Has it really been five months since you made that New Year's resolution to chuck your two-pack-a-day habit, or to fit into that perfect swimsuit for your upcoming vacation?
I hate to break it to you, but yes.
You aren't alone, however. Many people make goals for themselves, but just don't know how to reach them, or don't realize that most people need multiple forms of support. There are many roads of support out there, and some you may not have even though of yet, such as the practice of hypnosis.
When I first heard that I would be the office test dummy to try hypnosis, I'll admit my initial reaction: a boatload of sarcasm and a good hearty chuckle.
The image I had in my head was the cartoon version of hypnosis—an old doctor waving a pocket watch in from of the patient chanting, 'You are getting very, very sleepy.' Maybe there are some hypnotherapists out there who use this technique, but the individuals at Chicago's Positive Changes just offer a whole lot of common sense.
I was surprised not to see co-owner Karen Hand-Harper bust out a gold pocket watch during my first visit, but instead offer a completely logical program based on eliminating triggers; healthy practices such as drinking water, eating healthier, getting more sleep and finding ways to overcome stress; and just good common sense. She also offered two other important components: patience and understanding.
At Positive Changes, a typical visit starts with discussing any improvements or setbacks with any one of the hypnotherapists. They let you try the variety of personalities there. You'll discuss and make small goals for yourself each visit, and learn new tools to help you along the way.
And, of course, there is the hypnosis. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness ( I felt heavy and relaxed, but very focused ) , where your therapist gives you hypnotic suggestions, which are ways to help you gain control over your behavior. Simply put, you are replacing bad behaviors with good ones.
There is some outside homework as well, because overcoming old habits is typically a process. Your hypnotherapist will teach you to induce a state of hypnosis in yourself, and provide you with the tools to do so. You'll receive new programs each week, and a video packed with common sense information. I found that at Positive Changes, they provided tools for me to consciously and unconsciously overcome obstacles.
Hand-Harper admits that hypnosis definitely isn't for everyone. Some people are just too skeptical to even allow themselves to try it. But for those that have been through the program offered at Positive Chances, there is an outstanding success rate.
It wasn't a magic bullet for me, but at least I walked away with one more sturdy leg on the stool of support needed to overcome obstacles in one's life, whether that be losing weight, overcoming a fear of public speaking, handling stress or quitting smoking. Also, the techniques and tools I learned from my appointments are things I can carry with me, continue to use to battle any other upcoming obstacle and bust back out if I find myself returning to an old habit, which I'll admit I'm prone to do.
Positive Changes is the only nationwide network of behavior modification centers that uses hypnosis and personal coaching. For more information on the Chicago location ( 4801 W. Peterson ) , call 773-725-3200; e-mail Chicago@positivechanges.com; or visit www.positivechanges.com .
