Kind Words from a Kind Educator

This week I visited Paint Branch High School to speak with students who are studying psychology about hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness.

 

I donate my time to guest speak at high schools to students who are enrolled in psychology.  The topic of my talk and demonstration is “hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness.”

Rather than an academic-oriented presentation, I do my best to make the topic come alive through a series of entertaining anecdotes that highlight the real world and meaningful applications of hypnosis (i.e. stress mitigation, self-confidence, and athletic and academic performance).

Admittedly, a high school audience is tough to read.  What I think are funny jokes and stories often fall flat.  That’s why this type of feedback from the educator who hosts me is so appreciated.

Happy holidays! 

 

 

Your visit was such an astounding success.  The kids are still buzzing about it today.  In fact, they asked if they could send you thank you notes.   You are the best and we love what you do.

Jane Wright

Social Studies Educator

Paint Branch High School

Spooky Fundraiser Fun

Next week I’ll donate my time to entertain at one of my most favorite fundraisers of the year:  the Chantilly High School Haunted House.  The money raised from this event supports the girl’s soccer and field hockey teams at this northern Virginia high school.

This upcoming show got me thinking about magic, witchcraft, and the occult, which led me to discover this new Master’s program offered by the University of Exeter in Britain.

Upon acceptance and for 12,000/year, a student can now become an expert in the “history of witchcraft, magic in literature and folklore, deception and illusion.”

Sign me up!

 

 

 

On-Campus Hypnotic Experience Gets a Thumbs Up

For the past seven years I have donated my time to speak on campus at Montgomery County high schools to students who are enrolled in psychology or health about hypnosis.  My presentation focuses on the power of positive thinking, and its benefits on wellness, confidence, and academic and athletic performance.  I include a basic hypnotic induction for the students who are interested in experiencing hypnosis.

How is my presentation received?

Admittedly, I don’t always get a lot of real-time feedback from the students.  I believe I share a lot of entertaining anecdotes, yet the lack of response from the kids often leads me to conclude I’m not as funny as I’d like to think.

That is why I am very appreciative when a teacher who hosts me asks their students to provide me with feedback.  This isn’t an ego play for me.  Rather, it is wonderful validation that I am helping high schoolers learn and move forward with a focus on the positive.

Here are comments provided to me by psychology students at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown, Maryland after my visit in October.

Thanks to Sharon Gardner, one of the school’s wonderful psychology teachers, for hosting me.

 

 

-Thank you for visiting Seneca Valley High School.  I enjoyed the show and you had me screaming internally when the volunteers flopped over.  You bring a positive vibe, and it spreads throughout the environment.

-Thank you for giving me more knowledge about hypnosis.  I love everything you taught us.  It was so meaningful for me.

-Being hypnotized was a really cool experience, so thank you for sharing that.

-What I found interesting was what you said about football players getting hypnotized to perform better and play without overthinking.

-It was nice seeing hypnosis in real life, other than on TV.  You were really good, and I am convinced that it’s all about our mind and not being controlled.

-Your presentation was amazing.  I really thought your intro and ability to create a safe and comfortable aura for your audience was great.  I was also amazed at the fact that throughout your entire presentation you performed with extreme confidence.

-It was a fun experience, and I enjoyed your jokes.  Being hypnotized was weird, but in a cool and fun way.

-Thank you for coming to our school and showing us how hypnotism actually works and talking about the stigma around it.  Your performance was very interesting to watch.

-I totally fooled my friend when I volunteered.  The jokes weren’t bad either.