My own first experience with hypnosis was when I was in my early 20s and fearless. Oh, I was as much a control freak then as I am now, maybe worse, even. But still, I allowed myself to go under as treatment for anxiety. It worked. Back then, I had no idea I’d become a trained hypnotherapist. But maybe it was inevitable.
One of the first things our mentor at Atlantic University assured us of was that we could not harm a client by putting them under. But what’s also true is that real hypnosis bears no resemblance at all to the stage-show idea of hypnosis, where clients can be made to do other ridiculous things. No, that’s not it at all. Nor do I use a teacup and spoon. (If you saw the movie, Get Out, you know what I mean. I took a lot of grief after that movie!)
And contrary to what people think, you really don’t lose control and you remember everything. Here’s what happens:
How it works
The hypnotherapist talks with the client about the issues s/he wants to work on. Then, s/he uses imagery to help the client relax and enter a very relaxed, almost meditative state, quite similar to what happens just before we fall asleep. The hypnotherapist then talks with the client, usually asking them to do some visualizations related to the objective of the session. And, s/he can suggest the client do some similar exercises at home, because most hypnosis really IS self-hypnosis.
I love being a hypnotherapist and I love helping client relax into a zone where they can work on whatever their issues might be. My biggest success so far was in using hypnosis to teach my husband how to control his post-surgical pain in March. His doctor warned him that there would be significant pain after the surgery and for the following week. But my husband he had absolutely no pain after the first two hours–once he began using a recording I’d made especially for him.
In fact, on his two-week post-surgical visit, the doctor released him, saying “I have never released a patient so soon after this kind of surgery–but you’re healing so well I see no reason for you to come back again.” You can read my husband’s story HERE.
Doctors who like it
Noted physician Andrew Weil, MD, was quoted in a Time article that he’s seen benefits from using hypnosis to help treat GI issues, autoimmune disorders and getting rid of bad habits like smoking and overeating. Dr. David Spiegel was quoted in that same article, saying that hypnosis can actually ENHANCE control over pain, anxiety, stress and bad habits. Of course, it’s not a treatment and not a substitute for medical attention. But it IS a complementary tool that isn’t invasive and doesn’t require the patient to consume anything.
The most rewarding sessions I’ve had involved helping clients learn how to control pain and discomfort.
Would you like a session from the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world? Absolutely possible. Skype hypnosis in which the client uses ear buds works extremely well, because my voice goes directly into their ear. And the voice is important: I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback about how effective my voice is for hypnosis. You can hear it on any of the sample audio downloads HERE.
Visit A Healing Spirit HERE to learn more about hypnosis and if you’re intrigued, email me at carol@ahealingspirit.org to set up a time to discuss what you might like to do.
I don’t trust it, so I don’t think I could get hypnotized myself, but I saw my husband get hypnotized once. The guy gave him trail mix and had him thinking it was a cheeseburger.
This is an intriguing idea. I don’t need it now, but I’ve lived long enough to know I will at some point and I’ll remember this.
Particularly liked how your husband did post-op because of the influence of your voice as much as anything. That’s a touching thing I needed to read today.
Carol, I highly recommend your Skype hypnosis. You have a gentle, intelligent manner that seems as if a tour guide was leading me to a secret but amazing place in my mind. I learned a lot about myself through the experience. Thank you.
I have actually always wanted to try hypnosis and it is something I have been interested in a while but never got round to doing. That is lack of finances for you. It is great that you managed to help your husband post surgery x
I’m not very familiar with hypnosis. I’ve heard of it but never known or seen it done to someone. I do meditate though and I believe it’s probably similar. I’ve seen hypnosis used to assist with weight loss, I wonder if it really works…
I had never tried it nor have never witnessed anyone go through it, so this makes for an interesting and informative read. It would be great to read more about it!
Interesting read. I can’t say it is something I’ve ever considered for myself but sounds like it was a positive experience for you. LOL at Get Out references!
Really interesting post.
I’m always amazed by how hypnotherapy works and definitely didn’t know that you can do it from distance as well.
Definitely would love to try it sometime.
Very interesting! That is impressive that your husband responded so well to hypnosis and healed so quickly. I have always been interested in hypnosis but never really had a chance to try it. I should consider it.
I’ve never tried hypnosis before but I can imagine how it works. Our mind can do so much if we let it and that saying that it’s “all in the mind” is so true, and if we can’t do it on our own, hypnosis will definitely help! I’ve seen your video trial and I think you do an amazing job! People should definitely try your sessions.
I always found this intriguing but have never tried it myself. Don’t I know of anyone who practices it here. But would like to try it some day to see what lurks beneath the surface haha.
Amazing! You’ve de-bugged a lot of pre-conceived notions I had about hypnosis. You are basically harnessing the power of the brain. You’re doing a great work here, Carol!
I think the human mind is a powerful instrument.
I could see hypnosis as a way or method of focusing the mind.
There is so much possible if we could simply learn to better control our thoughts.
This is really interesting. I’ve never seen or experience an actual hypnosis so I am curious. I have seen it on TV but I believe it’s totally different on the actual
It’s great to hear the story of your husband, seems like it has been really helpful for him. I am not sure about hypnosis, I am curious but not brave enough to try it yet.
I have heard that hypnosis is very helpful in many situations, such as trying to quit smoking or overcoming a phobia. I have never tried it, but I would not be above it if I felt that I needed it.
Honestly, I had never given much thought to hypnosis before. However, you really make a good case for it — especially as a means for relaxation. I just might have to give it a try!
I’ve always been curious about hypnotherapy. For the longest time I thought it was hocus pocus, but now that I’m older and have studies holistic health, I’m a believer in all sorts of alternate medicines. How amazing that it worked wonders for your hubby!
I agree, there’s a common misconception about hypnosis and how it works. It’s good to have a deeper understanding of it. It can really help people especially those who are suffering.
I haven’t tried this before, but it is quite interesting and intriguing at the same time. I’ve seen them do this on a Korean TV show before so I have a bit of an idea what’s going to happen. 😀
I have heard a lot of good things about hypnotherapy. I have yet to try it though. I am looking for a credible practitioner to help me with my first session.
I’ve never thought of being hypnotised but it might work for some people. Thanks for sharing with us at #overthemoon link party. I’m sharing on social media. Hope to see you at next week’s linkup
Wow, I’m very curious after reading this! Can it help a person be and act more confident? And, how often does the therapy need to be repeated to have lasting effects?
I find the whole idea of hypnosis fascinating although I feel like I could never give up that control. I would definitely be open to trying it, though.
I’ve been thinking about trying hypnotherapy to help with some problems that I have been dealing with. However, I had no idea that hypnosis occurs when you are in the state before you fall asleep. It’s cool that you mentioned hypnosis can be done at home. I might have to try it, and hopefully I can feel better.
I will consider hypnosis next time to get rid of my depression, I really didn’t know that hypnosis is also a way of getting rid of depression and anxiety.
Interesting to read the comments about trying hypnotherapy as being something spooky. In contrast, many top hypnotherapists say that hypnotherapy is about getting people out of a trance (the client’s automated negative routines), so their conscious minds can be back in control, rather than creating a trance! Perhaps it’s not well know that we’re in trances all the time (day dreaming, watching tv, even often while driving). Hypnotherapy creates a day dreaming type state, where the subject is still totally in control, and their subconscious mind is more open to positive change.
It’s interesting to know that we can do exercise in our home that can help us hypnotize ourselves. I’ve been having a hard time dealing with my anxiety and I feel like it’s time to trick my own mind. I’ll try to look for a hypnotherapist around Toronto first and see if this is the kind of treatment I’m looking for.
I would be very interested in self-hypnosis, if that is possible and we can bring about a substantial change in our subconscious mind for the better and transform our lives.
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
How it works
Doctors who like it
I don’t trust it, so I don’t think I could get hypnotized myself, but I saw my husband get hypnotized once. The guy gave him trail mix and had him thinking it was a cheeseburger.
That’s not clinical hypnosis, that’s a carnival show. It’s not what reputable practitioners do.
It all sounds a little bit spooky. But, I’m sure when it’s done correctly by a certified practitioner, it can be quite helpful.
This is an intriguing idea. I don’t need it now, but I’ve lived long enough to know I will at some point and I’ll remember this.
Particularly liked how your husband did post-op because of the influence of your voice as much as anything. That’s a touching thing I needed to read today.
His response post surgery exceeded even my own expectations. I’ve used it, myself, for minor stuff, so far. Amazing.
Carol, I highly recommend your Skype hypnosis. You have a gentle, intelligent manner that seems as if a tour guide was leading me to a secret but amazing place in my mind. I learned a lot about myself through the experience. Thank you.
You had such a fantastic experience.
I’ve never tried hypnosis, but I’ve read many times that it could help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Maybe I’ll give it a shot sometime.
Let me know whenever!
Hmm, not sure if it would work on me. I’m too much of a mind wanderer and lose focus pretty easily. It would be fun to try, though!
I could see this working in helping me relax. Kind of like music does.
I have actually always wanted to try hypnosis and it is something I have been interested in a while but never got round to doing. That is lack of finances for you. It is great that you managed to help your husband post surgery x
I’m not very familiar with hypnosis. I’ve heard of it but never known or seen it done to someone. I do meditate though and I believe it’s probably similar. I’ve seen hypnosis used to assist with weight loss, I wonder if it really works…
I’ve never tried hypnosis but i have heard a lot about it. It think it would be fun to try.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I’ve heard a lot about hypnotherapy, but I’ve never tried it before.
I’ve never tried hypnotherapy, but I’m open to it. It sounds like it could be very helpful. Thanks!
I had never tried it nor have never witnessed anyone go through it, so this makes for an interesting and informative read. It would be great to read more about it!
Interesting read. I can’t say it is something I’ve ever considered for myself but sounds like it was a positive experience for you. LOL at Get Out references!
I have heard a lot about hypnotherapy lately. It really intrigues me.
Really interesting post.
I’m always amazed by how hypnotherapy works and definitely didn’t know that you can do it from distance as well.
Definitely would love to try it sometime.
I’d love to do some with you!
I’d love hypnosis for weight loss. I have a hearing loss so using ear buds to hear the tape would be helpful.
PM me!
Never tried hypnosis but it is very interesting to try, I think my bff had tried it before with a very professional practitioner
Very interesting! That is impressive that your husband responded so well to hypnosis and healed so quickly. I have always been interested in hypnosis but never really had a chance to try it. I should consider it.
I’ve never tried hypnosis before but I can imagine how it works. Our mind can do so much if we let it and that saying that it’s “all in the mind” is so true, and if we can’t do it on our own, hypnosis will definitely help! I’ve seen your video trial and I think you do an amazing job! People should definitely try your sessions.
A friend of mine has used it. She has horrible anxiety and it has been a great tool for her.
I always found this intriguing but have never tried it myself. Don’t I know of anyone who practices it here. But would like to try it some day to see what lurks beneath the surface haha.
Amazing! You’ve de-bugged a lot of pre-conceived notions I had about hypnosis. You are basically harnessing the power of the brain. You’re doing a great work here, Carol!
This sounds interesting! I haven’t seen anyone hypnotized yet but I think I will be amazed if I see one!
I think this could really help some people. I haven’t personally had it done or know someone, but I think this is pretty cool.
I have always wanted to try this out but it has never been an option for me. It sure sounds interesting.
I think the human mind is a powerful instrument.
I could see hypnosis as a way or method of focusing the mind.
There is so much possible if we could simply learn to better control our thoughts.
My first time hearing about this therapy.
This is really interesting. I’ve never seen or experience an actual hypnosis so I am curious. I have seen it on TV but I believe it’s totally different on the actual
Very interesting. I have never considered a hypnothereapist, but after seeing what it did for you, I wonder what it could do for me.
I am not familiar with Hypnosis, sounds interesting though
I wonder if this would work for me! I think I could see it working but who knows. I think it would be neat to try!
It’s great to hear the story of your husband, seems like it has been really helpful for him. I am not sure about hypnosis, I am curious but not brave enough to try it yet.
I have heard that hypnosis is very helpful in many situations, such as trying to quit smoking or overcoming a phobia. I have never tried it, but I would not be above it if I felt that I needed it.
I know quite a few people that have been helped through hypnotherapy. I think it can be a wonderful tool for those who are open to it.
I am pretty interested in being hypnotized. I have anxiety and would love another way to throw it away!
Very interesting! What is the key for hypnotism to work? I’ve always been intrigued about this.
Honestly, I had never given much thought to hypnosis before. However, you really make a good case for it — especially as a means for relaxation. I just might have to give it a try!
Interesting. I’ve often wondered if hypnosis really works or things like smoking and over-eating.
Learning to control pain is a big deal!! I’m sure that is VERY helpful for those who need it.
I’ve always been curious about hypnotherapy. For the longest time I thought it was hocus pocus, but now that I’m older and have studies holistic health, I’m a believer in all sorts of alternate medicines. How amazing that it worked wonders for your hubby!
I agree, there’s a common misconception about hypnosis and how it works. It’s good to have a deeper understanding of it. It can really help people especially those who are suffering.
I haven’t tried this before, but it is quite interesting and intriguing at the same time. I’ve seen them do this on a Korean TV show before so I have a bit of an idea what’s going to happen. 😀
Oh no…this is something that I would not try voluntarily. As one blogger stated, I do not trust it
I have heard a lot of good things about hypnotherapy. I have yet to try it though. I am looking for a credible practitioner to help me with my first session.
I have heard that it has helped people quit smoking. I would like to learn more from a local professional.
Is a good idea I have never think about it so interesting your post, it was really helpful
I wasn’t aware of Skype hypnosis. It sounds very interesting – I wonder if it can help with my anxiety and insomnia?
I’m not comfortable with hypnosis but I know a lot of people who have done it for different reasons.
What an Interesting topic and I really love reading about this and so Intriguing glad you share this post
Wow, it seems that there can be so many benefits to hypnosis. Although I am a little skeptical, I don’t think it would be bad to try.
Im not going to lie hypnosis scares me. I heard it has helped a lot of people the mind is amazing how it works.
I have never been hypnotized, but I don’t think I would like it! I don’t like being out of control.
I would definitely be open to trying hypnotherapy. I think it could be a great way to curb my anxiety and address my anger issues.
Super interesting post. i know several cases where this works!
I’ve never thought of being hypnotised but it might work for some people. Thanks for sharing with us at #overthemoon link party. I’m sharing on social media. Hope to see you at next week’s linkup
Wow, I’m very curious after reading this! Can it help a person be and act more confident? And, how often does the therapy need to be repeated to have lasting effects?
I find the whole idea of hypnosis fascinating although I feel like I could never give up that control. I would definitely be open to trying it, though.
I’ve been thinking about trying hypnotherapy to help with some problems that I have been dealing with. However, I had no idea that hypnosis occurs when you are in the state before you fall asleep. It’s cool that you mentioned hypnosis can be done at home. I might have to try it, and hopefully I can feel better.
Hypnosis is something that has helped me get through depression through the years. I really believe people should learn more about it
I will consider hypnosis next time to get rid of my depression, I really didn’t know that hypnosis is also a way of getting rid of depression and anxiety.
The blog is very informative , I like all tips
Hypnotherapist In Melbourne
And I thank you.
Hypnotherapy Really Works in so many problems
Some of the phrases are just extremely good.
Really a grat article.
Your site is very helpful…your article is very smart, your blog very helpful…
Interesting to read the comments about trying hypnotherapy as being something spooky. In contrast, many top hypnotherapists say that hypnotherapy is about getting people out of a trance (the client’s automated negative routines), so their conscious minds can be back in control, rather than creating a trance! Perhaps it’s not well know that we’re in trances all the time (day dreaming, watching tv, even often while driving). Hypnotherapy creates a day dreaming type state, where the subject is still totally in control, and their subconscious mind is more open to positive change.
It’s interesting to know that we can do exercise in our home that can help us hypnotize ourselves. I’ve been having a hard time dealing with my anxiety and I feel like it’s time to trick my own mind. I’ll try to look for a hypnotherapist around Toronto first and see if this is the kind of treatment I’m looking for.
I would be very interested in self-hypnosis, if that is possible and we can bring about a substantial change in our subconscious mind for the better and transform our lives.