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Shelly Osterloh Reporting As we approach a new year, many of us resolve to make some changes in our lives.
But how do you do that?
We are talking about hypnosis. Not the kind that is portrayed in old movies where the hypnotist controls people and makes them do things. That's a myth. All hypnosis is a form of self hypnosis and the person hypnotized does NOT lose control.
Experts say in the relaxed state of hypnosis people are more open to suggestion. And some are finding it can be a tool to make changes in their lives.
Dorie Olds is a hypnotist at the Academy of Life Management. She works with individuals and teaches groups of people to hypnotize themselves to do things like lose weight, reduce stress, quit smoking, overcome fears or feel more confident.
She says hypnosis can help you eliminate false or self destructive thoughts and add positive thoughts for change.
Dorie Olds, Certified Hypnotist, Academy of Life Management: "Help you understand and help you clear away what isn't working and then input what is working"
Darren Griffin says he's used hypnosis to improve memory. Now that he is looking for a new job, he hopes to improve his confidence.
Darren Griffin: "I can use self hypnosis to picture how I want to present myself when I go in, that feeling is going to go in with me and those things I want to say will be very accessible to me because they will be in my subconscious just ready for me to grab."
Olds describes the hypnotic state as the kind of brain-wave pattern we all go through just before falling asleep, a time when the body is relaxed but the subconscious mind is active and open to suggestion. But she says the person is always in control.
David Tomb, M.D. University of Utah Department of Psychiatry: "I can only work with the willingness, it's not my job to make them do anything, and I can't make them do anything."
Dr. David Tomb is a psychiatrist who occasionally uses hypnosis to help people with anxiety or depression. He says it is not a cure for anything but can be effective.
However, he says the result depends on whether or not you are good at hypnosis.
Dr. David Tomb: "If they are very good hypnotic subjects the likelihood of making a change is much, much higher than someone who has next to zero ability to be hypnotized or are somewhere in the middle."
Those who have learned techniques say it's a powerful tool to improve life.
For information on hypnotism or a copy of the report "Resolutions Solutions," e-mail academyoflife@sisna.com or call 801-486-1111.
