20 Years of Therapy, or 3 Sessions of Hypnosis?

I recently got an email from a client I helped with self-esteem and trust as related to dating and relationships. She thought she was going to need six sessions, but three ended up doing the trick.  Here's an excerpt from her message:

"The few hours I spent with you have done more for me than the last 20 years of trying different therapists and therapies." -Brandi Williams

I've actually received similar verbal feedback from two other clients recently. Hypnotherapy, when used effectively, works quickly.

Embracing Alopecia: Wig-free and Loving it

This is from a college student who lost her all of her hair as a young girl due to a condition known as alopecia, and has hidden it by wearing wigs ever since, out of fear of how others might react. 

"Hey Sean,

I just wanted to let you know that I finally managed to go to school without my wig on, and it has felt great! All week I've gone without it and I am really glad that I have. It's not just that it is more physically comfortable, but I also feel like I'm truly being myself for the first time.

I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to say that when I wear my wig it is because I want to and not because I feel like I have no other options. I've been so afraid for so long to let other people see this other side of me, but now I feel completely free to be myself whether that means wearing a wig or not.

I want to say thank you for helping me to be able to fully accept who I am for the first time in a really long time. You were right, people will respond the way that I show them to respond. I walked out with confidence and so far so good.

I have to say that the genuine shock on some people's faces was absolutely priceless, one guy in particular was really confused which was pretty funny to watch. I know that somewhere out there is someone that will probably say something stupid, but also thanks to you I'm prepared for it and the idea of it happening doesn't even phase me. In fact, I am almost looking forward to it so that I can show them what I am made of, because I really don't think they will see it coming (muwahahaha).

You really gave me my life back and helped me to put the power back into my own hands. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all that you have helped me to accomplish. I feel like I am ready for anything now."

Dielle Meyer
Atlanta, GA

Client Testimonial: Anxiety & Fear of Death

Got this email from a client yesterday. We did three sessions focused on her persistent fear of death, and the resulting anxiety it caused. Here are her unedited words:


"I was living my life in a state of constant worry, fearing death at every turn. My phobia was becoming a crippling force in my life, leaving me nervous, exhausted, and unable to focus on the things that matter most. I wasn't sure what to expect with hypnosis, but working with Sean has helped me immensely. 


Letting go of some of my fears has been like a weight being lifted from my shoulders. I'm now able to channel my extra energy into my relationships with the people I love, projects that fulfill me, and generally much more positive thoughts. I now know what life feels like for people who don't have a fear that deeply haunts them, and I only wish I had tried hypnosis sooner. 


Re-listening to the sessions has the result of weeks of psychotherapy within only a few minutes. In some senses, you're allowing yourself to relax and reprogram in your brain whatever it is that's been wired wrong in the first place. And most refreshing of all, unlike what TV would lead you to believe about hypnosis, you feel more in control over your own thoughts than ever before."


-A.R. (Atlanta, GA)

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

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

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

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"

Amazing Feedback from a Client

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

100% Success with Smokers This Week

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:

Public Speaking Confidence: Case Study

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.

Client Feedback: First Week After Hypnosis

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

VIDEO: My Clients - In Their Own Words

New Video: Introduction to Pure Hypnosis

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

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