Pure Hypnosis

Sean Wheeler - the "Heartbreak Hypnotist" - on The Bert Show 1.9.12

2012-01-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

After working with so many heartbroken clients in my practice during recent years, I mentioned on the Q100's Bert Show that I could help people get over a tough relationship.

They brought me back into the studio to take some calls and schedule sessions with some heartbroken Bert Show listeners. Next week I'm back on to discuss how it went and see if it worked!

Sean Wheeler on The Bert Show 1.4.12

2012-01-04T13:07:00.000-05:00

Here's a segment from Jan. 4th, 2012 where we discuss hypnotherapy to stop smoking and make changes in the new year. Jenn Hobby talks about her experience quitting with Sean Wheeler's assistance in January of 2010. She's still smoke-free!

Client Feedback: 1-Year Anniversary As a Non-Smoker!

2011-08-04T20:25:00.002-04:00

Here's a message from a client who came to me to stop smoking exactly one year ago today. This is great!

"Dear Sean,

I wasn't sure I'd see it myself, but here I am. TODAY. One year, smoke-free!

What a difference your hypnosis made in my life, and the lives of my husband and children. Gone are the stresses and side-effects of maintaining a relationship with cigarettes (and it is just that)... and my whole family is happier for it.

It was completely and totally hassle free and easy. I know. It sounds like it cannot be true and it's stunning to hear myself say it, but it's true. I can count on one hand the number of times over the last year that I've had even a passing thought about a cigarette. And in those cases, it's been more reminiscent, than a craving. More an acknowledgement -- "Now, see, BEFORE, I would have smoked at this event" -- than anything else. And even that thought or comment didn't trigger a craving. I have been floored the whole way through.

Other cessation products and programs just don't get to the heart of the matter the way you did. The way you flipped in my brain my response to short- versus long-term gratification was the key, I believe. Not a patch or a gum, and CERTAINLY not a self-supervised cold-turkey plan, can address the mental dependence on nicotine. I've tried them all and I am living proof.

There are other benefits: the amount of money I've saved is staggering. Probably three times the cost of the hypnosis - just this year! Everything smells better: my car, my clothes, my hair. Everything tastes better. I could go on and on...

So thank you for helping me change my life. It's had an awesome ripple effect in this house and I am grateful.

Wishing you and your future clients all the success in the world.

Sincerely,

Jenny"

VIDEO: Stop Smoking Success - Testimonial

2011-07-22T12:08:00.000-04:00

This video was recorded at the beginning of DeAnna's follow-up appointment, which took place about three weeks after her initial session to stop smoking. She does a good job of describing what it's like after that initial session, during those crucial first several days and weeks as a non-smoker.

Enjoy.

Success Story: Fear of Elevators

2011-03-30T12:30:00.009-04:00

Here's a message I just received from a client I've been working with on a fear of elevators, as well as a fear of flying. Prior to her initial session, her fear (stemming from claustrophobia) was so intense, she wouldn't even consider taking a ride on an elevator. In fact, the mere thought of an elevator was enough to make her feel extremely anxious and uncomfortable. Daring to look at one was almost unthinkable.

As far as her fear of flying is concerned, she has never taken a flight. Her fear of being trapped on a plane, unable to escape, had to this point prevented her from even considering making a reservation.

After her first session, she took a ride on an elevator (itself a huge step), felt more comfortable, but still had a bit of anxiety. After her second session with me, she sent the following email...

"Hi, Sean! Oh my god!! So today I was at SCAD to finish up projects and such for finals. I can’t even tell you how many times I rode the elevator!!! It was liberating! The first time, I was just a tiny bit nervous walking into it and when the doors closed. But I was totally fine on the ride and when it stopped because after it got all lined up, the doors opened. I can’t even begin to tell you how good this feels for me. I was relaxed and comfortable. This is so exciting for me. =) I honestly can’t thank you enough. And I'm thinking about booking a flight somewhere super soon! Thanks again! *Jenn"

VIDEO: Sean Wheeler on Swift Justice with Nancy Grace

2011-02-03T00:34:00.001-05:00

Sean Wheeler on Swift Justice with Nancy Grace

2011-01-28T10:59:00.003-05:00

Would you like to see one of the most unusual and impressive uses of hypnosis ever performed on national TV? Then tune in (or set your DVR) for my debut appearance on the nationally-syndicated hit show Swift Justice with Nancy Grace next Wednesday, Feb. 2nd at 2:00pm.

Click here for the promo they're running on the site.

It airs on Fox 5 in Atlanta daily, and if you're outside the city, you can click the link below for info on when and where it plays in your town.

http://www.swiftjustice.com/where_to_watch

I'll be appearing as an Expert Forensic Hypnotist and given a very difficult task to accomplish that is integral to a legal dispute. I can't discuss the specifics of the show due to signing an agreement, but I can tell you it's quite interesting and surprising... even for a hypnotist!

Amazing Feedback from a Client

2011-01-19T10:03:00.001-05:00

People sometimes wonder if the testimonials on my site are real, or if I just made them up. Well, I can tell you I'm simply not creative enough to make this stuff up!

The following are the words of a current client I've been working with on several issues that have been bothering her for years... some since childhood. After a couple sessions, the change has been so powerful that she's felt a need to express it in messages to me and other friends of hers. Below is a mix of what she wrote to them, to me, and on her blog. Take a look...

"I am FASCINATED!

I was as skeptical as anyone could possibly be... and positive that there was no way I could ever relax like that. It is not as bizarre as it sounds nor as terrifying to be "out of control" (which you are not) as I thought it would be. Friends of ours know Sean socially so I asked... got excellent feedback and took the plunge.

Sean is really fun and funny.

One of my fears is the phone. Sean called this morning to confirm due to ice on the roads and I called him back. No big deal?

Easy for you to say! I could answer a call most of the time, but returning a call was like pulling teeth. I saw the message, hit the button without thinking (or panicking) and called Sean back. Be there in 5 minutes, the roads are fine. I noticed how easy that was. So far so good....very good.

Unfortunately, in 5 minutes I was sliding backward on the steep, icy hill at his entrance. Had to call again (good grief...was this a test?) and ask if Sean could come rescue me.

Superman Sean came to my rescue and while "listening to the sound of his voice", he talked me down the hill. This is the "when pigs fly" moment. Shyness and stage fright were only the start of things... performance anxiety had a way of literally paralyzing me. In fact, the day of my first session with Sean, I could hardly make my way to his big comfy chair... with Sean pointing to it.

(In the past) when performance anxiety kicked in I simply could not function... there was no following directions, no appropriate response, just nothingness, as if frozen... as if drawing an enormous blank. Sliding down this hill, with two parked cars mere feet away, was a disaster waiting to happen in every sense.

When Sean arrived and explained how to get out of this mess we had the kicker: No panic attack, no shaking, no blanking out, no fainting or freezing, except from the cold. Nothing short of miraculous.

This was big... really BIG. What on Earth had just happened?
From the start I wondered how I was going to know this was working. I wondered what life would be like without being gripped by that powerful sensation of fear. What would "not panic" feel like? What does the absence of anything feel like? Would I recognize any change if it happened?

Tentatively, I would say it feels good. It feels safe. I feel grateful to the point of tears which feels odd... the tears part. I can see that there is more than a glimmer of hope... so much more.

This feels like Relief... quiet, very calm, relief.

The coolest thing is that it is effortless. I feel as if someone has reached down, pulled me up out of a deep pit and set me on my feet.

Strength, plus hypnosis, now have me skidding happily toward yet another great adventure. Yahoooooooooooo! Feel as if I am conquering my world!

No matter... high-five, fist bump, big hug and THANK YOU, Sean."

Ann Russell
Roswell, GA

Fitness Magazine article on Weight Loss

2011-01-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

Check this out... my first (but not last!) mention in a national publication spreading awareness about the benefits of hypnosis. This brief article was written by a woman who came to see me for three sessions a while back. She had modest goals - lose about 15 pounds - and had already lost about half that by the time she wrote the piece.

Notice that she wasn't perfect after being hypnotized... she made mistakes! That's normal. The difference is that the mistake doesn't lead to feeling disheartened and giving up. I teach my clients to learn from their mistakes and make FEWER of them as time goes on. That's how I've been able to help my clients lose 20-50-70 pounds over the course of many months.

Click the image above for the full article.

Pure Hypnosis Page on Facebook

2011-01-10T11:34:00.001-05:00

I just recently set up a Pure Hypnosis Page on Facebook, so if you haven't already done so, please click the link and "like" my page. I'll be posting updates and info more frequently there than on this blog, due to its ease of use.

Thanks!

How Hypnosis Works

2011-01-09T20:56:00.001-05:00

In this video, I give a talk about the basics of hypnosis prior to hypnotizing a room full of people during a seminar celebrating the 7th Annual World Hypnotism Day. Recorded on Jan 2nd, 2011 at the Courtyard Mariott in Vinings, GA. Visit http://www.purehypnosis.com for more information.

Strange Issues that Respond to Hypnosis

2011-01-09T10:31:00.001-05:00

This is from my World Hypnotism Day seminar on 1/2/11. Lots of good laughs from the audience in this clip, so enjoy!

Jan 2nd Seminar More Than 50% Full

2010-12-18T17:28:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on that FREE Hypnosis Seminar in honor of the 7th Annual World Hypnotism Day scheduled for January 2nd, 2011.

At the moment, we have 55 reservations confirmed on Meetup.com and another 10-20 from my Facebook Event page, which means there are roughly 25-35 spots remaining.

Time, location and other details are available at the links above.

So don't hesitate, click one of those links to secure your spot... have a safe & happy holiday season, and I'll see you in the New Year!

FREE Hypnosis Seminar on January 2nd!

2010-12-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

Want your New Year's Resolution to actually mean something for a change?

Then attend my FREE hypnosis event in celebration of the 7th Annual World Hypnotism Day - and discover how to make your resolution stick in 2011.

This event will include helpful information, audience participation, group hypnosis, prizes, giveaways and plenty of LAUGHS.

On the agenda:

Why most New Year's Resolutions fail (and how to make yours stick)
How I helped Jenn Hobby -- of Q100's The Bert Show -- to quit smoking
Why my weight loss program -- featured in the February 2011 issue of Fitness Magazine -- really works
Hollywood Hypno-phobia: How TV and movies promote fear of hypnosis
The strangest issues I've ever worked on with clients
How to practice hypnosis in the comfort of your home
How to eliminate cravings for food, cigarettes & other addictions

This event will also include:

FREE Chair Massages by Certified Massage Therapist Priscilla Hollman of the Tranquil Spirit Center
Prizes: Sean will give away more than $2,000 worth of hypnosis sessions, CD's & more
More Prizes: (4) 30-min massage certificates courtesy of Priscilla Hollman
The event will wrap up with a group hypnosis exercise for everyone in attendance.

This is a completely FREE event to promote World Hypnotism Day. It's not a sales pitch, but all who attend will qualify for special offers on individual hypnotherapy programs as well.

This event is no risk and all reward. So grab a friend, RSVP here on meetup.com and I'll see you on Jan 2nd!

Sincerely,

Sean

------------------

Clinical Hypnotherapist and Founder of Pure Hypnosis, Sean Wheeler has been featured on Q100's The Bert Show, B98.5 FM and Food Network Radio. His weight loss program will be featured in the February 2011 issue of Fitness Magazine.

How To Skydive with NO FEAR!

2010-12-02T13:04:00.004-05:00

In this video, you'll see a first-time skydiver go through her jump with no fear, two days after being hypnotized by yours truly. This is great fun... and educational, to boot!

Sean Wheeler on Dishing With Donna 8.28.10

2010-08-30T18:55:00.004-04:00

Clinical Hypnotherapist Sean Wheeler of Pure Hypnosis appears on “Dishing With Donna” on Food Network Radio, 920AM in Atlanta, to discuss healthy eating and weight loss for lovers of great food.

Sean Wheeler on Food Network Radio This Saturday!

2010-08-27T10:45:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to give you a heads-up and let you know that I will be appearing on Food Network Radio tomorrow, Saturday, 8/28 from 4:00pm-5:00pm on the "Dishing With Donna" show.

Donna's previous guests include Paula Deen, Guy Fieri and other Food Network personalities... and rumor has it I'll be filling in for Bobby Flay, who was a late cancellation (and some say he could be my stunt double).

This week Donna is trying something new on the show in response to requests from her listeners: I and another guest will be in the studio talking about diet, health and how to keep the weight off while enjoying all that wonderful food!

"Dishing With Donna" airs live on 920AM Radio from 4:00pm-5:00pm, and is repeated on 1190AM Radio from 5:00-6:00pm. The show will also repeat on 920AM Radio on Sunday at 6:00pm.

I hope you can tune in for a bit. If not, I'll have the clips available in a few days here on this blog.

100% Success with Smokers This Week

2010-08-21T12:53:00.000-04:00

Just got finished with two more clients today who came in for their second appointment to stop smoking. Both haven't smoked in the three weeks since their initial session... and one of them had never made it more than a week without a cigarette in his entire life.

Great news.

All in all, I had five clients scheduled for their follow-up appointments this week. Out of those five, not a single one has had even a single puff in the weeks following their initial session. One of them even canceled his second appointment because he had other important things to do and felt as though he didn't need any more help at the moment.

Another client came in for her first session this week, and just a few days later posted this on Twitter:

Client Feedback: wine drinking, overeating, and fear of flying (oh, my!)

2010-08-14T19:15:00.005-04:00

Just got this message from a client I saw for three sessions a short while ago. Each session had a different focus, and it appears that she responded extraordinarily well all three times.

Regarding the wine issue, she had been drinking a few glasses of wine each day for a long period of time and wanted to stop for health and other reasons. The other issues are more self-explanatory.

Take a look...

"Hi Sean! I have a lot to tell you. I apologize for taking so long; I wanted to have lots of good news to share!

After we had our third session I felt like a new person. We tackled three problems in my life: lack of control with wine, overeating, and fear of flying.

I'm absolutely THRILLED to tell you that I feel completely in control of my life now. I just passed the final test with flying colors. My husband had a business trip to Encinada, Mexico, for a Wine Festival, and I was lucky enough to be able to go along. Three days of wine tasting, eating and opera. (Does it get any better?)

I thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting (after going over a month without having anything, and without struggle). I felt completely in control and even refused some when I didn't feel like it.

To date I've lost over eleven pounds. And still going strong!

As for the fear of flying, on the way out my husband noted that my hands were not "gross and clammy" like usual (high praise). On the return trip I actually slept through the take off!

I am truly grateful for the help you've given me; please continue to help others with your gift.

Take care!"

-Carolyn Narreau
Suwanee, GA

VIDEO from Comedy Hypnosis Show on July 5th, 2010

2010-07-07T08:58:00.005-04:00

Client Feedback: Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling)

2010-06-27T21:35:00.005-04:00

Here's some positive feedback I received from a client I recently worked with on a pretty rare issue: hair-pulling. If you're interested in learning a bit more about this problem, check out the Wikipedia page.

I worked with this client over the course of three sessions, but she hasn't pulled her hair since the very first session. When this is the case, the subsequent sessions are used to strengthen and reinforce, with the goal always being permanent change that feels natural.

As this is often a private or embarrassing problem that many are able to hide from their peers, this particular client agreed to allow me to publish her words, but chose to remain anonymous. Take a look...

"I’ve lived with Trichotillomania for well over 20 years. I have tried everything recommended to help my condition yet nothing ever worked until I met with Sean. After Sean hypnotized me the first time I felt so calm and had no desire to pull my hair. It has been 2 months and I have not touched my hair which is a new record for me.

Thank you, Sean. You have changed my life!"

Anon

Atlanta, GA

Client Feedback: Fear of Flying (A Highly-Detailed Report)

2010-06-27T21:28:00.003-04:00

Here's some very detailed feedback from a client who I worked with on his fear of flying. As is often the case, his conscious mind wasn't sure his fear was gone until after he took a couple flights. However, the results were excellent. Take a look...

"I flew to Las Vegas on the morning of 4/28. As we discussed I was nervous that I was going to have anxiety about flying. I had one drink prior to the flight. The flight had rather steady turbulence throughout which normally would have caused my to be uneasy the entire flight. I would rate my anxiety during the flight at 1(on a scale of 1 to 10). Normally it would have been a consistent 3-5, with turbulence it could have jumped above 5 quite easily. The flight back I was very hung over so I had no preflight drink nor did I drink on the flight. I had no anxiety prior to the flight nor during the flight.

A week later I had a day trip to Miami. Again the flight down was light turbulence and I had no anxiety. The flight back was bumpier but I still had little to no anxiety. At one point we hit a startling batch of clear air turbulence where the plane jolted and then lurched from side to side for 10 seconds. My heart rate jumped to about 150 bpm but I was able to settle down within 30 seconds and returned to a no anxiety state within a few minutes.

In conclusion, I now seem to be indifferent to most turbulence and generally don't have much to any fear of flying. In the past it only took a little bit of turbulence for my subconscious to take over and imagine the worst case scenario. Overall I would say that I am very pleased with my progress and your help in getting me to where I am now.

Thanks again for your help and I won't hesitate to recommend your services to a friend."

B.K.

Smyrna, GA

Client Feedback: Alcohol Control, Self-Confidence & More

2010-06-27T21:07:00.005-04:00

This testimonial just came in from a recent client of mine who came seeking help with anxiety, self-confidence, blushing, as well as food & alcohol control issues. Take a look...

"I have experienced anxiety & confidence issues for as long as I can remember, many times avoiding interaction with others for fear of blushing & making a fool of myself. I didn't pursue career opportunities because of my lack of self esteem. I was too afraid of how I would be perceived.

After my sessions with Sean, I have gained confidence I never could have imagined. Not only am I more relaxed but my family & friends have noticed how much happier I am. I recently had a very successful job interview.

Sean has also helped me with food & alcohol issues. I no longer sip wine & consume junk food every night, only to wake up feeling incredibly guilty the next day. I have gained control with both eating & drinking. I've always liked exercising, but with these new changes taking place, my workouts are far more effective now.

I am amazed at the results after just a few sessions with Sean. He has helped me with so many aspects of my life. It is the best money I've ever spent!"

J.A.

-Atlanta, GA

Jenn Hobby: Still Smoke-Free After 21 Days!

2010-02-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

Jenn Hobby of Q100's "The Bert Show" updated her Twitter page today... see for yourself!

The Bert Show's Jenn Hobby: Progress Report

2010-02-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Jenn Hobby has been tweeting about her success since our session two weeks ago to help her stop smoking. Here it is in her words:

The day after: "I can confidently say that I'm not going to smoke again... ever."

One week later: "7 Days and going strong! You changed my head and my habits and MY LIFE! Thanks. I owe ya."

Two weeks later: "21 days to break a habit right? More than halfway there then. 14 Days smoke free. and yes, I do feel more free. Thanks."

The Bert Show's Jenn Hobby Discusses Being Hypnotized by Sean Wheeler to Stop Smoking

2010-01-21T16:35:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I hypnotized Jenn Hobby - of Q100's "The Bert Show" - to stop smoking. This morning, she shared her experience on the air. This is a pretty interesting segment... for the first time, bits & pieces from the actual hypnosis portion of the session are broadcast live over the air. I had to warn them not to play it too long... lest some people driving begin veering off the road!

Listen to what Jenn has to say, and be sure to listen to part 2 below for the conclusion... in which she talks about how confident she is about being done with the habit for good.

Today's appearance on Q100's "The Bert Show"

2010-01-11T22:56:00.004-05:00

Today I made my second appearance on "The Bert Show"... the popular morning show on Q100 in Atlanta. This time I got to talk about stop smoking hypnosis again (and how I'll soon be working with co-host Jenn Hobby), New Year's Resolutions, and then also answered some questions from listeners... which begins in part 2 below.

World Hypnotism Day - Success Story

2010-01-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

Here's a clip from my hypnosis event on Sunday in which a guy who attended my event last year talks about how he quit smoking and stayed quit for a year. This is how it works...

Another spot on Q100's Bert Show

2010-01-05T16:51:00.003-05:00

The folks at Q100 (99.7FM) in Atlanta have invited me back on The Bert Show next Monday, Jan 11th. Tune in around 8:15am to hear me chat about New Year's Resolutions - in particular about people who want to stop smoking.

Back in November I was on the show to talk about the Great American Smokeout, and possibly hypnotizing the Bert Show's Jenn Hobby to stop smoking. We'll have an update on that and possibly work with a Q100 listener to stop smoking, too.

I'll record the show and post it here soon thereafter in case you miss it.

Slow Response Time

2010-01-05T14:56:00.002-05:00

Had a great World Hypnotism Day event on Sunday... and I'll tell you all about it soon - it's tough to type with one hand in a cast (another story for another time!).

Right now I just want to mention that my email server is down, which is why I haven't been able to receive messages at sean@purehypnosis.com in the past 24+ hours.

Please be as patient as you can be, or call me at 678-488-7362 if your message is timely.

Thanks!

Sean

Free WHD Event is 5 Days Away!

2009-12-29T12:25:00.002-05:00

Time is getting short and spaces are filling up (65 RSVP's at the moment) so I'll make this quick & to the point. Here's what's happening this Sunday, Jan. 3rd at the Hyatt Regency on WIndy Hill Rd.

-FREE Chair Massages!
-Giveaways: $350 hot stone massage package, $400 hypnotherapy program, $150 chiropractic/wellness program
-Speakers: including last year's attendee celebrating 1-year anniversary as a non-smoker!
-Deep Discounts on my hypnotherapy sessions and programs available only to those in attendance
-Music
-And of course, the Grande Finale: a group hypnosis exercise guaranteed to leave everyone calm, relaxed and focused on their goals

RSVP Now if you haven't already!

http://www.meetup.com/purehypnosis/calendar/12091514/

VIDEO: Info About Free Event on World Hypnotism Day

2009-12-18T23:40:00.001-05:00

Hypnotist Offers $15,000 Stimulus Package to Atlanta's Middle Class to Kick Off 2010

2009-12-18T09:59:00.003-05:00

Atlanta's Leading Hypnotist, Sean Wheeler provides $15,000 worth of services free of charge to Atlanta area residents in celebration of World Hypnotism Day - January 4th, 2010.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 18, 2009 -- Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Sean Wheeler is giving away health and happiness - free of charge - to 100 lucky residents of Metro Atlanta in celebration of the 6th Annual World Hypnotism Day. The climax of this free event is a group hypnosis exercise during which Wheeler will hypnotize those people to stop smoking, lose weight, stick to their resolutions and accomplish their goals.
"2009 was an extremely stressful year for many middle-class people in Atlanta," said Wheeler, a certified member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. "I'm offering my own stimulus package to give them a boost - and an opportunity to make 2010 much, much better."
A hypnotist can’t make people do anything against their will, whether it’s on a stage or in therapy. Otherwise, I’d take the first plane to D.C. and hypnotize Congress.
January 4th is the day when hypnosis professionals in more than 20 countries promote the benefits of hypnotism. This event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 3rd to give working people a chance to attend.
"One great thing about this stimulus package is that it's not going to the wealthy - it's going to the people who really need it," said Wheeler, "and the best part is that they'll never have to pay it back."
Hypnosis has a strange reputation, mostly due to movies and comedy shows that promote the myth of the all-powerful hypnotist, and that reputation causes some people to hesitate.
"Many thousands of people have used hypnosis to stop smoking, lose weight and eliminate stress," Wheeler explained, "The science and the studies back it up, and public perception is slowly changing."
Wheeler is also an accomplished Stage Hypnotist, offering shows as fundraisers for schools and charities, but don't expect anyone to start clucking like a chicken at this event.
"A hypnotist can't make people do anything against their will, whether it's on a stage or in therapy. Otherwise, I'd take the first plane to D.C. and hypnotize Congress," Wheeler laughed.
The free event will take place at the Hyatt Regency on Windy Hill Rd in Marietta from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010. Registration is required, and RSVP information is available at www.purehypnosis.com and www.pure-hypnosis.blogspot.com.
About Sean Wheeler
Sean Wheeler is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with the National Guild of Hypnotists and the founder of Pure Hypnosis. Wheeler has appeared on Q100's "The Bert Show" on 99.7 FM and "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life" on B98.5 FM, and he will soon be featured in Fitness Magazine. He has performed as master of ceremonies, entertainer and speaker at venues including Atlanta's Fox Theatre, as well as for academic and scientific organizations throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

FREE Hypnosis Event on Jan 3rd - Start the New Year Off Right!

2009-12-15T16:49:00.001-05:00

Jan 4th is the 6th Annual World Hypnotism Day, and this year I'm celebrating by hosting a FREE event in the Atlanta area... on January 3rd. Yeah, I know, I know... but I figured more people would be able to make it on a Sunday than a Monday, and what better way to start off 2010 than with a healthy dose of relaxation and positive focus.

So, whatever your desire - whether to stop smoking, lose some weight, make more money, reduce stress or just get happier - RSVP at the link below and I'll see you there!

What: FREE Hypnosis Seminar

Where: Hyatt Regency on Windy Hill Rd

When: Jan. 3rd, 2010

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

RSVP required for attendance! Register here: http://www.meetup.com/purehypnosis/calendar/12091514/?success=rsvpYesOrgCreateGroup

Sean Wheeler on Q-100's The Bert Show

2009-11-20T23:32:00.005-05:00

Check out this clip from my appearance on The Bert Show... one of the most popular morning radio shows in Atlanta - on Q-100 (99.7FM). Thursday, November 19th was the 34th Annual Great American Smokeout... and they wanted me to hypnotize morning show personality Jenn Hobby to stop smoking. Good info & laughs included...

Public Speaking Confidence: Case Study

2009-11-12T19:06:00.002-05:00

Just got a message from a client I worked with this past summer. When she first came in, she was terrified at the thought of speaking in front of her class. After a few sessions, and with the help of hypnosis CD recordings made during those sessions, this was the result:

"I just wanted to let you know that my presentation back in August went really well. I didn't look nervous at all, although I was but that is normal. Some people said that I was one of the best speakers in the class. After that I had another presentation, and it also went well.

Thank you very much for all your help."

-S.N.

Auburn, AL

I want to draw your attention to one important phrase she wrote: "although I was but that is normal." This is really so beautiful, because it is absolutely natural to have some nervous feelings of excitement when speaking publicly.

Typically, only seasoned veterans with years of experience feel completely comfortable when doing so. At least, that's been my experience. After years of doing improv comedy, I felt as comfortable on stage as I did in my own living room. Same thing goes with being in a classroom environment, in front of a TV camera, or anywhere else.

What's important in the beginning, at least when you've had experiences speaking that are so uncomfortable and tense, is that you acknowledge those feelings and move forward confidently. Usually, the other people in the room can't tell you're a bit nervous on the inside... even if you have a few butterflies.

For this client of mine, her experience will continue to improve with the more opportunities she has to speak. The best part is that she now knows she can do it, and that she can do it well. How pleasant it will be for her when those feelings dissolve completely... and she can really start having fun.

It's a blast to feel comfortable in front of an audience... very empowering. I think it's something everyone should experience at least a few times, and I'm happy to help others like her get on the path to that destination.

Comedy Hypnosis Show 11-5-09

2009-11-08T13:52:00.003-05:00

Here are a few clips from my recent comedy hypnosis show at Snead State Community College in Boaz, Alabama. To find out why people do these crazy things during hypnosis shows, check out the following video on my youtube channel: Stage Hypnosis Secrets Revealed

PODCAST: How To Know if You've Been Hypnotized

2009-07-28T11:14:00.004-04:00

Here's Part 2 of an interview I did with another Atlanta-based hypnotherapist, Dr. Wesley Anderson. Here, we discuss some of the characteristics of the hypnotic state, so you can determine whether or not you've experienced it during a session.

Interview with Dr. Wesley Anderson of Trance-Formations - Part 1: Misconceptions

2009-07-19T21:42:00.005-04:00

I've just done a series of podcasts with my good friend and fellow hypnotherapist - Dr. Wesley Anderson of Trance-Formations. In this first installment, we discuss some of the common misconceptions about hypnosis, and share some of our own experiences.

There will be at least three more installments from this interview, so be sure to check back here soon for updates.

Comedy Hypnosis Show Clip

2009-07-12T23:39:00.003-04:00

Here's a brief montage from a recent comedy hypnosis show I performed for the National Youth Leadership Forum - a group of bright high school students from around the country who will be seniors this fall. I'll soon be doing more of these shows at high schools throughout Georgia as fund raisers, so if you know of a group or school that's looking for fund raising ideas, send them this video and give them my contact info.

Enjoy!

FAQ: "How Much Does it Cost?"

2009-06-23T15:45:00.003-04:00

I've recently added this info to the Pure Hypnosis website, but thought I'd include it here as well... since it's probably the second most popular question I receive (after "Does hypnosis really work?").

-Sean

-------------

My standard rate is $150/hour. I also offer multi-session programs starting at $397 for three sessions. There are set prices for programs for smoking cessation ($397) and weight loss ($397-$950).

If your issues are outside of those specific programs, I will give you an estimate for number of sessions and cost prior to beginning our work together... based on information I receive from you about your history and goals. The choice is always yours as to whether to take it one session at a time, or to choose one of the available programs.

When you're ready to move forward, please complete the client intake form and return it via fax (404-529-4291) or email. Feel free to call if you have any further questions. We can also set up a free consultation if you'd like to discuss things in more detail before making a decision to move forward.

Client Feedback: First Week After Hypnosis

2009-05-01T13:12:00.004-04:00

Just got this email from a client I saw this week. As always, I received her permission before posting it here. This gives a good example of what you can expect during the first few days:

"I just wanted to give you an update, its been 96 hours and NO SMOKING!!!!!! I am so happy, I'm not going to say that I have not thought about smoking, but that's just it. When the thought comes into my mind, it goes out just as fast. I have had NO withdraws or thoughts of giving in. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.... YOU are Awesome!"
-Amy Whisnant

THIS Saturday: (almost) FREE Hypnosis Seminar

2009-04-13T20:32:00.003-04:00

In case you hadn't heard, I'll be hosting a hypnosis seminar focused on dealing with economic stress... this Saturday, April 18th, at Serenity Lakes Wellness Center in Lawrenceville, GA.

This will include a bunch of tips for your conscious mind, as well as a complete group hypnosis experience to deliver the messages to your subconscious. Those who sign up will also receive an audio recording of the hypnotic induction FREE of charge.

The event is "almost" free because the kind folks as Serenity Lakes ask for a $5 love donation at the door. Once you see the venue, you'll be happy to drop a five spot into the basket... it's a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere that you'll want to visit again and again.

I'll be doing hypnosis seminars at Serenity Lakes on the 3rd Saturday of every month from now on... always focused on different topics designed to benefit those in attendance.

This one starts at 2:00pm and runs until around 4:00pm, and you'll leave feeling much more relaxed than you were when you arrived.

Here's the link where you can RSVP at Meetup.com.

VIDEO: My Clients - In Their Own Words

2009-04-11T10:45:00.001-04:00

B98.5 Interview - Listen Now

2009-04-05T19:02:00.003-04:00

Here is the interview I did with Suzi Marsh, host of "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life" on B98.5 in Atlanta. It's divided into 5 parts, due to YouTube's limit of 10 minutes per video.

It covers a wide array of topics, from smoking cessation, weight loss, fears & phobias... to comedy stage hypnosis, stories about clients I've worked with, my background and training, and a whole lot more.

Suzi had me on air for the entire hour, so I got to gab quite a bit.

Listen and enjoy-

Sean

B98.5 Interview Airs Sunday 4/5 at 6:50am

2009-04-04T16:49:00.004-04:00

Be sure to tune in to B98.5 FM in Atlanta tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 6:50am to hear me discuss all things hypnosis (and more) with host Suzi Marsh (picture, below). The program is called "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life," and I'll be appearing on air for a full hour.

Here's the link where you can listen live online: http://b985.com/

In case you miss it, I'll be recording the entire interview and posting it here on this blog via YouTube shortly after it airs.

Hope you can catch it. It came out great, and includes some highlights of my work with clients over the past six years.

New Video: Introduction to Pure Hypnosis

2009-04-04T16:47:00.000-04:00

Georgia Smokers to Shell Out an Extra 62 Cents Per Pack Starting Today

2009-04-01T13:05:00.003-04:00

It's no April Fool's joke.

Starting today, Georgia smokers will have to pay an extra 62 cents per pack of cigarettes. That works out to an extra $6.20 per carton, or more than $200/year for the average smoker.

This is thanks to a new federal tax, which you can learn more about here: http://is.gd/q7EQ

So... it may be just the right time to think about quitting after all, huh?

B98.5 Radio Interview To Air Sunday, April 5th

2009-03-30T22:17:00.003-04:00

I had a great time this morning recording an interview with Suzi Marsh (http://suzi-marsh.com/) for B98.5 FM. It runs a full hour, and will air in Atlanta this coming Sunday, April 5th at 7:00am.

This is great for you Early Birds, but for everyone else, worry not... I'll be recording the show and making it available online shortly thereafter.

Topics discussed include comedy hypnosis shows, fears & phobias, regression therapy, smoking cessation, weight gain, NLP, food cravings and much more.

You can listen online here: http://b985.com/

Success Story: Stop Smoking Seminar on Jan 4th, 2009

2009-03-27T17:11:00.005-04:00

Just received more feedback from someone who attended my free Stop Smoking seminar on World Hypnotism Day. It's been almost 3 months now... and it appears that Andrew is doing quite well. Smoke-free and not looking back...

Here's his email (printed with permission):

Hey Sean,

Just a quick update from me. I am still smoke free from our first and only session on World Hypnotism Day on January 4, 2009 (about 12 weeks later!). Seriously, you have changed my life more than I can explain and I don’t even think about cigarettes in my life.

I have friends who are now using my story as inspiration and I have been telling them about how fantastic it feels and how simple it can be. Also, my friend [name withheld] has been working with you and I know she is enjoying her time and feels like your sessions are very beneficial. I have a few other folks who I have referred to you for smoking so I hope they can find the success that I have found.

Thank you again.

Andrew Rader

Radio Interview on B98.5

2009-03-27T09:57:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note that I'll soon be on the airwaves talking about hypnosis - specifically B98.5 in Atlanta. Monday, March 30th, I'll be in the studio with Suzi Marsh, recording a 1/2 hour segment for her program "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life." It airs on Sunday mornings, and when I get the specific time & date I'll update this blog right away.

Here's a link where you can find more info about the show: http://www.suzi-marsh.com/

It also appears likely that I'll do another 1/2 hour spot in April, so keep on the lookout for that as well.

I'm looking forward to sharing good information about hypnosis to a wide audience.

Best-

Client: "I completely forgot about smoking"

2009-03-23T10:35:00.000-04:00

Last week a client of mine (and 35-year, every day smoker) was kind enough to do a brief interview with me about her experience since using my Stop Smoking Hypnosis program a little more than four months ago. I have to admit, her feedback was impressive... even to me!

I'll have a full audio interview with her posted this week, but in the meantime, here are a few of her very own words in print:

"I was a die-hard smoker. I never really thought I could quit.

I was hoping and praying that this would work. I just didn't know how easy and effortless it was going to be... just completely effortless.

I kept thinking 'I'm forgetting something... I don't know what I'm forgetting, but I'm forgetting something.'

I didn't even think about smoking. It didn't even enter my mind. Within a week or so, I truly forgot about smoking. It was just amazing. It was a miracle.

It's been four months and I know I'm never going to smoke again. I don't even think about smoking... it's the last thing on my mind. It's just not a part of my life anymore."

Jan Madajewski
Flowery Branch, GA

Hypnosis Seminar in Lawrenceville

2009-03-22T10:06:00.002-04:00

Mark this date on your calendar: Saturday, April 18th at 2:00pm

At that date & time, I'll be making another appearance at Serenity Lakes Wellness Center in Lawrenceville. This seminar is about dealing with economic stress during these tough times. It's basically a free event, although my gracious hosts request a $5 "Love Donation" at the door.

So come out and give us a little love... it's really a beautiful and relaxing wellness center. You begin feeling more peaceful the moment you walk through the door.

Click here to RSVP at Meetup.com.

From now on, I'll be offering hypnosis seminars at Serenity Lakes on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

Success Story from WHD Stop Smoking Seminar

2009-03-08T14:28:00.000-04:00

Here is some feedback from someone who attended my Stop Smoking Hypnosis Seminar on World Hypnotism Day - January 4th, 2009.

"Hi Sean! I wanted to give you a update on my experiences since your seminar. First and foremost I am smoke-FREE! I have been since the group seminar, and I've gone through some really challenging times in the last two months. I had tried every method to quit before, and with your help I have kicked this thing once and for all!

Thanks for all you do, it has really worked for me!"

Kristin Zimmermann
Atlanta, GA

How I Helped an Iraq War Vet

2009-03-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

This is an email I received today from an Iraq War vet I worked with just before Christmas 2008. It's nice to be of service to someone who's been of service.

Take a look:

"Hey, Sean. I'm not too entirely sure you remember me, but I had a visit with you just before Christmas. I just want to thank you so very much for everything. I still listen to our session every night just prior to falling asleep, and it totally helps me get in the right frame of mind to leave all of the day's worries and anxieties behind me.

Just recently I made the decision to completely stop taking the meds prescribed to me for sleeping/anxiety/hypervigilance, and I'm not lying when I say that I haven't slept this well in what seems like forever.

Crowds aren't as much of a problem for me, and I actually give other drivers on the road the benefit of the doubt instead of losing my mind!

When I left your office that day, I felt a high and a peace that I believe helped me start a new chapter in my life.

Thank you so much for doing what you do, man."

Taylor Michel, US Army Soldier
Fort Belvoir, VA

Report from Hypnosis Seminar

2009-02-23T11:29:00.007-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment and thank the fine people at Serenity Lakes Wellness Center in Lawrenceville for such a warm reception. I made my first (and certainly not last) appearance there as a speaker on Saturday, and found it to be a really great place to chat with an audience about the benefits of hypnosis.

The event wrapped up with a group hypnosis session, after which one woman proclaimed:

"My headache is gone!"

"You're welcome," I said with a smile.

Here's a brief breakdown of what was included on Saturday, Feb. 21st:

-Understanding stage hypnosis
-Ridiculous things I did while hypnotized on stage (!)
-My background and training
-How I became a hypnotherapist & comedy hypnotist
-How hypnosis works for weight loss, phobias & smoking cessation
-A group hypnosis demonstration
-A brief history of Milton H. Erickson and his unique approach
-How we are hypnotized by TV and media
-Deceptive advertising by pharmaceutical companies
-Giveaway of several of my hypnosis CD programs
-Q&A with audience

After talking with the folks at Serenity Lakes, it looks likely that I'll be speaking there on a regular basis (perhaps monthly), so be sure to check here on this blog, or sign up for the newsletter at purehypnosis.com to receive updates and details.

5 Things You Didn't Know Hypnosis Can Do

2009-02-17T11:38:00.015-05:00

Everyone knows hypnosis can help you quit smoking and lose weight, but what else can you do with it? Here are some ideas...

1. Get over a breakup

I've posted a couple articles about this recently. Really, it works like this... hypnosis can help you to quickly change your focus, while forgetting (more often) about unpleasant memories, thoughts or experiences. This isn't "erasing" your memory, just speeding up the natural emotional healing process so you can move on and live your life.

2. Lose your internet addiction

One of the more common complaints I receive from clients is their inability to stop surfing (or playing) on the web. This causes stress due to procrastinating on the important tasks (getting things done). Eliminate procrastination and stress as you build automatic reminders that allow you to unplug from the monitor from time to time.

3. Change your career path

If you find yourself unhappy with your current job or career, but lack the confidence or creativity to change direction, hypnosis may be just what the doctor ordered. Taking a step back, evaluating your strengths and interests, and looking at things from a new perspective are only the beginning of what hypnosis can help you to do.

4. Don't sweat the small stuff (seriously)

You always hear people say "Don't sweat the small stuff," but they fail to teach you how, exactly, not to get upset when someone cuts you off in traffic. Hypnosis actually gives you the tools and the mindset to focus on what's important and let the little things go.

5. Have more fun

When you're feeling better, more comfortable in your own skin, and focusing on what's important, you don't need pills, drugs, food or booze to enjoy life. You're more comfortable being yourself, and thus more free to simply be. This lack of self-consciousness in social and intimate situations leads to a greater enjoyment of the moment, and greater satisfaction in life.

FREE Stop Smoking Event on Feb 28th

2009-02-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

That's right... I'm hosting a follow-up event to the free stop smoking hypnosis seminar on January 4th. This time it's a smaller gathering - limited to 10 people - that will take place at my home office in Marietta.

Here are the details:

What: FREE Stop Smoking Hypnosis Event
Where: Pure Hypnosis, LLC
When: Feb 28th, 2009
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Register: Stop Smoking Solution Meetup Group

Hypnosis CD's: The Value of Reinforcement

2009-02-04T09:32:00.003-05:00

This clip is from a my stop smoking hypnosis seminar on World Hypnotism Day. Here, I talk about why it's important to practice self-hypnosis (via the use of cd's) on a daily basis in order to enjoy the highest degree of success.

The Cure for Heartbreak or Valentine's Day Blues

2009-02-03T11:25:00.011-05:00

For some people, Valentine's Day means love, romance and companionship. For many, many others... it's a time to recall depressing memories of love lost, to feel jealous of couples in public, and construct a shield of protection against all the feelings of hurt that relationships can bring.

A client recently asked me if hypnosis can help you get over a painful break-up. My reply was this: "Notice how a break-up hurts less and less over time? Hypnosis can make that happen MUCH quicker."

This is possible because it has to do with how you think. When your thoughts about the break-up change, your feelings and experience change.

I know this personally, because I experienced it myself. Years ago, I was suffering tremendous feelings of jealousy after an ex became involved with a new boyfriend. After a visit with a hypnotherapist, the painful thoughts that I had been obsessing over had been changed. I just couldn't focus on them in the same way, tended to forget about them more often, and as a result, I felt a lot better.

Help is Closer Than You Think

Last year, I had a client who was so depressed about a break-up, that by the time he arrived for his appointment, he literally hadn't slept in 4 days. He also wasn't eating, and had lost a great deal of weight. This guy was rail thin, with circles around his eyes, and his ex-girlfriend was already in a new relationship. Even worse, she was touting the new boyfriend as being "the One"... eliminating any hope my client had for getting back together.

I saw this client for one session, and after a few months had passed I heard from him again. He was contacting me in regard to a friend who was in the same dire straits. Apparently, that initial session had been so helpful that he had since returned to a healthy weight, gotten his life back together, and he was now contacting me to find out if I could help his buddy.

A Speedy Recovery

Really, it's like fast-forwarding the natural healing process. You know that expression - Time Heals All Wounds? Well, they never tell you how much time... and that's because it varies from person to person depending on how they choose to think about the painful experience.

So, in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm making a special offer for the month of February. If you'd like to get over the pain of a break-up, or gain back the confidence or motivation to get back out there and date again (and have a little fun) without worrying about getting hurt, now's the time.

I'll give you $100 off the cost of any program.

For more info, call 678.488.7362 and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Top 3 Hypnosis Myths

2009-01-30T16:35:00.011-05:00

Pretty much everyone who's never been hypnotized has at least one of these worries on the mind. So, without further ado... let's destroy some myths!

1. You Lose Control When Hypnotized

This one comes mostly from watching comedy hypnosis shows. People in the audience see people on the stage doing such ridiculous things (like my rendition of Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby, One More Time" while hypnotized on stage in Las Vegas in '07)... they think "Well, they would NEVER act like that if they knew what was going on!"

Hypnotized high school students during one of my shows

Well, well... let's hold on there just a minute.

Yes, it's true that, while hypnotized, people do things they wouldn't otherwise do. However, they will only do what they feel is appropriate given the situation. For example, you behave differently when you're around your best friend than you behave in an elevator, right? Most people do. Being hypnotized makes you feel very comfortable and relaxed, which allows you to goof around and take things less seriously. It also allows you to focus on what the hypnotist says, while forgetting about problems or distractions.

Sounds terrible, right? Ask me again why I do this for a living...

2. You Forget Everything You Do Under Hypnosis

Sometimes in the comedy shows, the hypnotist will suggest people forget what they did on stage. Pay special attention to the word "suggest." It's not a command. If the person chooses to accept the suggestion, they can forget most of what happened. Basically, it can be like a dream... that while vivid, disappears from awareness upon awakening.

This hypnotized subject remembered everything, and he wasn't a bit upset!

However, most of the time, you'll remember every detail. I know I do... and I've been hypnotized on stage many times. I've also spoken with people who volunteered during my own comedy shows, and they are usually surprised at how much they remember.

Hypnosis isn't like going to sleep at night. It's more like daydreaming. So yes, you can forget things... but it's not required.

3. Some People Can't Be Hypnotized

A Stanford Psychologist named Ernest R. Hilgard did some studies on hypnosis in the 1950's, and one of the conclusions he came up with was that certain people were "unhypnotizable." Not that his studies were ill-intentioned, but the findings ended up being a statement about the hypnotist, not the subjects being hypnotized.

Stanford psychologist Ernest Hilgard (left)

There's a famous story about psychiatrist and hypnosis pioneer Milton H. Erickson, in which he takes three subjects described as "unhypnotizable" by Hilgard and very quickly puts them into a trance.

Psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson

The induction used by Hilgard in his experiments on "hypnotizability" was a slow, monotone voice on a tape recorder. Naturally, some people responded to it, while others did not. This is why some people don't get hypnotized during comedy shows. This is also why, with a trained hypnotherapist, anyone can be hypnotized very easily.

The trick is to have enough flexibility as a hypnotist to notice how the individual is responding and alter the induction accordingly. When that's the case, anyone can do it... but only if you want to!

The key thing to remember about hypnosis is that it takes place though cooperation, not control. You don't "give up" anything and no one can "make you" do anything.

Now go watch The Manchurian Candidate (the original version) and have yourself a good laugh...

Hypnobirthing: It's for Real

2009-01-29T20:40:00.006-05:00

After a lifetime of programming and reinforcement that childbirth MUST be an excruciating, terrifying experience, some women have a hard time accepting this as a possibility. Well, that's why we're here...

Take a look at this article, do a bit of research and see for yourself. Hypnobirthing isn't new... and yes, it works.

By Vicky Eckenrode | Staff Writer

When Gina Policari had her baby last year, she came to the hospital at 8 centimeters dilated, spent the morning in labor and had a healthy, baby girl after 15 minutes of pushing.

Her doctors were amazed, the Wilmington resident said.

There wasn't much remarkable about the delivery, except that Policari smiled through most of it – without drugs.

'I had the epidural without having the epidural. I didn't feel the pain,' she said. 'People say it's mind over matter, and I think that's what hypnosis ends up being.'

Click here for the full article.

Fear of Flying

2009-01-28T18:47:00.001-05:00

In today's world, having a fear of flying is not only inconvenient, it's debilitating. It can cause you to lose a business deal, a job, a friend, or precious time that is wasted driving on interstates. If you'd like to visit other countries and see the world, having a fear of flying will bring your plans to a halt.

The Experts All Agree... and They're Wrong

If you enter "fear of flying" into Google, you'll find more than two million results on the subject, including countless articles in USA Today, The New York Times and other respected publications. These articles include the opinions of doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and even some people who run "fear of flying" workshops.

Sometimes they'll mention hypnosis as a footnote, but it's never really given the time of day. They either try to force these poor people to buy tickets for flights and "conquer" their fears with will power and rationalizations, or they ask them to talk about their fears week after week with the hope that if they discover the origin or "cause" of the fear, it will magically disappear.

While I believe these people to be honest and well-intentioned, I have to say "Where have they been the past few decades?" The techniques I use (a combination of hypnosis and NLP) aren't new, and they work so well and so quickly that I am often stunned that these intelligent people haven't heard about them. I didn't invent these techniques, but I've used them to help my clients to get over their fears quite literally in less than an hour. That's not an exception - it's the rule.

100% Success Rate

I've been practicing hypnotherapy since 2003, and I have worked with people who had been suffering from a fear of flying for 10, 20 or 30 years (see testimonials below). I can honestly say that every single one of them has since shed that fear completely. If I someday experience a failure, I will immediately update this with the correct figures.

The fact is, when it comes to fears and phobias, hypnosis works. It works quickly and painlessly, and it works better than anything else out there.

There's no obligation to buy a plane ticket and no need to rationalize your way out of your fear. When you leave my office, you'll be thinking differently about flying. We'll change your automatic thoughts about flying, and change your automatic response. It's that simple.

It's the Thought that Counts

If you suffer from a fear of flying, you know that you can experience the feelings of anxiety just by thinking about flying. Most people I've met even feel the anxiety while packing for a trip, or while driving to the airport. When you leave my office, you'll know your fear is gone, because thinking or talking about flying will no longer trigger those feelings. Additionally, each of my clients walks away with a hypnosis CD they can listen to for reinforcement... before a flight, on the plane, in bed at night... anytime.

Sure, I'd love to park a 747 outside my office and watch you board it with a big bright smile on your face and all the confidence in the world... but it's really not necessary. After all, the fear doesn't take place on an airplane, it takes place in your mind.

Remember, hypnosis is relaxation... the exact opposite of stress, anxiety and fear. You can't feel stressed and relaxed at the same time.

Case Studies

25-Year Fear of Flying

"I had a fear of flying. No, scratch that. Actually it was a phobia of flying. Just the thought of going to an airport made me sick to my stomach. I was told I needed to travel to L.A. on a business trip and I needed to travel alone. I knew I wouldn't be able to go. A friend gave me Sean's information and told me to call him. I did.

I arrived at Sean's office and he told me he may be able to "cure" my disease in an hour. 'Yeah right,' I thought. That's impossible. I had been dealing with this paralyzing phobia for 25 years.

At the end of the session, one hour later, my mind was relaxed and at ease. My trip to L.A. was scheduled for the next day and not only was the fear gone, but excitement took its place. He told me that the more I flew the more fun I would have each trip. He was right.

I now fly all over the country on trips by myself... trips that I make for myself! I have fun and feel safe. Turbulence doesn't even bother me. It's amazing how liberated and strong I feel now as a result of my therapy session with Sean. I recommend his services to everyone I know. It's the right choice. And best of all, it's an alternative to medication that's everlasting.

Thank you, Sean! You've changed my life."

-Whitney
Atlanta, GA

--------------------------------

20-Year Fear of Flying

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. I didn't really believe it until I took that flight, but I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would. It's unbelievable to realize that it's really gone for good, but I can't even make the fear come back if I try, which is kinda weird, but good!

Thanks again,

-Juan
Atlanta, GA

--------------------------------

(This testimonial is from a client who never set foot in my office. Communication with the client was made solely through email. After gathering sufficient information, I created and recorded a CD which Kathy used in preparation for her trip.)

"Hi Sean,

I've just returned from my trip to Myrtle Beach and I have to tell you that it was a great trip! After listening to your CD several times, I must say that I wasn't as apprehensive as I've been in the past about getting on the plane. The flights were very smooth and quick and it was so nice to get there quickly for a change!

Your CD was very soothing and reassuring and I really believe that it made a difference. At this time, I would not hesitate to go on another flight again in the near future.

THANK YOU!!! "

-Kathy
Brighton, MI

Panic Attacks: How to Stop Them

2009-01-27T19:53:00.000-05:00

When people have panic attacks, they don't come from out of nowhere. There is a specific process by which people take themselves from one state to another. That process has to do with what they're thinking about, and how, specifically, they are thinking about it.

For example, in order to go from a state of complete comfort and relaxation to a state of panic, something has to happen. For most people, it's something they actually see or experience that tells them "Hey! Get ready to fight! Something bad is about to happen!" A wonderful example of this would be witnessing an elephant running through your living room.

Real or Imagined? What's the Difference?

What's different in people who experience panic attacks is that they can go from relaxation to panic without any external stimuli whatsoever. The change is a result of a progression of thoughts, which can be just as powerful as the "real thing."

The subconscious mind can't distinguish between "real" and imagined sounds and images, which is why you can simply imagine a frightening situation and actually feel the fear response in your body. If you disagree, just recall a time when you heard a noise late at night and wondered if someone was breaking into your home. Now ask yourself, was that fear "real?"

From Calm to Panic - One Man's Journey

Here's an example of how a person might experience a panic attack:

Let's say a man is spending a nice, quiet evening at home while his wife is out with a friend. She said she'd be home by 11:00, and it's now 11:30. The man says to himself: "My wife is never late... not unless she calls. She has a cell phone, so why wouldn't she call?" Then he creates an image of his wife stranded by the side of the road, or perhaps in an accident. If he's really good at having panic attacks, he might even create a vivid image of his wife - injured, unconscious, thrown from her vehicle.

For him, these images have the same power and impact as if they had actually happened. The longer he waits, and the more he thinks about it, the feelings become stronger. He replays those graphic images over and over again in his mind until he can barely breathe. Eventually, his experience is the same as if the imagined events had actually occurred. As for his wife... well, she was out having fun and simply lost track of the time. It happens.

Change the Path, Change the Experience

The way to deal with panic attacks is to interrupt or modify this internal thought process. There are several ways to do this. One way is by learning to manipulate those internal thoughts and images to lessen their impact.

To try this out for yourself, create a big bright image of something real or imagined which you find particularly frightening, and notice the how your body feels in response to that image. Now make the image black and white, and shrink it down so that you can barely see it in your mind. Now make it dark and blurry. Does that have any impact on the feeling in your body? For most people, the response is a fraction of what it used to be.

This is just one way you can use your mind and your imagination to your advantage. There are many others. With a little practice, you will learn to gain control of your experience and take it in a new direction.

Lose Weight, Not Sleep

2009-01-26T19:50:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share an eye-opening story with you that could help jump-start your weight loss.

A recent client of mine responded extremely well to hypnosis. Immediately following her first session, her eating habits improved. She began eating smaller amounts of healthier foods... even planning her meals in advance due to her intense travel schedule and the amount of time she spent on the road in hotels.

Week after week we worked together on various aspects of healthy eating and exercise, and each time she reported feeling better and overall, excellent results.

There was just one problem... she wasn't losing any weight.

To her credit, she maintained a positive attitude. After all, she did realize that she was feeling better, and that her choices were completely different than before.

Once in a while, I'll run into a client like this. What I've learned is that there are often other aspects of one's lifestyle that can have an affect.

I asked her about her workload, and she replied that during the past couple months, she was working 14-16 hour days. Furthermore, she was only sleeping 2-5 hours per night.

Having read many articles and scientific studies that demonstrate a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain or obesity, I suggested that she begin sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night. Now, this wasn't easy, but she did it.

One month later, I saw her again. At first, she spoke about how her last week had been a bit more stressful, and that she could have done a bit better with her food choices. Then she calmly mentioned that, during the previous month, she had lost 11 pounds!

Here are just a few recent articles about sleep and weight loss:

Snooze and You'll Lose: Rest Can Be a Secret Weapon
Sleep May Be the Critical Factor for Weight Loss and Health
Sleep Loss Contributes to Weight Gain

Being healthier is about more than just taking in fewer calories. Your body needs nutritious foods, plenty of water, sunshine, fresh air, rest and sleep. Make these key changes in your life and your body will heal itself... in addition to shedding any excess weight.

You've got nothing to lose but... well, you know.

Got ADHD? Here's an Rx for Bugs, Worms and Snakes!

2009-01-26T19:14:00.004-05:00

I've long been an opponent of giving psychoactive drugs to adults, let alone children. Here's yet another reason to find a better solution...

Click the picture below for the full story at WebMD.

ADHD Drugs: Hallucinations Not Uncommon

Fewer Calories, Better Memory?

2009-01-26T19:10:00.000-05:00

By "fewer calories," the study in the story below is referring to "an appropriate amount of calories." The subjects were overweight people, and those who cut calories significantly noticed memory improvement.

This is filed as yet another entry in the category of "Eat Healthy and Your Body Will Heal Itself."

Click on the image below for the full story.

Stage Hypnosis Secrets Revealed... or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Hypnosis"

2009-01-22T15:10:00.001-05:00

It's time to put to rest all those worries about losing control while hypnotized. Check out the podcast below where I talk in detail about how stage hypnosis works and why you don't have to worry about clucking like a chicken if you're there to stop smoking.

Video: Hypnosis for Public Speaking

2009-01-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

Hypnosis FAQ: "Will I Lose Awareness While Hypnotized?"

2009-01-15T20:24:00.001-05:00

This video is taken from my stop smoking hypnosis seminar on World Hypnotism Day - January 4th, 2009. Here, I talk briefly about the state of hypnosis and what it's like... and how you remain aware of what is happening throughout the process.

Check Out the New Website!

2009-01-15T11:20:00.004-05:00

For the first time in nearly six years, the Pure Hypnosis Website has received a complete makeover. The new features include a newsletter, YouTube videos and social networking links (Facebook, Twitter).

Check it out by clicking the image below!

Podcast: What's a Session Like?

2009-01-10T20:27:00.002-05:00

In this short podcast, I talk about what you should (and shouldn't) expect during a typical hypnotherapy session.

Enjoy-

FREE Stop Smoking Event - How To Sign Up!

2009-01-04T12:56:00.001-05:00

There are THREE WAYS to Sign Up for this Event:

Phone: (678) 488-7362 (leave name, phone number & mention the FREE event)
Email: purehypnosis@mac.com
Meetup.com (click this link for the sign-up page)

Here are the full details:

Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill Rd (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!

Any questions? Email purehypnosis@mac.com and I'll respond personally within 24 hours.

See you there!

-Sean Wheeler

VA Testing Chantix on Vets Without Warning of Dangers

2008-12-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Here's an article from the Washington Times which details the problems with testing drugs on a very vulnerable portion of the population - veterans of the armed forces returning from duty in Iraq.

The pertinent section to you as the reader involves Chantix, the drug that has been linked to depression and suicide in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere.

Click here for the full article at the Washington Times.

Here's the portion that pertains to Chantix:

--------------

[President-Elect Barack] Obama, [Rep. Bob] Filner and other lawmakers on both sides of the aisle called for an investigation into a smoking cessation study, which Mr. Peake immediately initiated.

The experiment tracked 240 veterans taking the drug Chantix to examine which forms of counseling were more beneficiary - smoking clinics or through a separate counselor. James Elliott, an Army infantryman who was wounded in Iraq, says the drug caused him to experience a mental breakdown and a showdown with police who used a Taser to subdue him in February.

Mr. Elliott said the VA didn't warn him about new FDA concerns that Chantix was linked to psychotic behavior and nearly 40 suicides until nearly a month after his disturbing incident occurred earlier this year.

The internal investigation confirmed that Mr. Elliott was not alone. It took medical professionals involved in the study anywhere from 16 to 134 days to notify participants taking Chantix about the new warnings.

------------

As with any mention of Chantix, I will take this opportunity to remind the reader of my personal stance on psychotropic drugs, which is, quite simply, "don't take them." The benefits very rarely outweigh the risks, and there are nearly always side-effects.

As for the ability of a drug like Chantix to assist you with smoking cessation, my advice is more specific: "you don't need it." You can quit smoking on your own, without drugs, patches, gums, lasers, needles or even hypnosis.

You can do it.

When I use hypnosis with my clients, I give to them what some ex-smokers have given to themselves -- a clear awareness of their motivation, along with a focus on the benefits of being a non-smoker. This not only works, it also produces a feeling of accomplishment and self-sufficiency - independence, if you will... that can only be achieved through learning to use the power of your mind.

Those who are successful quitting through other methods do receive the benefits of being smoke-free, which is fantastic. What they don't receive are the benefits of learning just how powerful they truly are when their mind is properly focused.

It's not just getting the results you desire that's important - it's also the sense of pride you feel that fuels your ability to accomplish other things in life that are perhaps even more meaningful.

Change I Can Believe In? Stop Smoking, Mr. President-Elect!

2008-12-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

Atlanta’s Stop Smoking Expert, Sean Wheeler challenges President-Elect Barack Obama to Quit Smoking on World Hypnotism Day - January 4th, 2009. Wheeler will hypnotize 88 smokers to quit the habit for good at a free event in Marietta, GA.

Atlanta, GA -- Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Sean Wheeler has challenged President-Elect Barack Obama to stop smoking in conjunction with the 5th Annual World Hypnotism Day on January 4th, 2009. Obama recently admitted that he still struggles with the habit to Tom Brokaw on Meet the Press.

Each year, 390,000 Americans die from the effects of smoking, according to the American Red Cross.

“I challenge our next President to set an example for the American people,” said Wheeler, a certified member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. “I think he should take a stand, be a true leader and say to every smoker in America that ‘Yes, we can’ become smoke-free.”

January 4th is the day when hypnosis professionals in more than 20 countries around the world promote the benefits of hypnotism. At this year's seminar in Atlanta, the biggest free stop smoking event in Georgia’s history, anyone - even Mr. Obama - can learn to become smoke-free.

“Many thousands of people have used hypnosis to quit, including some well-known celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Matt Damon,” Wheeler explained, “it only makes sense that Mr. Obama would use a proven method that would allow him to serve as a role model for the entire country.”

Wheeler is well aware of the implications of such a powerful figure using something as commonly misunderstood as hypnosis.

“Some people might worry I’d try to make him a Republican,” Wheeler laughed, “but hypnosis doesn’t work like that. If it did, I’d try to persuade him to change his mind about the Bailout Bill.”

The free event will take place in the Cabernet Room of the Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill Rd from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, January 4th, 2009. Information on how to register for the event is available at www.purehypnosis.com/worldhypnotismday.

---

Sean Wheeler is available for media interviews at 678-488-7362. Members of the press can find more information online at http://www.purehypnosis.com.

About Sean Wheeler

Sean Wheeler is a Board Certified Hypnotist with the National Guild of Hypnotists and the founder of Pure Hypnosis, LLC. He is the author of The Stop Smoking Solution - Atlanta’s premiere Smoking Cessation blog, and his articles have been published all over the web. Additionally, Sean Wheeler has appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News and TBS. He has performed as master of ceremonies, entertainer and speaker at venues including Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, as well as for academic and scientific organizations throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

FAQ - Why I Became a Hypnotherapist

2008-12-26T00:36:00.000-05:00

FAQ - What's a Hypnosis Session Like?

2008-12-25T00:31:00.002-05:00

FAQ - "Can Everyone Be Hypnotized?"

2008-12-23T12:06:00.000-05:00

Weight Loss Hypnosis - How it Works

2008-12-21T18:20:00.000-05:00

FAQ - "Why do people cluck like chickens?"

2008-12-21T11:56:00.004-05:00

In this video, I answer the frequently asked question of why people do such ridiculous things during comedy stage hypnosis shows.

FAQ - "How Does Hypnosis Work for Phobias?"

2008-12-21T02:26:00.002-05:00

Stop Smoking Hypnosis: How it Works

2008-12-21T00:14:00.002-05:00

Jan 4th Stop Smoking Event Now has a Location!

2008-12-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

Alright, we've finally got all the details in place...

My FREE Stop Smoking Seminar in honor of World Hypnotism Day on January 4th will officially take place at (drum roll, please) the Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill in Marietta!

[crowd cheers]

The above link will take you to contact information at Meetup.com. Here's the official Meetup page where you can register. Do so quickly, as space is limited.

Here are the full details:

Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!

More updates will follow as we draw closer to the event.

FAQ - "Will I Lose Control When Hypnotized?"

2008-12-20T21:50:00.002-05:00

FAQ - "How Many Sessions Will it Take?"

2008-12-19T22:54:00.007-05:00

I've recently made a series of videos to answer some frequently asked questions. In this video, I discuss how many sessions are necessary when working with certain issues.

World Hypnotism Day Event... Details Coming SOON

2008-12-10T23:12:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update for you here.

The big World Hypnotism Day (WHD) event is coming more into focus by the day. The venue should be decided very, very soon.

It will definitely be somewhere in the southern tip of Marietta, likely Windy Hill Rd... not too far from my home office.

As of this moment, here's what we DO know about this FREE Stop Smoking Hypnosis Event:

Date: Sunday, January 4th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: TBD (Marietta/Smyrna area)
Cost: FREE

This event will include information about hypnosis and how it can benefit YOU... all presented in a very entertaining and non-boring fashion (hey, I'm a comedian at heart). The main event will be the finale - a group hypnosis session that will help the Lucky 88 guests to become non-smokers for life.

I will also be giving away more FREE goodies... including 1-on-1 sessions in my office, hypnosis CD's and more. Basically, if you're a smoker who wants to quit, you have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain.

So tell all your smoker friends to save the date. Better yet, sign yourselves up at the Meetup.com site we've set up: http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-s-Stop-Smoking-Solution/calendar/9279995/.

For more info about World Hypnotism Day: http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/

Check back soon for more updates!

2008-12-04T11:28:00.001-05:00

Ladies, gentlemen, wannabe non-smokers... here's your chance: get your New Year's Resolutions started off with a BANG in 2009. I'll be offering a FREE event in honor of World Hypnotism Day on January 4th, which is a Sunday... perfect to get your week started on the right foot.

This event will include a group hypnosis session to help all attendees stop smoking on the spot. All who attend will also qualify for a complimentary followup session in my Marietta office. The total value of these services is anywhere from $150-$500 or more, so if you're serious about quitting and your budget is tight, this could be your Golden Ticket.

Check back with this blog for details on time and location, and register for this event here: http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-s-Stop-Smoking-Solution/calendar/9279995/

Remedy for Hard Times: Cigarettes and Big Mac's?

2008-11-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

Please note the sarcasm in the above headline.

[yes, hypnotherapists are permitted to have a sense of humor]

I found this story today from Reuters, wherein we discover that due to the increased stress of the financial crisis and struggling economy, smokers are lighting up more often. Even a few non-smokers are falling off the wagon, citing the economy and stress as reasons for resuming the habit. More on Mickey D's follows below...

Check it out:

Hard Times Prompt Americans to Increase Smoking

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Stress caused by a slowing economy, shrinking retirement accounts and rising unemployment rates is driving some American smokers to increase the habit or delay quitting, according to a new survey.

A quarter of smokers who are worried about the economy said fretting over it has driven them to smoke more each day, while another 13 percent said they have delayed quitting.

What's that? Smoking has become cool again?

"The turbulent global stock markets have caused virtually every American a certain level of stress. Those who also struggle with an addiction to tobacco products are at an increased disadvantage as they contemplate quitting, or feel the urge to smoke more cigarettes," Cheryl Healton, the president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, said in a statement.

View the full story here.

If that weren't bad enough... on the very same day, I see this headline on the Drudge Report:

McDonald's Same-Store Sales Rise 8.2 Percent

NEW YORK (AP) -- Consumers worldwide who are watching their spending bought more burgers and chicken breakfast biscuits at McDonald's in October, leading to a big rise in sales at established locations for the fast-food leader.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

Now listen, I understand that times are tough. Unemployment is up, there are bills to pay, credit card debt is piling up, and you just don't know what the heck you're going to do about it.

One thing is certain, though - poisoning yourself with cigarettes and greasy food is not the answer. These things make you feel worse, not better... that's in the short-term and the long-term.

If you're going to cut corners, cut out the $4/day nicotine habit. Replace it with a decent, home-cooked meal. You'll not only feel better immediately, your body will reward you down the road:

You won't get sick as often.
When you do get sick, it won't be as bad or as long.
You'll have more energy.
You'll look better.

I could really go on, but the very simple point is that these crutches don't work. Cigarettes don't eliminate stress... they just distract you for a few minutes. The problems return as soon as you put it out (oh, I know... you clever ones will say "that means you just light up another one!"... but there's really no need to try to reason with you).

Your financial difficulties are going to be best addressed when you're healthy and in a good frame of mind. Try relaxing a bit - naturally. Eat a healthy meal. Find the best, most efficient method of quitting the smoking habit and do it right away. The money you save on cigarettes will add up quickly, no matter how much you spend to quit.

Oh, and go watch the documentary "Super-Size Me"... that'll cure your McDonald's addiction very quickly.

Stop Smoking Hypnosis: How it Works

2008-11-07T11:12:00.002-05:00

The YouTube video below is a podcast in which I describe in detail how my Stop Smoking Hypnosis program actually works, what you can expect and whether or not it could work for you.

So take a look and have a listen. This should answer some, if not all, of your questions.

Education

2008-06-14T09:19:00.000-04:00

“The advantage of a classical education is that it enables you to despise the wealth that it prevents you from achieving.”
-Russell Green

Viva La Trance

2008-06-13T19:17:00.000-04:00

The popular band Coldplay has a new album out next week, and in a new article it’s revealed that they hired a hypnotist to help them while creating “Viva La Vida” in the studio.

Here’s an excerpt from Entertainment Weekly:

Q: And you also hired a hypnotist during the sessions? What was that about?

BUCKLAND: [Producer] Brian Eno knew a hypnotist and we thought it might get some interesting results. We all went upstairs, sat down, and he walked around us. He got us into some strange kind of trance, and we came down and played some more.

MARTIN: Quite a long time, I think. It did work, actually. We came up with a lot of interesting noises, which we used. I think the whole process of getting our own place and working with Brian has been really liberating for us. Because it was starting to become a little difficult to be in Coldplay — there's so much opinion, expectation, and criticism. We wanted to be free from that for a bit, to try things and just be a little group, which Brian really spearheaded. So things like the hypnotism, all these little crazy experiments that he tried with us was just an effort to say, ''It's OK. Not everybody hates you because you're in Coldplay. Just play some music and don't worry about it.''

Other famous people known to have used hypnosis include Matt Damon, Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Tiger Woods, Jimmy Connors, Rod Carew, George Brett, Kevin Costner, Sylvester Stallone, Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein.

For a full list, see this page on my official website.

Take it Easy

2008-06-09T19:24:00.000-04:00

I’ll be out of the office this week beginning Monday afternoon, and will return on Friday the 13th. You can still reach me via phone or email, but my response time will be a bit slower than usual.

Here’s a quote to get your week started...

Have a great one.

-Sean

“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.”
-Eddie Cantor - US comedian & singer (1892 - 1964)

Patience

2008-06-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.“
-Saint Francis de Sales

Why is Hypnosis Still Obscure? Think Green.

2008-06-07T17:13:00.000-04:00

I went through the first 26 years of my life without learning anything significant about hypnosis. I’ll spare you the story of how I first got into it, but I was certainly skeptical at first. I figured anything useful or effective would naturally be known about and widespread by now. I mean, duh… if hypnosis is so freakin’ great, why isn’t everyone doing it?

First of all, many people are doing it, but not nearly enough have even heard much about it.

There are many reasons why hypnosis still remains on the fringe. One answer is fear. People fear the unknown. They fear being controlled. They fear feeling stupid for being taken in by a scam.

Another reason is that there isn’t much money in curing people through hypnosis. Sure, there are hypnotherapists who make a decent living for themselves, but that’s nothing compared to the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, which is based upon the assumption that only drugs can “fix” us, and that we, as humans, are ultimately powerless.

The top ten pharmaceutical companies earn more money per year than the other 490 Fortune 500 companies combined. You see, there is BIG money to be made by convincing people that they are powerless to help themselves.

Just watching the commercials during the evening news will “inform” you of two important things:

1) You have lots of problems.
2) A powerful new drug can help you.

Are you depressed? Try this powerful new anti-depressant! Can’t sleep? We have a great drug for that, too! Problems with erectile dysfunction? We’ve got you covered! Allergies? You betcha!

Take a look at “Big Bucks, Big Pharma” below. This is only part one, so visit YouTube to view the remaining portion of this informative video.

Also, check out this interview with Gwen Olsen, a former pharmaceutical sales rep and author of “Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher,” a book revealing her experiences not only as a member of the industry, but also as someone who took dangerous anti-depressants herself. Also check out Prescription: Suicide?, a documentary based in part on her experiences.

And by the way, if you’re wondering why you don’t hear too much about hypnosis on the news, just imagine how thrilled the drugs companies would be if, just after running an expensive commercial for Lunesta, CNN aired a story about how you can sleep easily and naturally after a few sessions of hypnosis.

Just a thought you may wish to consider...

Heck, women in the United States can’t even give birth to a child without going to the hospital and getting injected with a chemical cocktail. Even though women have been giving birth since, well, forever... they have been hypnotized by our society to believe that a hospital is the only safe place to bring a child into the world.

Here’s a trailer for “The Business of Being Born,” an excellent documentary about the state of the birthing industry in America.

Is there nothing we can do on our own?

You have a problem? Chances are there’s a fancy new drug out there that’ll make it go away.

Of course, there will be side effects to taking all these drugs, which are often far more serious than the problem being treated.

Furthermore, most pharmaceutical drugs have tested only slightly better than placebos! That’s a documented fact. In fact, the placebo issue has become so problematic for drug manufacturers that they are currently making efforts to exclude subjects who responded to placebos from future studies. How awful it would be if the public discovered that their new wonder drug was only 2% more effective than a sugar pill, not to mention the enormous financial expense and all the dangerous side-effects.

Sadly, many of today’s licensed psychiatrists have become more like glorified drug dealers. I have worked with many clients who had previously seen psychiatrists or other mental health professionals over a long period of time without experiencing any noticeable improvement. Maybe that’s because psychiatrists openly acknowledge that they can’t “cure” any mental illness (see video below).

The underlying message is that you need medical intervention to solve your problems. Now, is that empowering? Is that the kind of treatment that builds self-confidence or a sense of independence?

Of course not. But it is very difficult to sell people things they don’t need unless you first convince them that they actually do need it.

My message to my clients always boils down to this: you can do it. It may not come easily, but you can do it. You can find a better career. You can get back in shape. You can have fulfilling relationships. You can stop smoking, drinking, biting your nails and obsessing over trivial things.

You can do it and you can do it on your own. You may benefit from some guidance and good advice, but you don’t need to take a pill, and you don’t need a nose job or a tummy tuck to feel better about yourself.

That’s my message, and yes, I make a decent living by helping people understand it and change their lives for the better.

Hopefully by now you understand a bit more about why hypnosis, if it can be so powerful and effective, still isn’t as popular as McDonald’s or Starbucks.

Anyone who’s seen “Supersize Me” knows what a steady diet of McDonald’s will do to you, and that healthy, fresh foods are the way to go.

So maybe the fact that something is popular (or not) isn’t the most important thing when considering your options.

The truth is, you don’t even “need” hypnosis... but compared to the alternatives, it sure is a safer and far more reasonably-priced solution.

Keep that in mind, and keep that mind open.

Getting Things Done

2008-06-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

“Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
-Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826); 3rd president of the United States

The Biology of Belief

2008-06-02T22:37:00.001-04:00

I saw this information years ago while I was training to be a hypnotherapist, and it’s very impressive. I’m currently reading his book - “The Biology of Belief,” which is a bit more technical than I’d like, yet easy enough to follow.

Basically, he’s a cell biologist who demonstrates that perception and belief - not genes - determine our lives.

From his website:

His research at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, between 1987 and 1992, revealed that the environment, operating though the membrane, controlled the behavior and physiology of the cell, turning genes on and off. His discoveries, which ran counter to the established scientific view that life is controlled by the genes, presaged one of today’s most important fields of study, the science of epigenetics.
This is a description of the below video, taken directly from Google Video:

Recent advances in cellular science are heralding an important evolutionary turning point. For almost fifty years we have held the illusion that our health and fate were preprogrammed in our genes, a concept referred to as genetic determinacy.

Though mass consciousness is currently imbued with the belief that the character of one's life is genetically predetermined, a radically new understanding is unfolding at the leading edge of science. Cellular biologists now recognize that the environment, the external universe and our internal physiology, and more importantly, our perception of the environment, directly controls the activity of our genes.

This video will broadly review the molecular mechanisms by which environmental awareness interfaces genetic regulation and guides organismal evolution

Below the video is a brief bio of Dr. Lipton.

About Dr. Lipton (from his website):

Dr. Bruce Lipton is an internationally recognized authority in bridging science and spirit. He has been a guest speaker on dozens of TV and radio shows, as well as keynote presenter for national conferences. Dr. Lipton began his scientific career as a cell biologist. He received his Ph.D. Degree from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville before joining the Department of Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine in 1973. Dr. Lipton’s research on muscular dystrophy, studies employing cloned human stem cells, focused upon the molecular mechanisms controlling cell behavior. An experimental tissue transplantation technique developed by Dr. Lipton and colleague Dr. Ed Schultz and published in the journal Science was subsequently employed as a novel form of human genetic engineering.

Destroying Hypnosis Myths

2008-05-26T17:33:00.000-04:00

“Are you going to make me cluck like a chicken?”

“Only if you want to.”

Let me tell you, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve had that exchange…

Here we are, forging our way into the 21st Century… we carry our ten thousand “favorite” songs around in our ipods, NASA is blasting probes into comets just as in those horrible (horrible) movies from 1998, scientists are able to clone anything that moves, and an overwhelming majority of the civilized world still thinks hypnosis is something that causes you to behave like a fool in public.

I’m here to bust up a few myths for all of you interested in gaining some enlightenment. Today...

MYTH #1: The hypnotist controls his subjects.

The Truth: The hypnotist’s subjects cooperate with him.

Stage hypnosis shows can be highly entertaining. Unfortunately, they also do a great job of convincing people to NEVER allow themselves to be “controlled” like those morons on stage. Truthfully, no one can be hypnotized against their will. One must willingly follow instructions to be hypnotized.

Once a person is relaxing in a nice, deep trance, those nervous feelings of self-consciousness can disappear for a while. Think about it… relaxation is the exact opposite of tension. You can’t be both at the same time. Once a person is relaxed, as long as the hypnotist doesn’t suggest anything that is against that person’s moral code (ex. “kill the guy sitting next to you”), they’re more or less willing to follow along.

Hypnosis loosens up inhibitions… almost like a couple of stiff drinks. The difference is that afterwards, instead of feeling worse, you feel great.

Context has a great impact on what a person will do in a trance. For example, if a client seeks my assistance to stop smoking, and in the middle of the session I throw in a suggestion that he’ll have a strong desire to wash my car on his way through the parking lot, he has the presence of mind to ignore that bogus suggestion (though I often wish it did work that way).

Those people on stage know they’re up there to have a good time. They know they’ll be asked to do strange things. Remember, they volunteered in the first place. They weren’t dragged from their seats and chained to the stage.

A hypnotized person arguably has more control than normal, since his mind is free from distractions and focused on the moment. At any time while hypnotized, he is able to awaken and return to a normal state of awareness. However, most people find that it just feels better to hang out in a trance for a while.

So remember, when you see a magic show it’s not really magic that’s happening up there... we all know that. In a hypnosis show, the illusion often being presented is that the all-powerful hypnotist controls his subjects like puppets on strings.

The truth is much less impressive, yet makes for an equally entertaining show.

2008-05-01T21:01:00.000-04:00

Milton Henry Erickson, MD (1901 - 1980) was a psychiatrist and psychologist regarded by many as the foremost practitioner of medical hypnosis in his time.

He wrote "Hypnotic Realities" and many other books dedicated to the "Art of Hypnosis" and which document the many things he learned while treating the many patients he encountered.

He was a scientist and deeply gifted hypnotist.

He was founding president of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, as well as a fellow of several APAs: The American Psychiatric Association, The American Psychological Association, and The American Psychopathological Association.

He was noted for his often unconventional approach to psychotherapy, such as described in the book “Uncommon Therapy” by Jay Haley; for his extensive use of therapeutic metaphor and story as well as hypnosis; and for coining the term Brief Therapy for his approach of addressing therapeutic changes in relatively few sessions, often only a single session.

Erickson’s work and techniques were 'modeled' by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, the co-founders of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).

For a very in-depth look at Erickson, written by Jay Haley while Erickson was still alive, click here.

Be Like Mike... or Tiger... or whoever

2008-04-06T20:59:00.000-04:00

Granted, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are gifted athletes. But there are many other athletes who have similar (even superior) physical abilities. So why have these two dominated their sports with such regularity? Aside from the amount of time they devoted to practicing, the answer is: they learned how to handle pressure.

Not coincidentally, these two remarkable athletes have some experience with hypnosis themselves. Since the age of 13, Tiger Woods has worked with his mental coach, Jay Brunza. Jordan and the Bulls practiced hypnosis daily with the help of head coach Phil Jackson.

Mentally, golf is perhaps the most demanding game around. It is well known among golfers that much of the score depends on how a golfer thinks. Jack Nicklaus has stated many times that he believes that golf is 90% mental preparation and only 10% skill.

He prepares by visualizing problem putts and mentally rehearsing how he will play each shot.

Almost sounds like what we do with hypnosis!

Hmm....

Garbage In, Garbage Out

2008-03-15T19:13:00.000-04:00

Everyone has heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” Sometimes I think that phrase has lost its meaning, as even the people who say it will admit to eating junk food far too often. However, it’s the logic behind the statement that warrants another look.

If you truly are “what you eat,” then shouldn’t it come to follow that you are also “what you see” and “what you hear?” Many health-conscious people, who frequent farmer’s markets and health food stores, spend an awful lot of time watching mind-dumbing “reality” TV shows (a topic worthy of further discussion) and listening to shock-jock talk radio.

So the question is...

Shouldn’t you be just as cautious about what you watch on TV and what you listen to on the radio as you are about what food you put into your body?

Think about it. We can joke about watching “Big Brother” or “American Idol,” since we all know these shows are devoid of any true intellectual value, but at the end of the day, aren’t these shows, by virtue of failing to inspire creative thought or stoking the fires of the imagination, actually making us less intelligent?

“Use it or lose it” is another saying that comes to mind.

It makes me wonder: if you find yourself checking your brain at the door too often, will it still be there when you need it?

And if it’s gone... how will you ever find it?