Now I would like to give you a glimpse into my history with Hypnosis.  I would like you to see how I became involved with Hypnotherapy, as I believe this the course of my involvement speaks to the way I approach both my profession and my life.  I also wish to share with you some of my most-memorable experiences with this incredible state-of-mind technique... 

      My first encounter with clinical Hypnosis came at the instigation of a client with whom I had been working using traditional psychotherapy.  This client told me that he wanted to be Hypnotized.  He told me that he KNEW that Hypnosis was the technique that would work to help him get rid of his problem.

     It has been my consistent experience, in all the years I have been in practice -- well over 28 years at this reading! -- that people have the wisdom within themselves to know their own solutions.  By me supporting my clients to feel safe enough to get in touch with that wisdom within, I have functioned as the BEST therapist around!

     I intuitively knew that this client was right.  I realized that whatever Hypnosis was -- little did I know! -- his very conviction would make this approach successful for him!  I remember feeling something like an electrical charge inside -- a little ping! -- a feeling of excitement that he was on his way.  Plus a "knowing" feeling that I, too, was onto something exciting.

     However, I carefully explained to him that I was not a Hypnotist, that I did not even know what Hypnosis was, that I did not know a Hypnotist.  I was quick to assure him that he was correct when he honored what he felt so certain about within himself.  Regretfully, I admitted that I could not help him with this.

     My client then outdid me in both patience and understanding(!) as HE carefully explained to ME that he knew I was not a Hypnotist.  He described to me that what he wanted was for me to find a Hypnotist, have the Hypnotist Hypnotize him, then turn the control over to me so I could proceed to do the therapy.

     That sounded like a GREAT idea to me!  even though I had no clue whether or not what he was suggesting was possible.  Heck, I still thought Hypnotists took control over their subjects!

    Intrigued, I called local Hypnotists and described to them what my client was desiring.  These Hypnotists were quick to reassure me that what my client was proposing was, indeed, possible.  I selected one of the  Hypnotists, interviewed him in person, talked with my client about him, then met my client at the Hypnotist's office and we proceeded to do treatment.  Needless to say, the client quickly got his problems solved.

     And I was hooked!  I absolutely HAD to know more about a state of mind that was so utterly simple, yet so incredibly powerful -- and fast -- in creating therapeutic results.  So, I took classes and the rest is history!

     I now want to share with you some of this remarkable -- sometimes, almost miraculous -- history.  Now, do not be too skeptical -- even though I was probably just as skeptical when I first began!  What you read below may sound too good to be true ... AND it is all 100% true! 

CASE STUDIES:
 THERAPEUTIC USES OF HYPNOSIS

• Case of D.G. -- Changing Professions: Client was in mid-40s. She had not been employed outside the family business for many years; complained of problems with memory and concentration; and was having difficulty staying organized. Worked with Hypnosis, taught client self-Hypnosis, and she used Hypnosis Tape Program with special focus on Memory & Concentration. Focused on reinforcement of self-esteem, self-confidence, organization, concentration and memory. Client found a good-paying professional job that she felt was a service to her community; she began organizing the other areas of her life in ways that were more enjoyable to her; she was easily able to concentrate and remember at will; she began meeting constructive new friends; she developed a satisfying interpersonal relationship.
  

• Case of F.P. -- Depression: Client was very negative and depressed. He was in his early 60s and reported having always felt this way. He felt that there was more to life and wanted to experience happiness. Worked with defining exactly what, for him, constituted happiness. He defined happiness as being assertive in situations and feeling light inside. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Releasing Fear and one on Eliminating Depression. Client reported having to struggle with new concepts; he was encouraged to persevere, work was done on letting go of the struggle. He began to describe feeling more joyful upon awakening in the morning. As this was reinforced, it grew in frequency to an almost-everyday experience. He began to be more aware of his feelings, learning to express them in constructive ways. Most noteworthy, this client began to develop a habit of looking more positively at situations in his everyday life.

• Case of J.D. -- Stopping Smoking: Client was a 65 year old man who had been smoking for 52 years. He expressed skepticism that something he had done for most of his life could be changed. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and Hypnosis Tape Program on Smoking Cessation. Client stopped smoking after the first session. Using self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Program he reinforced this successfully. Only two more Hypnosis sessions were held, to strengthen prior suggestions and cover special challenges that could arise. By continuing to use the Hypnosis Tape Program and daily self-Hypnosis, this client continued successfully as a nonsmoker.
  

• Case of S.G. -- Nail Biting & Pulling-out Eyelash Hair:  This client was a teenager and had been engaging in nail-biting and hair-pulling since she was 8 years old. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one focusing on Confidence & Self-esteem and one focusing on Accepting Myself as I Am. Client reported immediate ceasing of pulling on/out her hair. She began to be aware of the times when she was biting her finger nails; before being Hypnotized, she had not even noticed when this was happening. She began to record when this occurred. Doing so   heightened her awareness even more. With continued Hypnosis, she soon reported stopping the nail biting completely. She continued to use self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs to help her deal with daily pressures in constructive ways.
  

• Case of W.T.-- Study Habits & Test Anxiety: Testing showed that W.T. had the ability and aptitude to succeed in learning. However, despite the fact that he was diligent in studying the subjects, he had been flunking his tests. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Releasing Fear, plus one on Memory & Concentration. It was suggested that he organize his studies, schedule routine times for learning, and heightened his concentration, comprehension and memory in the process. His comprehension soon improved, he reported enjoying what he was learning much more. Special focus was placed on stress management and relaxation rehearsal during test-taking. This client began not only passing his tests with good grades, he was able to remember the material for professional use even years later.
  

• Case of M.S.-- Insomnia: Client was a mid-30s registered nurse working the night shift; she reported having had problems with insomnia for several years. It had become more of a problem now that she was working at night. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Trust and one on Stress Management. As a post-Hypnotic suggestion, she was given a special formula to be repeated twenty times right before sleep. At first, she reported having to use the formula for a couple series of 20-repetition, before she was able to fall asleep. But once she was asleep, she slept the full 7-hour period that she wished. After a few times of this, she began to easily fall asleep with just one series of twenty repetitions. This proficiency was reinforced through self-Hypnosis and the self-Hypnosis Tape Programs. She began to develop confidence in her own ability to fall asleep deeply and to sleep soundly.
  

• Case of H.D. -- Stage Fright: Client, in his late 20s, experienced anxiety so severe at the prospect of addressing a small group that he avoided all situations, or jobs, requiring such performance. Difficulty occurred when his job description changed and he was called upon to give presentations to groups of thirty or more.  He liked his job and the professional advancement it allowed; he did not want to quit. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one focused on Releasing Fear and the other on Confidence & Self-Esteem. Client reported that he began right away to be more confident at work, in routine conversations and in technical discussions. He described starting to enjoy himself and enjoy being himself. He was surprised to discover that he felt excited the next time he was assigned a presentation. He reported that he was eager to find out what would happen! What happened was that he was relaxed addressing a group of twenty-five, he laughed and joked with the group, and enjoyed the process of sharing information with them. He even admitted to feeling a smugness about what he was able to accomplish and a sense of pleasure at what he might present next.
  

• Case of B.H. -- Fear of Dentistry: This 36-year-old man was experiencing severe apprehension over upcoming dental procedures. Because of his anxiety about the dentist, he had put off his routine care. As a result, more serious work was needed to get his teeth and gums healthy again. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis, and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Pain Management and one on Releasing Fear. After the first session of Hypnosis, this client reported feeling comfortable with the thought of his next dental appointment, which was the very next day. After the Hypnosis appointment, he reported going to his dental appointment, feeling fully relaxed, without worry or fearfulness. By continued use of this Program, he was able to go to repeated dental appointments, get all of the work completed that was needed, and get himself scheduled on a normal follow-up schedule for preventive care.
  

• Case of J.P. -- Anxiety while Driving: Client in her mid-50s was unable to drive herself anywhere.  In addition, she experienced severe anxiety whenever she was a passenger. She expressed great disdain for herself, referring to herself, derogatorily, as a "'fraidy- cat wimp." Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one focused on Self-acceptance and one on Trust. Client began reporting more ease while riding in a vehicle. She started paying attention to exactly what would cause her to become more tense. It took several sessions before she was willing to begin rehearsing herself at the wheel. After just one session of this rehearsal, she proclaimed that she was ready to drive a short distance. This she did successfully, reporting that she was only a slight bit nervous. We worked with reinforcing her sense of safety and competence. Working on her own with self-Hypnosis and the Personalized LifeChange Program, she built her confidence more and more until she was able to drive across town easily.  She then felt ready to drive out of state. She reported that her success with driving had also manifested changes in other areas of her life. She reported feeling as though there was nothing she could not successfully do now that she had triumphed over this former fear.
  

• Case of T.T. -- Learning Block: Client was in her early 30s and doing well in her profession. She began taking advancement classes, which entailed mathematics.  To her chagrin, she found that the difficulties with math that she had experienced since grade school re-appeared. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Letting Go of the Past and one on Stress Management. She reported right away that she was more eager to study her math and do the problems. Before, she admitted she would find excuses -- any excuse would do! -- to put it off. She began feeling good when she discovered that she was getting the answers right. She then began to look forward to attending class with more enthusiasm. She began to learn in class and reported being able to relax during tests. At the end of the class, she was so delighted at passing the class with a B+ that she signed up for the next mathematics class right away.
  

• Case of R.P. -- Ceasing Snuff and Chewing Tobacco: In his early 30s, this client had used some form of nicotine for 15 years. He described his pattern of stopping one form, e.g., smoking cigarettes, just to pick up cigars; or stopping cigars, just to begin chewing tobacco. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Stopping Nicotine and one on It Is Your Choice. Client stopped all forms of nicotine at that first Hypnosis session. He continued using self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs. Only two more Hypnosis sessions were utilized -- to further strengthen the suggestions that had already been given and to complete the instructions for self-Hypnosis. This client successfully continued this program and remains a non-nicotine user.
  

• Case of T.N.-- Rage and Anger: A man of 42 years, this client had been throwing temper tantrums since he was 4 years old. His parents had thrown up their hands, not knowing what to do to help him change his behavior. As an adult, he had gotten into more than his share of brawls and fights. When he started to lose control with his children, he became frightened, as he had been physically abused as a child. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Anger Management and one on Self-Discipline. For the first time in his life, client began to report noticing when a feeling was starting to form within him. This was utilized in Hypnosis to begin giving him control over his behavior. Using Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs, he began to learn constructive ways to express his feelings and release his emotional arousal. This client continued to use these new tools to create new habits in his life. He was even able to teach his children some of the new techniques and skills he had acquired.
  

• Case of S.F. -- Weight Loss: This client was in her late 40s and wanted to lose 160 pounds. She reported struggling with her weight since she was a teenager. She was convinced that food was her enemy. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Weight Management and one on Accomplishing Your Goals. Client began losing 2 pounds a week for the first three weeks.  When her weight then plateaued for a week, she continued her Program and maintained her confidence and enthusiasm. The next week and for subsequent weeks, she lost 1 pound a week. While this was not a fast weight loss, it was not intended to be. The focus of the Program was on consistent, healthy change. It took this client almost three years, but by using self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs she maintained her focus and her discipline. She successfully lost the 160 pounds and has continued to maintain this.
  

• Case of B.T. -- Asthma and Headache: Client was in her early 40s. She had suffered from asthma, shortness of breath, chest pain and headache for over ten years. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one for Depression and one for Stress Management. After being Hypnotized, client reported immediately that she was able to breathe more easily and more deeply. She continued reinforcing this through self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs. In subsequent Hypnosis sessions, work was completed on releasing muscle tension and increasing comfort. Client reported that, after several sessions, she was experiencing fewer-to-no headaches. She was taught how to self-maintain this.  By using self-Hypnosis and the Personalized LifeChange Program, she achieved control in these areas for herself.
  

• Case of D.W. -- Impotence: Client was a 50 year old man. He had been experiencing impotence for several years. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one on Accepting Myself as I Am and one on Confidence & Self-Esteem. Client reported experiencing more relaxation during rehearsals of sexual encounters. He began to be physically warmer and more affectionate; this was commented on by his wife. He continued to deepen these results by using self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs. He made steady progress through a whole series of sex therapy procedures. He received suggestions specific to the full functioning of his body, his and his partner's complete satisfaction and his remaining relaxed in body and mind throughout. He continued to report progress until he was having no residual problems with impotence.
  

• Case of P.C. -- Inhibited Sexual Desire:  This client was a 38-year-old woman, who had been married for twenty years. During that whole time, she had had difficulty with sexual desire with her husband.  Once they were engaging sexually, she found herself enjoying the encounter. She just did not feel sexual desire at the outset or in-between. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one focusing on Accepting Myself and I Am, and on focusing on The Choice Is up to You. After the first session of Hypnosis, this client reported experiencing more thoughts and fantasies of sexual pleasure. She enhanced this result with the use of self-Hypnosis and the Hypnosis Tape Programs. She continued reporting success in more frequent sexual desire until she was experiencing no residual problems with low-or-inhibited sexual desire.
   

• Case of P.L. -- Fear of Surgery: This 55-year-old man was about to have major surgery. He was experiencing extreme panic at the prospect. He was anxious and terrified of receiving anesthesia, of being cut on, of being unconscious, of the period of disability that would be required for recuperation and of being in pain. In other words, he was panicked about the WHOLE experience! Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Program, one focusing on Trust and one focusing on Pain Management. As a result of this combined Program, not only did this client have a successful surgery, but he came out of the anesthetic in the briefest possible time; he healed very quickly, so much so that he never was fully disabled as he had feared; his period of physical rehabilitation was shorted; and he was easily able to manage the pain that accompanied the surgery and healing processes. His bemused comment, after the surgery was over and he was well-on-his-way to complete recovery, "I wonder what it was that I was so afraid of?"
  

• Case of C.S. -- Passing Board Exams: A 38-year-old professional woman needed to take an examination for her professional certification. After thorough preparation and long hours of study, she had failed this exam twice before. This had occurred because she got so anxious while taking the exam that she could not remember the answers or she got so "rattled" that she answered in the wrong space. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one for Accomplishing the Goal and one for Releasing Fear. After the first Hypnosis session, she reported being able to relax without worrying about the exam. Through reinforcement of this with self-Hypnosis and Personalized LifeChange Program, she reported being able to relax both before and during the examination. Not only did she pass the very next time she took the exam, she reported enjoying the challenge of the test, thinking and remembering the answers she already knew.
  

• Case of T.C. -- Stuttering: This 29-year-old man had a severe problem with stuttering. Most of the time, he avoided all lengthy conversation, restricting his answers to one or two words and asking few questions of his own. He got so nervous at the thought of carrying on a conversation that his whole body got tense and his mind shut down. Worked with Hypnosis, self-Hypnosis and 2 Hypnosis Tape Programs, one for Confidence & Self-Esteem and one for Accepting Myself as I Am. After the first Hypnosis session, this client began paying more attention to his internal experience and started to use active, on-the-spot relaxation techniques the instant he began to get tense. He reported being positive in his thoughts ... about himself and about whatever situation was at hand. By using the Hypnosis Tape Program and self-Hypnosis he instilled these habits even more. He became more confident and was able to rehearse any word without error. To this client's complete delight, this quickly generalized into his daily speech, where he was able to talk easily.

     Do these Case Studies -- and the research examples on the preceding page -- help stimulate your thinking? Can you begin to form your own ideas about changes you can make using our Personalized LifeChange Programs?