Inspite of more than 20 years of scientific research validating hypnosis as an effective tool for positive change, it’s merge into the Greater Boston mainstream has been rather slow. I say this with the perspective of having worked as a consulting hypnotist in Burlington since 2001.
Even though Massachusetts has always been a pathfinder to new technologies, medical breakthroughs and innovations, it is one of 19 states that do not regulate hypnosis. This represents a major hurdle to increased acceptance. The other states include: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
In recent years Dr. Oz, Oprah and Ellen have highlighted the healthy benefits of hypnosis. Major newspapers have as well: L.A. Times (Nov. 2013): Hypnosis: “You are Getting Sleepy, Calm and Thin”; San Francisco Chronicle (Oct. 2012) “Studying How Brain Responds to Hypnosis.” Wall Street Journal (Apr. 2012): “Medical Hypnosis: You Are Getting Very Healthy.”
Inspite of the Greater Boston media’s reluctance report on hypnosis there is no shortage of quality practitioners who have thrived for years, and more are popping up all the time. For example, I have colleagues employed by Winchester Hospital and North Shore Medical Center, and another has received national recognition.
Since 2008, I have hosted the cable access television program, Healthy Hypnosis, which is broadcasted in 25 Greater Boston communities; enlightening viewers about the helpful, healing side of hypnosis. I have also been a regular guest on WBZ radio and authored Healthy Hypnosis: Simple Truth & Practical Use.
New England is also the home of the National Guild of Hypnotists located in Merrimack, NH. The NGH is a nonprofit organization that encourages an exchange of ideas, fellowship, mutual trust and cooperation, while promoting and protecting the art, science and philosophy of hypnosis. The NGH is also a vehicle for legal and legislative action.
I bring a wealth of medical experience as an R.N. into my work as a hypnotist. I specialize in gastric band weight loss hypnosis, where individuals are guided with hypnosis to imagine that they have undergone the popular weight loss surgery technique. I also help clients with stress, fears/phobias, exam confidence, irritable bowel, substance abuse and more.
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
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