Have you tried and tried and tried to change a habit … to no avail?  Are you frustrated and feeling hopeless — desperate — about it?  Do you feel as though you would be willing to try ANYTHING just to rid yourself of the problem?

This may be the perfect time to consider Hypnosis!

Hypnosis can help you release whatever is holding the old habit in place.  Hypnosis can help you uncover your own inner motivations and resistances.  Once these are uncovered, you are in the position to finally understand what’s really been going on — and causing you such frustration … and, ultimately, of releasing it!

Over the years of hypnotizing thousands of clients, I have developed a deep, profound respect for the wisdom of the mind.  I have witnessed examples where the habit — at one time — had an amazing, protective function … at a time when securing personal safety and being protected were more important than anything else!

However, with the passage of time, conditions may have changed radically … thus, eliminating the need for such a protective edifice.  If the protection has not been shed — mainly, because you didn’t realize that it was still there and that it was no longer needed, then you would continue to act as though the habit HAD to remain in place.  It would seem as though your very survival still depended on it … even though conditions no longer supported this belief!

Yes, this is all a major misunderstanding …

Yet, while this misunderstanding persists, it continues to actively prevent you from experiencing SUCCESS in changing that habit that you desire to eliminate!  Hypnosis can help your mind update itself.

Through hypnosis, you are guided by the hypnotherapist to recognize in an intensely effective way, the difference between what once was essential … and what now exists.  You are helped by the hypnotherapist to understand how time and new circumstances have brought you to a different juncture in your life, a juncture which calls for something totally new.

At this point in the hypnotherapeutic treatment — in a powerful leap — you are helped by the hypnotherapist to see the immense desirability of letting go of what was required in the past.  You are guided by the therapist to embrace what fits for you now — namely, accepting the new behaviors that you’ve been wanting to enact.  Then, the hypnotic process is used in one additional, effective way.  It is used to help you imprint — and practice — the new habits in your life!

So, if you are ready to let go of that habit … there is no time like the present to enjoy the success-boost that hypnosis can bring!

Once you have decided that hypnosis would benefit you, it is time to do research about your Hypnotist. You are looking for a “fit” a connection between you and the Hypnotist whom you select.

If you know someone who is seeing, or has seen, a Hypnotist and was pleased with the results and the assistance provided, you can ask him/her for a referral. If this is not available to you or not a direction you wish to pursue others avenues exist.

1. In the Yellow Pages (physical phone book or online), find the heading that addresses the type of treatment you desire e.g., “hypnosis” to find a practitioner skilled in creating the hypnotic state for habit change; “hypnotherapy” to find a practitioner who utilizes hypnosis as a state in which to reinforce and practice coaching strategies.

2. Look at the credentials of the Hypnotist:

• Where did s/he receive her/his schooling?
• What degree(s) has s/he earned?
• In what organizations does s/he hold membership?
• What certifications and/or licenses does s/he hold?
• How many years has s/he been in practice?

If necessary, call to get this information.

3. Consider random factors, variable among different hypnotists; e.g., location, convenience of appointments scheduling, cost.

4.  Taking into account #1 through #3 (above), make a list of 3-5 possible hypnosis professionals.

5. Talk with each Hypnotists on your list. Ask about his/her treatment style. For example, does he/she mostly listen while you talk? Does he/she offer practical suggestions for change? Is homework given?

Now, for THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of your selection process, consider the following:

a. How do these responses match what you think would work best for you?

b. Pay attention to your intuition while talking with the Hypnotist

• How does this Hypnotist sound and feel to you?  Is the Hypnotist’s voice and tone soothing to you?
• Do you sense that s/he would understand you and your circumstances?
• Do you sense that s/he would be able to help you?
• Do you feel that you would listen to and follow the guidance s/he gives?

Listen to your “gut feeling” and make an appointment with the Hypnotist whom you feel most strongly could assist you.