By Dr. Elizabeth King, EdD, LCSW, CH.t

Sparked by recent headline news of celebrities overdosing on medication, there has been a lot more interest in understanding how hypnosis works and how it can be used.  Mainstream medical journals and shows like “Good Morning America and Prime Time Live ”, to name a few, have recently done several pieces on hypnosis as a viable option for relieving the symptoms of psychological and physiological conditions (see partial list below).  This article will help answer some questions about what hypnosis is and what it is not.

Hypnosis can be used to…

• Lose weight
• overcome phobias (ie, flying, public speaking, etc.)
• change negative behaviors such as stop smoking and addictions
• lower blood pressure
• control pain from injury or chronic illness, surgery, and child birth
• reduce intensity or frequency of migraines
• help heal skin diseases, including warts and psoriasis
• improve self-esteem, reach your highest potential
• decrease or eliminate depression or anxiety
• athlete and business peak performance
• relieve stress

1)      Misconception: Hypnosis is fake.

Fact: Many top health care professionals are using hypnosis as part of their treatment protocol and they are seeing great results in their patients. Hypnosis simply is using the power of the mind to overcome barriers and achieve positive change. 

2)      People that are hypnotized are gullible.

Fact: Research has shown that the most people can benefit from hypnosis. Choosing to be responsive to suggestions means that you understand the concept of how hypnosis works and are willing to allow your mind and body to do what is natural.  In my practice, I have not observed IQ to be at all reflective in someone’s ability to be hypnotized.

3)      Misconception: The person being hypnotized will be under the control of the hypnotist and can be made to do or say anything the hypnotist wants.

Fact: No matter how deeply hypnotized you are, you will remain in total control. You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do. Rest assured that no one can make you bark like a dog or quack like a duck unless you agree to do it. 

4)      Misconception: Hypnosis is something that is done to someone, rather than something that can be done for oneself.

Fact: Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you can use to be empowered to take control over your life.

5)      Misconception: You can be trapped in hypnosis and may never come out of it.

Fact:  This is absolutely false. You may come out of hypnosis anytime you want.  Just like you can not stay asleep forever, you cannot be under hypnosis forever. 

6)      Misconception: During hypnosis, you are unconscious, in a coma or asleep.

Fact: You are not in a coma or unconscious. You are just in a deep state of relaxation. Although many of my clients do fall asleep because they feel very relaxed, they are still aware of everything and are active participants in the process.

7)      Misconception:  You have to be lying down in a quiet place to be able to go into a hypnotic trance.

Fact:  You can go into a hypnotic trance sitting up or lying down.  It is all about practicing to be tuned in with your mind and body.  An experienced hypnotherapist can teach you how to do self-hypnosis anywhere. Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can be used by everyone, anywhere. 

How to Choose a Hypnotherapist:

            Because Florida does not require a license for someone to call themselves a hypnotherapist, it is very important that you check out the person’s credentials and experience before signing up for a session. Fortunately, there are now many highly qualified and licensed mental health professionals that are also certified hypnotherapists.  But remember, hypnosis only works if you are REALLY ready to make the change.  Hypnosis is not magic, but it is effective!

About Dr. Elizabeth King:

Dr. Elizabeth King, EdD, LCSW, CH.t is the founder and CEO of International Holistic Center (IHC).  She is a highly respected holistic EMDR psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Certified Ondamed Practitioner, author, and empowerment speaker.  Dr. King is the host of her own weekly radio talk show the “Health Fusion Hour” on 1470am or www.IHCHealthFusion.com.   IHC is a boutique center specializing in fusing conventional and nonconventional therapies and assessments to tackle the problem at the core level, not just the symptoms.  We believe the most effective way to prevent disease and heal the body and mind is to address the whole person. Our goal is help you feel better, get better and look great!  For more information, please visit our website www.IHCHealthFusion.com or call (954) 903-9426. 

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the best defense. Women now have access to a unique technology that can provide them with this early warning: a procedure called Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging or breast thermography.  This test is non invasive, comfortable and safe, using no radiation and no compression of the breast.

Breast thermography is an excellent screening procedure that captures images of the breast to aid in the early detection of breast irregularities. It is based on the principle of temperature variation, chemical and blood vessel activity in the area of developing breast cancer, it is almost always higher than in a normal breast. Images are captured with ultra-sensitive digital infrared camera and analyzed with computers that seek to detect the increases in surface temperature and vascular changes. Just as unique as a fingerprint, each patient has a particular infrared map of their breasts. Any modification of this infrared map on serial imaging (images taken over months to years) may constitute an early sign of an abnormality. However, if pathology is suspected, this information is used to recommend further examinations and tests. And the best news is that it does not hurt and it has been FDA approved since 1982.

If you want more information or to schedule an appointment, please Carol Briseno, CCT at International Holistic Center (954) 903-9426. You can also listen to Carol be interviewed on the Dr. King’s Health Fusion radio talk show on October 6, 2011 on www.IHCHealthFusion.com listen live at noon (eastern time). Show will be archived in the media section of the website a week after it airs.

Hypnosis and acupuncture are both excellent therapies to stop smoking by themselves, but when you combine them and receive them at the same time, you get powerful results. 

• No withdrawals
• No cravings
• No looking back

It is one of the most effective techniques I have witnessed.  Right now, we have a 95% result after 1 year. 

Dr Elizabeth King, DrKing@IHCHealthFusion.com

By David Webb, AP

Some sobering statistics only reinforce what we already know. We don’t have a healthcare system in the U.S. What we have is a Sick Care System. Although we hear more and more about the importance of preventive care, in reality we are far from a Wellness Care medical system. We still treat illness only after it has occurred. According to Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, 95% of U.S. healthcare dollars are spent on treating illnesses after they occur. How do we explain as a nation the vast difference between our annual healthcare expenditure and our healthcare ranking in the world? Currently, we spend 2.3 trillion dollars each year on healthcare, far more than any other nation, but our healthcare system ranks only 37th among all nations. Why is it that America is spending so much money on healthcare, but the health of its citizens is so poor?

There are many in the healthcare industry that believe there is a solution to this problem. Dr. Dean Ornish, founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine research Institute in Sausalito, California, has spent the last 32 years directing clinical research that he believes proves that comprehensive lifestyle changes may begin to reverse even severe coronary heart disease without drugs or surgery. He stated to our senate health committee: “Studies have shown that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90% of all heart disease.” Imagine if our doctors started teaching their patients how to implement a healthy lifestyle that could help prevent disease? I believe that the physician’s role should be as an educator first and foremost. What message does it send when we go to our doctor for a check-up, are told we have high cholesterol and then with not a mention of what we can do to change our diet and lifestyle to turn this around, instead the doctor just hands us a script for a drug to take? If our doctor even mentions the importance of diet, do we ever hear any more than “You need to eat better?”

I believe that many of our physicians are well meaning and caring doctors who are doing their best under the constraints of health insurance control. It is not the individual doctors who are at fault, but rather a faulty healthcare system controlled by pharmaceutical and insurance company interests. Yet, if we are to see a positive change in our healthcare system, we as individual physicians must step outside of our comfort zone and change how we treat our patients. I don’t remember anywhere in the Hippocratic Oath that the primary mission of a doctor is to make as much money as possible, and if you can help a few patients in the process, then good for you. As a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, I see many of my colleagues falling into the same practice. They find it easier and are able to see more patients if they merely stick a few needles in a patient and move on to the next treatment room rather than spend the time necessary to help educate their patients about dietary and lifestyle changes. In ancient China, the physician was paid a stipend as long as their patient remained healthy. If the patient became ill, payment ceased. Maybe we should start implementing a similar approach and see how that turns our healthcare system around.

I have found that many people are fed up with our current approach to healthcare and are looking for something different. They want to stop the cycle of more and more drugs and the resulting downward spiral of their health. They’re hungry for information about how they can regain true and lasting health. In part II of Sick Care vs. Well Care in the U.S., I will outline the components of a good Well Care system. These are the important pieces of a personal healthcare program that we each can start implementing now to turn our health around if we already have illness or prevent illness if we are well. If we believe that change is possible and we all work together toward that change, I believe we can end the disturbing trend we are seeing in the health of Americans, where childhood obesity and diet related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are at crisis levels, and many of our modern diseases are steadily increasing despite our efforts to contain them.

Category: Wellness Care
Tags: Healthcare, Sick Care, Wellness Care, Prevention, Preventive Medicine, heart disease

By Eva Brown, MS

Creating passion in the bedroom (and everywhere else) should be a priority for all couples if they want to live happily ever after. It may take some time to get into the groove, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Take some time to read this article and share it with your partner. The important thing here is to open up the lines of communication about one of the most important aspects of a relationship—intimacy. So don’t be shy, read on… it is time to spark up your love life!

Couple’s Intimacy

Intimacy is the key ingredient of a strong, healthy relationship. Creating intimacy can breed a whole new playground full of fantasy and fun. Sex is more than physical, so honoring all of your senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smells will invigorate your evenings together. And no worries, it’s common for long term lover’s to experience a romantic rut, but it’s those that overcome the boredom in the bedroom and take responsibility for reigniting that spark that reap the rewards of closeness and happiness all over again.

Make sexual intimacy a priority for this Valentine’s season. If you haven’t experienced intimacy in a while, sitting your partner down and communicating your new desires for the relationship may be a good start. Perhaps, if you both are really busy, setting a schedule that works for both of you would be beneficial. Besides, setting a schedule will surely heighten the anticipation of the big event.

For those of you that have a low libido don’t let that stop you because your libido will boost as you experience more frequent sexual activity. Sexual activity does not have to include sexual penetration, as you can include many other elements to set the stage for a romantic evening together. Be creative, have fun, and get in touch with your inner desires as a couple. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to try something new and exciting in the bedroom.

Couple’s Health and Wellness

Regular sexual activity can help reduce anxiety and stress, burn calories, reduce the risk of heath disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, boost the immune system and the libido, increase levels of estrogen, and overall functioning of the human body. Sexual activity four times a week or more will create a healthy glow that you and your partner were able to create for each other. Most importantly, both of you will have achieved sparking up that flame by keeping boredom out of the bedroom for this Valentine’s Season. Keeping boredom in the bedroom at bay is essential to a flourishing, sexually charged relationship.

Couple’s Fitness

Having sexual intercourse with your loved is great for your body’s overall muscle tone, including those major areas known as the abs, buttocks, and thighs. The release of hormones, known as endorphins, will reduce your daily stress and create a more positive, relaxed demeanor throughout the rest of the day. The potential to burn more than 250 calories a day is just a kiss, a hug, and a pat on the butt away. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start getting fit, while having fun with your partner.

Couple’s Confidence

Making “feeling good” about yourself a priority will shine through in the ways you interact with your loved one. Regardless of your busy and tiring schedule, taking some “me time” will allow you to re-energize your soul and put you back on track with what you desire in life. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, take time out to pamper yourself. It will make a significant difference in the way you look and feel about yourself.

Words of Wisdom

If you are having problems in the bedroom, don’t feel alone. Most couples experience a relationship rut, especially if they have been in a long term relationship. Although, statistics show that, “93% of Americans rate having a happy marriage as one of their most important objectives in life,” (Carroll & Doherty, 2003), infidelity, misunderstandings in communication, intimacy and sexual issues, financial problems, co-parenting complications, and growing apart after years of raising a family together are some common issues that get in the way of having a mutually satisfying intimate life.

The research shows that even when couples have a strong desire to rebuild their love life, couples often times wind up feeling stuck trying to figure out how, when, or why things went wrong. To exacerbate the problem even further, couples often times give up on creating intimacy in their relationship because of many reasons that hamper their ability to take control of their love lives. A low libido, poor love making skills, lack of passion in the bedroom, lack of lubrication and pain during sexual intercourse, and male erectile problems are a few of the many reasons couples feel at a loss when it comes to creating intimacy in their relationship. Many couples think that if they don’t talk about it, it will remedy itself, but it doesn’t. In fact, studies prove that it only gets worse when couples neglect to have those vulnerable and often difficult conversations.

You may be thinking that it’s time that you start taking your love life into your own hands. Perhaps, you and your loved one are ready to reignite that spark that some how got lost in the daily grind of life. Start applying all of the tips that I have shared with you in this article and experience your love life being reignited in the ways that you prefer. If you need some help putting the grove back into your relationship, don’t wait, and seek professional help from a therapist. He or she can assist you and your partner in rediscovering each other, getting both of you back in touch with your most intimate hopes, dreams, and desires your relationship deserves. Living happily ever after is only possible when your priority is your relationship! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Eva Brown, M.S. is a Doctoral Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She has recently joined International Holistic Center’s Health Fusion team. Eva strives to assist her client’s in making the preferred changes they desire to make in their lives. She specializes in sexual education, pre-marital planning for newlyweds, couples intimacy & sexual issues, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, divorce, domestic abuse, sexual assault, general relationship issues, communication, co -parenting, stress and anger management, mid-life crisis, & infidelity. For more information visit www.IHCHealthFusion.com, or call the office #954-903-9426 to schedule an appointment.

You maybe thinking I am talking about my sweet husband or sweet child here, however, I am really thinking of what most Americans are addicted to… sugar and sugar substitutes.

Americans consume more sugar per person than most other countries in the world.  The American Heart Association states that we consume 22 teaspoon per person per day. We are also larger in weight than any other country.  This in not something that we should be proud of.  However, we do own it, which is why I write about this subject since this should be a concern.

Let me pose a question to you, “Do you need sugar in your diet?”
When I ask this question in groups or even individual clients I find that most people say “Yes!” Of course we do.  Sugar has been part of our lives since we can remember, so we should believe that it is necessary. The question is not about your likes, but a nutritional concern.  What nutritional benefits do we get from sugar? Actually, there is no nutritional benefit at all.  There is only a psychological effect. Sugar or simple carbohydrates increase endorphins in the brain, which gives us a good feeling or we become more happy.  There is no nutritional benefit at all, which brings me to the category of sugar substitute.

Sugar substitutes were introduced as a replacement for people with medical conditions that couldn’t consume sugar, such as people with diabetes.  But our food manufactures became smart because they marketed their new products as a weight loss product. This is the type of marketing that makes me mad because the food manufactures are playing off peoples ignorance.

I have another question for you, “If you only used sugar substitutes would you lose weight?”

Here is another question on that subject, “Are Americans losing weight or gaining weight?” Obviously obesity is a huge problem here and our consumption of diet products have increased.  The problem is that we have become addicted to sugar substitute too.  The intake of sugar substitute does not have the same effect as sugar does on our brain. So our brain is craving  that happy feeling it gets from sugar, but since not it’s occurring from sugar substitute our brains asks for more.

Our brain will continue to crave more of the sugar substitute until it’s satisfied. Hence, the problem continues with our obesity and consumption of sugar, sugar substitutes and diet foods. It’s a vicious cycle and the only way to stop is by slowly eliminating our dependency on diet foods and sugar substitutes. If you must, have the real sugar, but remember that more is not always better and quality is better than quantity.  Enjoy that great piece of chocolate and savor it so the real taste will last.

To Your Health,

Julianne

By Rachel “Happy” Donahue

As the holiday season comes to a close, most of us begin to plan for the New Year. We go into the New Year full of well-meaning promises made to ourselves that this will be “the year” that we stick to our New Year’s resolutions (NYR’s). According to statistics, 40-45% of Americans make one or more NYR’s each year. What this means is that almost half of the American population want to change their lives for the better in some meaningful way. Unfortunately, research shows that all of our good intentions quickly wane. The following statistics show how many of our resolutions are maintained as time goes on:

• One week – 75%
• Two Weeks – 71%
• One Month – 64%
• Six months – 46%

NYR’s are attempts to make positive, meaningful and lasting changes in our lives; something that I assist my clients to do all year round through Life Coaching. I would urge anyone who is truly serious about making these changes to consider working with a Life Coach to reach their goals. That being said, here are seven things I do with my clients that can be applied to all who want to stick to their NYR’s this year.

1. Commit – There is a difference between making a New Year’s wish and committing to make some changes. When clients just wish for something, they are not taking an active role in the outcome. However, when a client commits to something they are taking an active role in making it happen. When you truly commit you are no longer taking a passive approach. You are ready and willing to fight for what you want and you realize that the path towards your goal(s) may not always be easy.
2. Be specific – Many of us fail because we are too vague about our goals. For example, if your resolution is to get in shape, this can become difficult to put into practice. I always suggest to my clients that they make what I call SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. So instead of trying to get in shape for example, commit to exercising 3 times a week for the next 6 months. Now you have a specific goal that that is measurable, achievable, realistic and has a time frame attached to it.
3. Visualization – Visualizing can be a powerful tool towards helping you attain your goals. When you contemplate making changes, try to visualize what it would really feel like and look like to have achieved your goal. Using our example, what would it be like for you to “be in shape”? Take a mental snapshot of this image and conjure it up often. This way your goal is in sight and you can feel it, smell it, taste it, etc. When you remember this visualization you are constantly re-motivating yourself. You may also want to write a few sentences about what you have visualized so that you can continuously refer to it.
4. Keep Track – In Coaching, my clients have a prep form that they complete before each session to review how much they achieved from the previous week and where they had setbacks. This allows them to monitor themselves and to be accountable. Keeping a weekly accounting of your progress and setbacks can be invaluable in attaining your goal. By examining what you are actually doing, you can discover if you need to refine your goal, change it, etc.
5. Support – Obviously clients who come into Coaching have the support of their Life Coach. However, if using a Coach is not realistic for you, get support towards achieving your goals from somewhere. Using our example, get a friend or family member to workout with you 3 times a week. Or commit to taking a class, joining a gym or a support group. This way you are not alone. You will have someone supporting you along the way. Having support changes the experience from a solitary journey into one where you are getting encouragement and you are sharing the experience with someone in a similar situation.
6. Problems – Another reason so many of us fail is because we have not been realistic about expecting bumps in the road. If making these changes was easy, we wouldn’t find ourselves making these resolutions every year. Using our example, when you committed to working out 3 times a week, that is 3 hours of free time you’ve now lost. Also, what happens when you suddenly get the flu and you can’t get to the gym? Just remember that it’s ok and you don’t have to quit just because you had a setback. You have made a SMART goal for yourself and just because you fall behind, don’t quit! Pick yourself up and get back on track.
7. Growth and Change are Processes – Coaching clients realize that they are entering into a process when they choose to work with a Coach. NYRs are no different. Change is a creative process that happens over time and involves learning about yourself and how to confront obstacles you encounter along the way. As you embark on this process, you are not only dealing with the actual change you are making, but you are getting to know yourself better. Be accepting of everything you learn about yourself along the way and gain strength from your newfound knowledge.

The important thing to remember is that whether it is NYRs or life goals you can do it, especially if you have a Life Coach to help you.

Rachel “Happy” Donahue, CLC is a professional Certified Life Coach, Body Mind Life Coach™ Specialist and an Addiction Recovery Coach. Rachel received her training at the Institute for Life Coach Training. Rachel is an officer on the Boards of Recovery Coaches International and the International Coach Federation Miami Chapter. As an interactive, growth-focused Life Coach, her approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges and achieve and maintain greater life balance.

By: Rachel “Happy” Donahue, Certified Life Coach, Body Mind Life Coaching ™ Specialist

Addiction has become a part of society.  How many of us have suffered from addiction firsthand or have been affected by the addiction of someone close to us?  Unfortunately, I suspect almost every reader can answer “I have” to that question.  In the past, the only option for addiction recovery treatment has been some form of rehabilitation (inpatient or outpatient) followed by mandatory participation in a 12 step recovery program.  In following this course, the individual is bombarded with the concept that they have a chronic disease and that they will relapse if they go beyond what they have learned in the 12 step program.  Recovered individuals are therefore not afforded the option for an expanded future.

Well, it’s time for a change.  In my work with addiction recovered clients, every client I have met has demonstrated enormous character strengths throughout the course of their early life and even in their addiction.  My clients are competent, creative and extremely resourceful individuals.  Recovery Coaching focuses on those strengths and the innate health and wellness of these individuals to allow for the creation of a great and meaningful life.  As a Recovery Coach, I neither endorse nor denounce any particular way of achieving or maintaining sobriety, abstinence or the reduction of suffering from addiction.  What I do focus on is the discovery of existing strengths and values and the development of a course of action that assists my clients to lead a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

How is this achieved?

Traditional therapies have only been partially successful–Recovery Coaching introduces a fresh new option to aid clients in their ongoing path towards addiction recovery.  While the 12 step philosophy states “Once an Addict – Always an Addict”, my Coaching philosophy is “Once a Human Being – Always a Human Being”.  Instead of viewing my clients as inherently powerless, bad or sick, I view them as strong, creative and resourceful. I assist them in realizing their inner strengths. This allows my clients to discover and utilize their own unique and individual character strengths to create the life they want in sobriety.  As a result of the future-focused, action-oriented nature of recovery coaching, clients design solid life goals and stay sober longer.  Instead of treatment followed by relapse, followed again by expensive treatment, with Recovery Coaching you can add an invaluable resource in breaking the relapse cycle.

Recovery Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship for individuals who are in or who are considering recovery from addiction to achieve outstanding results in their lives while continuing their path towards recovery.  Clients are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves, enhance their quality of life, and create a purposeful and meaningful future.  As with all forms of Coaching, the client chooses the focus of their sessions based on what is important to them right now, while the Coach listens and contributes observations and thought provoking questions.  For some clients this means defining specific goals and action steps to support their vision and stay accountable to their values and intentions.  For some, it is about creating a thorough life plan.  For others, Coaching is focused on individual themes, shortcomings in personal development, or how to successfully plot a course into a meaningful life following treatment.  These interactions ultimately lead the client towards action, allowing the client accelerated progress in their recovery by providing greater focus, awareness of choices, and responsibility in their actions.

What Recovery Coaching Is and Is Not:

Recovery Coaching is a tool to be added to the existing toolbox of methods in treating addictions and the addiction recovering population.

Recovery Coaching is strength based.  I base my work with all of my clients on the premise that they are whole, healthy, competent and capable human beings.

Recovery Coaching is a process.  It takes time to understand what gives your life meaning and how to achieve your overall vision.

Recovery Coaching is not therapy.

Recovery Coaching is not a replacement for clinical care or primary treatment.

Recovery Coaching is not focused on the past but rather on the future and all it holds. The recovery coaching process is intended to help the client create a vision for the next chapter of their lives.

Recovery Coaching is not the equivalent of a “sponsor”, or a “sober friend”.

Recovery Coaching is not about what the coach thinks is best for the client.  It is always about the client’s own unique agenda.

If you have any questions or would like some more info related to this topic please send an email to RachelD@IHCHealthFusion.com or call (954) 903-9426.

The Facts and Misconceptions about Hypnosis

By Dr. Elizabeth King, EdD, LCSW, CH.t

I decided to write this article because it dawned on me that there are still a lot of misconceptions out there about what hypnosis is or isn’t.  I don’t think a few days go by at my health care center that I don’t hear from one of our new clients the infamous question, “If you hypnotize me, are you going to make me bark like a dog or quack like a duck?”.   There is always a nervous chuckle following the question, as if to say,  “I really don’t believe in hypnosis”. Well, don’t feel embarrassed if you are one of those people that has asked that same question (even if it was just to yourself).  I must admit I was guilty of asking the same question before I found the need to learn about hypnosis (you can read about my journey with chronic pain and how hypnotherapy got me back on my feet, in my book to be published next year).

Not to make excuses for all of us that have doubts about hypnosis, but our perception of what hypnosis is was formulated by watching stage performers at a comedy club, whose job was to make us all laugh about the silly commands that they called out to “willing to make themselves look foolish”  participants, all in the name of fun.  Of course, most of us leave the comedy club, saying “there is no way that was real.”  If you are lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be exposed to the research on the many uses of hypnotherapy, you are ahead of the game and probably chuckling right now at our naivety.   Unfortunately, for many of us, we learn how effective hypnosis can be because we have tried everything else and hypnosis is our last resort for getting relief of whatever ailment we are suffering from.

Sparked by recent headline news of celebrities overdosing on medication, there has been a lot more interest in understanding how hypnosis works and how it can be used.  Mainstream medical journals and shows like “Good Morning America” and “Prime Time Live ”, to name a few, have recently done several pieces on hypnosis as a viable option for relieving the symptoms of psychological and physiological conditions.  As more people become educated about hypnosis, I forsee that “traditional” medical practitioners will be forced to incorporating it  into their clinical practices.

What are the misconceptions and facts about hypnosis?

I know there are a whole lot more misconceptions about what hypnosis is or is not than the ones I am listing here.  But if I can clarify some of the more common ones then maybe some of the doubters out there will be willing to research whether hypnosis is right for them.  Hope this helps.

Misconception: People have to be gullible for hypnosis to work.

Fact: Research has shown that the most people can benefit from hypnosis. Choosing to be responsive to suggestions means that you understand the concept of how hypnosis works and are willing to allow your mind and body to do what is natural.  In my practice, I have not noticed IQ to be at all reflective in someone’s ability to be hypnotized.

Misconception: The person being hypnotized will be under the control of the hypnotist and can be made to do or say anything the hypnotist wants.

Fact: No matter how deeply hypnotized you are, you will remain in total control. You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do. Rest assured that no one can make you bark like a dog or quack like a duck unless you agree to do it.

Misconception: Hypnosis is something that is done to someone, rather than something that can be done for oneself.

Fact: Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you can use to help yourself feel better.

Misconception: You can be trapped in hypnosis and may never come out of it.

Fact: You may end hypnosis whenever you want. Just like you can not stay asleep forever, you cannot be under hypnosis forever.

Misconception: During hypnosis, you are unconscious or asleep.

Fact: During hypnosis, you are not asleep or unconscious. Although many of my clients do fall asleep because they feel very relaxed, they are still aware of everything and are active participants in the process.

Misconception: You have to be lying down in a quiet place to be able to go into a hypnotic trance.

Fact: You can go into a hypnotic trance sitting up or lying down.  It is all about practicing to be tuned in with your mind and body.  An experienced hypnotherapist can teach you how to do self-hypnosis anywhere.

What can Hypnosis be used for?

The Mayo Clinic reports that hypnotherapy can be used to:

• Reduce or eliminate anxiety, phobias, and depression
• Change negative behaviors such as smoking, overeating, and addictions
• Lower blood pressure
• Control pain from injury or chronic illness, surgery, and child birth
• Reduce intensity or frequency of migraines
• Help heal skin diseases, including warts and psoriasis

How can I choose a great hypnotherapist?

The answer is simple.  Research the person’s credentials, ask around for references, and most importantly, schedule an appointment to speak (in person or by phone) to ask the hypnotherapist lots of questions.   Having a good rapport with the hypnotherapist, feeling that she/he is knowledgeable, and understanding the process are key elements to being able to relax enough to be guided into hypnosis.

About Dr. Elizabeth King

Dr. Elizabeth King, EdD, LCSW, CH.t is the founder and CEO of International Holistic Center.  She is a highly respected psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, educator and radio talk show host of “Dr. King’s Health Fusion Hour”.  Dr. King is an international consultant and keynote speaker.    For more information about Dr. King, the show or our health fusion services, please visit our website www.IHCHealthFusion.com or call (954) 903-9426.

By: Rachel “Happy” Donahue, Certified Life Coach, Body Mind Life Coaching ™ Specialist

WHAT IS LIFE COACHING?

Life Coach?? What is it? Is it a tutor?  Is it part of a sport?  What will it do for me?  Twenty five years ago no one had ever heard of a Life Coach.  Today, you frequently hear it referenced in movies, television shows and news media.  Many people think coaching is the latest trend for celebrities or high powered executives.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Life Coaches are being utilized today by people from all walks of life.   As a Certified Life Coach, I have worked with stay at home moms, professionals, college grads, and divorcees.  The one thing all of my clients have in common is the desire to live a fuller and more balanced life. Who among us doesn’t feel the same way?

Life coaching is for people who want to make some changes and feel that their life should be easier and fuller.   The coaching relationship is about reconnecting with your inner vision instead of being stuck in what isn’t working for you.  Having an organized structure that allows you to clarify your thinking, your emotions, and your goals is essential.  A committed professional ally such as a Life Coach will empower you to achieve your desired outcome.

Life Coaching is a unique relationship developed between a coach and a client with the purpose being to identify what they really want in all aspects of their lives and then develop a plan to achieve those goals.  The coaching relationship is based on my recognition of my clients as whole and capable people who simply need assistance in finding their answers.  In coaching, my clients and I co-create a confidential partnership that aids them in making informed decisions about their work, relationships, home life, career, and their future.

According to the 2009 International Coach Federation (ICF) Global Coaching Client Study, the top two motivations for seeking the services of a Life Coach were self esteem and self confidence (79%) and work/life balance (76%).  96% of the coaching clients who participated in this study said they would repeat the coaching process.  What these statistics are saying is that working with a qualified Life Coach leads to tangible and positive changes in the areas in which clients are seeking coaching services.

Who is a Life Coach?

A true Life Coach has completed an Accredited Coach Training Program and adheres to industry guidelines and ethics as set forth by the International Coach Federation.  A credentialed coach has received highly specific coach training and has achieved a designated number of experience hours.   A properly trained Life Coach is a uniquely qualified professional who utilizes a particular set of skills and techniques to help their clients find and reach their true potential.

What is the Difference Between Life Coaching and Psychotherapy?

The most important distinction between therapy and coaching is that in therapy a client is a patient, with a diagnosis and an ultimate goal of some kind of symptom relief.  Life Coaching was created to serve those individuals in need of help outside the therapeutic box.  These are individuals who have come to a place in their life where they are feeling stuck.  Are they mentally ill?  NO!  In the past, the therapeutic community  tended to lump a variety of individuals into a few categories when, in reality, they were just in need of guidance with their everyday lives.  This need for a professional to work with someone on dealing with life situations without the need for “treatment” or a “diagnosis” is coaching.  Another important distinction between coaching and therapy is that coaching is about designing your future, not getting over issues from the past.  Working with a healthy individual who wants a trained professional to assist them in planning their future and achieving more overall balance in life is coaching.

How Do I Choose a Life Coach?

The most important thing to look for in a Life Coach is someone that you feel comfortable with and that you feel can relate to you.  Most coaches offer a complimentary introductory session so that you can get to know each other.  During that session, here are five questions that may help you in determining if this is the right coach for you.

• What is your Coaching  experience?
• What is your Training?
• What is your Coaching Specialty?
• What is your personal Coaching philosophy?
• What are some of your personal Coaching success stories?

If you have any questions or would like some more info related to this topic please send an email to RachelD@IHCHealthFusion.com or call (954) 903-9426.

Rachel “Happy” Donahue is a professional Certified Life Coach and Body Mind Life Coaching ™ Specialist.  Rachel received her training at the Institute for Life Coach Training. As an interactive, growth-focused Life Coach, her approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges and achieve and maintain greater life balance.  She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.