Medical Hypnotherapy

In 1958, the American Medical Association officially recognized hypnosis as a viable tool of modern medicine and recommended that hypnosis be taught in all medical schools. The American Psychological Association and the American Dental Association quickly followed suit and acknowledged hypnosis’ utility/usefulness. Excess stress leads to many modern diseases and health challenges and is also responsible for exacerbating them and those diseases not directly caused by stress. Because Hypnosis is very relaxing, it is an ideal support to conventional medicine. Hypnosis or relaxation and suggestion has been one of Western doctors’ healing tools for nearly 300 years.

As far back as the 18th century, Franz Anton Mesmer, an Austrian physician, used what is today known as ‘hypnosis’ in his medical practice. Across Europe, other physicians learned of his methods and implemented them into their own practices. He called his technique, ‘animal magnetism’ and later, as his fame grew across Europe, was known as ‘Mesmerism.’ He was reported to have personally healed thousands of people of physical, emotional, and spiritual maladies. As he lived during the earliest days of modern science, he was fascinated by the new ideas of the day. Concepts like electricity, gravity, and yes, magnetism were just beginning to be understood. Mesmer, like most physicians of the era, functioned much like a so-called medicine man. 18th century doctors attended to more than to the physical complaints of their patients. Their treatment also included remedies for the psychological and spiritual health of their people in their community.

As the centuries wore on, these responsibilities were delegated to specialists. The body became the sole responsible of the physician, while the mind became the sole province of the psychologist, and the spiritual health of an individual fell to the priest or rabbi. 21st century physicians are rediscovering “mesmerism” and the practice of treating the whole person. As more doctors and nurses are learning Transpersonal Medicine or Integrative Medicine, they bring healing to patients on a physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Medical Hypnotherapists do not diagnose, prescribe for, or treat any condition, rather we work as complementary medicine practitioners, assisting physicians and supporting the innate healing power of each person. This is done by presenting beneficial suggestions to eliminate the symptoms of certain health challenges or lessen the side effects of conventional medicine and procedures. Physicians and health facilities need trained professionals to lessen the feelings of fear and helplessness that many patients feel when navigating the healthcare system.

As a Board-Certified Hypnotherapist with the International Medical Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), I stand ready to serve.

Preparing the patient mentally for surgery and other procedures.

• Increasing his or her healing potential through suggestion
• Facilitating faster post-surgery recovery through end result imagery
• Controlling the patient’s pain and discomfort, thus reducing drug intake
• Reducing ongoing risk for chronic illnesses by reducing negative self-talk
• Increasing work productivity by improving sleep patterns
• Releasing fear and anxiety so patient make and keep their medical appointments
• Reinforcing the physician's instructions for healthy eating, exercise, etc.
• Enabling each patient to feel empowered through learning self-hypnosis

• Cancer
• Chronis Pain
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Allergies (seasonal and pet)
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Dental Anxiety
• Post-surgical recovery