William
J. Bryan, Jr., the founder of the American Institute of Hypnosis,
has defined hypnosis or the induction of trance states as:
"a normal,
physiological, altered state of consciousness, similar to, but not
the same as being awake; similar to, but not the same as being asleep;
and is produced by the presence of two conditions: (1) a central focus
of attention and (2) surrounding areas of inhibition. The state of
hypnosis… produces three things:
(1) an increased concentration of the mind, (2) an increased relaxation
of the body,
(3) an increased susceptibility to suggestion."
Thus, trance
states are a natural phenomenon. People are commonly in a 'trance
state' while watching television or driving a car. Due to the way
hypnosis has been portrayed by stage hypnotists, television, and movies,
people often have misconceptions about hypnosis. When you are in a
hypnotic state, you are always in complete control, you will not become
stuck in a trance state, or involuntarily quack like a duck. Hypnosis
allows access to the subconscious mind which functions at a deeper
level of awareness and holds great potential for healing. Hypnosis
is a normal state of focused attention or relaxed concentration that
can be used to overcome a variety of mental, emotional, and physical
health problems.
Dr. Barreda
was trained in Clinical Hypnosis through the Dr. Milton H. Erickson
Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Erickson was a psychologist and
psychiatrist that pioneered hypnotic techniques and is considered
the father of modern hypnosis.
Clinical Hypnosis
can be used for a variety of health issues:
Stress Relief
Pain management
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Smoking Cessation
Weight Loss
Fears/Phobias
Memory Recall
Regression Therapy
Past-Life
Regression
