When a person hears the word “Hypnosis” they feel intimidated. Marilyn Atlas, BCH, CHt, LCSW, LISW-CP is a board certified hypnotist. Over the past 30 years, she has used clinical hypnosis to effectively treat thousands of people (See Testimonials). Marilyn’s training includes advanced training in clinical hypnosis from the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, University of North Carolina’s Program on Integrative Medicine and WCI PLLC.

Marilyn specializes in using hypnosis to help alleviate such problems as insomnia (see Can't Sleep), stress, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive behavior, depression, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress related illnesses including GI (Gastrointestinal) difficulties, and low self esteem. Marilyn realizes how important it is for her clients to understand "Hypnosis," what it is, and how pleasurable and effective it can be. She has provided the following information to help alleviate your fears

In 1958, hypnosis was accepted by the American Medical Association. However, for many people, the word hypnosis brings forth feelings of fear and apprehension. They think that they will be unconscious and under the control of the hypnotist. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you are in hypnosis, you are deeply relaxed physically, but mentally many times more alert then in your normal state. You hear and respond to everything and are an active participant in the session. You have complete control over what you will and will not do. You instantly reject any suggestions that are uncomfortable for you.

• They must want to be hypnotized (no one can be hypnotized against their will)
• They must not have any fears or misconceptions about hypnosis and how it works.

If at anytime you want to emerge from the state for any reason, you will instantly open your eyes and become fully alert. No on can keep you in hypnosis against your will.

Remember that hypnosis is a very powerful tool. Your success in hypnosis is largely dependent on your motivation to change. You will obtain your best results when you use your imagination and follow the suggestions that are acceptable to you.

The clinical hypnosis program consists of five important parts. Each one is essential for the best possible results.

First, Marilyn will assess your problems. She will then help you to set up your goals and create a specific individualized plan to help you. Marilyn’s clients tend to be surprised at how fast clinical hypnosis helps them.

Second, Marilyn will explain in detail what hypnosis is and how it will help you achieve the specific goals that you have set. When this part is over, you will know more about clinical hypnosis than 95% of the general public.

Third, when you are absolutely comfortable with the idea of hypnosis and feel good about working with Marilyn, the actual hypnosis session will begin. You will be guided into a very deep state of physical and mental relaxation. You will feel very relaxed but extremely mentally alert. You’ll be aware of everything going on around you. Suggestions for the changes you desire will then be given to your powerful subconscious mind. These suggestions will enter your subconscious mind and become a part of you. The old programming which was keeping you from achieving your goals or causing a problem is removed allowing you to accomplish goals and eliminate problems.

The fourth part of a clinical hypnosis session consists of a brief discussion of your session, making sure you feel the desired changes. You will receive a customized CD which will help reinforce your changes and help you integrate your new changes in your life.

The fifth and last part of using clinical hypnosis successfully is to fortify your new emotional and behavioral changes by learning a quick and easy self hypnotic technique. You will also learn some specific cognitive skills to help retrain your mind to look at stressful situations differently. Marilyn’s clients have found this fifth part to be very important in order to solidify their new emotional and behavioral changes.

Marilyn has flexible hours including weekend appointments. Your health insurance may pay for part of your treatment. Marilyn offers a free 30 minute phone consultation. Please call her at 704-658-9676.