class at a time — can improve your outlook and reduce stress.

Healthy Changes That Support Rebuilding Your Life

Healthy Eating

One of the most impactful ways to rebuild your life is by improving your nutrition. Healthy eating supports energy levels, emotional balance, stress management, and long-term wellness.

There is no single “perfect” way to eat, as nutritional needs vary. However, a diet heavy in fast food and processed snacks does not support health or happiness. Choosing nourishing foods is an act of self-respect.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving emotional well-being. Exercise benefits both the body and the mind.

Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen often says that 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can be more effective than medication for improving mood and brain health. Movement truly is medicine.

Get Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is often overlooked, yet it is essential for rebuilding your life. Stress can interfere with sleep, and lack of sleep makes stress harder to manage — a difficult cycle to break.

Practicing stress-reduction techniques and healthy sleep habits can dramatically improve sleep quality. Self-hypnosis and meditation are especially effective tools for calming the nervous system and promoting restorative sleep.

Create a Happiness Ritual

A happiness ritual is a simple, repeatable activity that brings you joy. It might be a daily cup of tea, quiet reflection, journaling, coloring, yoga, or time in nature.

Practicing your ritual regularly reinforces your sense of worth and creates emotional resilience. When stressful moments arise, you can draw on the calm and comfort you’ve cultivated.

Rebuilding Your Life Starts With Small, Intentional Choices

Life was never promised to be easy, but it is responsive to the choices we make. Rebuilding your life can begin with decluttering your space, changing relationships, improving habits, or simply deciding that your well-being matters.

By adjusting your sails and choosing a new direction, you move away from the past and toward a healthier future. Use this month as your starting point. The life you rebuild may surprise you.

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Two cigarettes with a warning: Don't think about smoking.

Practicing Gratitude for Happiness: Why “First World Problems” Still Matter

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More and more, I see the hashtag #FirstWorldProblems used as a humorous commentary on modern life. It’s often meant to remind us that those of us living in Western societies have it relatively easy.

Examples abound:

  • A possible infection, another root canal, and the removal of two wisdom teeth — shaping up to be a fabulous summer. #FirstWorldProblems

  • I received new honors from my college, so now all my printed resumes are useless. #FirstWorldProblems

Worrying about which job offer to take may seem trivial compared to someone wondering whether they will survive another week or feed their family. And yet, perspective alone doesn’t always relieve suffering.

Why Comparing Pain Doesn’t Help

When we face real hardship, we often wonder how we ever got so worked up about what once felt like major problems. In hindsight, it can seem like wasted worry — time that could have been spent enjoying life.

However, when someone responds to our distress with “there are people who have it much worse than you,” it often feels dismissive rather than comforting. Many of us remember being told as children to be grateful for food we disliked because children elsewhere were starving. That didn’t inspire gratitude — it inspired guilt.

I once heard a therapist tell a client that because people in war-torn countries have “real problems,” she should be grateful that her husband leaving her with small children was all she had to face. Rather than comfort, that likely left the client feeling guilty, terrified, hurt, and unseen.

Awareness of global suffering doesn’t invalidate personal pain — because we live our lives where we are.

Fear Is Fear — Regardless of Circumstances

Fear, anxiety, and hopelessness do correlate with life circumstances — but only up to a point. Living in a safe environment increases feelings of security, but the relationship isn’t exact.

Fear is fear.

Whether someone is afraid of starvation or afraid of riding an elevator to work, the nervous system reacts the same way. A person living in an outwardly secure environment can still feel deeply unsafe inside.

Research supports this. Studies show that only about 10% of our happiness comes from external circumstances. The remaining 90% is shaped by our inner environment — our thoughts, interpretations, habits, and emotional patterns.

The Case for Practicing Gratitude

This is where practicing gratitude for happiness becomes meaningful — not as a way to dismiss pain, but as a way to shift inner awareness.

Across history, philosophers, spiritual teachers, and religious traditions have emphasized gratitude. Research now confirms what they intuited:

People who practice gratitude regularly experience:

  • Increased optimism, enthusiasm, and energy

  • Lower levels of depression

  • Improved immune function

  • Better sleep and more exercise

  • Greater progress toward personal goals

  • Stronger feelings of being loved and respected

Gratitude isn’t denial — it’s attention training.

Gratitude Without Comparison

Rather than focusing on how others have it worse, it’s more effective to consciously notice what you have.

Gratitude works best when it is non-comparative. Comparing yourself upward (she got the promotion and I didn’t) breeds resentment. Comparing yourself downward (others have it worse) breeds guilt.

Instead, focus on your own blessings.

A Simple Gratitude Practice That Actually Helps

The next time you feel worried or discouraged, try this:

  1. Think of three ways your situation could be worse for you — but isn’t.

    • This hurts, but I do have other friends.

    • This is stressful, but my kids are safe.

    • This didn’t work out, but I still have meaningful work.

  2. Then, briefly imagine your life without those blessings.
    Picture what it might feel like if they were gone — just long enough to feel the contrast.

  3. Important:

    • Choose blessings you genuinely appreciate

    • Do not focus on fears that are currently active or likely

    • Avoid scenarios that could intensify anxiety

  4. Return your focus to gratitude.
    Let yourself feel appreciation — and yes, even relief.

Add a smile. Even a forced one helps. It’s surprisingly difficult to feel miserable while smiling.

As Gene Wilder said in Young Frankenstein:
“It could be worse. It could be raining.”

 
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Simple Stress Release Exercise You Can Do Anywhere

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How would you like a simple stress release exercise that helps calm anxious feelings — one that’s easy, effective, and even a little fun?

Imagine being able to release stress wherever you are: at home, in your car, or at the office. No equipment. No special preparation. Just a quick mind-body reset when you need it most.

Research on mind-body techniques shows that simple physical actions combined with focused imagination can help relieve stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system. This exercise is designed to do exactly that.

Step One: Acknowledge the Feeling

Begin by noticing what you’re feeling. Anxiety, nervousness, fear, or even panic — simply acknowledge it without judging yourself.

Allow the feeling to be present. Remember, it is just a feeling, and feelings themselves cannot harm you.

Step Two: Contain the Stress

Now, close your left hand (the hand you write with) into a fist. Make it tight. Really squeeze and feel the pressure.

As you do this, imagine all of your anxious feelings slowly flowing down your arm and into your clenched fist.

If it helps, visualize the anxiety as a red, glowing energy traveling down your arm and becoming trapped in your fist. Make the image as real as possible. You may notice sensations such as pulsing, warmth, or pressure — this is normal.

Step Three: Transform the Energy

As the energy gathers in your fist, begin to notice a shift. The anxiety may soften into a manageable nervous excitement.

You might imagine the color changing — from red to pink, or even to a calming blue. Let the sensations evolve naturally.

Step Four: Release and Let Go

Now for the final step.

Slowly begin to open your fist, one finger at a time, counting from 5 down to 1. Take a gentle breath with each finger as it opens.

As your hand opens fully, notice the tension releasing. The trapped anxiety is being set free.

With one final deep breath, blow gently onto the palm of your hand, sending the stress, fear, and tension away.

Step Five: Notice the Release

Take a moment to notice how you feel. You may experience a light sense of relief or calm.

You can imagine the remaining anxiety floating up, up, and away — carried off into the sky and out of your awareness.

Repeat this simple stress release exercise up to three times, and notice how much better you feel.

Extra Support for Stress Relief

If you’d like additional guidance, you can also tune into a free stress-relief audio here: Serenity.

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How Cognitive Reframing Improves Clarity: How a Fall Helped Me Think More Clearly

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“My life has been filled with terrible misfortunes, most of which have never happened.” ~Mark Twain
This quote is a perfect illustration of why cognitive reframing for stress can be so powerful.
 

Have you ever noticed how a single shift in perspective can suddenly make life feel easier? Cognitive reframing for stress is the process of changing how we interpret situations so our nervous system responds differently. A simple change in thought can reduce anxiety, restore clarity, and completely alter how a day unfolds — as I was reminded recently by an unexpected fall.

Suddenly, your perspective changes.
Your mood lifts.
Things feel… easier.

That shift is called cognitive reframing.

How Thoughts Shape Stress and Clarity

Stress can increase or decrease based largely on our thoughts. Anxiety, stress, and irrational thinking shape how we experience daily life and how we respond to situations.

The body’s stress response isn’t triggered by events themselves — it’s triggered by perceived stress. Reframing thoughts can literally change physical stress reactions, helping restore emotional balance and mental clarity.

This kind of reframing happens often in my office. I teach it, talk about it, and encourage it regularly. One might assume that means I live in a perpetual state of positive thinking.

I wish.

Sharing this story feels vulnerable, but it matters. Because we’re all human — and we’re all in this together.

The Bike Ride and the Fall

This past Saturday, my husband Greg and I went for a bike ride. Cycling has always been a source of exercise and mood enhancement for both of us. We’ve logged many miles over the years.

I had recently been ill and wasn’t fully back to my normal strength, but I was determined to push through.

At one point, Greg noticed beautiful flowers tucked into a clump of trees and asked me to turn around so we could look more closely. Normally, this would have been easy.

Instead, my balance failed me — and I fell.

I lay on the ground with tears in my eyes, more from humiliation than pain.

When Thoughts Spiral

Once I got up, I truly enjoyed the flowers and even took several photos. In that moment, everything felt fine.

But as we got back on our bikes, my thoughts took over.

I felt old.
Clumsy.
Stupid.

At our next stop, I began lamenting my condition to Greg.

Thankfully, Greg would have none of it.

A Reframe That Changed Everything

He reminded me of a recent conversation with his clients — people who had suffered from the same virus I had. Many were younger, stronger, more balanced — and many struggled longer than I did.

The fact that I was out riding at all was a testament to my immune system and determination.

That simple reframe changed everything.

Suddenly, it was as if the sun rose — though it had been shining all along.

Clarity Returns

We were riding along a beach causeway. I noticed families playing, children laughing, brilliant colors, a warm breeze, the sound of water — and yes, a dolphin swimming nearby.

My thoughts shifted to confident, grateful ones.

I felt strong again.
Present.
Clear.

I was simply happy to be there.

One Thought Can Change a Day

Nothing about my physical situation changed — except my thoughts.

A single cognitive reframe turned frustration into appreciation and restored clarity and peace.

Can you think of ways your thoughts might help improve your day?

 

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Stress Awareness Day

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April 16 (the day after Tax Day, April 15) has become a special day to set aside for Americans to become aware of just how stressed they may have become! Everyone feels stressed from time to time and if left unchecked, it tends to be a real happiness killer as well as a threat to your health. This makes it harder for us to live joy-filled lives. Stress has also been reported to lead to a number of major health problems, ranging anywhere from anxiety or severe depression to physical symptoms such as a mild case of acne to life-threatening heart attacks. It is easy to see why it is so vitally important to keep life’s major stressors in check.
Scientists report that psychological stress may exact its toll, at least in part, by affecting molecules believed to play a key role in cellular aging and possibly, disease development.  Anecdotal evidence and scientific evidence has have suggested that chronic stress can take years off your life. Stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system as a person may use unhealthy behavioral coping strategies to reduce their stress, such as drinking and smoking. It is easy to see why it is so vitally important to keep life’s major stressors in check.
Enough of the dire news and warnings, I don’t need to stress you out more.
Instead, here are some quick tips for changing into a stress free zone for the day and at the end a link  to 3 free audios I have available for you to reduce your stress!

1. Focus On The Now

So many people live their entire lives in yesterday or tomorrow. The truth is, however, that there is only the Now. Focusing on this moment, right now, provides a wonderful escape from the disappointment of what once was and the fear of what might be, leaving stress stuck in a time warp. (You do remember the Time Warp, right?)

2.   Give Yourself A Pep Talk
Sometimes a good talking to is all you need to keep stress at bay. Maybe it is about time you gave yourself a pep talk, reminding yourself what is right with your life instead of dwelling on what’s wrong. Ask yourself how you got so lucky to have a roof over your head, food on the table and the opportunity to experience so much each day.

3.     Get the Giggles
Laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a comedy, share a funny joke, or go to a card shop and read funny cards. I always told my sons to find a reason to smile and laugh as they walked out the door. Maybe you can do the same, then share whatever it is, give yourself time for laughter each and every day.

4.     Use Self-Hypnosis
A still mind is a stress-free mind, so take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts and let the stress melt away. Even ten minutes done daily for the next 30 days will do wonders for releasing stress in your life.

5.     Keep a Happiness Journal
Starting today, spend a few minutes reflecting on the day you just experienced and list five things about the day that delighted you. Review that list when tempted to return to the old stinking thinking track.

6.     Lend  A Helping Hand
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is by providing relief to someone else. Placing your focus on others needs takes the focus off your own challenges. This will lead to less rumination and therefore less stress. So look around you, see who needs a hand up and offer yours.

7.     Listen To A Hypnosis Audio
I have three audios I have created that are free for you. Just stop by anytime to listen. Share them with your friends, let’s get this stress-less party started! Stress Free Audios

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Life Lessons Learned From Superheroes

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1. Life Has Ups and Downs

You can overcome one obstacle only to face another. Celebrate your victories — and then keep going.

2. Not Everyone Will See the Real You

Clark Kent isn’t recognized as Superman. Peter Parker isn’t seen as Spider-Man. Being unseen doesn’t negate who you are.

3. Be Proud of Who You Are

The X-Men were misunderstood despite doing good. Many groups experience prejudice based on race, gender, sexuality, culture, or belief. Being different doesn’t make you wrong.

4. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

Peter Parker chose service over personal gain. Our gifts matter most when used for good.

5. Anyone Can Make a Difference

Batman teaches us that you don’t need superpowers to be a hero. As Bruce Wayne reminds us, “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” Even fractured people can change the world.

6. Don’t Be Paralyzed by Self-Pity

Professor Charles Xavier is paraplegic — and possesses one of the most powerful minds on the planet. Limitations do not define potential.

7. Focus on Strengths, Not Kryptonite

Superman’s weakness became a weapon against him. When we obsess over our vulnerabilities, we give them power. Strength grows where attention goes.

8. Everyone Has a Dark Side

Scarlet Witch’s journey reminds us that growth isn’t linear. Our past doesn’t disqualify us from becoming a force for good.

9. Capes Are Cool

I loved them as a child — and honestly, I still wouldn’t mind one flying behind me.

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