Today Show Recognizes Hypnosis!

Written by: Debbie

Yesterday’s Today Show had a segment on hypnosis for pain relief. It was really a good segment, I was pleased. It was not that long ago, you see that the Today Show totally ignored the role that hypnosis played in the helping a young client of mine stop a long term physical ailment. (See my previous blog on Secondary Gains.)

Ironically, I just had a client come to me with a prescription for hypnosis from her doctor, for pain relief. (A good hypnotist will not do pain relief without a doctor writing a prescription for the best interest of the client.) The doctor was delighted to write the ‘script. She sat in the chair in my office and said she couldn’t take much more pain. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the least and 10 being the most) she rated her pain right up there at a 10. Slowly, we reduced the pain, until we were able to reach a level of 1! Then she enjoyed the feelings of being pain free. Really enjoyed it. The messages of pain were replaced with messages of comfort in her mind. We gave her the ability to recall this comfort whenever it was needed and appropriate. She practically danced out of my office. I record sessions and give the recordings to my clients for use at another time.

Dr. Nancy Snyderman summed up the segment by saying that when she went to medical school the body – mind connection was ignored, but now that has changed. Medicine has come full circle, she said. Through hypnosis we separate the pain center from the “inner being”. Thank you, Today Show!

Hypnosis For Smoke Cessation Sees Strong Results!

Written by: Debbie

It is all over the news, the results are in. According to a study presented at CHEST 2007, the 73rd annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), hospitalized patients who smoke may be more likely to quit smoking through the use of hypnotherapy than patients using other smoking cessation methods.

The study showed that smoking patients who participated in one hypnotherapy session were more likely to be nonsmokers at 6 months compared with patients using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alone or patients who quit “cold turkey”.

“Our results showed that hypnotherapy resulted in higher quit rates compared with NRT alone,” said Faysal Hasan, MD, FCCP, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. “Hypnotherapy appears to be quite effective and a good modality to incorporate into a smoking cessation program after hospital discharge.”

To read the full article go here: Science Codex.

We’re Not Just Monkeying Around!

Written by: Debbie

There will be another Happiness Pit Stop. Back by popular demand we are holding another alcohol free happy hour. It keeps getting bigger and better. This time there will be massage and hand care by a skin care specialist as well as the hypnosis and the acupuncture. The proceeds (a $25.00 donation) will go to a cause that is near and dear to my heart. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.

So, if you are driving by on Wednesday October 17th between 5 & 7 pm, stop in, relax and maybe even purchase a chimp original painting!

Do You Have A Question About Hypnosis?

Written by: Debbie

There are many misunderstandings and myths about hypnosis. As a result, people often fear this wonderful tool. Hypnosis is natural and safe. Through hypnosis the quality of life is improved as fears are released, weight is shed, bad habits are replaced by healthier ways of life and more!

As your hypnotist, I do not “do hypnosis to you”, rather, I am your tour guide, assisting you through your own experience of creating change. My most wonderful web lady/production master, Dona, has loaded a video up onto my website that explains more. Please, take a moment to watch it and let me know what you think!

It can be found by clicking here: Hypnosis Myths
or just go to my FAQ page and follow the link.

Look Into My Eyes…

Written by: Debbie

Often, one of the first things people think of with hypnosis is the phrase, “Look into my eyes”. In fact, it tickles me when someone hears what I do and their first response is to avert their eyes and say something to the effect that they are afraid of eye contact with me. They are afraid of the power they believe I will hold over them. If only that power was true, there would be world peace and my sons would clean their rooms automatically!

There is power in my eyes, however. You see, when I look into my own eyes, deep within, I am amazed at who is looking back at me. This is something I practice often. (This is another one of those daily habits I have included in my list.) All too often, we look at our faces, when brushing teeth or washing, putting on make up or shaving, but we avoid actual eye contact. Perhaps, it is something many people never even think to do. Yet, it is so amazingly powerful.

Try looking deep within your eyes, make eye contact just as you would when meeting a friend and then repeat something positive about yourself aloud. Start by using your name and follow with an affirmation of your value. For instance, if you are a working on shedding those extra pounds, begin with your name and how you deserve to look great and feel healthy. The first time, it may feel a bit silly, but repeat it. Do this daily for a week and you will begin to notice a difference in your perceptions of yourself.

Here is a quote from a recent email sent to me by a client who I suggested try this technique: “Thank you again, I feel like I am on a flying cloud. If this is what looking in the mirror and talking to myself does, I am not stopping!” I have another client who uses the rear view mirror each time she gets into the car to remind herself how calm and confident she is on her way to a sales call. She has commented how much easier her commute has become from home to office and from office to customer. So, if you notice someone in the car at the stoplight next to you who seems to be holding a conversation with themselves in the rear view mirror, remember, they may just be creating a safer traffic flow for you too!

I guess to sum this up: The eyes have it!

Into Great Silence

Written by: Debbie

I went to a movie with friends Friday night. The movie is called Into Great Silence. It is a documentary about life in a monastery where the monks have taken a vow of silence. There is no dialogue (remember the vow), no soundtrack, no drama, no romance, not much of anything but monks and their chores. The movie lasted 3 hours! By the end of it, my end was sore.

It was interesting to me to observe the people in the theater. The silence seemed difficult, somehow. I heard people commenting to one another or themselves, clearing throats, sighing, etc. This is often true in communication. Sometimes, when a client comes into my office for a desired change, the change they request is not the one they really desire. I allow them to talk. If I don’t respond with a comment right away, they will continue to speak. For them, the silence must be filled! It is in these moments that I learn the true nature of their visit, their true desire.

During the hypnotic portion of the session, I enjoy creating silence, long pauses, which can be filled by a powerful subconscious mind with visions and experiences of acquiring that new habit, goal or desired behavior. It is in these moments that I can practically see what they are creating by the changes that occur in their face, breathing or body position. It is a thrill to see them reach a resolve or a level of commitment to themselves in the silence.

I think Seneca said it best, “It is a great thing to know the season for speech and the season for silence.”

Paul Potts Update

Written by: Debbie

Remember that unbelievable young man Paul Potts? The voice that moved me so?
I was moved to tears. Well, he has released an album. It is called One Chance. I sure will be ordering it.

Daily Habits

Written by: Debbie

Imagine if you could create 10 daily habits, that empower you. Just ten things you do daily, that create a sense of who you are and why you are here. You already have daily habits, brushing your teeth, maybe coffee and the paper or walking the dog. Just think, if you began to do some things just for you. How fabulous would you feel?

I include self-hypnosis into my daily routine, when I miss it, I really miss it! When I miss my daily self-hypnosis, my family reminds me, because they miss it too. (Funny how family will let you know when you aren’t quite right.) I also drink a gallon of water every day, encourage myself in the mirror every day (making eye contact) and listen to inspirational/motivational audios when driving. I want to work up to ten. I will start with just one more at a time, once it is a real part of my day, I can add more.

How about joining me? Imagine if we all worked towards ten daily habits that brought more joy, prosperity and excitement into our lives?

This just in….

Written by: Debbie

I love when an athlete will attest to the powers of hypnosis. Here is a rugby player,
Shontayne Hape who has been undergoing hypnosis to help him cope with his third knee reconstruction operation. Then there is this article telling about how more and more young athletes seek out mental toughness coaches.

I have had the privilege of working with martial arts students, Olympic hopefuls, golfers, football players and even a ping pong player to name a few.

Secondary Gains

Written by: Debbie

There are times when an individual may seek help for an issue, appear to be trying and yet success alludes them. There are those who reach their desired success quickly, then seem to do a complete 180 degree turn. Why is this?

Perhaps it is due to something called a secondary gain. If your disease allows you to miss days of work or school, illicit sympathy or gain attention, these are some examples of what a secondary gain is. Every behavior we have rewards us in some way or we wouldn’t have that behavior. That’s right, every behavior. Even the negative ones. Therefore, when changes don’t seem to occur, it is time to take a look at what the benefit is.

It is usually said that to suggest you might be taking advantage of others as a result of your suffering is to blame the victim. How can you take any course of action when you are assumed to be unable to help yourself? This allows you to be treated as a victim, removing any responsibility to change your circumstances.

Are you giving yourself permission to act out irresponsibly because you “can’t control yourself”? Going a step further, you can treat others poorly or have power over them if you are the “victim” and they need to conform to your special needs. Perhaps your family all has a similar issue and this allows you to be a part of the clan.

Through hypnosis, we can journey together to discover what the gains are. They are often not something the logical mind would expect. Once discovered, another method of meeting that need can be established. A healthy habit, thought or behavior that will allow you to move beyond the issue towards success. Away from over eating, nail biting, smoking or even the hiccups towards a life of freedom!

A former client with a long term physical ailment came to me hoping for a cure. There had been quite a bit of attention given to her ailment and her attempts at curing it. In my office, she was able to find relief. However, we agreed there needed to be more work done, to allow this to become a permanent change. The siren call of the media attention took hold. The follow up visits were not kept. The relief was sporadic. Perhaps a secondary gain can be seen here.

When you make a commitment to yourself, for change, it is important that you follow through with the entire course of action. You are worth it!

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