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