Hypnotherapy brings life changes to many

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Hypnosis may bring to mind people quacking like a duck or performing a strip tease for entertainment, but the act may do much more. Mid-Missourians are making life changes through hypnotherapy, and it's a serious business.

Kathy VanHooser, 52, found out she had a severe case of text anxiety when she began nursing school.

"When I hear the word 'test' I feel all of this anxiety and stress," the Eldon., Mo resident said. "One of my instructors suggested trying hypnotherapy."

VanHooser said she wasn't the only person who noticed immediate results after her visit to the Hypnotherapy Center. Her classmates and instructors even noticed that her stress level seemed to diminish on test day.

"I come here and can experience relaxation," she said. "It almost feels as if I've had a full-body massage when I leave. Not only am I less stressed about my classes, but all the other stresses in life seem to melt away."

VanHooser experienced great amounts of relaxation, but she also saw an increase in her test scores, which was an added benefit. It's nice to be passing tests now, she said.

Necessary motivation

VanHooser experienced immediate results, but has returned to see Les Hurd, certified hypnotherapist, three times for some redirection.

Hurd said some people require additional sessions if they feel they are getting off track or losing sight of the intended goal. Some, however, only need one session to find results.

DeAnne Bogg of Jefferson City, put on a bikini for the first time in 10 years this summer and she said hypnotherapy was the answer. After losing 38 pounds and five dress sizes, the 19-year-old has finally won the battle with her weight.

"I used to look in the mirror and didn't like what I saw looking back," she said. "I tried so many different diets and I guess I just didn't have the will power to stick with them."

For Bogg, hypnotherapy was her last resort. She said after her one and only session with Hurd, she immediately felt different.

"When I woke up, I felt like I was ready to get fit and eat less," Bogg said. "And that's exactly what I did."

She began eating responsibly and joined a gym. Bogg said her cravings still existed, but she has learned to respond differently to this desire.

"If I crave ice cream, I'll just have one scoop instead of three," she said. "My mind tells me I don't need three scoops."

Hurd said the process of hypnotism is a natural one and there is no need to worry. Before a session, he recommends a consultation between the hypnotherapist and the patient.

"It's important to sit down with the client to determine the specific needs," he said. "We want our patients to have realistic goals. They need to know they won't walk out of here 80 pounds lighter. It takes some time."

Hurd said one-on-one sessions will offer the largest success rates. People are different and will require different things for their session, he added. Not everyone can be hypnotized in the same way or in the same time frame.

Bogg's experience was very relaxing and she said she remembers the entire experience.

"It's difficult to explain, but I just felt very relaxed," she said. "I could hear everything Les was saying and I knew exactly what I was saying and doing."

Hurd said the feeling of being hypnotized varies from person to person. The feeling of floating, sinking or even feeling itchy are common descriptors he has heard from patients.

VanHooser said it felt as if her feet were floating and unlike Bogg, she remembers very little about her hypnotherapy sessions. She said she felt some apprehension before visiting Hurd, but her fears were put to rest.

People can be apprehensive of what will happen while they are under, but Hurd said a hypnotist can't make a person do anything questionable.

"When you're under, I can't convince you to go rob a bank and bring me the money," he laughed. "You won't do anything against your constitutions."

Hurd said he primarily sees patients who are interested in losing weight or quitting smoking, but he treats many other needs, as well.

He has helped young children with potty training or bed wetting, school-aged children with memory retention and better school performance, and all ages with stress relief and conquering phobias.

"If a person is in the right mind-set, there is really nothing hypnotherapy can't help," he said. "I've even performed self-hypnosis on myself to help me to stop stuttering, lose weight and biting my nails."

To see results, both Bogg and Hurd said the commitment must be there.

"If you believe and have decided to make a change, then hypnosis can work for you," Bogg said.

Positive changes

Hurd said during his consultations with clients, if the desire isn't there, he typically recommends another form of treatment.

For Bogg, this experience has changed her life and being almost 40 pounds lighter has lifted a burden she no longer carries. She also had the full support from her parents, who have also started getting healthy.

"I didn't tell my parents about this," Bogg said. "Soon they began to notice I was losing weight and asked my what changed. When I told them, they thought it was great and now they have joined a gym and started eating right, which I think is great."

VanHooser, who has also changed her way of thinking, said she is glad to find a method that doesn't require taking medication.