Hypnotized...Right on Q

It is 2:45 AM on a Sunday morning and I’m whipping down a quiet road in Gaithersburg, Maryland on my way to Quince Orchard High School’s post prom.   

I’ve just left Poolesville High School’s event when the phone rings.  It’s my long-standing relationship with the QO Booster Club.

“Are you close,” she asks.  “There is a whole group of kids looking forward to your show.”

A few minutes later I hustle into Quince Orchard and am warmly greeted by a wonderful group of students who are interested in giving the “Hypnotic Experience” a try.  I’m on-site until nearly 5 AM and probably could have stayed longer.  The parents hosting the event finally give me the word that it’s time to wrap things up and send the last remaining kids home.

After prom and all night graduation party season is my most active time of the year.  From mid-April until the end of June, I’ll help entertain at nearly 20 events hosted by Public Student Teacher Associations (PTSA) and Booster Clubs.

Admittedly, the early morning hours and sleep deprivation can be tough to bounce back from.  This is especially true when I’m up early the next day to shuttle my own children to different athletic events and activities.

The two hours of sleep is absolutely worth it because of how warmly I’m typically received by everyone.  Providing a fun (and safe) environment for kids to enjoy their prom or graduation is an incredibly worthwhile cause.

Check out the brief video clip below of a group of Quince Orchard students trying hypnosis.  My Hypnotic Experience isn’t your typical comedy hypnosis show.  Rather, I focus on a fun and entertaining discussion and demonstration of the power of positive visualization.

5 Stories of Hypnosis for Superior Athletic Performance

Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby practices self-hypnosis.  (Photo credit: NovaCapFans.com)

During the past month I have spent most of my early morning weekend hours with high school students at after prom parties.  This coming weekend I’ll be part of the entertainment at events hosted by the Parent Student Teacher Associations (PTSA) at Poolesville HS, Quince Orchard HS and Northwood HS.

While I enjoy entertaining and supporting public schools, equally fulfilling is the opportunity to speak with young people about the importance of positive visualization.  This is especially true when it comes to athletes.

Most of the kids are surprised to learn a myriad of college and professional sports teams invest resources to ensure their athletes are mentally prepared to perform at the highest possible level.  With that in mind, I thought I’d share links to a few of my favorite articles published on this blog about hypnosis for exceptional athletic performance.

Hypnosis Helps Mary Lou Retton Vault to Olympic Gold

Hypnosis Sharpens an Athlete’s Mindset for Recovery

How the Lady Terps Achieve Zen

Hypnosis for Athletic Success, Capitals Style

Hypnosis Helps a Newly Minted College Athlete

Magruder High School Post Prom - Back for a Third

To measure the success of a performance entertainers often use the two "Rs" -- referrals and repeats (bookings).  This evaluation criteria is particularly relevant in niche communities, such as Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA) in a specific county.

Four years ago, I made it a priority to initiate and build relationships with PTSAs in Montgomery County, Maryland.  I'm a graduate of the county's public school system and my children are currently enrolled in County schools.  The schools are exceptional in academics, athletics and community.

Each prom season, the PTSA at most County high schools host an after prom party designed to provide the kids with a fun and safe environment.  The event runs from late night until the early morning hours of the next day.

There is even a not-for-profit organization called Montgomery County Project Prom/Graduation that exists to coordinate activities of the PTSAs and share best practices.

In 2013, I entertained at a single Montgomery County high school.  This year I'm fortunate to be a part of eight County high school after proms, including a few relationships that are now multi-year.

This past weekend I returned to Magruder High School in Rockville, Maryland for the third year in a row.  The parents who organized the event were wonderful to work with the kids were fabulous -- interested in hypnosis and open to giving it a try.

Rather than a stage show, I was on-site through the duration of the event to perform a series of mini-demonstrations.  This approach is flexible, fits in well with the flow of other planned activities and gives more kids an opportunity to experience hypnosis. 

I've included below a couple of photographs I thought you'd enjoy!

When I say the word "cheese," rather than smile you will have the urge to make a strange and funny face.

That's strange...why is there music coming from my shoe.

Same volunteer is puzzled that she cannot seem to remember her first name.