Accelerating Potential with Hypnosis and Visualization

My Hypnotic Experience show blends comedy and entertaining anecdotes with a basic hypnotic induction for volunteers and demonstration of the power of visualization.  Unlike a Las Vegas style act with is solely for humor, my goal is for the audience to have a great time and come away with a positive view of hypnosis as a tool for exceptional living.

Although every show is unique because of the imagination of the volunteers, there is a constant with every audience.  I always have a couple of people who stick around after the show to talk about a specific goal or change they desire.

Here are the big three I am asked about it:

-Stress management to be happier, healthier and sleep better at night

-Self confidence to make meaningful decisions (personal or professional)

-Performing in the moment  

I have written extensively on this blog about hypnosis for stress mitigation and self confidence.  Here are links to a few of the popular articles:

Hypnosis as a Tool for Relaxation and Healthy Balance

Sleeping Well with Hypnosis

Stress Mitigation is All Personal

What about performing in the moment?

Simply put, the approach many employ to achieve success in school, on the job or in athletic competition is to focus on skill development.  Athletes practice.  Students study.  Workers prepare a report or for a presentation.

Then, the time comes to demonstrate progress and prowess and we stumble, often because of the anxiety created by the need to excel at that particular moment in time.  We have yet to condition our mind to anticipate and expect success.

During the past three years, I have shared hypnosis and visualization with athletes to improve their performance in competition.  I’ve worked with high school students in their preparations for the SAT and other important tests.  And I provided suggestions to professionals as they prepare for an important career-related activity.

Hypnosis is not magic.  The baseline knowledge (or athleticism) and skill development are absolutely required for success.  When they are in place though, hypnosis is a wonderfully effective tool to unleash our potential.

Director Woody Allen once said 80% of success is simply showing up.  It's actually showing with an expectation that you will succeed. (Photo Source: thelowdownunder.com)

Embracing the Dreaded "H" Word

Hypnosis a loaded word riddled with misconceptions.

For many, an attempted discussion of the health and wellness benefits of hypnosis is destined to fail. The images in their mind of comedy show antics or comic book villains schooled in mind control are simply too great to overcome.

Even health practitioners and professionals elect alternative words to describe their work. Relaxation therapy and positive visualization are phrases I often hear.

Last week I attended a conference in San Diego hosted by a healthcare client of my social media marketing consulting firm. One of the exhibitors was a wonderful company called Medcalm.

Founded by a certified hypnotherapist, Medcalm has created an audio and video library used by hundreds of hospitals to help patients relax and focus, thereby improving patient care.

Although much of the content developed by Medcalm is based on Ericksonian hypnotherapy, the company refrains from dropping the “h” word when it overviews its offerings. Rather, it goes with this safer, more vanilla approach: “Medcalm is an innovative company dedicated to bringing sound healing and relaxation programs to people wherever needed.”

When I concepted my show called the “Hypnotic Experience,” I elected to feature the “h” word in the title. I tackle the misconceptions about hypnosis head on during the pre-talk, the portion of the performance that features stand-up comedy. I use entertaining anecdotes and humor to educate and inform.

Yes...I've had event organizers pass on including the Hypnotic Experience in their line-up because of the inaccuracies about hypnosis. One even referred to hypnosis as “downright scary.”

However, I am committed to the notion that when properly educated, people embrace a tool that can help them manage stress; raise self-confidence; improve athletic, academic and/or career performance; and achieve I higher level of health and wellness.   

Medcalm's content library is based on the hypnotic process.

5 Most Requested Positive Outcomes from Hypnosis

At the conclusion of a performance of my “Hypnotic Experience” show I encourage attendees to approach me with questions or to discuss positive outcomes they hope to achieve in their life.

In many instances, these post-show discussions lead to the scheduling of a one-on-one hypnosis session.  It’s in this environment that I can tailor the hypnotic induction and visualization to a person’s specific goals, empowering them to pursue meaningful change.

Here is a list of the five most common things requests I receive from individuals seeking positive outcomes with hypnosis:

5.  Athletic performance improvement, either in a team or individual setting.  I’ve worked with a number of college and high-school aged athletes helping them maximize their talent and training.  Here’s a post that overviews a session with a field hockey player who wanted to excel at the next level of competition.   

4.  A higher level of focus on the job or in the classroom.  Here is a link to a session write-up about a person seeking career concentration:

“I Can’t Be Hypnotized,” She Thought.  Or Could She?

3.  Self-confidence in career and personal relationships.  This blog post details my experience with a sales professional who needed help rising above prospect objections.

  

2.  Stress management and mitigation.  An individual session I hosted this past weekend was with a woman who faces several critically important life decisions during the next few months.  The mounting stress had become unbearable. 

1.  More restful and better sleep.  This is by far the most often requested desire from hypnosis.  Whether it is insomnia, nightmares or irregular sleep patterns, the simple goal of achieving a good night’s rest is paramount for many. 

Hypnosis empowers a person to make positive change.  (Photo source:  Siena.edu)

3 Shades of the Hypnotic Experience

Recently, much of time has been spent on a set of one-on-one sessions with individuals interested in how self-hypnosis can help them make positive changes to their personal and professional lives.

One person desires more focus on the job.  Another seeks peaceful sleep.  A third hopes to quell teeth grinding.

In the next few weeks, I’ll return to a group setting with three interesting and unique performances.

Self-Hypnosis 4 Love

Hosted in partnership with DC Global Adventurers

Tuesday, February 12 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Chevy Chase, Maryland (Metro accessible)

I’ve established a wonderful relationship with the organizer of this social group and partnered with her in January on a similar event attended by nearly 20 of her members.  Here’s a recap.

The hypnotic induction and process I’ll use at this event is more personal than my standard performance.  In fact, it’s extremely close to how I approach an individual session.  The cost to attend is more than 50 percent less than I typically charge for a one-on-one meeting.

The Hypnotic Experience

Hosted in partnership with 20s and 30s Going Out Group

Friday, February 22 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Chinatown, Washington DC (Metro accessible)

With nearly 18,000 members, the 20s and 30s Going Out Group is one of the most profile social organizations in the Washington, DC area.

This performance will focus more on the entertainment aspects of hypnosis, yet I’ll incorporate a discussion about the power of positive visualization to achieve health and well-being, and to make meaningful life changes.  The event organizers anticipate more than 50 attendees.

The Power of Positive Visualization

Hosted in partnership with the Welcome Club of Northern Virginia

Thursday, March 7 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Reston, Virginia

I’ll be the featured speaker at the monthly luncheon held by this organization of professional women.  I plan to discuss the use of hypnosis as a tool to better manage stress, achieve balance and find greater fulfillment in life (professionally and personally).  

This is an invitation only event, so please call me at (301) 538-8100 or Email m.russell.hausman@gmail.com if you have an interest in attending.  

A group of volunteers at my "Hypnotic Experience" show at Bradley Farm in Herndon.

With the sleep suggestion, they instantly drop into a wonderful state of hypnosis.

Well Being and the Accomplished Professional

On this blog I discuss my practice of and interest in hypnosis as a tool for emotional and physical well-being, as well as the performances, seminars and individual sessions I participate in.  Yet, this represents a small part of my professional world.

On January 6, I will celebrate 18 years as the founder and CEO of a professional services firm that helps companies grow their business through more effective marketing, social media and communications programs.  I'm truly blessed to have exceptional clients, and a set of colleagues who are passionate and professional.

In fact, I have worked with each member of my senior team for more than five years.  My lead operations and financial executive has been a friend, trusted advisor and co-worker for 15 years.

While my professional world has long been in good standing, I have still been challenged by the stress, tension, worries and competitive pressure that comes with being in business.  It has taken its physical toll on me and, I'm convinced, prematurely aged me.

For instance, my brother -- just a few years younger -- sports a healthy head of hair with merely a touch of gray.  I'm not quite as lucky on either front.  Solely genetics?  It's doubtful.

My introduction to hypnosis six years ago was born out of my desire for a natural approach to well-being that I could practice independently.  The improvements it has brought to my life inspired to to share the practice with others.

Regardless of your choice of career and decision about family, I encourage you to find an approach to well-being.  Eat well.  Be active.  Sleep.  Love.  And shed stress.

You'll be happier, healthier and perhaps keep your hair longer.

PS, Here is a link to a great read with 12 tips on how a business professional can manage career stress.  My favorite suggestion:  "Learn how to switch off: This is a skill and has to be learnt. You can meditate, cycle, learn yoga or paint - whatever works for you – just do it!"


Managing Stress at the Top  
Management Issues Magazine (12.13.12)

Image Source:  Wise Living Yoga

    

Pathway to Success, Achieving Confidence Through Hypnosis

A successful business presentation requires confidence.  Can hypnosis help a person achieve this mind-set?  Photo Source:  123rf.com.

Success in academic pursuits, athletic competition and career advancement is very much determined by confidence.  

Confidence is merely a state of mind defined by the honest, raw and all consuming belief that you are talented, skilled, focused and well prepared.  I will ace this test.  I'm going to be sharp during my presentation at work.  The game is at a critical point...I will make this free throw.

Of course, it's easier to aspire to then actually achieve this mindset.  That's because our conscious mind -- where rational thought and critical decision-making exists -- spends much of its time telling us why we cannot achieve things.

Can hypnosis help instill confidence, thereby inspiring a person to be more successful in life?

A few weeks back I met with a woman in her mid-20s who is pursuing a career in sales.  She has a world of natural ability and talent -- attractive, likeable, intelligent and strategic.

Yet, a lack of confidence had hindered her success when it came time to make a presentation to a prospective customer.  Her fall back was to typically bring a more experienced colleague to the pitch meeting and then shrink away by failing to interject her thoughts into the discussion.

After rapidly achieving a state of hypnosis, I asked her to visualize herself leading a new business presentation.  She pictured the audience responding well to her pitch, and respecting her knowledge about the product and the industry.  She imagined addressing questions (even the tough ones) in a calm and poised manner.

As we concluded the hypnotic experience, I encouraged her to think about how a successful business presentation had made her feel positive and comfortable.  And that this feeling of confidence will define all aspects of her life -- professional and personal.

Did this help her?  We'll see...I anticipate meeting with her again in December. 

Hypnosis is not magic as a person must have the talent, ability and discipline to prepare.  Yet, by conditioning the mind to accept success as the outcome, a sense of confidence can absolutely be realized.

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If you live in the Washington, DC area, please check out the event I'm hosting in partnership with Professionals in the City on Monday, November 19th in Georgetown.  It is entitled "Hypnosis: a Positive Approach for Exceptional Living."  You can find a 1/2 off registration deal at this link.

Pre-Talk Takes the "Scare" Out of Hypnosis

Is hypnosis mind control?  Magic?  Mental trickier?

These are questions I am often asked when my work as a hypnotist comes up in a social environment or when I'm promoting my "Hypnotic Experience" show to event attendees just prior to getting on stage.  In fact, this past weekend at the Bradley Farm Haunted House festival a young woman wanted to know if I would have little dolls in my performance.

Why?  Because hypnosis is voodoo, she explained.

Yesterday, I connected with a person who represents corporate entertainers and speakers.  We exchanged a couple of notes before she hit me with this missive when explaining that she doesn't anticipate many performance opportunities for me. 

Hi Marc. I find Hypnosis to be  a very hard sell. People seem afraid of it. I do book a mentalist on occasions-but not often.

The pre-talk before a performance or individual session is an important time for a hypnotist to ensure a positive experience.  The pre-talk goals are to:

1) Define what hypnosis is (and isn't).

2) Introduce the positive ways hypnosis can impact a person's life (i.e. stress management, career or academic achievement, athletic performance, etc.).

3) Set ground rules for the performance or session to ensure a high level of comfort.

A successful pre-talk sets the stage for a wonderful and memorable show, or a session that meets all expectations.  After my pre-talk at the Bradley Farm shows, I was presented with more volunteers than I could accept because of the size of the stage.

They concluded there is nothing scary about hypnosis.

My "Hypnotic Experience" show demonstrates the power of creativity and visualization.  This volunteer at Bradley Farm introduces me to her shoe puppy she named "Fluffy."

     

October Event: Hypnosis - a Positive Approach to Exceptional Living

A few weeks back I connected with an organization called Professionals in the City to talk about including my "Hypnotic Experience" show as part of the entertainment line-up for their New Year's Eve event.  Admittedly, I assumed this was just another one of those singles groups that organizes parties, speed dating events, vacation trips and other social activities.

Yes...Professionals in the City does those things for its more than 200,000 members and they do them well.  In fact, they organize, promote and present 1,000 events a year for adults of all ages. 

Yet, the organization also produces an eclectic mix of events designed to enhance the professional and personal success of its members.  For instance, last night Professionals in the City hosted a panel discussion entitled "How to Start Your Own Business."  It featured four exceptional entrepreneurs.

That's why I am thrilled to have partnered with Professionals in the City to create an event that will focus on the use of hypnosis as a tool to achieve positive outcomes in life -- personal and professional.  The event is scheduled for the evening of Monday, October 29th in Washington, DC and you can register here.

Plus, if you use the promotional code Hypnosis11292 when registering, you'll receive $5 off of tickets purchased in advance.

Included below is a detailed description of the event.  I hope you can attend!


Hypnosis: A Positive Approach to Exceptional Living

WHEN: Monday, October 29, 2012 from 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

WHERE: MOCA DC Galleries 1054 31st St NW in Canal Square Washington, DC 20007-4403 Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom

PRICE: $30.00 if purchased by 5 p.m. Friday, October 05

An Introduction to Self-Hypnosis: A Positive Approach for Relaxation, Stress Management, Career Achievement and Exceptional Living

Hypnosis...it's a powerful word that defines a process that few understand. Put aside the image of a swinging watch or comedy club antics because that is not what this seminar is about.

Our speaker will explain how hypnosis can be used as a tool to relax, to better manage stressful situations, to improve well-being, to increase career or academic focus, and, simply put, to achieve more fulfillment out of life. If you enjoy yoga, meditation, acupuncture or other alternative approaches to health, then you will want to give hypnosis a try.

As part of the seminar, our speaker will walk you through a hypnotic induction process with positive visualizations so you feel refreshed, stress-free and completely energized. He'll then share the practice of self-hypnosis and how you can incorporate this approach to well being into everyday life to:

• Reduce the negative impact of stress
  
• Sleep better at night
  
• Enhance focus on the job or at school
  
• Be more patient with family and friends
  

Our speaker has practiced and taught self-hypnosis for more than five years. He performs his "Hypnotic Experience" show at community festivals, events, parties and for small groups.