Hypnose
People often ask me if hypnosis works. They want to know how effective hypnosis is.
Do I really need to say anything more?
Hypnosis is a natural state, one that we experience daily. So, while people are often wary of hypnosis, thinking that it is an altered stateand one is out of control, quite the opposite is true. You are in control, in fact it it is an intense state of focus. Driving a familiar route to work is a common example of operating on autopilot, without thinking about it.
Althoughheart rate and respiration may slow down, this is due to the relaxation involved in the “induction”process,often used progressive relaxation. Those symptoms are not the hypnotic state itself. Research into the hypnotic state has shown that there are different brainwave levels that are involved.
According to science.howstuffworks.com, “The most notable data comes from electroencephalographs (EEGs), measurements of the electrical activity of the brain. Extensive EEG research has demonstrated that brains produce different brain waves, rhythms of electrical voltage, depending on their mental state. Deep sleep has a different rhythm than dreaming, for example, and full alertness has a different rhythm than relaxation.”
Understanding how natural hypnosis is
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
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.
In January 2013, Lena Redding walked into my life. It was a slow and courageous walk. In the year that followed, her steps became lighter, quicker and more determined. I have had the great joy and privilege to be a part of that journey. Allow me to digress in order that I may explain.
Lena was later featured in the Personal Best section of the Tampa Bay Times, where writer Irene Maher highlighted Lena’s newfound love of Zumba and her mission to inspire others to become fit and healthy—regardless of size. At the time she began her journey, Lena weighed 324 pounds on a 5’2” frame. What the article didn’t fully capture was how hypnosis became a turning point in her weight-loss journey.
Choosing a Different Path
Lena had tried many diets and weight-loss programs throughout her life. Like many people who struggle with obesity, she knew all the tips and tricks—but knowledge alone wasn’t enough. Appetite suppressants didn’t work for her, and she knew she needed something different.
After a serious but compassionate conversation with her chiropractor, Dr. Scott Coletti, Lena made a decision to change her health for good. She chose to participate in the Virtual Gastric Band™ hypnosis program, a non-surgical weight-loss approach that works by training the brain to perceive a smaller stomach capacity.
The Virtual Gastric Band procedure is natural, safe, and non-invasive. Through hypnosis, clients experience a sensation similar to the surgical Lap Band—feeling satisfied with less food and developing healthier eating behaviors.
The Power of Hypnosis in Weight Loss
From day one, Lena was an exemplary client. One program agreement is to purchase a piece of clothing in the desired size and place it where it will be seen daily. Lena took this seriously. She bought a new dress, named it, photographed it, and even used it as her phone wallpaper. When temptation crept in, she had very real “conversations” with that dress.
But the biggest changes went far beyond the scale.
Lena became someone who liked to move. She preferred walking and talking instead of sitting. Shopping became easier. Social events felt less stressful. Most importantly, she felt calmer and more resilient.
“Things aren’t as serious as they used to be,” Lena shared. “Even when things are bad, my attitude is now: can we solve it? If not, it is what it is.”
Why the Virtual Gastric Band Worked for Lena
When I asked Lena what she liked most about the hypnosis sessions, her answer was powerful:
“I thought the sessions would only focus on food and exercise. Boy, was I wrong. You asked questions that helped me get to the real issues. I wasn’t being told what to do—I was figuring it out for myself.”
Stress eating had been one of Lena’s biggest challenges. By addressing stress at its root, she was able to make lasting changes. Hypnosis worked because she was an active participant in her own transformation.
When self-doubt crept in, Lena listened to her hypnosis audios from our sessions. Those recordings helped her stay focused and grounded during difficult moments.
A Life Changed—For Good
Lena now leads Zumba classes filled with energy and joy. When Dr. Coletti later called to congratulate her, she described the conversation as “a whole lotta love.”
When asked what advice she would give others who have tried everything to lose weight, Lena said:
“Overweight people have tried so many things—so why not try stepping outside the box?”
Feeling the band, addressing emotional eating, and learning to respond to stress differently changed her life.
UPDATE: The fine folks at Zumba found this article and suggested that I could add a link to their coupons. To quote them, “who doesn’t love to save?” Here is the link…. Coupon Codes Zumba
Just a little fun with the ways that hypnosis can help you. My clients create change as they set goals and earnestly desire to obtain those goals.
If you knew you couldn’t fail, what might you do? What changes would you create in your life? Why not start today?
Many Christians ask a sincere and important question: Is hypnosis biblical? Some worry that hypnosis conflicts with Scripture or opens a spiritual door that should remain closed. Others hear warnings that hypnosis removes free will or invites outside influence. These concerns deserve honest answers, not fear-based reactions.
When we examine hypnosis through a biblical lens, we discover something surprising. Hypnosis does not contradict Christian faith. In fact, Scripture repeatedly describes natural states of focused attention, deep rest, and heightened awareness—states that closely resemble what modern science calls hypnosis.
Why Some Christians Fear Hypnosis
Much of the fear surrounding hypnosis comes from misunderstanding. Movies and stage performances portray hypnosis as mind control, where one person dominates another. The Bible clearly warns against manipulation, sorcery, and practices that remove personal agency. Because of this, many believers assume hypnosis must fall into that category.
However, therapeutic hypnosis does not involve surrendering control. A person in hypnosis remains aware, conscious, and able to choose. Hypnosis simply helps the mind become more focused and receptive—similar to prayer, meditation on Scripture, or deep reflection.
Is Hypnosis the Work of the Devil?
The Bible teaches that God created the human mind with incredible capacity. Focus, imagination, memory, and emotion all serve purposes that God designed. Hypnosis uses these God-given abilities; it does not bypass them.
Scripture condemns practices that seek power apart from God. Hypnosis does not summon spirits, predict the future, or override moral choice. Instead, it works with the conscious and subconscious mind to support healing, habit change, and emotional peace.
If hypnosis were inherently evil, then prayerful contemplation, fasting-induced clarity, or deep worship experiences would also be suspect. Scripture does not support that conclusion.
Biblical Examples of Trance and Altered States
The Bible openly describes altered states of awareness without condemnation.
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Genesis 2:21 says God placed Adam into a deep sleep before creating Eve.
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1 Samuel 26:12 describes a divinely sent deep sleep falling upon Saul’s camp.
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Acts 10:10 records Peter entering a trance while fully awake and receiving spiritual insight.
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Psalm 4:4 encourages meditation upon one’s bed in stillness.
These passages show that focused inner states can serve God’s purpose. Hypnosis mirrors these natural conditions by calming the nervous system and allowing deeper reflection.
Hypnosis, Free Will, and Christian Values
One of the strongest objections to hypnosis involves free will. Christianity teaches personal responsibility and moral choice. Hypnosis respects both.
A trained, ethical hypnotherapist cannot force someone to act against their values. Hypnosis does not override conscience or belief. Instead, it strengthens alignment between intention and action—helping people release habits, reduce anxiety, or heal emotional wounds.
From a Christian perspective, hypnosis can support stewardship of the body and mind rather than replace faith.
Can Christians Use Hypnosis for Healing?
Many Christians already engage in practices similar to hypnosis without labeling them as such. Prayer, guided imagery using Scripture, worship music, and contemplative silence all create focused mental states that promote peace and clarity.
When hypnosis incorporates faith, Scripture, or Christian values, it becomes a tool—not a threat. It works alongside prayer, counseling, and medical care rather than competing with them.
A Faith-Based Perspective on Hypnosis
The Bible repeatedly reminds believers to examine fruit rather than fear labels. When hypnosis produces peace, clarity, healing, and freedom from harmful patterns, it aligns with biblical principles.
Rather than asking whether hypnosis sounds unfamiliar, a better question is this: Does it honor God, preserve free will, and promote healing? When practiced ethically and intentionally, hypnosis meets those standards.
Faith and hypnosis do not oppose each other. They can walk together—calmly, wisely, and with discernment.
Why Do We Sometimes Celebrate Fear?
Did you know that Walt Disney reportedly had a surprising fear?
Keep reading — it might change how you think about your own.
Halloween is one of the few times each year when we intentionally celebrate fear. We build haunted houses, tell ghost stories, and watch zombie movies. For many people, that controlled rush of adrenaline feels thrilling.
In fact, some individuals even chase that sensation repeatedly.
However, what about the people who don’t enjoy fear at all? What about those who feel consumed by it?
That kind of fear is different.
When Fear Helps — And When It Hurts
Fear can serve an important purpose. If a hungry tiger stands nearby, fear activates the fight-or-flight response and prepares the body to survive. In that situation, fear protects you.
Yet most modern fears are not life-or-death threats.
Instead, they involve flying, public speaking, medical procedures, driving, or social situations. Although these fears feel intense, they rarely signal true danger.
Over time, unmanaged fear can begin to limit life. When fear becomes persistent and overwhelming, it may develop into a phobia. At that point, willpower alone often isn’t enough.
That’s when professional support — including tools such as hypnosis — can help retrain the mind and calm the nervous system.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Fear
While deeper phobias may require professional guidance, many fears respond well to simple awareness practices.
1. Cultivate Awareness
First, acknowledge that fear limits your enjoyment of life. Many people become so accustomed to anxious thoughts that they stop noticing how much control fear has taken.
2. Identify the Specific Fear
Next, clarify what you’re actually afraid of. What images appear in your mind? What story plays out in those mental scenes? Often, fear grows stronger when left undefined.
3. Become Curious
Rather than fighting the fear immediately, observe it. Where do you feel it in your body? What thoughts fuel it? How do you react when it appears?
Curiosity reduces intensity.
4. Use Your Breath
Then, slow your breathing. Inhale calm. Exhale tension. As you breathe, imagine the fear shrinking or even turning into a cartoon version of itself. Visualization shifts emotional charge.
5. Change the Emotional Tone
You might even print or draw an image that represents your fear. Humor can reduce power. When you treat fear as something smaller than you, your nervous system begins to recalibrate.
6. Imagine Life Without the Fear
Finally, picture yourself free from it. How would you stand? Speak? Move? Think? Practicing that version of yourself builds new neural pathways.
Walt Disney’s Surprising Phobia
Reports suggest that Walt Disney struggled with musophobia — a fear of mice.
Ironically, he went on to create Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and an entire entertainment empire built around animated mice.
Whether or not that creative act consciously addressed his fear, the symbolism is powerful. By transforming something frightening into something playful, he shifted its meaning.
He turned fear into imagination.
When Fear Becomes a Phobia
If your fear has crossed into phobia territory, you already know it isn’t logical. You may understand intellectually that you are safe, yet your body reacts as if danger is imminent.
At that stage, professional help can make a meaningful difference.
Hypnosis, in particular, helps rewire fear responses by working directly with the subconscious patterns that fuel them. Rather than forcing yourself to “be brave,” hypnosis can help you feel naturally calmer and more confident.
Releasing Fear and Living Fully
Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said,
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Perhaps it’s time to release fear and reclaim your sense of freedom.
You don’t have to remain controlled by it.
Fear can warn you — but it does not have to rule you.
