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Educating Future Hypnotherapists In A Rewarding And Fulfilling Career
Seeking one’s “quiet place” or “inner peace” isn’t a new concept. It’s been around since early humans first had a conscious awareness of “self” and thought, “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “Why am I thinking this?”
Many ancient cultures—like the Egyptians, Greeks and Native Americans—sought inner journeys for everything from healing to religious ceremonies. It’s been practiced, taught and studied by many, from ancient priests and early shamans to spiritual leaders and modern scientists.
Even today, millions buy books about “discovering inner peace.” Why is this so popular? Well, first, our mind’s basic structure and function hasn’t changed much since that first “Who am I?” Second, it’s helped millions in a multitude of ways, giving the “mind-body connection” more intense investigation by professionals who research, treat and help people.
However, deep inner awareness like hypnosis isn’t easy to achieve, parsucticularly with the distractions of our modern “take-a-pill-to-cure-it” culture. That’s one reason thousands of professional, certified hypnotherapists have
successful practices worldwide.
Locally, we discovered the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy (FIH), a truly peaceful atmosphere where you’ll find extraordinary people like Matthew Brownstein. Brownstein is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, FIH and FIH Associates, Inc. executive director, American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) instructor and examiner, Hypnotherapy Academy of America graduate, founder and owner of Silent Light Publishers, Inc. and Anahat Meditation Center, and author of many audio CDs and books.
What’s it like being hypnotized? Well, it’s a bit like being involved in daydreaming, reading or a good movie. If you’ve ever concentrated on a hobby like painting or reading only to realize it’s suddenly four in the morning, then you’ve experienced a small inkling of what it’s like to be in a “focused state” like hypnosis. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis calls hypnosis “a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention.”
Actually, the word “mesmerize,” comes from 18th-century hypnosis pioneer and physician Franz Anton Mesmer. Believing an imbalance of the body’s energy, or “animal magnetism,” caused some illnesses, Mesmer used “magnetic passes” with his hands as treatment. Thereafter, others explored various hypnotic treatment methods. Documenting suggestive healing's power, the father of modern hypnotherapy, Dr. James Braid, coined the term “hypnosis.” Although from the Greek ‘hypnos’ meaning “sleep,” it’s still a misnomer as hypnosis is not sleep; yet the name remains.
How do you access your subconscious mind? It’s not that easy. (Read this first, then close your eyes. Tune out all the stimuli around you like a TV or ringing phone. Turn off your inner voice like that “to-do list” and even that little voice that’s saying, “This is silly.”) Like a cat, your subconscious mind may not come when you call it, but a trained hypnotherapist can help nudge it along and even teach you how to access it yourself.
In 1958, The American Medical Association recognized hypnosis as a valid healing modality. Studies show hypnotherapy can help ease pain, overcome some addictions, improve concentration, lessen anxiety, relieve minor phobias and much more—without drugs or side effects.
Studies continue to show that the mind-body connection is much more powerful than previously thought. A National Institutes of Health panel has endorsed hypnotherapy for various types of stress and pain relief, such as controlling cancer treatment nausea, pregnancy morning sickness and controlling heartbeat and blood pressure.
Today, we now have a better understanding of how our minds work. Our subconscious mind controls our body’s automatic functions— those behind the scene “how-to’s.” You don’t think about breathing, walking or shivering, it just happens. Likewise, you may not think about having a cigarette, cocktail, Twinkie or panic attack, but once a behavior is learned, our brain puts it on autopilot in our subconscious mind.
In computer terms, think of mental health professionals as “hardware” experts, whereas hypnotherapists are “software” experts. Like software, your subconscious mind performs automatic functions: updating, processing and re-organizing information. You don’t see it, hear it or perhaps even understand how it works; however, what if it weren’t functioning properly, had a few “bugs” from something that happened in the past or simply needed updating?
Tapping into your subconscious (“software”) mind can help keep you running as efficiently and happily as possible—as you were inherently designed. Of course, the human mind isn’t a computer; it has the free will to act on its own—to love, hate and fear things (even itself), be it rational or irrational, spontaneous or routine. That’s just being human.
Well-documented research shows that hypnotherapy is safe and effective. Hypnosis is not the “therapy,” per se, as relaxing as it may be. Hypnosis can make you more alert to your thoughts, feelings and more open to positive suggestion compatible with your goals. Therefore, once in the hypnotic state, true transformation can occur through a certified hypnotherapist who helps you to achieve your goals.
Can you be hypnotized? It’s a misconception that the ability to be hypnotized is the sign of an unintelligent or weak mind. On the contrary, research shows that hypnotizability is a sign of highly intelligent and creative minds, active imaginations and concentration and focus.
Hypnotherapy allows positive changes to arise naturally, even joyfully, out of the unique, intelligent person you already are and were designed to be. The bottom line is hypnosis can work on anything your mind affects, and your mind is a beautiful and powerful thing.
“FIH has opened its arms to many hypnotherapy students who have successfully moved into private practice,” Brownstein said. “Our highly trained professional, graduate associates also offer private sessions, which are confidential and approached in a nonjudgmental manner. I’m proud of their skill, wisdom and commitment watching them learn and grow, both as individuals and as professionals.”
“Your subconscious mind is more influential than your conscious mind. If the conscious mind were powerful enough to create our ‘perfect’ lives, we would all be rich, skinny and with our soul mates,” Lacey Nagy, CHt, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist said. “FIH gave me the training to help people with issues like insomnia, pain, depression, weight loss, smoking, grief and low self-esteem. Hypnotherapy can help anyone with any goal.”
“I believe hypnosis can benefit everyone, which is why its become more main-stream, like other complimentary modalities,” Sonya Lamarre, CHt, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist said. “Hypnosis is highly effective helping people reach personal goals (like quitting smoking or losing weight), becoming more focused, relaxed and efficient at work. FIH taught me how to help transform negative beliefs that keep people from creating positive changes that can bring them peace and joy.”
“Life is short,” Maryanne Everett, LMT, RDH, CHt, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist said. “We all deserve a healthier state of mind, body and spirit. Hypnotherapy helps you move past negative habits toward a more rewarding and healthier life. With more than 30 years experience in many areas of healing and wellness, and now, proudly, as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, I can say FIH’s teaching methods far exceeded my expectations in any healthcare field of training.”
Clinical Certified Hypnotherapist Alena Aissing, MA, LMT, CHt has taught art, healing, spirituality, yoga and dance in the Czech Republic, Austria and Florida. “I’m blessed to offer the techniques I mastered at FIH, such as pain management and past-life regression work,” Aissing said. “Along with my life experiences and open heart, I’m able to help clients heal and transform, to realize their true beauty.”
With experience in equestrian therapy, Clinical Certified Hypnotherapist Sharon Truex’s, CHt, said, “Ever since my father, a physician, used hypnosis to help my mother stop smoking, I studied hypnotherapy passionately and believe it can help anyone because everyone’s mind has an innate healing ability. I provide a compassionate, supportive atmosphere that honors each individual’s personal transformation and well-being journey.”
I believe humanity has the ability to love and be loved, to forgive and be forgiven, to heal and be healed, learn and to teach. I give clients tools to improve their life’s quality, specializing in personal growth and life mastery. I believe we’re spiritually one with all living things and that our universal instinct for growth begins with love for one’s self and for others.”
As a Certified Hypnotherapist and Emei Qigong teacher, Miranda Smith, CHt said, “I know that true healing comes through healing underlying problems. While it’s possible to alleviate symptoms, you can never truly solve them with a surface remedy,” Lori Hunt, CHt, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, licensed massage therapist and certified yoga instructor said. “FIH’s training is comprehensive, well-organized and beautifully presented and enables me to treat whole persons, not just their symptoms, so they can experience increased vitality and comfort that lasts throughout their lives.”
Practicing hypnotherapy since 1997, Brownstein, who has logged over 10,000 clinical practice hours, oversees FIH’s training. “Classes are perfect for anyone looking for a truly rewarding and meaningful career,” Brownstein said. “Most graduates are seeking hypnotherapy as a career, others are seeking a modality that compliments their specialty or broadens their techniques for helping people.”
The first hypnotherapy school licensed and approved by the State of Florida Department of Education, FIH is certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). FIH offers comprehensive instruction in accordance with both bodies’ standards and more. ACHE certifies more than 9,000 hypnotherapists worldwide, including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists and other healing arts professionals. They require state licensing and certification standards double and even triple that of other organizations. FIH meets and far exceeds industry standards.
Comprehensive study programs are offered in intervals or in one tract. Programs include a wide range of modalities, theories (from basic to advanced), hands-on training, legal and ethical practices and electives in special areas of interest like “Healing and Pain Management” (focusing on childbirth or dentistry) or “Anatomy and Physiology” (to better understand the mind’s healing mechanisms).
“We practice and teach under very strict legal and ethical standards,” Brownstein said. “Hypnotherapy is not meant to replace professional medical or psychiatric care. We never ‘treat’ anything associated with a possible medical or psychological condition without working under the direct referral or supervision of a licensed physician or mental health care professional.”
“For instance,” he added, “your medical doctor wouldn’t give you a pill to relieve chest pain without first consulting a cardiologist to find the pain’s cause. Our work isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any type of physical or psychological disease. We can, however, provide relief as a direct result of the peaceful relaxation and inner transformation hypnosis can provide.”
FIH prepares graduates for the ACHE exam, certification and for starting and successfully running their own practices. ACHE requires a minimum of 200 hours for Hypnotherapist certification and a minimum of 300 hours for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist certification. FIH offers ACHE required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) assuring graduates maintain requirements at a very high level.
FIH’s programs are affordable and flexible. The next semester begins Aug. 29th. Visit online at www.tfioh.com for course catalogs and current dates of free talks for anyone interested in consulting a hypnotherapist or in becoming certified in this unique and rewarding profession.
FIH works in association with Anahat Meditation Center, both located in the Millhopper Pinegrove Professional Plaza. On Wednesday evenings, Anahat offers free classes for anyone who wishes to explore or deepen their personal spiritual journey.
Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy
(352) 378-5746 or 1-800-551-9247
www.tfioh.com or info@tfioh.com
4051 NW 43rd Street, Suite 37
Gainesville, FL 32606
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