Is Your Smoking Habit an Addiction?

In the group and individual smoking cessation programs I offer the discussion often includes the question as to whether cigarettes are truly "addictive."

Over the years I have come to the conclusion the answer is either yes or no and a lot hinges on how you perceive the idea of addiction.

For some addiction implies an inability to function without the drug of choice and the prospect of agonizing withdrawal symptoms if you do decide to let go of the habit.

This does hold true for many people who have a heavy narcotic habit and with some hardcore alcoholics-withdrawal in these cases may need medical intervention in order to be done safely.

On this count cigarette smoking is not addictive. As far as I know, no one has ever died for nicotine withdrawal. Next time you see your doctor ask if he or she has ever admitted someone to the hospital due to complications related to smoking cessation . Chances are you will get a puzzled look and the response of "no."

Any temporary physical or emotional symptoms experienced when you stop smoking are harmless and will pass soon enough if you don't light up again.

Now where smoking does resemble other addictions is in that once you stop it is a really crazy bad idea to think you can cheat once in awhile without relapsing.

The scenario usually entails the person rationalizing that sneaking one cigarette here and there won't hurt. However, experience shows that more often than not the ex-smoker will return to the full blown habit sooner than later. If you were a serious smoker (pack a day+ for years) controlled use is probably not an option for you, breaking free once and for all is the way to go.

So on that count smoking is like an addiction in that once you break free, don't tempt fate by cheating.

If you have any questions on how my smoking cessation program can help you to lead a healthier, cleaner and possibly longer life, please call me for a free, confidential phone consultation at (732) 714-7040.

Tinnitus Coping Tip #5-Habituation

Tinnitus Help NJ

Let me start with a story...

A number of years ago I used to have a social services job where one of my duties was to visit adult psychiatric patients who had been recently discharged from the state hospital to see if they keeping up with their aftercare arrangements.

Many of these individuals lived in the impoverished neighborhoods that border Newark airport. If you've even been there you would know that 24/7, 365 days a year there are jetliners continually landing and taking off. Not only is it loud, sometimes the planes fly so low overhead the windows and walls in their homes would actually shake!

Yet one thing I noticed soon was that for most part, the local residents barely responded to the endless cacophony.  It was just "there."

You can see the same thing going on in the outer boroughs of NYC where some parts of the subway line are elevated over the street. The screeching and rattling overhead quite often startles visitors, but the locals pay it scant attention, it's just "there."

This is all due to a natural process known as habituation-where repetitive stimuli eventually does not register as much in the conscious mind. The sounds from the airport or the subway haven't decreased, but the level of attention paid to them has.

People who successfully cope with tinnitus appear to go through the same process habituation even though the stimulus originates within the nervous system and not the external environment like an actual sound does. For these people, the sound is just "there" but not given much attention even though the neural signal that is perceived as a sound is still present.

There are a couple of factors that can interfere with habituation. These include:

• When the stimuli has a negative emotional attachment to it such as fear or anger as this can keep your attention focused on it.
• When a person is under considerable stress as this can lead to a phenomena known as Central Sensitivity Syndrome or C.S.S. where the mind's ability to filter out unpleasant sensations becomes impaired. (You can read more about C.S.S. here)

This is why stress relief practices in the form of hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, yoga and acupuncture can be helpful to people learning to cope with tinnitus.

Once you get out of constantly being in the fight or flight stress mode, your natural coping mechanism of habituation will improve.

A free, confidential phone consultation is available if you have any questions, call (732) 714-7040.

Tinnitus Coping Tip #3-Buyer Beware

Tinnitus Help NJ

Since I've done a fair amount of online research on the topic of tinnitus relief, the elves that run the internet assume I must have tinnitus too due to my search history.

As a result I frequently receive unsolicited (spam) ads for various and sundry tinnitus relief products. The question is: do any of them work?

It is fully understandable that if you are struggling with tinnitus that you would pay just about anything for instant relief. Yet do keep in mind that unfortunately there is a segment of the population that will gladly exploit the desperation of others for their own personal gain.

The strategies that do have a proven history of helping people habituate to their tinnitus such as sound masking therapies, exercise and mind/body healing methods like mindfulness meditation, acupuncture and self-hypnosis are not ones that normally provide overnight results. Usually its going take some time and persistence for you to experience significant improvement.

So it makes the appeal all the more understandable of "magic tinnitus ear drops" and other concoctions that claim they will knock out the ringing and buzzing in nothing flat.

Yet there is no documented proof that any of these remedies are any more effective than a placebo and some of the ingredients, especially from some of the less than reputable online distributors, may actually be harmful. That and they can be quite expensive.

This is not to say that nutritional therapy is of no value. I know of many healthcare providers who practice what is known as integrative medicine who recommend supplements to their patients.

Certain nutrients such as the B-complex, vitamin C and magnesium can become depleted when a person is a state of high anxiety, which is often the case when someone is experiencing tinnitus.

Yet you would be well-served to consult with a nutritionally oriented physician or pharmacist who can help you determine proper dosage and what nutrients would be right for your particular situation. And it bears repeating, there is no "magic bullet," nutritional or otherwise, for tinnitus at this time.

If you would like to explore mind/body healing for your tinnitus situation, a free, confidential phone consultation is available by calling (732) 714-7040.

Reference for this article: Dr. Robert DiSogra is an audiologist from Freehold, NJ who is very knowledgeable about treating tinnitus and has a published article on supplements for tinnitus posted through at the link below.
http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/20q-dietary-supplements-for-tinnitus-13916

Is This Everyday Activity Getting You Down?

There is an excellent chance that you are doing it right now. In fact, I would bet on it. It is an everyday activity that may be aggravating your levels of stress and pessimism. Have you guessed what it is?

In the late 1800's pioneering psychologist William James put forth the idea that if you assume the physical posture associated with a particular mental state, you will begin to experience it.

For example, if you stand or sit tall with your shoulders back and put a grin on your face, your mood will most likely brighten.

The posture associated with pessimism and sadness is best illustrated by Rodin's sculpture The Thinker (see below)

Hunched over, eyes cast downward, this is the body language of defeatism. As the body slumps forward the breathing becomes restricted and shallow, which does your health no favors.

Your body may naturally assume this pose when you are troubled. However as Dr. James pointed out over 100 years ago, its a two-way street. The posture can create the mood as well.

As you may now have guessed, the common activity I mentioned at the beginning is the time we spend looking down at our smart phones and computers.

Professionals who deal with muscular and skeletal problems such a chiropractors and physical therapists use a new term, "text neck," to describe the effect excessive slumping and a forward head posture has on the body. 

So in addition to any physical problems excessive computer and smart phone use can cause, be aware too it may be having a negative effect on your mood and mind as well.

What can be done?

• Observe good posture habits when using your phone or computer. Make sure you are not having to hunch over and have the screen closer to eye level to keep your head and neck in good alignment. Make sure your chairs and desks are "ergonomically" correct. 
• Take frequent breaks to walk around. 
• Explore yoga type exercises that involve back bending to improve your posture.

Remember that the division between mind and body is for the most part an arbitrary one, you have to care for all aspects of your being. 

Is the Past...Past?

"Insight is the booby prize of life" -David Levy, psychologist and author

A question that comes up occasionally with prospective clients in my hypnosis counseling practice is whether we have to extensively explore their past in order for the them to achieve their goals. Is it necessary to drift back in time and "set things straight" ?

This belief comes from the field of "psychodynamic therapy."  Figures such as Sigmund Freud insisted that present problems of thought and behavior had their origin in childhood experiences, the memories of which were often repressed from conscious awareness. The process then would be to reconnect to those memories, create an awareness of how the negative patterns came to be and that once you have this knowledge in your conscious awareness, you can resolve them. In this model Insight=Healing.

However, there is little evidence that this is an effective approach and actually it has the potential for harm. One danger is the phenomena known as "false memories," where a suggestible individual begins to "remember" events that didn't happen, especially if the therapist asks leading questions. Quite a few individuals had their lives ruined by accusations made because of false memories of abuse that never took place except in the accuser's imagination.

Another pitfall to consider is that what is called "repression" may actually be a healthy coping strategy-that there can be some very good reasons to push negative memories out of conscious awareness. Ponder this: if remembering trauma was curative, post-traumatic stress (PTS) would simply heal itself quite rapidly since the person is repeatedly experiencing the upsetting event as if were happening now. PTS is really a problem of remembering too well.

So as a rule a very small percentage of my interactions with clients involve exploring the past. One exception is having them retrieve some good, empowering memories so we have some positive anchors to work with-and you would be surprised how many people seem to have repressed those!

But what if you are carrying around a lot of negative memories and imprints-what can be done?

Current thinking suggests that while you cannot alter the past, practices such as mindfulness and self-hypnosis can help you learn to live more fully in the present moment. Thanks to what is called neuroplasticity, with some persistence you can rewire patterns and associations in the brain that may be keeping you tethered to a negative past. The past does not have to determine your future!

If you have any questions, I'm here to help. Feel free to connect by calling (732) 714-7040.

Tinnitus Tragedy Considered

I came across a rather sad news story online today regarding a boat skipper from Northern Wales who committed suicide 6 days after being told his tinnitus was incurable and was offered no hope or apparent guidance on how to cope.

Described as a proud man with a strong personality, he had been struggling with tinnitus and hyper-sensitivity to sound for about 6 months.

A coroner's inquest was held and during the hearing one family member stated, "He was just told to get on with it. There was no bit of encouragement, no hope of improvement."

Although the coroner did not believe there was any malpractice involved, she did state, "...I feel very strongly that there should be a more robust and proactive approach when someone is given a prognosis in which there is no hope for cure or improvement."

Notice how the word hope is rather prominent here?

This incident may reflect a problem inherent with modern medicine where specialists deal with one specific area and tend to ignore anything that doesn't fall within their bailiwick.

Yet the whole person does need to be considered in all healing situations.  Personally I cannot think of anything more tragic than when the thoughtless and careless communication of a person in authority such as a doctor drives someone into a state of utter despair and panic.

Talk about negative hypnosis and the misuse of suggestion! Is it really any surprise this person acted as he did if he fully accepted the idea that he was a hopeless case? Makes sense in a sad sort of way.

The truth is that while it is not always possible to do something about the neurological signal that creates the unwanted sounds of tinnitus, there are plenty of strategies than can help a person learn to cope with that experience and to become less bothered by it-to regain your quality of life.

Another truth is that there is usually no magic bullet and that a number of strategies may need to be tried until you find an adequate level of relief or what is called "habituation" to the tinnitus, so this may take some time. Taking a holistic approach that includes mind/body healing methods such as self-hypnosis and mindfulness meditation can make this process more comfortable for you.

Probably the most important idea you can take away from this tragedy is this: never, ever, under any circumstances, let anyone take your hope from you!

And if you have thoughts about harming yourself, you have to call the appropriate emergency services in your community without hesitation-no debate on this point.

Please feel free to connect if you have any questions, I'm here to help!

Source article: http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/155661/deganwy-boat-skipper-leapt-to-his-death-after-being-told-there-was-no-cure-for-his-tinnitus.aspx

Is Hypnosis Real?

"I don't believe hypnosis is real," huffs the smirking, uber-skeptical guy, "I only go with established scientific facts and I think its all just a farce for the hopelessly gullible."

Over the years I have encountered a number of such individuals and get the impression that they derive a certain smug satisfaction out of being a buzz-kill! Yet in the past decade enough cutting edge research has been done in neuroscience that pretty much shuts down the argument that hypnosis is somehow fake.

Of particular note is an article published by Stanford University "Research supports the notion that hypnosis can alter perception" that details how modern brain imaging techniques prove that the same areas of the brain "light up" when someone is actually performing a given visual task or when a hypnotized person is asked to imagine it.

This type of research involves the use of PET scans, which can provide real time data on the the blood flow to particular regions of the brain. This increase or decrease of blood flow to those structures indicate whether they are becoming more or less active.

In other studies it has been shown that while hypnotized volunteers and a control group both showed activity in the somatosensory cortex (which processes physical sensations) when exposed to a painful stimuli, the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex (which modulates suffering-the emotional response) decreased in those who received suggestions related to pain reduction.

In the 1700's Ben Franklin sat on a French panel that was investigating the controversial healing claims of Franz Anton Mesmer, considered one of the founding fathers of what we now call hypnosis. Mesmer maintained his powers stemmed from what he described as  "animal magnetism" -a mysterious force that he was able to channel into his patients to cure their ills.

In the course of the inquiry Franklin came  to disagree with this explanation and eventually concluded that the healing effects were due to something going on in the patient's imagination. Flash forward 200 years and neuroscience not only agrees with this but proves that just because something is imagined, it doesn't mean its not real!

Hypnosis has been around in one form or another for thousands of years for a reason, it works. Its just nice that science is catching up and validating its effectiveness. Never underestimate what your mind can create, whether it be for good or ill. What would you like to create?

Do feel free to connect if you have any questions, I'm here to help! The office telephone number here is (732) 714-7040.

P.S. If you find this sort of thing interesting, do sign up for my free online Mind/Body Healing Course. 

Extraordinary Healing, Ordinary Miracle- A Review

Extraordinary Healing, Ordinary Miracle: Choosing WellBeing Over Fighting Cancer by Patricia French Crilly, R.N. is a rather remarkable book that details the author's triumph over invasive ovarian cancer while eschewing the standard post-surgery protocol of chemo and radiation therapy.

An intriguing tale to start with, what it made it even a more fascinating read for me is that I have been lucky enough to know the author for over 10 years due to our both being members of the same organization for professional hypnotists here in New Jersey.

Nurse Crilly, as her friends often call her, begins with how being treated for a relatively minor injury eventually led to the diagnosis of a major health challenge- one that often leads to people becoming frozen in fear and pessimism.

Of particular interest to me as a professional hypnotist was her perspective on how traditional healthcare settings deliver a staggering volume of negative suggestions to people who are in a very vulnerable place in their life's journey.

Unfortunately there are still many who do not buy into the idea that the mind has a tangible impact on the health on the body, although hopefully this book will help to change that.

Due to her training in hypnosis and other natural healing arts, she was able to avoid getting stuck in a negative mindset and was able to plot her way into a place that she calls WellBeing.

She also gives considerable credit to the team of healers she assembled around herself, both allopathic and alternative, that facilitated her healing process.

I also suspect her legendary sense of humor (abundantly shared in these pages) was also played no small part in her getting well again.

I give this book my highest recommendation as the information it contains can be invaluable if you or someone care faces a life-changing health problem.

A Hypnotic Healing Trip to the Beach-New MP3!

I just created a new MP3 audio program entitled, "A Hypnotic Healing Trip to the Beach" that you can download for home use.

Over the past 20 years I have used a number of ocean related images in my hypnotic inductions because:

• For many people the ocean evokes a sense of strength, healing and relaxation. 
• I am from a beach area, so it kind of comes natural to me.
• Even for people who live near the ocean, sometimes its hard to make the time to get there.

A Hypnotic Healing Trip to the Beach evokes comforting imagery and is accompanied by soothing ambient music and natural ocean sounds. It culminates with teaching an easy to use self-hypnosis cue that can be used at any time or place.

The program is about 14 minutes in length, long enough to guide you into deep relaxation yet not so lengthy that it would interfere with your busy schedule.

The investment in A Hypnotic Healing Trip to the Beach is just $2.97 If you wish to instantly download a copy, you may do through the link below.

Hypnotic Healing Trip to the Beach
$2.97

Hypnotist Has Spent Past 20 Years in Trance

New Jersey Hypnotist James Malone has announced that this November marks his 20th year in the field of professional hypnotism for self-improvement, having received his initial certification through the National Guild of Hypnotists in 1995.

"Someone recently asked me what changes I have noticed in the profession since I first began," states Malone, "and there have been some interesting developments."

He shares, "back in the mid-90's when I started, 50 percent or more of the clients came in for smoking cessation, which I believe was the case for most people in the field at the time. Nowadays that figure is closer to 25 percent, with more people now seeking assistance for stress associated problems, especially those related to ongoing health challenges such as chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and tinnitus. Its great that people are discovering that mind/body healing methods such as hypnosis and mindfulness can be a powerful complement to their standard medical care."

Another change he approves of is "that the image of hypnosis being seen as a situation that involves losing control and doing silly things is thankfully becoming a relic of the past. The general public is beginning to accept the idea that hypnosis is really a focused state of concentration and imagination that helps people alter negative perceptions and release stress; that it enhances rather than detracts from your sense of self-control."

Malone continues, "its also been my observation that for many Americans the external stress factors in their lives have worsened in the past decade or so. The economic downturn that began 2008 hasn't really corrected itself and many folks are struggling financially even though they are willing to work hard and play by the rules. There were also many of us here at the Jersey Shore who really took a terrible hit with Super Storm Sandy 3 years ago. As a professional hypnotist I can plainly see how this "misery index' contributes to a wide variety of negative physical and emotional problems."

"However, learning the skills of self-hypnosis and mindfulness can teach you how to tame your stress response and to maintain a more optimistic outlook even when external circumstances are not as we wish and beyond our control to change. Life today demands resilience and the ability to reinvent yourself and hypnosis can help you with that."

At his his practice in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Malone offers private and small group sessions for a variety of stress and habit change issues. He is also the author of several well received self-help e-books and is available for private consultations and media interviews.

You are Not Fat!

I know of a local personal trainer who frequently tells her clientele that "you are not fat!"

But what if you are actually carrying an excess amount of weight on your frame, isn't the "I'm fat" statement an accurate one? Well yes and no.

Saying I AM is an identity statement like when you say you are male/female, conservative/liberal, religious/atheist, etc. You tend to conform to the expectations of that role in order to maintain consistency.

Yet fat isn't something you are, its something you currently have. For example, if you have an aching tooth you don't go to the dentist and proclaim, "I am tooth decay!"- not unless you want a psychiatric referral! Instead you would tell the dentist "I have a tooth ache."

You acknowledge you have a problem and take steps to correct it. It is absolutely no different being overweight.

Now with the holidays approaching it is time to have a plan in place so that you don't end up being stuffed like the turkey. I have two suggestions:

1) Schedule your free, confidential strategy session with me to discuss some steps you can take to stay on track. The telephone number here is (732) 714-7040.

2) Stress and tension absolutely contribute to the problem on the emotional as well as the physical levels, especially during the holidays. Believe it or not there is solid research that indicates stress relief programs can often lead to spontaneous weight reduction. I have a Stress Inoculation Clinic scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 18 that could be a very helpful resource for you. You can learn by Clicking Here. 

Hope to connect with you soon!

Tinnitus Coping Strategies-Saturday 11/14/15

To say tinnitus can cause a LOT of STRESS is an understatement. In a perfect world there would be a standard medical treatment that would just turn the ringing/buzzing off. Unfortunately, that is not an option yet.

During this free support group meeting I will be hosting on Saturday, November 14 at 11 AM, we will be exploring a number of helpful mind/body coping strategies. It will be held in the 2nd floor conference room at my office building in Point Pleasant Beach. 

Included will techniques that will show you how to:

• Detoxify the negative emotions connected to having tinnitus.
• Basic mindfulness meditation for stress relief.
• Shifts in thinking that can increase your comfort.

There will also be a guided relaxation experience for any and all who wish to participate. Although there is no fee to attend, preregistration is required due to limited seating. You may do so by calling (732) 714-7040 or via email james (at) njhypnotist.com

Suggestibility Unlimited! My Latest E-Book

I just published my latest e-book entitled Suggestibility Unlimited! Written for the professional hypnotist community, it delves into ways on enhancing your use of the hypnotic pre-talk and suggestibility experiments to increase your effectiveness.

If you had adequate live training in hypnotism, the suggestibility experiments were covered. However, some practitioners do not get as much mileage out of them as they could. In my view, there are of equal and possibly greater importance than whatever formal hypnotic ritual you may be using whether it be suggestion, imagery, regression to cause or parts therapy.

In Suggestibility Unlimited! I will share some strategies that will help to increase your comfort and confidence levels while guiding your clients into a hypnotic experience where they are saying, "I know this is going to work for me because..."

My inspiration in writing this is in part due to the fact I am marking my 20th year in this field this November and I have always been grateful to those who have shared their ideas and insights with me. I fully subscribe to the notion that "a candle loses nothing lighting another candle" so nothing was held back. Happy reading!

If you have an Amazon Kindle, you can learn more at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0172DZA8E?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you have another type of e-book reader,  the link you should follow is:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/587494

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

I've always enjoyed learning about what makes people tick, which explains my interest in hypnosis and other related topics.

Some years ago I took a course in what is known as Graphoanalysis, or the scientific study of a person's handwriting to determine the individual's talents and personality traits. 

Its been said that all handwriting is really brain writing. Take a group of kids and give them the same penmanship instruction and a few years later their writing will be as unique as their fingerprints. That is because the innermost personality influences the way we form the various strokes and circular structures. 

At times this knowledge has proven quite useful when I'm getting to know someone since it gives me a glimpse into their true selves, which most of us conceal to some degree.

I also do basic Graphoanalysis reports on the Fiverr site as a fun hobby and as way to keep my skills sharp. You can learn more by clicking here. 

Although a comprehensive report requires at least a few lines of the person's writing, a lot can be learned from their signature. I thought it would be fun to share some observations regarding the signatures of some well known individuals.

Let's start with the signature of Founding Father Ben Franklin.

You may first be impressed with the overall aesthetics of this sample, fine penmanship was considered a mark of being well-cultured at that time in history. Apart from that though, a trained eye also sees:

• The overall slant to the right indicates Franklin was warmly emotional.
• The size of the capital letters in the first and last names suggest high self-esteem and confidence.
• The underscore under the signature is a sign of self-reliance.

Now let's move to one of the most reviled men in history, Adolf Hitler.

What can we learn from this sample?

• Here we see indications of a very sharp and active mind. 
• The extreme forward slant of the writing is a telltale sign of abnormally heightened emotional response, in Hitler's case the dominant feeling being rage. 
• Notice the downward slope of the last name This is a sign of pessimism to a pronounced degree. In longer samples you can see Hitler's writing tended to go up and down on the page, suggestive of his infamous mood swings.

Let's now progress to two of the current front runners in the upcoming presidential race, starting with Hillary Clinton.

What can be seen in this example?

• The straight up and down slant is found in people who are emotionally cool/detached and tend to live more in their heads rather than their hearts. 
• The size of the capital letters relative to those in the lower case indicate a high level of self-esteem. 
• The breaks in the writing (missing connections between some letters) are often seen in people who have a strong intuitive streak. 

In the Republican field the current favorite is real estate mogul Donald Trump. 

• 

In Trump's signature, there are some distinct traits noted.

• The sharp, needle-like formations pointing up and down are seen in people who are both observant and analytical. Not much gets past him. The person is literally "sharp" when you see this style of writing. 
• Similar to Ms. Clinton, Trump also has an up and down slant in his sample, a sign a person values thought over feeling.
• The sharp downward stroke of the p in his last name indicates bluntness, he wouldn't be very tolerant of someone who doesn't get to the point quickly.

Hope you enjoyed this little foray into some famous signatures. If you are curious and would like to learn more, click here.

Stress Relief Tip

Below is a video I recently posted on using what is known as the "4-7-8 Breath" method for relieving stress and tension.




P.S. If you are curious about the Simple Subliminal resource I mention in the video, you can learn more by visiting the Simple Subliminal page at my website.

Childhood Stress and Later Illness?

A recently published study from Harvard indicates that while stress can cause negative physiological changes to the immune system and cardiac health at any age, childhood distress has a bigger impact on the body than stress encountered later in life.

The British Cohort Study tracked approximately 6,700 Britons born the same week in 1958 for a full 45 years and interviewed them regarding the stress and distress they were encountering over those four plus decades.

Those who encountered significant stress as children were far more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes even if their adult years were relatively calm.

Remarked one of the lead researchers, "Childhood distress may be particularly important because that's when people are learning how to control their emotions."

You should not panic if your child or grandchild is undergoing a tough time-but it is important to address their stress levels proactively for both their present and future well being.

Learning how to use the skills of self-hypnosis and basic mindfulness meditation can enable your child to feel more in control and become resilient when they inevitably encounter adversity.

If you have any questions, a free, confidential phone consultation is available, call (732) 714-7040.

References for this article:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/childhood-stress-linked-with-greater-risk-of-heart-disease-diabetes-in-adulthood/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2015/10/04/deepbreath/uwmiYtqkwr7S8PFYSNvSlK/story.html

Trump's #1 Chakra?

In preparing for my upcoming class on Hypnosis and the Chakra System I began to wonder what the energy level of Donald Trump's solar plexus chakra would be? I suspect he would say that it is, "HUGE and FANTASTIC!"

In Eastern cultures it is believed that there are circular centers of subtle energy known as chakras (from the Sanskrit word for wheel) that are located throughout the body-with the major ones following a path from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.

Just as you can see that white light contains every color of the spectrum when you pass it through a prism, it is believed that the energetic field of the body manifests itself in different wavelengths too. The various organ systems of the body and their related mental states are thought to be represented by a specific frequency and color in these circular structures.

Either an excess or a deficiency of energy in a chakra is thought to create problems in mind and body.

For example, the heart chakra is said to be green in color and relates to our ability to give and receive love. An imbalance here is theorized to possibly play a role in cardiac problems as well as interfering with the quality of our relationships.

The solar plexus chakra is associated with the color yellow and relates to ambition and the claiming one's personal power, something Mr. Trump is clearly quite comfortable with. Then there are those who might suspect he has an excess of this solar plexus energy-and I'm sure he would argue rather pointedly that he is totally fine and then some!

Whether you believe in the subtle energies of the body or not, at the very least a study of the chakras encourages us to seek inner balance and to be aware of those aspects of self that need strengthening.

If you would like to learn more, please consider attending the class on Wednesday, October 21 @ 7 PM in the second floor conference room at my office building in Point Pleasant Beach. You can learn more or register through the link below.

Class Info Page

Hypnosis and the Chakra System

Restoring Balance and Calm 

Wednesday, October 21@ 7 PM 

 s

Everyone has had the unpleasant experience of feeling "out of balance." Yet is it even possible to experience calm and serenity in our modern world?

Long ago mystics realized that we have a subtle energy system made up of different frequencies that relate to the various aspects of the mind and body. 

These energy centers are thought to have a circular shape and movement, so they were called "chakras", the Sanskrit word for wheel. 

When one of these energy centers is blocked or deficient your entire being can be affected.

In this class you will learn:

• An overview of the chakras, their location, color correspondence and function.
• How to use the pendulum to discover potential energy blocks. 
• A guided meditation to encourage balance and health.  
• Affirmations related to each chakra. 
• A shorthand self-hypnosis process you can use on your own.

All participants will receive an audio CD or mp3 for home practice and a study guide. Tuition is $35 through the secure link below, pre-registration is required due to limited seating. The class will be held in the 2nd floor conference room at my office, 302 Hawthorne Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Please call (732) 714-7040 if you have any questions. 

Upcoming Events Registration

Is Hypnotic Fear Reduction for You?

This week on the popular morning show Live with Kelly and Michael, renowned hypnotist and co-developer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Richard Bandler reduced Michael Strahan's long-standing fear of snakes rather quickly-to the point where he could actually handle one!

NLP is as Bandler said on the show the study of successful behavior. Unlike traditional psychology that focuses on pathology, NLP practitioners attempt to model the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of people who successfully overcome their challenges.

NLP and hypnosis are closely allied practices, in fact there is considerable overlap between the two. In my years of practice I too have seen many people like yourself replace longstanding fears with calm and confidence.

Although significant results can be achieved in a single visit, experience has shown that a multi-session program usually provides better outcomes.

If you would like to learn more, let's talk! A free, confidential phone consultation is available by calling (732) 714-7040.

You can watch the video segment below.

The Hidden Observer and Suffering

What can a blind psychology student tell you about the way hypnosis may help you to reduce the suffering associated with life-changing health problems such as chronic pain or tinnitus?

Many years ago a respected psychological researcher named Dr. Ernest Hilgard was conducting experimental hypnosis sessions with his students. As described the book he co-authored with his wife, Hypnosis in the Relief of Pain (1994, Brunner-Mazel, 2nd edition) Hilgard stumbled across a phenomena he dubbed the "hidden observer."

"My subject was a blind student, experienced in hypnosis... Once hypnotized, he received the suggestion that, at the count of three, he would become completely deaf. His hearing would be restored when I placed my hand on his right shoulder.

An associate and I then banged some large wooden blocks together, close to the subject's head, but he did not react to the sound. He was completely indifferent to our questions.

One student asked whether some part of the subject might be aware of what was going on. After all, there was nothing wrong with his ears. I agreed to test this and said to the subject, "Although you are hypnotically deaf, perhaps some part of you is hearing my voice and processing the information. If there is, I should like the index finger of your right hand to rise as a sign that this is the case."

The finger rose! The subject immediately said, "Please restore my hearing so you can tell me what you did. I felt my finger rise in a way that was not a spontaneous twitch."

His curiosity piqued, Hilgard said he would explain later. He told the student, who was still hypnotized, that there was a hidden part of his mind which knew everything which had happened. Hilgard then gave the suggestion that when the student's arm was touched, the hidden part would become conscious.

"Sure enough, when I placed my hand on his arm, he could report exactly how many loud sounds had been made, what questions the class had asked, and what I had said that caused his finger to rise."

Further investigations led Hilgard to conclude that there was a part of a mind that observed experience but did not respond to it.

For example, after hypnotic suggestions are successfully delivered for pain relief the hidden observer is still aware of and processes the pain stimuli at some level, but the experience is blocked from conscious awareness which reduces the suffering.

This hidden observer phenomena is also theorized to be the reason why hypnosis cannot make someone do something that is against his or her moral code.

In conjunction with appropriate medical care, hypnosis can help relieve the suffering of life-changing health challenges. If you would like to learn more, a free, confidential phone consultation is available by calling (732) 714-7040.