No 10 Question Friday

Alas, it is a Friday without our 10 Questions. On the positive side, it means that it has been a busy week for hypnotists. I now extend this invitation out, if you would like to participate in our 10 Questions (you must be involved in hypnosis somehow) or know someone who would be a good candidate for it, please let me know and I will consider it. You can comment here or drop me an email. Even if you are a hobbyist, it still counts.

If you just check in on Friday's, check back next Friday when there will be another 10 Questions. Otherwise, you never know, there might be something more today...

10 Questions with Josh Houghton

Location: Columbus, Georgia

Cyber Location:
www.southernhypnosis.com
www.whatsonmybrain.com



1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

I'm currently working part time as a hypnotist, but I'm currently in the process of opening up my full time practice "Southern Hypnosis & Consulting" and working on putting together a few workshops on how to perform "Instant and Rapid inductions" and "Hypnosis for Beginners" I currently work in the field of Real Estate Investing and Property Management, but since I work for myself it allows me the time needed to see clients and build Southern Hypnosis & Consulting as a company.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I work with a good majority of issues, but I specialize in Smoking Cessations, Fear Removal and Sports Enhancement. I really like these three fields because the results are seen almost instantly. This provides a sort of validation for the client and even myself.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I'm pretty much open to anything hypnosis related. Hypnosis is a huge part of my life and being 25 there is still a lot I want to learn. Currently I am keeping myself open to all the different possibilities, but you never know. Maybe sometime down the road I'll run across something in this profession that just doesn't rub me right.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

I'm a huge believer in personal development and hypnosis is one of the fastest and most effective ways to effect change within ourselves. I actually starting using self-hypnosis around the age of 17 and it has really helped me become the person I am today. I typically like to do my self-hypnosis right after I wake up, but if I can't then I will usually do it right before bed.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I work out of a home office which is located in a nice quiet area of Columbus, Georgia, which is where I'm located. I wanted to keep my expenses low for the first few years until I really began to establish myself so I decided a home office would work best for my situation. I currently have one recliner which I use as my hypnosis chair, a smaller chair that I sit in to do the work, a computer desk with a large flat screen monitor where my clients watch my pre-talk video, two book cases filled with training material and books on hypnosis, management, personal improvement and many other topics and than a few calm and relaxing photos on the wall. I also hang my certifications, my client bill of rights and a disclaimer. Eventually as I pick up more clients I would eventually like to move into a actual office, but until that time comes my home office works fine for me.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

I usually wake up around 9:30am and begin doing my self-hypnosis techniques for about 15 min. After that I will work out for a little while and then hop in the shower. After a decent breakfast I head to my office to see what’s on the agenda for today. If I have a session I usually like to schedule it for 10:30am, but it really just depends on what time is acceptable for the client. If I have back-to-back clients I always give myself a thirty min. break in between each one. This allows me to take a breath, step back and get my mind ready for my next one. I will usually only see clients up to 6:00pm, but on rare situations I may fit a client in after 6:00. My motto is why change tomorrow when you can change today.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I have always been into hypnosis and would read whatever I could when growing up. It wasn't until 22 that I really got serious into hypnosis and started studying it with the intent to actually use what I learned. The first real course I ever studied and completed was from one of the best hypnosis instructors and teachers in the profession, a great hypnotist by the name of Gerald Kein. I got a hold of his Basic to Advance Home Study Course from a good friend who was just going to throw it away because he could never get into hypnosis. So I took it off his hands rather then have it thrown in the garbage. This course literally changed my life and started me on my journey. Eventually after many more DVD training programs I decided to get certified with the National Guild of Hypnotist. I am currently a member in good standing and also working on my second certification with the International Hypnosis Association. I have also read and studied many different books and training programs. One of my favorite books is called Hypnotherapy by Dave Elman and Answer Cancer by Stephen Parkhill.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

That’s a good question and honestly I don't know if I could pick just one, but if I had too I would have to say Chair Work. I find the healing this technique can produce is amazing and it's really interesting to see the interaction between the client and the person in the other chair. This technique has many different applications so I would have to say this is my favorite one.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

When I first started to learn hypnosis I did a lot of stage hypnosis type stuff. Well one day I used hypnosis on a friend and made him forget his name. Since I was caught up in the moment I forgot to tell him he could remember his name. I discovered later on that he had a job interview and had to wait for his name to be called. Well since he forgot his name he didn't realize his name was being called and he never got the job. I felt awful and learned that hypnosis can be a powerful tool for change and never abuse it because the moment you do it will come back to bite you. The moment I discovered it which was the next day I reversed the amnesia.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist?

My main advice is to never stop learning and never stop practicing. Hypnosis is a amazing tool for change and we have only discovered a small percentage of the potential of hypnosis. We are living in a time where hypnosis is starting to become accepted by the main stream so we must treat it as a profession. We must always strive for the highest degrees of credibility and professionalism or we risk losing our rights to practice this amazing art. The more we study and learn the better we will be able to take hypnosis to the next level and show the world that change is nothing more then a state of mind. I also would like to give a word of advice to all the young hypnotists out there. Understand that there are other people and hypnotists out there that know more then you do. Seek these peoples out and learn everything you can. For the moment you think you know everything is the moment you undo everything. Strive to be the best at what you do and great things will follow.

10 Questions with Adam Eason

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Cyber Location:
www.adam-eason.com
www.adam-eason.com/blog


1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

Full time… As much as I can allow it to be. Hypnosis and its therapeutic applications is my main love – there are only so many people I can see in a day. So I speak on the subject in various forms across the world, run seminars and courses so my time is spent with other things too.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I teach and heavily advocate the use of self-hypnosis… Are there any other ‘types’ of hypnosis? ;-)

I work very indirectly and subtly with hypnosis and incorporate a range of other interventions I find useful from the fields of NLP, CBT, classical psychiatry and other related fields… My belief is that hypnosis is inherent within all these things.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I do not do past life regression. I have a firm belief in congruence leading to the effectiveness and success of the therapist. For that reason, I tend to believe that if you do not wholly believe that what you are doing is going to be useful, successful and yield tangible results, then it should not be done. I am uncertain as to where my beliefs and understandings of past life regression lie and therefore refer enquiries to other therapists in this field.

Although my personal life is punctuated with certain elements of spirituality and is flavored with ‘new-agism’ here and there, my professional practice is free from these things – I like it that way and it has lent itself to my career advancement I believe.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

Of course we all spend much of our lives in some form of trance… I have taken myself into hypnosis formally approximately 5 times a day for the past 14 years. I go into hypnosis when I work with clients – it is the best way to ensure they go there too! Erickson spent most of his therapeutic time in trance and any good hypnotherapist ought to be doing the same. When you want someone in a particular state – best to be there yourself. Any practitioner, or anyone claiming to be a professional practitioner or even advocate of hypnosis, needs to be regularly experiencing the state – yet so few do. If you do not regularly enter hypnosis yourself, why would you presume to understand and empathize that you are successfully inducing the same in others?

Am I allowed a gratuitous plug here?.... My book ‘The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis’ (the best selling book on self-hypnosis in the past 10 years) explains the system I use and how to apply it to varying aspects of your life.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I have my consulting rooms on the very south coast of England that overlook the beach and the sea. With the windows open, you can hear the sea and boy, do I utilize that sound in my sessions!

It is large and airy, we have leather sofas, tall bookcases, reclining chairs, a sound system in the ceiling and all manner of hypnotic goodies to enhance people’s experience of being here.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Hmm… Having kissed my beloved Katie and made her tea, I run along the sea front – often as part of my training for one the marathons I run each year. Having showered and had breakfast, I blog, answer emails, write articles for my weekly ezine and chat with my business colleagues. I then see 4-6 clients in my consulting rooms for the day. I email them all on notes and further reading relating to the work we are doing together and I head home. I often cook for Katie, we do all manner things with our evenings – we are currently being taught how to dance properly for our wedding in May… Fridays, I finish early, especially if I am working overseas or running a diploma that weekend.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I think I have enough letters after my name to complete several large sentences and that does not make for interesting reading. Having originally been a psychiatrist, I abandoned conventional medicine due to its seeming ineffectiveness with my own problematic skin condition that was finally overcome with hypnosis.

I went on to train with several large, prominent schools in the UK, US and Europe – I have trained with Paul Mckenna, Richard Bandler, John LaValle, Robert Dilts and many others. I have several diplomas and have written two research theses in hypnosis related topics. I was a Director of and complaints officer for the Hypnotherapy Association for a number of years until time meant that I could not commit further to the roles. You can read a long, lengthy and fully comprehensive list of my qualifications at my website, it is certainly the least interesting page there though!

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I love the presupposition that if this is the most fabulous technique, that there must be others with a degree of ‘fabulousness’ too!

‘One’ of the most fabulous techniques that I use often is hypnotizing couples to be each other… In much the same way that David Calof wrote about in his wonderful book of the same name… When you hypnotize a couple that are struggling with their relationship – they become each other for that session and have to interact with the other as if they are the other one… Some intriguing and incredibly beneficial insights are gleaned and much change occurs without having to do much else…

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

As a younger, inexperienced man, I allowed a client to intimidate me with his high life standing and intellect. The therapy was largely ineffective until I told him by mistake that he was ‘pissing me off’ … Ooops, desperately unprofessional! However, it really interrupted his pattern, jolted some mutual respect, allowed me to do what was more effective and lead the therapy sessions in a way that helped us both.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

Find a hypnotist you like and feel comfortable being yourself with. Hypnosis is intimate and requires a sense of trust and belief in what you are doing… As a hypnotist be yourself… Truly on every level… So many hypnotherapists are simply bland versions of people attempting to be something to everyone. Be different, enjoy your idiosyncrasies, be who you really are and those that like you will plant their flag in the ground beside you.. Those that don’t can find someone more suitable to them… When you attempt to be everything to everyone, you end up being a bland, rather lame version of all the other people who are forming part of the herd and unfortunately I encounter hundreds of therapists each year with great training and knowledge, yet incapable of attracting clients, using their hypnosis skills in life and not managing to make a good living… Congruency and authenticity rules ok! ;-)


If you are interested in reading more about me you can visit www.adam-eason.com and you can download for free a rather fantastic hypnosis session which has sounds coming in both ears at the same time, evocative language and especially recorded music for maximum hypnotic effect. If you want to read my usual rantings which often require me to wipe the foam from my mouth afterwards, then my blog is www.adam-eason.com/blog .... Lots of my podcasts are at my site along with all manner of other hypnotic stuff… I’ll stop plugging now… Best wishes to all your regular readers, I do love the transparent hypnotist blog…

10 Questions with Paul Knight

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Cyber Location: www.hypnotistpaulknight.com






1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

Full-time. It sure beats working for a living!

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I do it all. Therapy, entertainment and recreational. I decided long ago not to specialize. I think that has made me a better hypnotist since all the skills tend to overlap.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

Very little. I do not work with alcohol or drug abuse due to regulations in my home state (Wisconsin). There are some clients I have learned I do not work well with. An example is a couple where one spouse wants me to hypnotize the other to find out if the other spouse has been cheating. There are some things that ethically and morally I will not do. Those items fall mostly on the recreational side of hypnosis.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

Not too much any more. I'm perfect and don't need it. (Yeah. Right.) I used self-hypnosis for so long and for so many things that my mind now bypasses the hypnosis part and makes the changes directly (or not).

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I make house calls, so its wherever I am working. For stage shows, again, wherever I am. No specific setting. That keeps things interesting.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

There is no genuinely "typical day". It varies by day of the week and time of the year, if I have a client or am doing a show. Here is approximately an average day: If I am not traveling or have an early client, I tend to get up around 8 - 9 a.m., have a long breakfast then work for a few hours on paperwork, phone calls or whatever needs to be done. I frequently have afternoon clients, so I see them. If not, I lovebicycling, so if the weather is adequate, I go out for a 1-2 hour ride or as long as time permits. I usually have clients or a show in the early evening, so I go there. I tend to get home between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. depending on what I was doing. Then I may do a little bit more work, relax or just go to bed. If I am traveling for a show, then the day is usually spent on driving to the show and back. On those days Imay not get home until 3 or 4 a.m. or later. I am on the road about 90 days per year.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I am certified. I was originally trained by Gil Boyne and the Hypnosis Training Institute of Los Angeles. I have taken continuing training ever since and have been trained by too many people to mention (or remember). I was also an instructor for a time. Due to state regulations, I am not doing that right now. My stage hypnosis training was from the late, great Ormund McGill. He was every bit as good as his reputation says. My personal favorite instructor who is still offering classes on a regular basis is Gerald Kein of Omni Hypnosis in Florida.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I don't know if it is the most fabulous, but I like rapid inductions. During a show I frequently use the hand clasp test and convert it into a rapid induction. Instantaneous hypnosis can be fun in the right setting.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a
valuable learning experience.

I learned that when suggested she is getting warm, a teenage girl can remove her sweater, t-shirt and sports bra in a single one second maneuver, at which point I also learned a hypnotist can leap across a 50' stage in a single bound.

That may not be my worst moment, but it is one of the more potentially-disastrous-turned-humorous ones. Most of my bad moments have come on stage when something unexpected happens. Bad moments are pretty rare in therapy because there are less distractions and more warning if something ugly is about to happen.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

To clients: Choose your hypnotist carefully. Check out several of them and decide who you are most comfortable with. Don't let letters after the name fool you. Many certified hypnotists are much better at their craft than PhDs. For stage entertainers, check references and watch (or at least skim) a full show. Every hypnotist's highlight DVD is fantastic. But a full show, even though it is their best show, can give you a lot more information about their quality.

To hypnotists: Never stop learning. Always try new things. If you are just beginning, study everything. You never know what you might need when. If you think you will only do stage hypnosis, study hypnotherapy as well (and vice versa). The skills overlap wonderfully. If you are established, challenge yourself. Try new things. Learn new skills every chance you have.

10 Questions with Terence Watts

Location: Essex, England

Cyber Locations:
www.hypnosense.com
www.terencewatts.com
www.essexinstitute.co.uk
www.aphp.net
www.eccellenti.com
www.hypnosisinformation.co.uk

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

Full time therapist, teacher, course developer and writer - 80 hour week.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

Hypnoanalysis

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

None that I can think of.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

Yes, every day. Self-hypnosis and 'focus' on goals.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

Mahogany desk, bookcase, Italian soft chairs, some 'artifacts' - large
crystals, Buddha figurines (Tibetan and Indian), bronze figurines (The
Embrace; George and the Dragon). Uplighter and wall lights.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

BUSY!

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

From many teachers, starting 18 years ago. Fellow of many organizations.
Find out more at www.terencewatts.com

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

Associated with Warriors, Settlers & Nomads (type it on Google!)

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a
valuable learning experience.

None that I can think of.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

Don't give up before you find what it is you seek.

10 Questions with Tom Nicoli

Location: Woburn, MA

Cyber Locations:

• www.ABetterYouHypnosis.com
• www.TomNicoli.com
• www.TomNicoli.com/blog
• www.PodcastHypnosis.com
• www.SkyrocketPersonalSuccess.com
• www.NewEnglandInstituteofHypnosis.com

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

Full time

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I work in many areas of personal development / behavior modification as well as mind body connection for physical health and healing.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

There is nothing I shy away from that I consider a hypnotic process, i.e. past life regression, age regression, etc.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

Yes. I use self-hypnosis daily to maintain a positive outlook, healthy habits and to open the door to a higher level of awareness on a spiritual level.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

We are located in a professional building located in a business park. It is business conservative, with a reception area and two offices. The second office is large enough for small groups for training and workshops.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Is there such a thing? My days are very calm even if busy, no pressure. I have become successful with offered trainings, seminars, product and the internet so I have scaled down to only 3 days per week in the office to see clients, Tues., Wed. and Thurs. I previously did around 2,000 sessions per year.

If I have to set an alarm it's to be at the office in time for my first
session which is 10 AM at the earliest. Life at home is very comfortable as there is no pressure from my wife of 17 years, Cheryl, nor 16 year old son Jesse. I am very blessed in this area and I know it. I pretty much do what I need to do, when I need to do it and am very grateful for that, be it travel, work in hypnotism or with my music as I still play professionally. Basically, I once dreamed of the life I now live and am always in gratitude.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I trained with Al Litchfield at 7 States Hypnotherapy in Massachusetts. I am NGH Board Certified, an NGH Certified Instructor and member of the NGH Advisory Board.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

Not sure there is really just one. I enjoy the many benefits of rapid
inductions and also Ultra Height work by Jerry Kein.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

When I totally blew it doing a rapid induction with a client and literally scared her out of the chair... hands come together while eyes are closed, pulling them down and commanding "sleep". I immediately reframed and said, "That's okay Deb... that just means that one isn't best for you." Whew...

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

Clients: Be confident to ask all the questions you need in order to be with the hypnotist best suited for you, one who is certified. Also, instinct works... go with your gut feeling.

Hypnotists: Be well trained, continue to increase your skills and training and avoid using credentials that don't help us as a profession... non accredited "Dr." titles, "Master Hypnotist" etc. Also, once certified, start working. The best teacher will be experience. Be confident to apply what you learn and know there will be trial and error... that's life.

10 Questions with Sophie Nicholls

Location: Yorkshire, England

Cyber locations:
www.sophienicholls.com
www.hypnoticjournaling.com



1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

I work full-time running my practice, Sophie Nicholls Personal Development. This includes working with people one-to-one and running group workshops, using hypnotherapy together with lots of other techniques including creative writing for personal development.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I help people to overcome all kinds of problems and challenges but I'm particularly experienced in helping people with stress and anxiety, eating problems and body-image issues.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I don't believe in guiding people into hypnosis in order to make lots of direct suggestions to them: "You will not do this.. you will not do that...' I don't think that's particularly useful. Everyone is different and I prefer to work with people on the underlying causes of a problem and to help them to discover their own solutions, abilities and approaches. For me, it's all about helping people to go on a journey, to have a real adventure.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

I believe that self-hypnosis has transformed me as a person. It continues to transform me. I use self-hypnosis constantly. I think self-hypnosis is not just about being in a quiet place on your own with your eyes closed - although this is wonderful - but it can also be about doing something that absorbs you creatively, such as my writing. Hence, the Hypnotic Journaling techniques. I use self-hypnosis on the train or just before I fall asleep or in a traffic jam or before I give a presentation. I think it's something that you can integrate into your entire approach to life.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I am lucky enough to be able to work from home because I've been able to create a lovely room in my house. My clients tell me that it is very peaceful and welcoming. I also travel to lots of other places to run workshops.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Most weeks, I see private clients on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; I teach two creative writing workshops on Thursdays; and I try to keep Fridays for catching up with paperwork, my own creative writing - which I find enormously helpful and nurturing - and working on my personal development articles, books and CDs.

My absolute favorite thing to do at the weekend is to go for a long walk - preferably by the sea - and then perhaps curl up with a glass of delicious chilled white white in front of our woodburning stove. I'm a big romantic.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

That's quite funny because in the UK being 'certified' means that you have been deemed clinically insane (whatever that actually indicates). So, yes, I am a certified clinical hypnotherapist - ha! I am registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register.

I trained initially with a wonderful therapist called Steve Burgess here in the UK and I have since gone on to do more training with many other people in the personal development field. A huge influence on my work and thinking is Stephen Gilligan, a psychotherapist and apprentice of the great Milton Erickson, who uses trance-work in very creative ways. I did my doctoral research in creative writing and personal development at the University of Sussex. I'm still learning...

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

You know, I think all hypnosis is fabulous when it puts the client in charge of their own destiny and future. It's so exciting to see someone discovering that they can grow the resources they need to achieve what they want to achieve. I get such a buzz out of seeing that happen and the amazing transformations that people bring about for themselves.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

I don't think I've had any 'worst moments'. It may sound corny but I love the challenges involved in my work. I am always learning new things, which is what I thrive on.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

I don't feel that I can offer any better advice than that of Joseph Campbell's 'follow your bliss.' But sometimes, we first need to find out what that 'bliss' is, what we really want from life and what makes us happy. I think we all spend too much time living in our heads and we need, quite literally, to get out of our heads and into our bodies, to reconnect with what we feel rather than what we think we ought to feel or do or be.

Self-hypnosis is a great way to reconnect with how you are really feeling in your body. Spending time outside in nature is another way. I think it's all about discovering what works for you - and then remembering to practice it.

10 Questions with Debbie Lane

Location: Palm Harbor, Florida

Cyber Locations:
www.wisdomhypnosis.com
http://wisdomhypnosis.blogspot.com/


1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

I am in full time practice. Actually, I live and breathe hypnosis.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

As a result of my working with the “Hiccup Girl” back in the beginning of the year, I seem to have developed a specialty in body reactions such as hiccups, burping and other “emissions”. My favorite issue however, is weight management.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I will refer a client to another therapist I know who does both hypnosis and Equine therapy if I feel the issue is beyond my scope.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

I use it daily for just about everything! I use self-hypnosis for powerful thinking, creative problem solving and as a result of my incredible schedule (I know I create my own) I use it for stress reduction.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

The office is wonderful! I share space with a doctor of acupuncture and several massage therapists. It is an adorable yellow cottage in a sleepy little town (Palm Harbor, FL). Inside, we have created so much serenity that even the pest control guy likes to “hang out”. I have pictures on my website:

http://www.wisdomhypnosis.com/Hypnosis-FAQS.html

This shows a quick shot of my office.

http://www.wisdomhypnosis.com/news.html

This shows the outside view. Sometimes I wonder just what I did right to be so lucky.


6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Typical is never a word used in conjunction with my name or any description of me. The closest I can come, is to say that I am on the computer working by 6:30 a.m. daily and I am out the door to my office or meetings by 9:00 at the latest. I return to the computer at the end of my day (times vary) and manage to schedule time for an incredibly supportive husband and the two best sons a mother could have.


7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I am certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists
and The International Association of Counselors and Therapists. I was trained byNaturalife Institute.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I can’t say that any one is the best. I listen to my clients, really listen and then trust my intuition as to the tool to pull from my “tool box”. I am aware of colleagues who swear by one method andone method only. That seems limiting. I will confess, before every client I spend time in quiet contemplation thinking about their issue. Before seeing the Hiccup Girl, I journaled for 2 hours, considering over and over what was the best way to assist her into peace and quiet. The answers flowed as she spoke with me.


9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

At a recent conference I attended, I was to teach a 2 hour workshop. I arrived in a timely manner for the first nights events, was thrilled with the evening events and went to bed feeling quite smug that this would be a proud moment. Then, about 2 hours into sleep, I sat straight up in bed and realized that I had left my clothes home! I called my husband who confirmed my “greatest fears” and offered to drive them the several hour trip to me. I declined and thank heavens for Wal-mart, found something I could wear for the presentation. I told the group the whole truth and turned it into a good amount of humor (with me taking most of the ribbing).
I learned/confirmed to keep ‘em laughing.


10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

To potential clients, be sure you feel comfortable with your hypnotist. Ask questions, remember you are in control of this session and the outcome!

To other hypnotists, I can only say, do what you love and it will shine through. What other profession can you be in where you fall in love with the work and the people daily? Remember, however, it is a business, so be ready to work for success.

10 Questions with Roy Hunter

Location: Milton, Washington

Cyberspace Locations:
www.royhunter.com




1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbist?

After being a work-a-holic for many years, burn-out forced me to slow
down last spring. My doctor told me that I was working far too many
hours. I must limit the amount of my private sessions and
professional consulting. Almost half of my clients are other
hypnotists and hypnotherapists who know my work. However, I still
teach locally. I also travel to teach or facilitate workshops as time
permits when someone sponsors me.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

My approach is multi-modality, but I'm also well known for my work
with parts therapy for helping people resolve inner conflicts. That
was the topic of my latest book published by Crown House in 2005.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I will not work with a drug addict unless it is in collaboration with
an experienced drug counselor, because of their tendency to lie. My
own tendency to trust people at their word has its downside. I'm
extremely cautious about working with an alcoholic for the same
reason. However, I've had a fairly good success rate with pot
smokers, provided they make a total commitment to quit.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

In 1982 I suffered a back injury that was supposed to result in
permanent chronic back pain. Through self-hypnosis, I can function
normally and am comfortable 95% of the time. If I overdo it, the
other 5% of the time reminds me of the benefits of self-hypnosis the
other 95% of the time. Also, I use (and teach) self-hypnosis to manage stress.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

My office is located in a medical-professional building, with two
other hypnosis offices. We also have a waiting area and a classroom
for teaching classes. You can see a picture of the outside of the building at:
http://www.royhunter.com/hypnotherapy_tacoma.htm

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

My days vary greatly. At home, my day must start later than it used
to. I rarely see clients before 11am. Sometimes I'm at my computer
two to five hours a day: going through email, writing articles,
revising student handouts and course materials, doing paperwork,
etc... Much of my time at the office is devoted to teaching or
professional consulting (in the art of hypnosis) even more than doing
private sessions. I do professional coaching in hypnotherapy and/or
parts therapy by phone, email, and/or in person. A
number of hypnotherapists have travelled many hundreds of miles to
receive consulting and/or hypnotherapy in my office."
When I'm away on business, I make sure my handouts are all prepared
for those who attend my workshops. Also, I learned from experience
that I need to take personal time for myself on trips. We need to
count our blessings, and realize that life is one long series of
learning experiences. Our true worth isn't in what we have; rather,
it is how we use what we have.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I learned hypnotherapy directly from the legendary Charles Tebbetts.
He certified me in 1983, and eventually certified me as an
instructor. Prior to his passing, he chose me to continue his work
with client-centered hypnosis, and especially the parts therapy that
he pioneered (after evolving it from the work of Paul Federn). My two
hypnosis texts, THE ART OF HYPNOSIS and THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY
(Kendall/Hunt Publishing), are both based on the teachings of Charles
Tebbetts, and are required reading at many hypnosis schools around the world.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

Client-centered parts therapy often helps people overcome barriers
even after many other techniques have failed.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

A very obese woman slumped in my chair in a way that made the chair
creak. After gathering information about her history with weight, I
discovered that over six years passed since her last attempt to
reduce. When I asked her what motivated her to deal with it now, she
said: "Excuse me...I'm here to quit smoking!" Although she accepted
my apology, I'm still unable to remember whether she ever returned
for a second session. I share this learning experience with all my
hypnotherapy students so they don't have to re-invent the wheel.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

Here is my advice to clients: Ask your prospective hypnotist what
he/she will do if you have "subconscious blocks" (your subconscious
fails to respond to the suggestions to reach your goal). A competent
professional skilled in the art of hypnosis will be trained to use
techniques that will enable your subconscious to uncover and release
the cause(s) of subconscious blocks.

Here is my advice to hypnotists: Fit the technique to the client
rather than vice versa. This requires width and depth of training. If
you are not yet trained in hypnotic regression or parts therapy,
invest whatever is necessary in time or money to find competent
training in both of those techniques! You will do both yourself and
your clients a favor by doing so. Although I offer training materials
on my website, I suggest hands-on training when available.

If you or your organization would like to sponsor training in your
area, feel free to contact me.

10 Questions (and a little more) with Laura Lefelar-Barch

Location: Pompton Lakes, NJ

Cyberspace Locations:
www.lauralefelarbarch.com (under construction) www.hypnosisbylaura.com



1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

I am a full-time hypnotist and Marriage and Family Therapist located in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I specialize in treating adult and childhood anxiety disorders. I also specialize in presurgical hypnosis for women who are scheduled for cesarean sections. I developed a unique CD for this, as well as a hugely successful CD for women who have concerns about breastfeeding their child. Another specialty (which dovetails nicely with the anxiety work) is with children with various types of sleep disorders. I enjoy dreamwork, too!

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I’m very careful about hypnotizing someone who wants to recover childhood memories that might include trauma. And although I find hypnosis works GREAT for smoking cessation, I personally haven’t had success working with drug and alcohol addictions.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?

I use self-hypnosis regularly in my life to help me relax at night or go back to sleep if one of my four children wakes me. I also use a product I developed for mindful running so that I can get a moving meditation and my exercise in the same 30 minute time span!

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I rent space in a beautiful Victorian home that has been converted to an office building. It's quite lovely. Before that I rented space on a major highway. I also had a space in my home for a short period of time until my four year old opened my office door once!


I have never found an “ideal” place for an office: often there is noise from cars outside on the street, church bells, someone walking around upstairs, or a door slamming nearby.



I just make sure I incorporate the suggestion that “with every sound you hear, deeper and deeper into relaxation.”


6. Describe a typical day in your life.

I wake at 6, take my kids to school by 9, see clients on the hour (both hypnotherapy and psychotherapy) until 3 p.m. when I pick up my kids again. Two nights a week, after I feed everyone dinner, I return to work from 6:45 to 9:30/10

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I am a certified hypnotist trained locally by an NGH-approved trainer.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I love it when I can make a suggestion that really wows the client… and it’s different for everyone. Lately, when kids giggle during the induction, I incorporate the suggestion that laughter is just the body’s way of relaxing. It’s amazing how well this works!

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

I think my worst moment ever in hypnosis was trying to hypnotize my father so that he could stop a bad habit. Lesson learned? Think twice before agreeing to hypnotize a skeptical family member!

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist?

For potential hypnosis clients: hypnosis is an amazing tool, but don’t believe in the magic of One-Session-Hypnosis. Sure, sometimes one session is all you need (i.e. smoking cessation), but if you’re new to hypnosis, a few sessions will help you become comfortable with the hypnotist and the trance-like state, and ensure success.

Laura added a few more questions and answers:

Funniest moment in hypnosis:

Once I had a client come for weight loss hypnosis (she believed in the one-session-cure). She talked a mile a minute until I put her into trance, and upon returning to the room, she bounced right up and resumed talking as if she never stopped. Since this isn't typical of the client emerging from trance, I thought for sure that she wasn't hypnotized and wouldn't lose an ounce. She went on to lose 15 pounds and refer me five weight loss clients!

Most unique hypnosis request:

An actor come for hypnosis so that he would perform more convincingly in his act! It worked beautifully!

10 Questions with Lee Darrow

Location: Chicago, IL

Cyberspace Locations:
www.leedarrow.com
www.livejournal.com/mstrhypno
www.myspace.com/leedarrow
wwwhypnothoughts.com/leedarrow (or is it /mstrhypno?)


1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbyist?

Full-time entertainer, of which hypnosis is a BIG part of the business, so draw your own conclusions...

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

Primarily stage hypnosis.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

Please! A gentleman does not discuss such things! It is indiscreet! ;)

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

Yep! I use it to help moderate migraines, cure hiccups and to deal with stress, when I have the time.. things happen so fast, sometimes! LOL

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

Pick a stage, any stage... or someone's home... or banquet hall... you get the idea.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

There is no such thing as a "typical day" in my life... seriously.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

Mind Sight Consulting, the Baranowskis were my first certifying instructors, but that came late in my career. I have also studied with Steve Lankton, Michael Brown and a whole lot of other people over the last 40 years...

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

The Bryan-san Oriental pressure Point Method (which is a placebo technique!)

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

When a stage hypnotist I was watching had five people go into hysteria because he was stupid enough to do the "swarm of bees" routine on stage... and all five of them were deadly allergic to bee stings!

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

LEARN your craft! Understand that there's more to hypnosis than scripts and techniques, but also understand the psychology of phobias and how to avoid invoking them as well as being careful about your own safety.

10 Questions with Gloria Constantas

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbist?

I am part-time now, but moving toward full-time for 2008!

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

It seems people come to me for phobias, and personal issues like better work performance or having more satisfying relationships. I like to work with college students or professional people.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

There was one guy I referred to another hypnotist, as I was uncomfortable talking to him about his particular type of addiction. I thought if he seriously wanted to change, he should work with a male hypnotist.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

Yes, daily affirmations and self-hypnosis. I am constantly trying to improve in all areas of my life.

5. Describe your hypnosis office setting.

I share an office with my husband. So it looks like a standard office. I just bring my zero-gravity lounge chair in for the client and I sit at a desk for intake and then beside them for the hypnosis.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Wake up, give thanks, rush to work, check email, write blog, talk to teenagers, try to teach them self-hypnosis or meditation techniques, meditate or do self-hypnosis, see clients, pick up child, make dinner, say hi to my spouse, retire early.

7. Do you have a website or blog?

www.EnlightenedHypnosis.com
VerbalImpact.blogspot.com is my main blog or is it musinglog.blogspot.com?

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I like the progressive relaxation induction because all my clients have too-busy-syndrome and need stress reduction. They always enjoy it! But the most amazing to me is regression for fears or other concerns. I am also fascinated by pain reduction techniques; I have seen clients with chronic pain reach complete relief during the session and for some time afterward!

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting.

Probably when a friend wanted me to hypnotize her for a fear of heights so she could go hiking in the mountains and cross a wood and rope bridge over a river. I used the affect bridge and she couldn't or wouldn't go back to the cause of her problem. I tried twice. Since time was short, I just had her imagine being at the end of the bridge feeling triumphant that she had crossed it and then did the awakening. She was sure she could make it over the bridge, but I wasn't! A week later she rushed up to me and told me what a great hiking trip she had had, and that she crossed the bridge no problem! She even went back to the middle of the bridge to get a picture of herself on the bridge!!!

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

Hypnotize anyone and everyone, including yourself! There are just so many benefits!

10 Questions with Michael Raugh

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbist?

Part-time with aspirations of going full-time when my children are grown. Right now I see a few clients a month and do a lot of freebie hypnosis just to keep my skills sharp.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I work a lot with students on academic skills (memory, test anxiety, motivation to study). I also do my share of smokers and have been known to indulge in more light, recreational applications of hypnosis now and again.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I don't do weight management. Part of the reason is credibility -- I have a lot of work to do myself in that area -- and part is Maryland law, which requires that I pay for a health club license to do weight management hypnosis. When I'm happier with my own situation I'll pay the fee and branch out, but for now I refer weight clients out.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

Oh, yes. I end each day with a 20-30 minute self-hypnosis session to get myself ready for sleep. I also use it during my morning and evening commute to help me make the transition from IT geek to dad/hypnotist.

5. Describe your hypnosis office setting.

I practice in my home. I have a room near the front door and the powder room with a pocket door for privacy, two comfortable recliners, a desk (against the wall so I'm never tempted to sit behind it), credenza for paperwork, and bookcase. Scattered around the room are various toys and props including a wall-mount candle holder (vanilla scented candle) with a silver spiral design on the front, a Tibetan prayer bowl, a brass pocket watch hanging on a hook, a pair of Chinese singing balls, a Salvador Dali print of "Soft Weeping Watch", and a couple of plush toys with sleepy expressions. Oh -- and a big glass jar half full of old, broken cigarettes. (The smell upon opening that jar is enough to put anyone off tobacco for a while!)

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Up before 6:00am, hopefully enough before that I have time for a workout session on the stationary bike; catch a commuter bus to the day job, using self-hypnosis during the trip to pass the time and get my mind focused for work; a full day as a high-level IT geek for a government agency; another bus ride home, again using self-hypnosis but this time to leave work at work and to pleasantly ignore the afternoon traffic and crowding; arrive home and assume "Dad mode," checking homework and feeding my boys (I have 4 children, the younger two of whom are in high school); if there's a client booked that evening, pick up the office and entry way and hopefully do a little advance reading on the issue to refresh my mind and have more ideas readily available before the appointment; work with the client if there is one, otherwise spend the evening with the boys or running household chores/errands until bed.

7. Do you have a website or blog?

I do keep a website: www.secondtrances.com . It has general information on hypnosis and about me, along with a couple of mini-session MP3 files that people can download and links to other hypnotists and interesting places (like The Transparent Hypnotist Blog). ;^)

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

Has to be Parts Regression. You can use Parts on so many different things that I find myself going to it almost out of habit (and then making sure to ask myself if it's really the best tool for that particular job). Depending on the client's interests I'll do Parts as a cocktail party conversation, a Donald Trump-style boardroom meeting, a locker-room team gathering, a bunch of kids in their secret clubhouse, or whatever metaphor seems to fit.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting.

My first solo client! I did everything wrong: I was nervous during the pretalk, I didn't get them talking enough to spot her primary representational system, I blanked out on the induction and ended up pacing and leading her into what I was sure wasn't a deep enough trance, I misworded a suggestion about tension and saw her stomach tense up dramatically ... and somehow, when she came out of trance, she was smiling and happy anyway.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

For a potential client: Forget everything you've seen, heard, read, or been told about hypnosis. Let go of all your expectations, relax, and enjoy the ride.

For another hypnotist: Make friends with as many other hypnotists as you can! My hypnotist friends are a great source of ideas and inspiration and they're people I can talk to about this stuff who understand our jargon and processes.

10 Questions and a Follow-up

Drum roll please. Today you will find a new type of post that is about to be unveiled. For a little while I have been mulling the idea over, but was totally inspired by blogsweluv.com. As you all continually read about my antics in the field of hypnosis, I want to know yours. Hence, we are now going to have a new series called "10 Questions." These questions will be the same for everyone and hopefully it will provide a whole realm of insight into the hypnosis field.

Also, you will notice yesterday I tried out the new label "blogvertising." That wasn't so hard was it? But in the realm of this blog, I was quite serious about hearing what your dream hypnosis trip would be. Or perhaps you have already done a trip where you took your hypnosis artistry on the road?