Are you having trouble finding and maintaining meaningful relationships? Overwhelmed by everyday tasks? Do you want to become a better golfer?
Hypnotherapist Debbie Lane knows how you feel. After learning and observing human development while running a chain of child care centers, Lane took a course in hypnosis at the NatureLife Institute just to quell her curiosity. She became certified in hypnosis, integrative hypnosis and medical hypnosis.
Lane is hailed by many doctors who refer their patients for a variety of issues, including such chronic illnesses as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In 2007, she was acclaimed for her work with the “Hiccup Chick,” the 15-year old girl who couldn’t stop hiccupping for nearly six weeks.
We caught up with Lane between trances and learned that hypnosis isn’t just for curing stress or quitting smoking.
Is hypnotism really an effective means of changing behavior?
For the person who desires change, absolutely. I say that with the caveat that I cannot force anyone to change against their will.
What happens in the mind to make hypnotism work?
During the hypnotic trance, a person becomes hyper-focused. This allows him or her to eliminate other stimuli and distracting thoughts. Brain waves slow down from the normal, conscious active brainwaves and the person accesses the subconscious part of their mind. It is then that the subconscious mind is able to make changes that will benefit the individual.
What is your method to put somebody in a hypnotic state?
I do not use any form of watch, pendulum or spinning wheels. That is more theatrical than necessary in my humble opinion. With many of my clients, I use a relaxation-type of induction. This is because most people enjoy the sensations of the relaxation. My office is cozy and quiet. However, for more analytical people I use what is called a confusion induction, where the mind defaults to hypnosis when overwhelmed.
Do the methods vary depending on symptoms?
The methods vary more on the individual than on the issue. Different people respond to different approaches based on their personality. For example, if I have a person who is more visual, I am going to focus on what they see in life. If they’re more auditory, perhaps ring a bell for them. A big part of what any good hypnotherapist does is to learn all they can about their client’s desired outcome and goals. Understand that, and then utilize whatever tools are available to guide them towards success.
For what reasons do LGBTs come to you?
I have worked with the usual assortment of medical reasons, overcoming fears, and self-esteem issues. I have worked with both gay and straight on sexually-related issues such as erectile dysfunction. I am the best at what I do. I am non-judgmental towards any issue. Judgment only interferes with getting the job done!
What is the most common use of hypnotism?
Stress reduction. But I do get many calls for a variety of reasons, from weight management to insomnia. But just about everything is exacerbated by stress.
Is hypnotism as simple as “positive thinking?”
If only it was, we would all be better. Actually, while thinking positive is important, I feel as though all too often it is used as a whip to keep us in line. We are told to improve our attitudes, think positive and not let things get to us. Meanwhile, we are “hardwired” to go to the negative, trained from an early age to expect the worst and made to feel guilty if we react to negative circumstances in a human manner. I do my best to allow a person the freedom of understanding their reactions, then reframe the situation and help develop new neural pathways that allow a more constructive response. Keep in mind, thinking is done at the conscious level, I am working with the subconscious level of mind where emotions, memories and habits are stored.
You also deal with matters of the heart, so with Valentine’s Day approaching, what advice could you give to the lovelorn?
I offer a class at the end of January called “Love Potion Number 9,” that helps people attract love into their lives. One of the most important parts of that class is helping people learn just how lovable they are, then loving and honoring themselves.
When you tell people you are a hypnotist, do they take that at face value or do you have to defend your profession?
I get a variety of reactions. Some people are instantly fascinated, others want me to defend my profession and some really tickle me because they assume I am all powerful.
What have been some of your more memorable cases?
I worked with a gentleman who hiccupped for four years until he came to see me. There was another case of chronic burping and a case involving chronic coughing. I told my husband that I had worked with burping and chirping, but if a call came in for the other end, I was quitting. Well, the call came, we were successful and no, I did not quit. I do consider myself the body emissions expert, however.
