One of the really wonderful things about working at The Still Point is being able to try some of the therapies offered by our practitioners. For the past several months, I’ve been meaning to book in for a hypnotherapy appointment with Dave Trachtenberg at our Mind + Spirit Center. I’d heard that hypnotherapy can be useful to reduce stress and strengthen clarity and focus. I have a small child and a very busy life so I knew I needed it. But it took me at least 3 months to make the appointment. Something always came up. No babysitter, my work schedule etc, etc. But, also I think that I was procrastinating because I was a little nervous about what being hypnotized means. I just didn’t know what to expect.
I finally made an appointment last Thursday.
I settled into my chair while Dave explained that hypnosis is a state of consciousness where focused attention, deep relaxation, and heightened suggestibility are achieved. He told me that it’s just like daydreaming, or becoming engrossed in a book or a movie, and that mental images can actually cause a real, physical reaction. He said that when people who suffer from stress and anxiety can bring themselves to a peaceful place in their minds whether it’s a beach or a forest— their thoughts will become more relaxed and focused. That made sense to me, so I made myself comfortable and closed my eyes. I breathed deeply and when Dave asked me to visualize an environment that I felt comfortable in, I entered a beautiful forest Then he took me through some wonderful guided imagery. I felt very relaxed. I imagined I was dancing and running! The session may have been 30-40 minutes, I’m not sure; but it felt like I was taking a great nap and afterwards I felt newly energized.
I would highly recommend this therapy to anyone who needs to focus on new healthy habits and on becoming more empowered and stress free.
