But, I Am Afraid I Will Lose Control....

 by Christian Flint,  Master Clinical Hypnotist

 ______________________________________________________________________

As a Clinical Hypnotist, I am amazed sometimes by the comments or questions I receive when I talk about hypnosis with others.  And, when I begin explaining hypnosis to others and ask why they have not tried hypnosis before, I surprisingly get the same few answers often.


One of the most common responses to my question, "Have you ever tried hypnosis before?  And, if not, why not?"  I hear most always in the Top 3 most common responses: "Well, I am afraid of giving up control to someone else."  Or, "I am afraid of what I might do or say while under hypnosis."  Or, "I am afraid of losing control."  (You get the idea.)


It's been more than 3 decades now since I first began using hypnosis for myself.  And, my experiences with hypnosis (Self-Hypnosis and otherwise) have always been pleasurable.  So, I do not even remember feeling apprehensive about hypnosis personally. 


Yet, I have heard this response (its variations) above more than a thousand times in the course of my professional career.  And, I have always wondered about the "fears" and concerns of others, regarding hypnosis.  Technically, I also realize it is mostly the "fear of the unknown".  People can often be fearful of things they do not understand. 

Many people are swimmers, for instance.  Some swimmers do not even remember the first time they swam or stuck their head under water.  For others, who took awhile to learn to swim, they might have been very apprehensive about learning to swim simply out of fear of having their head under water for any period of time.  That fear that it might be their "last breathe of air" can become so scary, that some never learn to swim at all.  The fear of actually "drowning", when someone has never even been able to hold their breathe and stick their head under water, can become very real and often intensifies with age.

I remember when I learned to swim.  Fortunately, my experiences with hypnosis (especially my first few experiences) were so pleasurable, I only looked forward to further hypnosis.  Yet, learning to swim became traumatic for me early on. It took me a couple of years to desensitize myself to put my head under water and hold my breathe for even up to 10 seconds.  The utter "fear" of drowning kept me from the literal enjoyment of swimming with my friends, for more than 2 or 3 years.  But, once I got past my fears, I loved swimming. I cannot now imagine why I had such intense fears initially of holding my breathe under water, which kept me from learning to swim properly. 

Hypnosis is much the same.  I reimagine now, when people tell me about their "fears" and concerns with hypnosis, my personal fears and experiences initially that kept me from learning to swim.  And, I have learned to take their fears and concerns very seriously, as "fear" (not dealt with properly) can sometimes have a reverse effect.  Simply talking about and focusing on your "fear" may not desensitize you, but actually more-so promote and intensify your fears, we know now.

However, proper desensitization and practice and trust-building, is the key.  Most certainly, anyone who has an enormous fear of drowning usually never goes near the water, such as a swimming pool, deep river or lake.  And, even when they are safely on land, and are watching dozens of swimmers all around them, playing and swimming safely, their "fears" of drowning still can be very real and intense, even though they are not even in the water.   

If you do have a fear of hypnosis, I have a recommendation for you that can help you over come your fear of hypnosis and "giving up control" to someone else.  I recommend buying a Guided Imagery recording or a hypnosis recording (hat you have heard a sample and that you feel comfortable with in the beginning. 

1.  Lay down or recline for a little while without it playing.  Get yourself as relaxed as possible without going to sleep.  However, keep your eyes open (if you wish) and press "play".  Play only a few seconds of the recording, then turn it off.  (After pressing "play", immediately put your finger on the "stop" button to prepare to turn it off.)

2.  You can do this as many times as you wish, playing for only a few seconds or a little longer.  Think LESS about what the facilitator or hypnotist is saying or asking you to do (in the beginning stages) and focus more on YOUR CONTROL of starting and stopping the audio recording. 

3.  This may go for very short amounts of time initially.  That is ok.  It may be hours, even days or weeks initially, even before you complete the whole recording, depending on how often you want to stop and start it.  As your first attempts may total only 1 - 2 minutes of the recording (turning off and on the recording) before putting it aside until next time.  You may do this before you go to bed at night (the best time). 

4.  As you learn to have "control" over the recording, realize how quickly and easily it is for you (initially) to turn on and off the hypnotist's' voice.  As time goes on, and you are more comfortable, begin to listen and follow the instructions and affirmations of the facilitator / hypnotist.  Over time you become more and more comfortable, knowing you have the ability at any time to turn off the recording. 

5.  Within a few days (on average) you will get through the whole recording, probably once or twice, at least.  Each time you listen (to the same audio recording, or multiple ones, if you so choose) you will notice that you can relax a little more, while maintaining control over the recording, as well as in how you are responding to it.  Remember, YOU are in control, ALWAYS and completely. 

Within a few weeks, I believe you will find listening to hypnosis and / or guided imagery recordings will become easier and more pleasurable for you.  The added benefits are the RESULTS that come from using hypnosis and guided imagery. 

With more time of listening to recordings (that you have chosen and enjoy), you may then want to experience hypnosis directly with a Hypnotist or Guided Imagery Facilitator (one that is able to design a session specifically for your needs). 

I am most confident, that with time and some commitment, Hypnosis and Guided Imagery will become very pleasant, fulfilling and rewarding to you. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Instructor's Note:

I have recommended this technique to hundreds of people over the years.  Many people use this technique to move past their fears and misunderstandings of hypnosis and guided imagery.  It is very effective.  For the patient, having the ability and feelings of control with no pressure of the hypnotists or facilitators actual "presence" makes a unique difference and has its advantages.  Many of my patients have taken this advice before calling me for sessions or even to create for them, personalized recordings. 

 

May I Ask You a Question?

(My Pet-Peeve, even if it is a form of politeness and respect.)

by Christian Flint

In only this past week, I was asked three times the above question; "May I ask you a question?"  This preemptive question of course, is a request to ask another question.  But, in truth, haven't you already asked me a question with this first line? 

I know I am probably over-reacting.  And, I was brought up with manners also.  But, it is difficult for me to not make a sarcastic remark at the time when asked this very question. 

I have analyzed often even the character and personality of the person asking.  I have accepted the fact that often the "questioner" is nervous and possibly hesitant to ask their primary question in the first place.  Nervousness can cause for a lack of analytical thought and can also cause one to lose common sense momentarily. 

In working, teaching and lecturing over the years I am finding this "pre-question" to become more common than less common.  And, I am quite disturbed by its prevalence.  It would almost appear that the questioner might be asking a favor of something that could be tedious or something that requires physical labor or exhaustive mental effort.  But, rarely does the answer to the actual question involve any real laborious thought or effort.

Another obvious consideration, of course, is when one asks a personal question.  Therein, it would be understandable, especially in mixed company, when seeking a personal bit of information from someone, that we ask their permission to ask.  However, even when you ask someone: "May I ask a personal question?", it hardly gives any evidence up front about what the questioner is about to ask.  So therefore, it is also a moot point to ask permission to ask a personal question when the one that is requested to answer has no idea in what subject or category of what personal information will be asked. 

And not one of the three preemptive questions asked of me in the last week actually was the question; "May I ask you a personal question?".  If so, maybe I could have better tolerated the preface of the matter. 

Why this all seems important to me is for our use of language and communication.  I am a firm believer and user of "Neuro-Linguistic Programming" (NLP).  Without getting too technical, it is how we utilize words and communication in our daily life.  One aspect of it is how to say more using less words.  Another aspect would be to more directly ask for what we want, instead of generalizing.   I have studied and worked with NLP since around 1990.  And, I have found it to be an incredible way to utilize better, the English language.  I have also found it to be an incredible help when utilizing it in personal relationships and business relationships.  It is also incredibly effective in the areas of sales.

Without realizing, I am constantly analyzing speech, including my own.  I often will go over my own wording when I am on the phone with Technical Support for a company.  I will listen to the syntax and acronyms used by the Technical Support Representative in order to work to better communicate the problem or issue I am having.  I do this to 1.) try to fix my technical problems more quickly and efficiently and 2.) to better understand the thoughts and communication of the support person, in the hopes of making their job (and my experience) even easier.

While this might be irrelevant, uninteresting and unnecessary to some, I have learned much more about learning and how other people "learn" by using different words, phrasing and syntax to communicate and better relate my point or problem in using this methodology.  Not only have I become a better learner by doing so, I have also become a better teacher.

Back to the original question.....  about the question.  "May I ask you a question?".  By NLP standards, this is a wasted request.  It serves no purpose technically.  As how is the respondent to even know what is about to be asked?   How will they even know whether they want to answer the question or not until they hear the question? 

Therefore, (and even for the sake of manners), I think it more rude to make an empty untelling request than to simply outright ask your question, personal or not.  Even if you are asking a superior at your job, at your school or in most any setting, it would be more considerate to very specifically think through your question before asking, and then ask.  Often being in a superior position in educational or work settings, I tend to actually prefer questions than for people to second guess my thoughts or intent.  But, over the years, I can finally vent and relate to you, PLEASE just ask your question.  You need not my permission to ask.  And, while I cannot answer for everyone else, I believe that most would agree, if they actually would think it through.  PLEASE, just ASK!

What say you, Mind Designers?  Any thoughts?

Creating Balance : (So, What's Your Sign?)

by Christian Flint

Over the years I have been somewhat interested in Astrology.  One of the most convincing arguments for me in believing more in Astrology was when I came across the standard (and seemingly reliable) definition of Libra, which is the star sign I belong to.  I found upon researching extensively that I am true in traits and style to the Libra characteristics.  It was uncomfortably accurate.

When most non-believers in Astrology read the various 12 star signs, they often conclude that any one of the definitions of characteristics and traits can belong to anyone.  They view it as though each definition is all-encompassing and could be considered accurate for all other signs.  While it is true, some star signs share some characteristics and traits with others, I maintain there is certainly some reliability and validity to the Astrology theory.

While there are many books by reliable and semi-reliable authors on the subject matter of Astrology, there still are solid historical records that have been standards for hundreds and even thousands of years.  The more historical the archive, generally the more accurate the information, in my findings. 

I certainly have never pushed my beliefs on anyone.  And most certainly, I have never tried to convince anyone that Astrology is perfectly reliable and accurate as a science necessarily.  But, I have brought about people's attention to their sign and the standard traits that are supposed to match.  I have been intrigued as I go through my family members and friends, noting their birthdates and how they certainly do often represent their respective star sign. 

Also, one must know that "traits" and "characteristics" are different than personalities.  One of the first things we must understand about Astrology is that it is not attempting to define a persons "personality".  It is much more accurate in defining the traits and characteristics of that person.  Once you understand that difference, it is usually easier to see the correlations.

For instance, a person might be an extrovert.  We might see them with a bubbly personality that often says things that only others might be thinking.  This is more of a personality style, than "traits" of the person. 

I have been able to see the traits and characteristics of people with the same star sign, while one was an extreme introvert and another (born two days apart) was an extreme extrovert.  To the common skeptic, the personality differences alone would cause them to cry "foul" on Astrology in general.  However, when I closely compared these two individuals' traits, they were surprisingly the same.  Both were clever, witty, charming, quick learners, slow to anger, devious (at times), stubborn, moody, calculating as well as many other traits and characteristics in common.  While these traits may have some impact on their personalities, it was not the cause of their personalities.  I am hoping now you can recognize more of the difference.

I told you all of that, to tell you this.......

As a Libra, our star symbol is the "scales".  We represent "balance".   And, it is true in fact, that when I am around other people, I often try to "balance" the conversation.  When amongst people arguing or disagreeing, I try to neutralize the disagreement and bring a peace and compromise between them.  When I investigate most anything, I tend to look at both sides of the argument; this includes politics, religion, business, and most anything that tends to have extremist views.  As well, I often put myself in other people's shoes, when considering their predicament or situation, before giving advice or possibly judging them unduly.  This is not intentional. This is truly a subconscious reaction and interaction on my part.  It tends to be innate and inherent in my traits and characteristics.  I was not raised to feel, believe or act this way.  But, I do.

As with any star sign, if you grow up with ONLY your personal traits and characteristics, you only know and understand those particular traits and characteristics which indwell in YOU.  Of course, to you, they will seem logical. They will seem rational.  This would make sense, as we see such extreme diversity in people, not only in our world, but even in our own neighborhoods.  One needs to look no further than social forums such as Twitter and Facebook these days, to see a strong diversity of opinions and personal preferences. 

And, when we do view these preferences and opinions of others, we often wonder how they could have ever reasoned their way through life to come to such unique and / or ignorant views and ideas (especially in todays world of extreme politics and religion).  By and large, Astrology could also explain why we do have such diversity of opinions and reasoning.  Even two people might have the exact same experience, but walk away with two different accounts of what happened.  Also, two people can hear the President of the United States speak, and walk away with two extremely different polarized opinions and interpretations of that exact same speech. 

Why is it that humans can be so incredibly diverse in their nature and views?  How is it that two humans can have totally different reactions even while receiving the exact same stimulus??

Answering these questions have been a part of my life for a long time.  As a Body / Mind Re-Educator, I often encounter people who are wrought with anxiety and problems: problems that often would not seemingly affect or harm other people.  And, it is my job to help them find resolution and / or solutions to those problems.

Also, I have the responsibility of creating self help products and therapeutic modalities that are developed to help most of the people, most of the time.  In handling this challenge, I have learned much more about human diversity.  It was a hurdle I never realized would be such a challenge when I first entered the professions in which I am involved.  And actually, this "hurdle" can often be a mountain of problems when I am working with a group of individuals and need to maintain a common ground with them to facilitate learning and change.

For the sake of creation, teamwork, understanding, professionalism and reaching goals, diversity amongst individuals can often be a good thing.  But, when it comes to bringing people together for social importance, responsible advocacy and accountability, diversity in humans and their unique reasoning can often become more harm than good.   This is much like our country today.  Instead of coming together to work on problems, Americans sub-group together only to blame others for the problems that our country and even our culture is suffering through.  Our country and culture now seems to be much more about blaming and anger than about finding solutions and working together for a greater good.

Again, I point out, that there must be a cause for such isolation of individual thinking as well as extremist polarizations and views of groups and sub-groups.

I use the previous sentence to make a point of how, even in desperate times, humans tend to hold on to their own hard-core perspectives, without opening their minds to any other thought or explanation, other than what they were brought up to believe / think.   As well, all of their life experiences somehow gets "filtered" into their own personalized unique ideology.  And, and anyone that challenges their belief or opinion only makes that particular human more entrained, loyal and committed to their personalized viewpoint, regardless of the logic, facts and reasoning presented that can dispel or disqualify their specialized point of view.

Is this mental deficiency?  Or, is this just human nature?  IS this normal?  Should this be normal?  At what point did personal opinion take precedence over facts, logical and rational thought?
As you can probably relate, you know of people in your own life now, that often cling to their own personal belief systems, even though there is no sane or logical reason for it.  As a society, we accept them.  In some cases, we feed their dysfunction and even give respect for their "freedoms" of opinion.

So, now we reach my dilemma.  Welcome to my world of research and work.  I develop and create self help products, do consultation and teach personal empowerment to people from all walks of life.

 And, as a "Libra", I find it validating and rewarding to help anyone overcome the obstacles that hold them back from achieving their goals and dreams.  I accept people from all walks of life.  And, I have learned even moreso to appreciate the diversity of the individuals of which I work.   And, creating happiness, satisfaction, improvement and "balance" in a persons life, is my primary duty.... and passion.

Until next time....................

What is the Meaning of Life??

by Christian Flint

From the HypnoTherapist's Couch

I recently began working with a new client.  As usual, I ask all new clients to fill out a questionnaire that describes goals they would like to achieve as well as any issues they may want to overcome.  Once we were on the phone for the first time, I noted to her that she had a large list of Goals. I asked her to be more specific and prioritize.

She laughed nervously and thought for a minute.  After a few moments, I rephrased my question more so and asked.  "If we had to tackle one problem or answer one question in your life right now, what would it be?"  Again with a nervous laugh, she immediately responded, "What is the meaning of life!?"

 

Certainly, her question was rhetorical and facetious, but I was happy she asked.  As this would be the starting point for what work we would do together. 

This is not the first time this question has been presented to me.  As well, it has been asked of me many times with different intent and purpose.  And, for years, it perplexed me like it does most people. 

But, as I have gotten older and wiser, I have dealt with a myriad of human complexities.  I have dealt with many people who have "lost their way in life".  That is often a reason why people turn to me.  And, it is best to hear answers and new ideas from someone who is objective and with a fresh perspective.

My client was surprised that I had an answer ready for her. 

I revealed to her that the "Meaning of Life" is not in a question.  It is more about what we will do with our life.  You see, the Meaning of Life is more about what meaning that we give our life.  We often search fruitlessly through life, trying to understand "why we are here" and what is life really about.  But, after observing humans and what we can accomplish within our lifespan, I truly believe that we are wasting time waiting for an "Answer".

You have the answer.  You ARE the answer.  It is up to you to give meaning TO your own life.  It is up to you to embrace what you have and what you have been given.  It is up to you to grow yourself.  Much like a plant, we cannot grow without being planted firmly in nutritious soil, getting fresh water regularly and healthy sunlight.  I doubt a plant ponders its own existence.  But, a plant wastes no time in absorbing rich nutrients from the soil, soaking up the fresh water and basking in what sunlight is offered. 

It is up to us to enrich ourselves.  It is up to us to make decisions and move forward.  If we sit and wait for arbitrary answers to questions like these in life, then we spend our time waiting and not "doing". 

After a few sessions with this client, I finally had her do a homework assignment that I sometimes ask of clients who are struggling with identity issues.  I asked her to write her own obituary and describe her life in a way that she would be happy to live and fulfill. 

 

I'll share with you what she wrote (by permission): 

 

"Here lies before you the body of Sharon (omitted).  She had three lovely children which she poured her heart and soul into for the first part of her life.  After pondering and searching for the meaning of life for the first half, she finally discovered that it was up to her to give her life meaning for the second half.  She realized that life is much more fulfilling when we stop waiting for answers, and just start living.  She realized living in fear and worry is a slow and painful death.  So, she chose to live everyday as a new beginning.  Sharon learned that she needed to be good for herself before she could be good for anyone else.  Learning that she can help herself and love herself was the greatest gift she ever received."

You see, everyone is on their own journey in life.  Sometimes we can get sidetracked.  Sometimes we reach one destination, only to set another course for a new goal.  And, sometimes we never really got started on that journey in the first place.  We can never reach our destinations until we take the first step.   

 

Certainly, we are not done with my client's goals.  But, this is a great start in understanding one of the most important questions we ask ourselves in life.  We can choose to wait for an answer, or we can just start living.  The choice is yours.

It's time for a cigar....  and, until next time.

"Design Your Mind" 

www.MindDesignUnlimited.com

Remembering Pioneers of Hypnosis

Mr. Earl J. Yawman, Master Clinical Hypnotherapist               
                                                                                             1924 - 2012

Age 88, of Jasper, GA died Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at his residence, following a period of declining health. Born July 3, 1924.

Mr. Yawman was the Founder of the Central Florida Hypnosis Institute.  He went further on to found the Florida Association of Hypnotists. He was also the recipient of the Certified Instructor of the Year Award by the National Guild of Hypnotists in 1996.

_________________________________________________________________________

Within my 25+  years of working in the hypnosis field, I have met many amazing practitioners.  I have learned so much from many of them.  Mr. Earl Yawman was no exception.  Mr. Yawman actually became a Certified Practitioner of Hypnosis around the same time I did.  He came into the field late in his game.  But, he brought a wealth of knowledge with him from a strong business and financial background. 
Some of his former professional experience included Territorial Sales for Exxon Corporation, being a Dale Carnegie Sponsor as well as working (and then retiring) in Florida as a former Account Executive and VP for Merrill Lynch (1974 - 1991).   Mr. Yawman had exceptional business skills.  We would spend hours sometimes talking about the psychology of sales and NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming).  He became even more skilled in the concepts, development and design of sales upon learning more about NLP.  I was fortunate to observe and learn from his personal growth.

Shortly after his retirement from Merrill Lynch (1991) he approached me about making his first hypnosis recording.  He was quite excited as it would be in part, a culmination of his knowledge and experience within the business world, while meeting the current stress needs of the client.  As well, he wanted it to be a pioneering work that would precede and represent him well in his future endeavors in the field and practice of hypnosis.
Still being young and developing my own practice, I accepted his challenge.  My fledgling recording studio then (The Finest Workshop) was based in a one-car garage nestled under my townhouse. It was just a stone's throw away from the UCF campus and six miles from (what is now) Full Sail University.  The area was loud with local college kids who generally created as much unnecessary noise as Kindergarten children do, following recess.  My initial challenge, as always, was to keep the recording environment as quiet as possible (no extraneous noise) as well as to set the tone of relaxation and focus for Earl to generate his best performance.
I was quite surprised that a man with such hypnosis inexperience at the time, could be such a powerful presence on the microphone as well as produce such a strong caliber and tone for inducing relaxation.   It did not take long to realize that we made a good team and we both seemed to be in complete creative agreement as the recording and production progressed.

It took almost two weeks for his script writing as well as my creating a musical composition that we felt worked well to fit the recording.  It was also one of my first attempts at creating "Subliminal Reinforcement" on a recording.  While our age differences was considerable, it was a great experience to work with Earl. 

 

I still appreciate his complete trust and faith in me to engineer, record, and produce his first recording as well as create a musical composition that will live on as his initial pioneering work. 

__________________________________________________

"Experience Hypnosis" with Earl Yawman (1992) is a great display of hypnotic enhancement that builds confidence, self esteem and personal power.  The script is powerful and guides the listener into a deep trance state only to construct an effective foundation for a rejuvenated and revitalized sense of self.   Earl's voice and pacing proves that he was born to do this creative and therapeutic style of hypnotic performance and seasoned level of work.

________________________________________________________

 

While my hypnosis style was and still is a more modernized approach, Earl represents a highly respected breed of classical hypnotists that got it right.  Their slow, methodical technique and pacing is an undisputed skill that few hypnotists have acquired.  Many hypnotists work many years to develop and create a style and presence as natural as Earl Yawman was gifted with. 

This is my dedication to Mr. Earl John Yawman.  He was an extraordinary teacher to many.  He also was a great technician that truly took the time and dedication to learn and develop his craft.  We need more like him. 

 

I would also like to point out, that it is never too late to begin a whole new path or career in our life.  Earl was well in his 60s when he retired from Financial Services and Money Management.  Yet, he dreamed up a whole new life and career that carried him through another 20 + years.  If Earl could look back on his life, I firmly believe he would say he was as excited about his life and career in Hypnosis as much as any other point in his life.  You see, we can still "learn" from him, even through this day.

 

R.I.P.    Earl Yawman    (1924 - 2012) 

 

Your Friend,

 

Christian Flint

____________________________________________________________________________

 

I plan to post the photos of the J-card cassette (yes, cassettes - it was 1992 remember?) alongside this post soon.  If you have this recording, you are enriched.  And, you will probably attest to every word (and more) that I am able to describe Mr. Earl Yawman.

 

Stop Smoking - Quit Smoking Now!! Hypnosis Audio CD Progam

Stop Smoking - Quit Smoking Now!! Hypnosis Audio CD Progam

Bridging the Gap

by  Christian Flint

I want to talk to you today about “Bridging the Gap”.  I am educated and trained as a Mental Health Counselor and in the field of Psychology.  Additionally, over the past 25 years, I have been studying in the fields of neurobiology, genetics, and social patterns that make humans behave as they do.  As a Professional Consultant and Body / Mind Re-educator, I am often working with people who want to change their behavior but cannot.

Today, conventional medicine only knows to give medications for your complaints.  But, medications do not generally change your behaviors.  Medications in general are used to lessen symptoms and reduce complaints of an individual.

I have met face to face with many doctors over the years.  When I do, I usually take the opportunity to ask them this question.  I ask, “In a nutshell, when you see a patient that comes into your office, what is it that you do for them as a Professional Service Provider?”

This question usually comes with some blank stares, but inevitably, the answer comes out like this.  “I try to build rapport with the patient, make sure we have the proper diagnosis for their condition or conditions and treat those conditions accordingly.”  My next question is:  “What do you consider your most common treatment would be for most of the patients you see?”  The answer is most unanimously “Medications”.

There is no shocker here.  But, it is meant to express the purpose of medicine and most licensed doctors today.  Medical Doctors study human anatomy, diagnostics and medicine mostly.  Medical Doctors have little to do with human behavior and understanding it.

But, when we have behavioral issues, mental health problems and symptoms, we can only think “Doctor”.  We are not well versed always in understanding what type of “Doctor” we need. 

Over the years, I usually get the patients that doctors have assessed, treated but cannot get satisfying mental or physical results.  They would be considered “the difficult patients”.  And, that is ok.  But, it speaks volumes to me in that it shows that doctors cannot positively affect or treat many problems and conditions. 

Doctors, over the past few hundred years, were considered almost a “cure-all” for patients.  And, especially when the invention of penicillin came along, within the past 100 years, that medication did mean the difference between life and death in many cases.  Doctors were the only ones licensed to dispense penicillin.  So, the “life-saver” connotation stuck with them.

This is not about disrespecting medicine or disrespecting medical doctors.  As a matter of fact, we greatly need them.  If you have a broken bone, it may well require a doctor to properly set it so that it can heal properly.  If you need a surgery, it would require a skilled surgeon to do it properly.  Medical science today is also most important FOR proper diagnosis.  Proper diagnostics is vital to understand the best treatment options.

However, there are many patients today, suffering from health issues that have tried multiple doctors and multiple approaches that are not getting the results they want or deserve.  Many patients are disheartened by going to their doctors, only to be given another medicine prescription.  And often, the side effects of medications are worse than the actual symptoms from their problems.  So, what can be done?

My years of study and experience has led me to understand much more about the “Anatomy of an Illness”.  I have also learned that the more educated a patient is about their mind and body, the better they begin to understand how to manage and combat their illness or problems. 

When it comes to patient knowledge, doctors can get frustrated because the Internet has changed the way that patients self-diagnose and present their illness to their doctor.  Doctors will often complain that patients “Read too much information on the Internet and improperly educate themselves”.  Doctors stress that improper diagnosis or improper or partial education on illness or symptoms can only make the problem worse.  A misinformed patient can be as detrimental, as good.  But, in most cases, doctors have told me they would prefer to have educated and knowledgeable patients than having to explain or re-explain issues to them.

For example; obesity.  Many of the patients that doctors see are obese.  Doctors hate to see this, because they know it can bring on symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes and many other health risks such as stroke and heart attack.  Often, I hear doctors complaining that their waiting room is full of obese patients, who come complaining to the doctor about various problems such as gastrointestinal distress, headaches, joint pain, and poor sleep patterns which are all usually directly related to their obesity.  Often doctors are quick to point out that if their patient would just lose their extra weight, eat a healthy diet and get some exercise, most all of their symptoms will go away automatically.  And, this is true.  The doctor will complain that the patient is not “Bridging the Gap” from their complaints to their primary health issue.

So, in this case, educating and re-educating the patient seems to do little good.  As doctors will tell you, most of these patients do not take them seriously, until AFTER they suffer a stroke or a heart attack.  That is, IF they survive it. 

We are all “creatures of habit”.  We do what feels right and normal to us.  We daily and regularly condition ourselves to the life and lifestyle we live.  We take advantage of our options and make decisions that mostly appeal to us.  This is normal human behavior.  From what foods you select, to what television shows you watch to what hours you choose to sleep, you generally dictate your own life.  But, when we put our health, both mental and physical on the back-burner, it generally suffers the consequences eventually.

In “Bridging the Gap”, I like to present to people that there are many solutions to problems today.  In some cases, there are many more “solutions” than actual problems.  But, people do not know where to start on fixing their problems.  When I first see a client, I usually find that they have educated themselves on their problem somewhat.  Or at least, they have been seen by professional doctors who have medicated or given advice, but the advice and medication does not seem to be working for them. 

As a Professional Diagnostician and Scientific Observer myself, I immediately go to work on reverse engineering their problem.  You see, in order to understand how something works, we have to understand WHY it works (or does not work), in the first place.  We have to understand how it is supposed to work.  We must understand what is keeping the person from their goals or from a normal and successful way of life.  This may be a part of a mental illness or physical illness or a combination of both, but the doctor and / or patient has yet to make that connection.  Therefore, the problem is not getting better.

I will not lie.  Some of these problems are very challenging.   It often requires all of my focus and attention as well as my best knowledge, professional opinions and resources.  But, I like a challenge.  At the same time, I learn from each and every experience I have.  I am no stranger to difficult clients.  I am no stranger to helping solve incredibly difficult problems.  As an end result, each and every human deserves this special treatment.

It is often my job to offer the probability of the cause or causes.  But, most importantly, it is often my job to help bring about solutions and a treatment plan for the clients I see.  Sometimes, my treatment plan involves non-traditional approaches.  Sometimes it involves a treatment that the client has never heard of.  Sometimes, it is something that the client would never associate with a proper life-changing treatment.  But, as a Solution-Oriented Mind / Body Re-Educator, they are trusting and paying me for positive life change. 

To help clients learn more about their problem, I often have to get them to talk about themselves and their problems.  This includes past and often current issues and circumstances.  Also, I usually have to bring to their attention and consult them on things / behaviors that maybe they never connected before with their problem / issues.  In doing so, I am “Bridging the Gap” in their understanding.  Doctors are trained to “bridge the gap” medically.  I am trained to “Bridge the Gap” psychologically and in terms of behaviors and thoughts. 

When it comes to your behavior and thinking, there are many things to consider.  Also, then realize that the only way you can effectively change your behavior and thinking is if you WANT to change it.  In my education, training and experience I can tell you that if you do not WANT to stop what you are thinking, you will not.  If you do not WANT to change your behavior, you will not.  You may make an effort or exert some will-power in the beginning, but you will return to your old patterns of behavior soon enough, if you are not motivated to stop or change permanently.

In the past three decades, I was hoping to see both mental health science and medical anatomical science dovetail into a stronger union.  I was hoping that professional health providers would come together more to discuss and develop resources and treatments that would aide patients moreso.  I have seen the contrary.  Today, I see more alienated and frustrated clients.  I experience clients who are victims of limited resources in healthcare because of HMO plans and insurance.  The companies who control healthcare seem less concerned about successful patient treatment results than they do about meeting an agenda or protocol that justify payment or services provided.  As an end result, it is the patient that suffers.

With your knowledge and help, we can “Bridge the Gap” by learning more about ourselves and our own personal health.  You know more about yourself than a doctor can learn in 15 minutes.  And, while I have pointed out that medical science is very justified when administered properly, do not allow yourself to be alienated by a system that was supposedly set up for your best mental and physical care.  If you are not getting results, keep searching and insisting on it until you do.  You are empowered.  You have a right.  You deserve your best mental and physical health.

And, I am here to help you in the best ways I can.

For our website go to:    www.MindDesignUnlimited.com