Services and Counseling

Analytical and Goal Oriented Hypnotherapy

Introduction to Hypnosis

The hypnotic experience is most simply defined as a deep state of relaxation (brainwave frequency in hypnotic Theta state is 5–9 cycles per second as compared to the wakeful Beta state of 15–40 cycles per second) coupled with a profound openness to suggestion. Hypnotherapy is the process of leading a person into the state of hypnosis for the sake of changing beliefs and behaviors through direct and indirect suggestion, and by uncovering former experiences that may have precipitated present concerns.

Pastoral hypnotherapists maintain that the ability to be hypnotized and to learn to engage in self-hypnosis is given to us by our creator in our very nature. Further, it is a good steward who recognizes and applies to himself/herself the encouraging words of St. Paul: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (Romans 12:2).

Hypnosis provides a very practical method to make application in daily life of what one has determined to be important in the process of personal reflection and spiritual study. If one thinks of their brain as being like a computer, the subconscious mind is the software that is playing in the background. If the software works well, then the desired functions on the screen (conscious mind) will serve us well. However, if the software is not satisfactory, and we don’t understand how to un-install the old and install the new, then it becomes difficult to get on with the tasks and challenges of life. Seeking to upgrade our mind’s software is a significant the goal in hypnosis.

Hypnosis and Personal Awareness

Certified hypnotherapists work with the client to determine and articulate specific goals. The client determines the goals of the hypnosis session. At no time does the hypnotherapist have control over the client. Those who are being hypnotized do not say or do anything that they do not agree to or which would violate their values and convictions when in a hypnotic state. Those who may be concerned should know that hypnosis has nothing do with coercive “thought reform and mind control,” which requires separation from social context, sleep and nutrition deprivation, threats, and constant rehearsal of a foreign message.
The hypnotic state is one freely chosen by the client with specific outcome goals
determined by the client.

Goal Oriented Hypnosis

Many individuals come to the hypnosis session very aware of specific problems for resolution or goals for personal growth.  The most common approaches used are direct hypnosis employing the client’s ability to engage their imaginations to pre-experience resolution and success, sensory signals to trigger desired responses, and interior dialogue seeking peace between conflicted parts of the psyche.

Concerns Frequently Addressed by Hypnosis

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery
• Pain Management
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Preparation for and Recovery from Surgery
• Letting Go of Past Emotional Pain
• Recovery from the Loss of Love
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Loss
• Phobias
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Overcoming Procrastination
• Peak Performance
• Support for Chemotherapy Patients
• Public Speaking

Analytical Hypnosis

Beneath our conscious awareness are events and resulting perspectives, expectations, and behavioral patterns. For some individuals, the process of analytical hypnosis provides a way to access long forgotten or repressed memories, the recovery of which provides opportunity for conscious analysis, integration, and resolution. Analytical hypnotherapy is particularly appropriate for individuals who sense deep, but heretofore inaccessible, issues that seek expression and transformation in service of their lives. In some cases, preliminary work must be done to strength the sense of self before this form of hypnosis can be used in an effective and self-affirming way. This will be determined by the practitioner in conjunction with the client and sometimes a consulting psychiatrist or other primary care physician. As with all forms of therapy, the first rule is to do no harm.

An Invitation to Self Discovery and Growth