Hypnosis for Enhanced Healing and Recovery

Some skeptical types may think of hypnosis as being out there and too "woo" to be taken seriously, especially when it comes to helping with medical disorders.

However there is plenty of evidence to suggest it deserves a place in your total health care plan.

Two primary aspects of hypnosis: deep relaxation and the cultivation of positive expectation are well documented in their relationship to physical health. The mind and body are not separate entities!

Below are some academic citations of interest. Please feel free to connect with me if you have any questions by calling (732) 714-7040.


Autogenic Training was a "powerful" therapy in early stage cancer patients
Hidderley, M., & Holt, M. (2004). A pilot randomized trial assessing the effects of autogenic training in early stage cancer patients in relation to psychological status and immune system responses. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 8(1), 61-65.

Surgical Wounds Healed Faster with Hypnotic Visualization Technqiues
Broadbent, E., Kahokehr, A., Booth, R. J., Thomas, J., Windsor, J. A., Buchanan, C. M., . . . Hill, A. G. (2012). A brief relaxation intervention reduces stress and improves surgical wound healing response: A randomised trial. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 26(2), 212-217.

ACL Knee Surgery: the group that practiced imagery showed greater improvements in knee stability and reduced levels of stress hormones. The study authors speculate that imagery may speed recovery by reducing stress, which has been shown to interfere with healing.
Maddison, H. Prapavessis, M. Clatworthy, C. Hall, L. Foley, T. Harper, D. Cupal and B. Brewer. (2012) Guided imagery to improve functional outcomes post-anterior cruciate ligament repair: randomized-controlled pilot trial (pages 816–821). Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.

GHT (Gut directed hypnotherapy) improves IBS-related quality of life, is superior to supportive me dical treatment alone, and shows a long-term effect even in refractory IBS.

Moser, G., Trägner, S., Gajowniczek, E. E., Mikulits, A., Michalski, M., Kazemi-Shirazi, L., . . . Miehsler, W. (2013). Long-Term Success of GUT-Directed Group Hypnosis for Patients With Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 108(4), 602-609

Hypnosis for Social Anxiety and Fear of Public Speaking?

A new video on how hypnosis can help you experience greater social confidence

Alchemy and the Upside of Addiction? A Different Perspective

A working definition of addiction could be, "the continued use of a substance or engagement in a behavior in spite of negative consequences." Some addictions such as opioid misuse or severe alcoholism have an element of what is called "tissue dependency" where a person may need medical assistance to safely wean off of the drug of choice. However, most addictions such as smoking, overeating, gambling and a host of others do not create tissue dependency, although they can and do create significant problems.

You might wonder what be the upside of addiction when it wreaks so much havoc? Well it does show the person is able to focus and engage in persistent goal seeking behavior. It's been noted that addicts of all varieties seem to be more driven than the average person and that often people in recovery go on to attain remarkable achievements.

For example, smokers always ensure they have a steady supply of cigarettes and plan their activities around when and where they can smoke-no exceptions. "Junk food junkies" will frequently have a stash (often hidden) of their favorite unhealthy food in their home or car. A gambler can always find a place where he or she can lay down a wager and so on.

Just as the alchemists of old sought to transform the base metal lead into gold, its strongly advised that a new set of goals be formulated when a person finally decides to disengage from the addictive behavior.

Dealing with stressors, past trauma and improving self-image are also important factors in recovery, yet finding a healthy and appropriate channel for the goal seeking drive is necessary too.

This is why I will often tell smoking cessation clients that this is the perfect time to get into a fitness program or take care of projects around the house. They are often astounded at how much they are getting done once the compulsion to smoke has been redirected into something positive.

Please feel free to connect if you would like some help transforming some of your lead into gold. Either give me a call directly at (732) 714-7040 or fill out the Life Enhancement Strategy Form and I will get back to you ASAP.