No Pocket Watches, No Mind Control, and Usually a Lot More Than Hypnosis There is a particular look people sometimes give me when they find out what I do. I’ve seen it for more than a decade. Someone asks what I do for a living. I tell them: “I’m a hypnotherapist.” There’s a pause. Sometimes an eyebrow goes up. And then comes some version of the question: “So…can you make me cluck like a chicken?” Yes. That’s what I’ve spent all these years studying for. Poultry impersonation. Occasionally someone asks about a pocket watch. Sometimes they want to know whether…
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Understanding the Automatic Patterns That Keep Us Stuck “I know better.” I have heard some version of those three words more times than I could possibly count. I know I shouldn’t worry about this. I know I need to say no. I know I don’t need everybody’s approval. I know this person isn’t the person who hurt me. I know cigarettes are bad for me. I know I’m safe. Usually, the person saying those words isn’t confused about what they should do. That’s what makes the problem so frustrating. They already understand it. They’ve thought about it. They’ve probably talked…
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How the Mind Slowly Loses Its Sense of Order Mental chaos rarely appears overnight. It usually develops gradually as stress, unresolved experiences, and repeated thought patterns accumulate over time. Most people move through predictable stages before they finally reach the point where they seek help. Understanding these stages helps people recognize where they are and what kind of support they may need. Level 1 Background Noise At this stage, life mostly functions normally. The person works, maintains relationships, and manages daily responsibilities. From the outside, nothing seems wrong. But internally something has begun to change. Thoughts start looping more often.Stress…
Comments closedHelping Kids Heal: Inside the Mindful, Hypnotic Journey of Supporting Anxious and Stressed-Out Youth
Helping Kids Heal: Inside the Mindful, Hypnotic Journey of Supporting Anxious and Stressed-Out Youth
Working with kids—especially teens—requires a different kind of presence. A different kind of patience. And a deep understanding that while the challenges they face may appear smaller on the surface, the weight those issues carry in their hearts and minds is very real. In my work with children, some as young as 10, I’ve sat with wide-eyed silence, emotional shutdowns, angry outbursts, and anxious tears. I’ve watched as little fists clenched from overwhelm, and voices cracked under the pressure of trying to “hold it all together.” And I’ve seen the transformation that happens when a safe space is created—one where…
Comments closedOne of the biggest misconceptions I run into as a hypnotherapist is the belief that hypnosis is some kind of magic spell—that I can just snap my fingers and instantly remove all of a person’s bad habits, fears, or struggles without them having to do anything differently. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a client sit across from me, eager for a transformation, only to completely resist making any real effort toward change. The classic example? At that moment, I know exactly how this is going to go. Because hypnosis isn’t a magic wand, and change doesn’t…
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Have you ever noticed how easy it is to extend forgiveness to others? A friend apologizes for a mistake, and you let it go. A loved one wrongs you, and you find a way to move past it. Yet, when it comes to your own missteps, the same grace seems impossible to muster. You find yourself trapped in a loop of self-criticism, regret, and shame—a negative trance that refuses to release you. The inability to forgive yourself, despite being able to forgive others, is a common struggle. It’s a pattern rooted in deep-seated beliefs about worthiness, responsibility, and self-perception. But…
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If you’ve ever tried traditional counseling or talk therapy and felt like it didn’t work for you, you’re not alone. Many people seek therapy with the hope of finding relief, clarity, and a path forward—only to feel stuck, frustrated, or like they’re endlessly talking about problems without resolving them. This isn’t to say that talk therapy doesn’t work—it’s helped countless people and remains a valuable tool in the world of mental health. But the reality is, traditional therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’ve felt like something was missing or like you’ve hit a wall, it might be time to…
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Postpartum depression (PPD) is often described as a silent struggle—a condition that clouds what should be one of the most joyful times in a parent’s life. For those experiencing it, PPD can feel isolating, overwhelming, and impossible to escape. But what if I told you that postpartum depression is not just a condition, but also a negative trance—one that you can break free from? Before we dive into what this means, let me make something clear: postpartum depression is real, and it’s challenging. It’s not just “baby blues” or a passing mood. However, it’s also not an unchangeable state. By…
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In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of maintaining physical health is widely acknowledged. Most people understand the necessity of regular physical exercise to stay healthy, reduce stress, and increase longevity. However, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the need for regular mental wellness exercise. Just as our bodies need consistent activity to function optimally, our minds require regular exercise to stay healthy and resilient. The Connection Between Physical and Mental Wellness Our mental and physical health are intricately connected. A healthy body can support a healthy mind, and vice versa. Physical exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and…
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Skin picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the repetitive picking of one’s own skin, leading to tissue damage and scarring. It is classified under the broader category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This condition can have significant physical and emotional consequences, including infections, scarring, and considerable psychological distress. The Nature of Skin Picking Disorders Individuals with skin picking disorders often feel a strong urge to pick at perceived imperfections or irregularities on their skin. This behavior can become so ingrained…
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