More Than Four Walls

Each year I have the opportunity to visit nearly 20 high schools in the Washington, DC area. 

I guest speak at psychology and health classes in Montgomery County to introduce hypnosis as a tool for confidence and stress management.  I also entertain at after prom and all night graduation parties hosted by Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA) in both Montgomery and Fairfax Counties.

It’s through this interaction with teachers, parents and students that I have come to appreciate: 1) the culture at each school is somewhat unique; yet 2) the commitment to foster a learning and growth environment is absolutely consistent.  As a father of three sons I find this comforting.

My experience last week provides an example of everything right with schools in this region.  I spent two days on campus at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland to speak with psychology students about hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness.  The kids were engaged and inquisitive with many eager to try a basic hypnotic induction.

After my talk, the teacher who hosted me and I chatted with a couple of students about their hypnotic experience.  The conversation shifted to other areas of their life, such as college selection, peer interaction, etc.  I was so impressed with the kids’ maturity, as well as their focus on living productive and caring lives.

Early Sunday morning found me on-site to entertain for the after prom at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.  This is a unique public school as the student body combines kids who live in the neighborhoods with those who travel a great distance for the science and math magnet program.

During my nearly four hours at the after prom more than 75 kids gave hypnosis a try.  It was a lot of fun and I had a myriad of parents who were there to chaperone express their appreciation for my participation.  I also had the pleasure of meeting Blair’s principal.

What is the take-away?

The educational mission of a school is important, and there is a lot of pressure on administrators, teachers and parents to make good on the promise.  I’ve found that schools are much more than four walls.  They truly provide a community for students to thrive.  And that is what is happening!

And finally, I wanted to share “thank you” notes I received from two Good Counsel students who attended a couple of my talks on campus.  Each student volunteered for hypnosis several times.

I wanted to thank you for coming to our school and especially for hypnotizing me (3 times)!  The whole experience has been enlightening and extremely helpful.  Thank you for helping me to become more confident in both my studies and my athletics…I know that if you can convince me of my worth that I can (and have) convinced myself.

Thank you for making time for my psychology class.  It makes me want to continue to learn about psychology and learn about myself as well.