Self-Hypnosis to Beat Stress & Hot ...

A friend recently mentioned a Baylor University study which confirmed something hypnotherapists have known for years – self-hypnosis can reduce stress by lowering levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

In doing a little research on the research, I came across good news that could help menopausal women deal with hot flashes – without taking a pill.

It turns out that The Mind Body Medicine Research Laboratory at Baylor University received a $2.5 million dollar National Institute of Health (NIH) grant to conduct clinical research trials investigating hypnotic relaxation/mind-body therapy as a non-hormonal alternative treatment for hot flashes.  The grant is the largest ever awarded by NIH for this type of research.

Led by Dr. Gary Elkins from BU’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Elkins and his team found that women who received weekly hypnosis treatments and practiced self-hypnosis reported fewer and less severe hot flashes than women who didn’t receive the treatments and training.

As is the case with many clinical trials, this one delivered a nice bonus — women in the study reported that by using the self-hypnosis techniques they were taught, they slept better and noticed a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress.

For many people, medications are not an option. With almost 80% of physical and psychological problems being attributed to out-of-control stress, finding natural ways to get a grip and decrease anxiety makes good sense. Since relaxation is at the heart of all hypnotic protocols, it should come as no surprise that I teach many of my patients simple self-hypnosis techniques they can use on their own at home or on the job.

So, how can self-hypnosis help improve the quality of your life?  Are hot flashes keeping you or someone you know from getting a good night’s sleep? Do you wish you knew some instant techniques for defusing the pressures of work?  I can help.  If you live near my office in Richmond, VA or the central Virginia area and would like me to teach you, let’s talk — (804) 464-2315.

To read more about the original research project that led to the NIH grant:  http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/111251.pdf

Honk If You See My Marketing-on-Wheels...

If you live in Richmond, Virginia, you may have seen me on the road.  Look familiar? 

My wife, Nancy, running errands and making new friends

Last year, I decided to have my Chevy HHR “wrapped” as an innovative way to spread the word about using hypnosis to create positive changes in life.  On both sides of the car and on the back window, I promote the benefits of hypnosis to stop smoking, lose weight, control pain, reduce stress and heal addictions.

I have to tell you – it is one of the best marketing decisions I ever made.  Who knew that a car would inspire such great conversations and funny stories! 

Here are some of my favorites stories inspired by our mobile billboard:

A woman called me and we talked about using hypnosis for weight loss. When I asked her how she found out about the Clinic for Creating Change, she told me that she’d seen me driving down Luck’s Lane and followed me down all the way down to Highway 288 just so she could write down the phone number off the back window of the car. 

One day Nancy (my better half) was going through a McDonald’s drive-through and the girl at the the window asked her about using hypnosis for weight control.  Nancy gave her a quick answer and a brochure … before the people in the line behind her started honking for her to move along.

Another time, I was parked in the Fresh Market parking lot near Chesterfield Towne Center in Midlothian and a lady walked over to the car and we started talking.  She wanted to know how hypnosis helps people stop smoking. I explained the process, gave her a brochure and later she came to the office to become a non-smoker using hypnosis.

Another time, I was at at the Sam’s Club gas station when a lady asked me how hypnosis works for painless childbirth.  I explained how it worked and gave her the brochure on hypno-birthing.

And this last story always makes me smile whenever I think about it — Nancy and I were driving down Midlothian Turnpike and a guy pulled up right next to me.  He rolled down his window and yelled over ”I got your phone number off your car.  I’ll be calling you next week so you can hypnotise me to stop smoking.” 

And sure enough, the next week — he did just that!

How about you?  Have you seen the Clinic for Creating Change’s auto-advertisement while you’re driving around town?  We’d love to hear about it and answer any questions you have about how hypnosis works to make positive, beneficial changes in your life.  Leave your comments below or call me at the office number — (804) 464-2315.

And if you see the car when you’re out and about, be sure to give a little toot.

Hypnosis: Myths vs Truths...

I like reading what other hypnotherapists are doing in their communities, so I set up a Google alert which keeps me up-to-date.  Earlier this month, I enjoyed reading an article written about a hypnotherapist who, considering the scope of the world wide web, is practically a neighbor to me here in Richmond, Virginia.

David Grinstead is a hypnotherapist based near Burlington, North Carolina, about 3 hours south of Richmond.  The article that appeared in Burlington’s New Times newspaper definitely grabbed my attention — Community College Classes Unlocks the Power of Hypnotism.

David teaches two non-credit classes at the local community college down there.  One is on using hypnosis for weight control.  Like the program I offer, it is designed to help people who are already motivated make the right choices to lose weight. The other class David teaches is about using hypnosis to stop smoking. What a progressive community college to offer two such innovative courses!

Reading about David’s philosophy of hypnosis and his experiences with clients was heartening.  His viewpoint corroborated my own feelings about the the power of hypnosis for healing as well as the many myths and misunderstood areas of hypnosis, particularly stage hypnosis.

Reading his thoughts about stage hypnosis reminded me of something that happened just last month at a Christmas party my wife and I attended. Introducing me to a couple who had recently moved into our neighborhood, the hostess said “this is the hypnotist who helped my son overcome his fear of needles.”  Right away, the husband said, “Well maybe you can put on a show for us.”

With my best party manners intact, I was quick to tell him that hypnosis isn’t about making people act foolish or do anything against their will.  Actually, in hypnosis a person cannot be made to do anything illegal, immoral or anything against their will, ethics or values.  I don’t do any form of stage hypnosis and I admit that it gets my dander up whenever I hear misinformed people automatically associate hypnosis with a bizarre form of entertainment where perfectly nice people wander around a stage quacking like chickens with their heads cut off — or worse.  Seriously!

Hypnosis is about helping people learn how to overcome problems so they can have a healthier, happier life.  I have been a hypnotherapist in 35 years and I yet to find a more satisfying feeling than the one that comes from knowing I have helped hundreds of people overcome problems and obstacles like smoking, losing weight, relieving chronic pain, anxiety or irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and stress.

What makes me even happier is knowing that all these changes happen naturally, without putting harmful chemicals into your body.  On my main website, I’ve written about the different ways hypnosis works, so I won’t get on my soapbox here. 

I invite you to check out the good information on the Clinic for Creating Change website or, if you live in the central Virginia area, feel free to call me with questions about how hypnosis can be used to address a problem in your life – (804) 464-2315.

Like the wise hypnotherapist profiled in the newspaper article, it is my profound desire that everyone may live happy, healthy lives. Hypnosis is too often underestimated as a power tool that can help in so many ways.

I hope one of these days David and I get to meet in person.  Since our philosophies on the subject are so similar, I suspect we could fill many hours sharing our experiences on the wonders of hypnosis!  If you’d like to read the article about David, here is the link:  http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/hypnosis-30989-unlocks-movies.html

Until next time,

Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick...

As we approach the end of another year, it’s time to be thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. Ask yourself – how many of the resolutions you made last year actually stuck?  If you are like most Americans, none of them!

Scheduling a hypnosis session in December is an excellent way to get a jump on New Year’s Resolutions. For my clients who use hypnosis to reinforce their New Year’s Resolutions, a funny thing happens …

They actually stick!

Don’t wait for the new year to make your resolutions become a reality in your life.  Whether you want to become a nonsmoker, lose weight, stop procrastinating, become a non-drinker, stick with a fitness program, get organized or make any other positive beneficial change you desire, hypnotherapy just may be your answer.

Some people may be leery of hypnotherapy, but most often that is due to their lack of understanding of how it works. Hypnotherapy is safe, fast, effective and permanent.  As you learn more about how hypnotherapy works, you realize you cannot be made to do anything illegal, immoral or against your will, ethics or values.

I am a strong proponent of educating about the power of hypnosis. You can learn much more on the main website — www.ClinicForCreatingChange.com.

I hope you will spend some time reading about how hypnosis works. If you live in or near Richmond, Virginia, I invite you to call me with any questions about how hypnosis can help you make the changes you desire.

Instead of beating yourself up three weeks into January because you’ve abandoned your best laid plans, use hypnosis as the anchor and make them resolutions that last a lifetime.

As a reward to anyone who’d like to get a head start on New Year’s Resolutions, I decided to offer a special discount during December.  Call and ask me about it.

And if you want to give someone the gift of hypnosis, gift certificates are always available.

Have a great holiday and make your New Year’s Resolution come true — even before the 1st of the year.

The Non-Smoking Band Marches On in Richm...

From everything I’ve been reading and seeing on the news lately, the non-smoking band marches on across Virginia.

I already knew that certain area hospitals were going 100% smoke-free this month because people who worked at these companies have been calling me for a couple of weeks to schedule their hypnosis session to make it easy to quit smoking and adjust to the new policies.   

And effective this week, smoking is banned in restaurants throughout Virginia.  I even heard that a few restaurants in the Richmond area plan to refuse to honor the non-smoking ban and are willing to pay the daily fine.

Personally, I think it is time for smokers to accept responsibility for their second-hand smoke.  Not too long ago, I wrote an article about the dangers of second-hand smoke.  Research confirms that non-smokers are placed in harm’s way whenever they have to breathe in second-hand smoke. 

Still, as much as a smoker might want to kick the habit in an effort to reduce the health risks to family and friends who have to breathe their second-hand smoke, I always advise my clients that the true motivation for becoming a successful non-smoker needs to come from within.   

One thing I know from 35 years as a hypnotherapist — If you are serious about quitting smoking, hypnosis works.  If you live in the Richmond, Virginia area, I am happy to answer questions you have about hypnosis and how it works to help smokers quit without gaining weight.  Just give me a call so we we can talk about your specific situation. 

 
(804) 464-2315

Great American SmokeOut is Today...

Ready to become a non-smoker?

If it’s November, it must be time for The Great American SmokeOut.

Every year, the American Cancer Society challenges smokers to put down the cancer sticks for at least one whole day.  For many, this challenge marks the beginning of their smoke-free life.

For others, they give up cigs for a day and go right back to them tomorrow. Many of those come to me later, because they really do want to stop smoking and they know hypnosis works. 

My hypnotherapy practice is located in Richmond, Viriginia.  In my area, two hospitals decided that the day of the Great American SmokeOut 2009 would also mark the first day of their new policy to become a 100% smoke-free workplace.

After the hospitals announced the new policy to their employees, I had many calls from nurses and other staff to schedule a single session to use hypnosis and become a non-smoker. After 35 years, I have seen my share of life-long smokers who come to me for help.  After that one session of hypnosis, they never pick up another cigarette.

Even if your workplace hasn’t completely banned smoking anywhere on their premises, there are plenty of  compelling reasons to kick the habit.  I came up with a dozen right off the top of my head:

* Lung, throat and mouth cancer
* Asthma
* Emphysema and COPD
* Heart disease
* Ugly and premature wrinkles
* Damaged skin
* Smell and taste like an ashtray
* Hacking bronchitis 
* Nasty, nagging cough
* Retards healing properly after surgery
* Gum disease
* Premature death

If you’re one of the millions of American’s taking up the challenge, I’m cheering for you.  If you want to become a non-smoker without gaining weight, call me.  I’m happy to explain how my technique works for so many of my clients.

Using Hypnosis to Control Pain...

A client from Richmond who came to me for hypnosis to alleviate pain from fibromyalgia called me this morning to give me an update. She reported that since our session a few weeks ago, she feels like a new woman.

An important component of our work together was teaching her effective techniques for rapid self-hypnosis. Even more important is her commitment to practice the new skills on a daily basis until it becomes effortless. Since living free of debilitating pain is a potent motivator, my client admitted this is the first time she remembers practicing as something she actually looks forward to doing.

There are so many benefits of self-hypnosis for pain control, I am always amazed that more people don’t think of using hypnosis as a primary treatment instead of rushing to spend money on prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Self-hypnosis offers the ability to control any type of non-useful or undesirable pain. With self-hypnosis, you can learn to control unwanted, unnecessary pain.

Of course, if there is a new problem or change in the existing one, you will still experience that new sensation. That is the body’s alert system and hypnosis will not override that. But through hypnosis, you can control pain.

Pain is not an external sensation. We create the feeling of pain in our brains. It serves our survival needs and we have the ultimate control over it. Learning self-hypnosis puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to release natural pain-blockers and healing agents from your brain into your body where they can do their magic. This release of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins can eliminate discomfort and suffering.

Have you been living with chronic pain?

Are you motivated to put yourself back in control without the expense and other downsides of medications?

Hypnosis works.