Award-winning Hypnosis by a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a Master's Degree in Psychology. Hypnosis works! Established 2007. Hypnotherapy Will Help You Feel Better and Succeed! Daniel Oromaner was certified in clinical hypnotherapy in 2007. The one-year training program he attended was limited to those with a master's degree, so the instruction and practice sessions were geared to students who already understood human behavior. Prior to this training, he earned an undergraduate and a graduate degree in psychology at CUNY. As a result of his education, training and experience, Inner Power Hypnosis has been rated as one of Three Best in Hypnosis for multiple years. Located on Broadway Road near the 101 freeway, the office is easily accessible from Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Chandler Arizona. Mr. Oromaner understands issues at a deep level, and can unearth the root cause(s) to activate rapid and effective long-term healing. Most patients arrive for their first session with little understanding of the real reasons behind their fears, negative beliefs or failures. They blame their job, marriage or kids for their stress and insomnia; many blame their sugar addiction or lack of exercise for their excess weight. In some cases, nightly drinking is considered just a bad habit. Binge drinking is justified as blowing off steam. Yet, whenever our behaviors are unhelpful or unhealthy, the reasons are not so simple. Getting to the root of a problem is important, and only a well-qualified practitioner is able to determine the true causes. Daniel Oromaner was first certified as a Hypnotherapist by the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association. Then, he was certified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist by the rigorous American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. This combination distinguishes him from other practitioners in the Phoenix Valley and helps him apply his decades of knowledge and experience to help clients meet or exceed their goals. Specialties of the practice include: anxiety and panic attacks, weight loss, and other sabotaging behaviors. A glance at the Testimonials page will tell you how successful he has been in treating these (and other) issues, and how much his clients appreciate their work together! About About Daniel Daniel is a certified clinical hypnotherapist--the highest certification in the USA. The CCHt program requires more than double the classroom hours required for a hypnotherapist (CHt) certification. As a graduate of the Colorado School of Counseling Hypnotherapy, he was personally trained by Zoilita Grant, MS, CCHt, an expert who wrote 27 books on the subject. Here she is presenting at a recent conference: Zoilita Grant, MS, CCHt Daniel's bachelor's degree in psychology prepared him well for the Graduate Record Exam in that subject; he scored at the 99th percentile. One of the highest in the nation. Read More > Daniel S. Oromaner, MBA, CCHt Click the arrow below to hear Daniel interviewed on National Broadcast Radio Hypnosis Services Hypnosis Services Anxiety/Panic Weight Loss Self-Sabotage Approximately 40 million American adults--18% of the population--have an anxiety disorder. Yet, most people never seek treatment. Anxiety is a specialty of this practice--including insomnia, phobias, social anxiety and panic attacks. Read More About Anxiety > Nearly 70% of Arizona adults are overweight or obese. Most try popular diets. Yet, even if they lose weight, the pounds come back. It seems hopeless, but it isn't. Permanent weight loss is possible! Obesity hurts your self-esteem, job prospects and your health. Read More About Weight Loss > Many people seek help because they have self-destructive tendencies. They engage in behaviors that hurt their health (i.e. smoking), relationships, and/or career. They are uncomfortable when things go well, and act-out or create drama to erase any success or happiness. Read More About Self-Sabotage > Alcohol Abuse The five stages of alcohol abuse are: 1) Binge drinking, 2) Frequent drinking, 3) Problem drinking, 4) Alcohol dependence, and 5) Alcoholism. As many as 17% of men and 8% of women will meet the criteria for alcoholism in their lifetime. And, binge drinking often starts young. Read More About Alcohol Abuse > Childhood Abuse The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 Americans were sexually molested as a child, and 1 in 4 were beaten by a parent to the point of physical harm. In extreme cases there may be no memory of the abuse (repression). Both types create serious, long-lasting problems. Read More About Childhood Abuse > Relationship Issues Relationship and intimacy issues are very common. Marriages and relationships are hurt by jealousy, control/trust issues, anger, or submissiveness. And, most sexual issues have a psychological component. Clinical hypnotherapy can help to overcome these difficulties. Read More About Relationships > Hypnosis Contact

Learn about studies at prestigious hospitals and universities that found Hypnotherapy is effective at treating many issues. Medical Research For decades, medical and university researchers published studies testing the effectiveness of hypnotherapy on a variety of ailments. The results of these placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials were published in prestigious medical journals such as The Lancet , and the New England Journal of Medicine . Contrary to myths and some false claims you may have heard or read, hypnotherapy has been proven to be a quick and effective treatment modality. For example, the lead researcher on an extensive New York hospital study of the use of hypnosis right before breast surgery concluded: "If this were a drug, everyone would be using it." Anxiety Anxiety Reserch Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States--and a specialty of this practice. In 1985, 18% of UCLA incoming freshmen indicated, "I feel overwhelmed by all I have to do." In 2016, 41% of UCLA freshmen agreed with that statement. What would the number be now? Unfortunately, most treatment modalities are not very effective. The pharmaceutical approach only provides some relief at best, and it can diminish over time. Psychotherapy or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which is currently popular, is promoted as effective in treating anxiety, yet those studies show a small improvement. In contrast, my goal posts are assisting a patient to accomplish a challenging task with little or no anxiety. Getting on an airplane, standing in front of a group to speak, dating, or driving at freeway speeds comfortably. To me this is a no-brainer. When I bring my car to a mechanic, I want it fixed . I don't want it returned "a little better." A clinical review looked at the existing research on hypnosis and concluded: "There is good evidence from randomized, controlled trials that hypnosis can reduce anxiety." The same report also concluded that hypnotherapy was proven to be effective in treating panic attacks and phobia. Vickers & Zollman, "Hypnosis & Relaxation Therapies," British Medical Journal 1999, vol. 319 The use of hypnosis was found to be safe and helpful in children, particularly for anxiety disorder, nocturnal enuresis or insomnia. International Journal of Clinical Pediatrics , 2013, doi: 10.4021/ijcp104w In this meta-analysis of 17 trials, it was found that the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced anxiety more than 79% of control participants. At the longest follow-up, those treated with hypnosis improved more than 84% of control participants. "The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety," Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019 Jul-Sep;67(3):336-363. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, and altered bowel habit. IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. Since there is a stress component in most IBS patients, it's not surprising that hypnotherapy has been tried and tested. Notice, this first study was published in one of the world's oldest and best-known general medical journals. These patients showed a dramatic improvement in all features, and no relapses were recorded during the 3-month follow-up period. Whorwell, P., Prior, A., & Faragher, E. (1984). "Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome." The Lancet , 324(8414), 1232-1234. The study authors found that members of the Gut Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) group, compared to the control participants, showed significantly greater positive effects on IBS symptoms. Further, the participants maintained these improvements after one year. Lindfors P et al. "Effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings-Results from two randomized, controlled trials." The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2012;107:276-85. Weight Loss Obesity in the United States is a major health issue. It increases the risk of certain types of cancer, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Excess weight also decreases the person's quality of life and longevity. Obesity has been cited as a contributing factor to approximately 100,000–400,000 deaths in the United States per year. Over 70% of American adults are either overweight or obese, and in most of those cases the causes reside in the subconscious mind. Thus, an investment in hypnotherapy for weight loss pays significant lifelong dividends! Smokers and nonsmokers achieved significant weight losses and decreases in Body Mass Index. "Weight Loss for Women: Studies of Smokers and Nonsmokers Using Hypnosis and Multicomponent Treatments With and Without Overt Aversion." D L Johnson. Psychological Reports , 1997 Jun;80(3 Pt 1):931-3.doi: 10.2466/pr0.1997.80.3.931. This paper reviews the literature on the use of hypnosis in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. It proposes that patients with eating disorders ought to be investigated as to the underlying dynamics behind the eating disorders symptoms. M S Torem, "The Use of Hypnosis With Eating Disorders." Psychiatric Medicine 1992;10(4):105-18.

Relationship Issues Sometimes, relationship/marital issues can become a part of our hypnotherapy work when a patient is being treated for another challenge. I take a holistic approach, and it's easy to see how someone's anxiety, insecurity, perfectionism or history of alcohol or substance abuse could affect their marriage or romantic relationship. Even in weight-loss or smoking cases, there can be rebellion or anger toward a spouse that feeds the client's issues. There have also been patients who seek my assistance to heal after a divorce or a bad breakup. While these situations are sad, and most people take time to recover and get on with their lives--for some the pain is overwhelming. Instances where the partner was unfaithful can pose a particular challenge, but hypnosis can help the patient heal, learn from the situation and move on. In my coaching work we illuminate the reasons for the attraction to the one who eventually cheats, and create ways to minimize the possibility of having a cheating partner in the future. On the flip side, I also have extensive experience helping insecure partners, who risk alienating their spouse with constant jealousy and (unfounded) suspicion. An excellent recent article on common relationship mistakes and mistaken beliefs can be found here: "Six Toxic Relationship Habits Most People Think Are Normal ." For singles, a lack of confidence and social anxiety have a major effect on their romantic possibilities. I've helped many men and women overcome these challenges. With the proper support and healing at the subconscious level, they've been able to find and establish healthy, loving relationships! Improving social competence and confidence for teens and college students is another specialty of this practice. Young people often have self-esteem issues. And since the source of these insecurities is often found in their childhood experiences, hypnosis can provide a needed and rapid boost to their confidence! Sex Issues Approximately 15-20% of couples in the US didn't have sex in the past year. They miss out on the health and intimacy benefits of a regular sex life. In contrast, the average married couple has sex about once per week. Those couples are the happiest; and, although sex more frequently can be a joyful and bonding experience, research shows it does not lead to greater levels of happiness. On the flip side, people in sexless relationships report less happiness and are more likely to consider divorce or splitting up. We should remember that in some cases, a sexless marriage can be due to physical ailments that can lower the sex drive. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and some prescription drugs may be the cause of a diminished libido. While I do not get involved in medical causes for these difficulties, I've found that many sexual issues between partners have a psychological basis. And, even if not the only cause, these issues may discourage a person from sexual intimacy. Anxiety, body image, a lack of confidence and feelings of inadequacy can play a role. Hypnotherapy has helped in all of these areas. A history of sexual abuse can also be a factor that can be treated. In cases of erectile dysfunction that do not have a physiological cause, hypnosis has been helpful to bring these men back to being fully functional. Sometimes the real issue is one of unspoken anger between the partners--and I've helped women (with low libidos) work through those issues as well. < Back

Awards and Recognition If you wish to read the 2022 interview in CanvasRebel Magazine , just click on the image below: If you wish to read the 2018 interview in Voyage Phoenix Magazine , just click on the image below: Inner Power Hypnosis & Coaching was selected in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as one of the Top 3 in Hypnotherapy in Tempe by Three Best Rated . On May 16, 2019 I was interviewed by the National Broadcast Radio FM about my education, experience, training-- and my work with Inner Power Hypnosis & Coaching. I had been previously interviewed about my hypnotherapy work and methods on All Business Media FM Inner Power Hypnosis was selected as the Best Hypnotist in Tempe in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017 by the Best of Business Awards Program. Natural Awakenings Arizona specializes in complementary and holistic approaches to healthcare and healing. Inner Power Hypnosis won Best Weight Loss Program in their 2010, 2011 and 2012 Reader Polls, and Favorite Life Coach in their 2011 and 2012 Reader Polls.

Childhood Sexual or Physical Abuse Childhood Abuse Although I've treated adults with debilitating childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, and although some psychiatrists diagnose PTSD for every case of sexual abuse, I find it more accurate to restrict the PTSD designation to those whose lives were threatened. In some extreme childhood abuse cases, that was true. I've worked with patients who were threatened with guns, knives, and strangulation as children. The aggressor was often a parent, sibling, or older relative--and those terrifying threats had a lasting effect. On occasion I've treated a woman or man for anxiety/panic attacks or obesity, and discovered they were physically and/or sexually abused as a child. Yet, they had no conscious memory of it. This type of repression is more common than people realize. The mind attempts to protect the individual from painful memories that it doesn't think could be accepted or handled. A tell-tale sign exists when the patient reveals that her/his childhood memories have major gaps or blank periods. In extreme cases, they may remember very little of their childhood. Sometimes they have a feeling that "something happened," but not always. In less extreme cases, the patient remembers the beatings or sexual abuse. However, even when remembered, it is rare for the child to report the abuse to a parent or school official. They just accept it, and try to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, these experiences usually have life-long negative effects unless treated. According to the CDC, approximately one in four girls, and one in 13 boys experience childhood sexual abuse. Because so many victims never speak up, school counselors are taught that a girl's obesity could be a symptom of sexual abuse. From the point of view of the inner child, this makes perfect sense. Men are much less interested in an overweight girl or woman. Thus, it serves as a useful layer of protection. And, even though the threat and abuser may be long gone, the inner child maintains the extra pounds for decades--because in her world the threat is still very real! While the healing process usually takes longer in cases of severe childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, life-changing improvements have been experienced by my hypnotherapy patients. < Back

Weight Loss Time for Dessert French Fries Fudge Brownies Describe your image Time for Dessert 1/7 Why would a practitioner who has helped people lose weight for almost two decades have a gallery of guilty pleasure foods here? Aren't diets supposed to be about willpower and deprivation? Yes, most diets are a struggle. But this is different. My hypnosis for weight loss patients do not feel deprived. How is that possible? All diets you've tried involved deprivation and an inner battle. Did you ever wonder who you were fighting? And, why it was so difficult? If you have considerable amount of weight to lose (40 lbs. or more), the battle of wills is between you and your subconscious mind. That is your inner child. In cases of sexual abuse , the inner child needs the weight as protection to ward off men. In other cases, he/she may be packing on the pounds to get back at parents or a spouse. Rebellion and anger are often involved. It may not make any sense to your adult mind, but children see the world differently! You may also struggle with your weight because food was used as a reward when you were a kid, or the only way to be accepted in your family was if you were heavy. I've worked with patients who were single and were afraid to date. In those cases, the extra pounds gave them an excuse not to socialize--until they got in shape. Not surprisingly, since the weight kept them from doing something scary, it seemed impossible to get trim. Have you thought: "I'll only have one cookie" or "Just a few chips." How about a splurge to reward yourself for working out? Ever consoled yourself with a pint of Ben & Jerry's? We all have. Where do you think those impulses came from? Yes, your subconscious/inner child. They are powerful thoughts--which is why it's so difficult to change unhealthy habits encouraged by that inner voice! Fortunately, through hypnosis we can change that voice and your inner-child messages. It's like removing half the players from one side in a tug-of-war. It gets easier to win. And , the process also makes your adult-self team stronger. That's why the effects of this method are permanent! As an adult, your subconscious is closed; nothing can change the new balance-of-power. So, wouldn't you like to conquer your weight issue once and for all? And, what better time than now? In the early 1990s 55% of the American adult population was overweight or obese. It is now almost 72%. The obesity rate of children is rising too. My weight loss hypnosis program was created by Zoilita Grant, MS, CCHt. She was obese for many years before she discovered hypnotherapy. Since then her weight has been normal for over 25 years. She understands! And, hypnotherapy for weight loss has been endorsed by leading psychologists and doctors. While your weight has a great deal to do with your self-confidence and even your job success, what's most important are the effects on your health. As you probably know, overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, snoring/sleep apnea, stroke and some types of cancers (breast and colon). And, if you are a parent, wouldn't it be great to be a role model by tackling something difficult and succeeding? < Back

Hypnosis for Alcohol Abuse Hypnosis for Alcohol Abuse Binge drinking is the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption. It's defined as 4 or more drinks in a few hours for women and 5 or more drinks in a few hours for men. Heavy drinking for women is 8 or more drinks per week, and 15 or more drinks per week for men. The gender difference is based solely on average size and weight. The CDC's Dietary Guidelines for alcohol define moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Many are surprised that these recommendations are so low. They think they can hold their liquor, and point to how frequently heavy drinking is shown on TV and in the movies--with few negative consequences. Many look to family and friends for comparisons. However, since heavy drinkers tend to associate with other heavy drinkers--and shun those who drink in moderation, or don't drink at all-- these comparisons just feed the denial. Because early experiences shape our lives, alcoholics frequently have family members who are also heavy drinkers. By the time someone comes to my office wanting help with their alcohol problem, the women are drinking at least a bottle of wine a day, and the men are drinking at least 4-6 beers or drinks per day. At the higher consumption levels, alcohol can create problems on the job, with a spouse, children, health, and with the law. Everyone I've known in my professional and personal life who had an alcohol problem has damaged their children and spousal relationship(s). Even for those who aren't heavy drinkers, I always suggest that when both people have been drinking, that's not the time for an argument with a loved one! So, is alcoholism a disease? Although medical societies, hospitals and treatment facilities lobbied to get it classified as such, I don't believe it is a disease. This classification allows healthcare providers to bill insurance companies for their services, but it actually does not fit the disease category. If you are curious about this point, you can click this link to find an excellent article: "Is Alcoholism a Disease?" Does alcoholism run in families? Researchers have found some (minor) genetic propensities, but that is not the most important reason it runs in families. The reason is behavioral. Alcoholic parents not only serve as role models for their children, but they also damage their children. Those children have a greater likelihood of becoming alcohol abusers themselves, and/or marrying an alcoholic. Most of those who start drinking early in life, cut back as they get older. Their college years were enjoyable, but family and job responsibilities take precedence as they age. In addition, as we get older our bodies are not as good at metabolizing alcohol, so most cut back. However, some men and women continue heavy drinking as they get older. They seek my help when they recognize the dangers and negative effects on their lives and families. Treatment Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935. You probably know someone who has been clean and sober for years or decades thanks to this program. I've known those people; I've had some as patients--for issues other than alcohol. However, research shows that only 5-10% of AA members are able to quit drinking permanently. The track record for most residential treatment programs is not much better. Some people have been able to successfully stop drinking on their own, but the reasons vary. Sometimes a serious health issue arises, or a beloved spouse makes a credible threat of divorce. My program for people who are heavy drinkers involves getting to the heart of the (subconscious) causes and healing those causes. I work with people who could be classified as functional alcoholics. With treatment they are able to decrease their consumption, and many have been able to become social drinkers with no worries about going off the deep end again. I do not treat those with alcohol dependence--those who are not able to maintain their responsibilities and have no control over their drinking. However, even in those cases, after they have been through a rehab facility and gotten sober, I'm able to help them minimize their chances of abusing alcohol again. It is possible to enjoy life without being tipsy, high or drunk! < Back

Experience In May, 2012 Daniel was invited to present at the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners international conference in California (photo above). It was a great opportunity to share his approach with other practitioners. At this conference he learned there are great differences in the quality and effectiveness of hypnotherapy training programs across America. Some practitioners only completed a short online course. While others achieved greater understanding through full-time courses (such as the one he attended) that included supervised clinical practice sessions. Many hypnotherapists from around the country had never attended college. Others were college graduates, but few also had a graduate degree. And fewer still were in his category with an undergraduate and graduate major in psychology. Work history among his fellow practitioners also varied greatly. A few had begun their practice at young ages, and worked for decades perfecting their skills. For others, it was a second or third career, with years of prior work experience in unrelated fields. As a Life and Business Coach, Daniel brings decades of experience analyzing situations and problem-solving with clients in a variety of occupations and industries. Prior to starting Inner Power Hypnosis, he taught management, communication and interpersonal relations at the undergraduate and graduate levels; he also consulted with Fortune 500 corporations such as AT&T, Chase, HP, Citibank, NYNEX, Weight Watchers and NY Life. As part of his consulting work, he published articles and was asked to present at local, national and international conferences. During his time in the naming business, we used a group creativity process (pictured below) to name O'Doul's beer, Teddy Grahams cereal, Kudos granola bars, and many lesser-known products. Although his consulting work was demanding and lucrative, he became dissatisfied in that profession. The projects were fascinating; but his life was geared toward generating greater profits for his clients, rather than helping people. After much soul searching, he decided to switch careers, and was trained in Colorado as a clinical hypnotherapist. Daniel believes in living a healthy lifestyle, having hobbies and connecting with family and friends. He enjoys exercise, boating, classic car shows, antiques, and enjoying the beautiful Arizona scenery and weather. Here is a photo of him enjoying a visit with two of his grandchildren, taken a few years ago. < Back

Expert Opinion "Hypnosis can actually help you lose weight." Jean Fain, MSW, LICSW Harvard Medical School, Oprah Magazine , August 2004 "Hypnosis opens up new, promising opportunities for improving the quality of sleep without drugs." Bjorn Rasch, Psychological Institute University of Zurich, Sleep Journal , 2014 "Patients treated with hypnosis experienced substantial benefits for many different medical conditions." James H. Stewart, Mayo Clinic Proceedings , April 2005 "Though often denigrated as fakery or wishful thinking, hypnosis has been shown to be a real phenomenon with a variety of therapeutic uses." Scientific American , June 2001 "In hypnosis you can attain significant psycho-physiologic changes." Dr. Daniel Handel, National Institutes of Health, New York Times , June 2004 "Hypnosis has been used in western medicine for 150 years, to treat everything from anxiety to pain, from easing the nausea of chemotherapy to enhancing sports performance. Applications include treatment of phobias, panic, low self-esteem, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, stress, smoking, colitis, warts, headaches and high blood pressure." Dr. Carol Ginandes, Clinical Instructor, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University Gazette "Hypnosis has been used in the treatment of pain; depression, anxiety and phobias; gastrointestinal disorders; skin conditions; post-surgical recovery; relief from nausea and vomiting; and many other conditions." Hypnosis Today: Looking Beyond the Media Portrayal , American Psychological Association 2015 "In a study of 208 patients who had received hypnotherapy, 85% of those who had been helped by hypnosis, still felt the benefits up to 7 years later." Hypnosis Provides Effective Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Science Daily , April 2012 "Hypnosis seems helpful in treating addictions, and the depression and anxiety associated with them." Psychology Today , September 1996 "Case reports consistently suggest that hypnosis can be very helpful in the treatment of patients with PTSD." Etzel Cardena, et.al., Chairperson Department of Psychology, Lund University Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies , 2nd edition 2008 "Thus it can be concluded that hypnotherapy treatment is effective in reducing the level of stress in the counselees." Alizamar, MPd, et.al., The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy in Reducing Stress Levels Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment : December 2018

Hypnosis for Drug Abuse Hypnosis for Drug Abuse Cannabis In November 2020 Proposition 207 made it legal for people in Arizona 21 and over to possess and use recreational marijuana. It can be smoked or eaten, and purchased legally by adults at dispensaries. It is also readily available on the black market for those too young to purchase it legally. Partly because of its popularity and legality, many people think this drug is harmless, or at least less damaging than alcohol. Marijuana had accepted medical uses for years, and for certain illnesses cannabis/CBD can be beneficial. However, daily recreational use, even to lessen anxiety and/or insomnia, can have negative consequences. At low doses, cannabis can decrease anxiety, but at high doses people can become more anxious. Although research on the negative effects of cannabis, especially on young people, was conducted a few years ago, this information is not widely known. However, that may change; on June 23, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled: "Psychosis, Addiction, Chronic Vomiting: As Weed Becomes More Potent, Teens are Getting Sick." The article's subheading reads: "With THC levels close to 100 percent, today's cannabis products are making some teenagers highly dependent and dangerously ill." Many parents and grandparents remember the marijuana of their youth, and think of it as harmless. Yet, through genetic manipulation, the current versions of cannabis are many times more powerful--and dangerous--than those available in the 60s, 70s or 80s (when the typical THC content was only around 5%). The article goes on to say: In addition to uncontrollable vomiting and addiction, adolescents who frequently use high doses of cannabis may also experience psychosis that could possibly lead to lifelong psychiatric disorder, an increased likelihood of developing depression and suicidal ideation, changes in brain anatomy/connectivity and poor memory. The article is illustrated with cases where temporary, or permanent, damage was the result of daily ingestion of powerful cannabis. In addition, there are instances of violence and lawbreaking made more likely when a regular user is high. I've had patients who looked back at their stoner years and realized how weed decreased their motivation, and held them back from fulfilling their dreams. Hard Drugs Hard drugs are seen as more potent and toxic, both physically and mentally. Cocaine : Over 14% of Americans 12 and older have tried cocaine. It's a powerful stimulant and one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Cocaine often starts with recreational use, but addiction can develop quickly. Symptoms include insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, loss of appetite, excessive sweating and restlessness. Opioids : Opioids are narcotic drugs that affect the nervous system and act as a pain reliever. They include synthetic or partly-synthetic drugs that mimic opiates such as heroin. Common prescription opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone. While prescribed opioids are a common and effective method of treating severe and chronic pain, long term use and abuse can lead to addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Opioids are some of the most commonly abused drugs worldwide. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the last year, and 75% were from opioids. Since fentanyl is so potent and relatively cheap, it is added to many illicit drugs (meth and cocaine), and some counterfeit prescription drugs. There is no way to detect if a lethal dose of fentanyl has been added. Many teenagers and adults have rapidly died from ingesting this drug, often unknowingly. It has been reported that 80% of the fentanyl sold illegally in the USA comes through Arizona from Mexico. Does that mean that black market Adderall or Xanax pills in Arizona are more likely to contain lethal fentanyl doses? Possibly, only 13 states have drug overdose death rates worse than Arizona. Methamphetamine : Is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically similar to amphetamine, 5.6% of Americans 12 and older have tried meth. Addicts take it by smoking, swallowing a pill, snorting or injecting the powder dissolved in water/alcohol. Effects include, increased wakefulness/activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature. Most illegal meth is also produced in clandestine labs in Mexico. Long-term meth use can result in extreme weight loss, addiction, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, memory loss, paranoia, hallucinations and violent behavior. In 2017, about 15% of all drug overdose deaths involved methamphetamine. It should be noted that fentanyl is sometimes added to street meth without the user knowing. Treatment Cannabis : Because of its legality, availability and acceptance, most cannabis users do not try to cut back or stop using. They don't see the negative consequences, although often those around them are aware of the effects. Colorado legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014. Since then, traffic fatalities have increased by 75 a year and many people have been arrested for driving while impaired. Legalization in Arizona and other states is too new for extensive research on the deleterious effects of this drug, but loss of motivation and interpersonal problems with loved ones are widely reported. In addition, many companies now conduct random or regular drug tests of their employees. Use of marijuana, even though legal, can be a cause for discharge. It is essential that the teenager or adult wants to stop the marijuana habit. Sometimes a parent or spouse provides the initial push, but the patient themselves must see the benefits to stopping or at least cutting back on use. My approach is to use hypnosis to decrease the need for the drug--usually by diminishing anxiety--and slowly ween the patient off marijuana. Sometimes this is a very rapid process, and takes only a few sessions. The person's desire for a cannabis high is just gone. In more extreme cases, it may take more time, but the process is thorough and effective. When the issue that motivated them to take cannabis is healed or at least diminished, it is much easier to create a successful long-term outcome. Hard Drugs : Very often an intervention from a spouse or family member is required to get the addict to admit he/she has a problem. Users lie to themselves and others, so promises are mostly meaningless. And despite the person's claims to the contrary they will not be able to do it on their own. It is important to seek help for prescription or illicit substance abuse/addiction. Withdrawal from many of the common street and prescription drugs can be uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening. In many cases, it will be important to detox in a medically supervised facility, where medications can be prescribed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. In the case of drugs like heroin , hydrocodone , and oxycodone , specific treatment medications such as Suboxone are approved for use in facilitating detox and for longitudinal treatment of opioid dependence. Detox should be followed by further treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction, and to develop relapse prevention skills. This is when hypnotherapy can be effective. The issue for most hard drug users is not one of stopping, the challenge is to keep from using again. The relapse rate found after most residential treatment programs is very high--at least 90%. Some patients are able to make permanent changes in those programs, but those cases are rare. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy provides healing at the subconscious level, and has much better odds of helping to achieve a permanent solution. The patient can begin at any point in their sobriety, but motivation is very important, and sometimes multiple sessions per week are advised. The good news is there is clinical research to prove the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in cases of addiction. Here is a typical research study on hypnosis for drug addiction . In addition, the famous Passages Malibu rehab center also believes in getting to the root of the problem and makes extensive use of clinical hypnotherapy to help permanently heal their patients.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) While many people use the word trauma to describe any serious negative event, the psychological definition is more specific. Trauma applies only to life-threatening incidents. This is the meaning when Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is accurately diagnosed. Those who are familiar with the term generally associate it with the military and law enforcement. However, a heart attack, near fatal car accident, or being the victim of a violent crime can also create the condition. Similarly, those who survive natural disasters such as a flood, hurricane, tornado or earthquake may develop PTSD. Police officers and fire fighters may also develop symptoms of PTSD after traumatic experiences. To be clear, the person doesn't actually have to be injured to have PTSD. Fear is what sets it off. Thus, a person hiding in a room where there is a shooting will probably experience trauma even if they were not injured. The condition will occur if the person was in fear for their life. I've treated people who were in a war zone in their home country who developed PTSD even if the bombs never hit their home. In contrast, a patient who was deployed a few years ago learned to live with occasional shelling near their base. All the soldiers were used to it and went about their business even when shells were exploding not far away. PTSD symptoms may start soon after a traumatic event, or they may not appear until years later, usually after a triggering experience. Such was the case for noted British hypnotherapist Karl Smith (pictured above). Even after many deployments in war zones, he had few symptoms. Until years later, as a police officer, he was run over by a drink driver. Then PTSD took over his life. After being discharged from the hospital, he was healed with hypnosis. Realizing the benefits and needs, he decided to become a hypnotherapist to treat military veterans and law enforcement officers suffering with PTSD. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hopelessness, feeling emotionally numb, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, irritability, concentration issues, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Individuals with PTSD often abuse alcohol or drugs in an attempt to ease their mental anguish. With the combination of depression, hyperarousal, and always believing that something negative is going to occur, suicide may seem like the only option for many sufferers. At least 18 American veterans with PTSD kill themselves every. Treatment Although most people aren't aware, the U.S. Government used hypnosis to treat what they called "shell shock" since before World War I. The Army estimated that 20% of all American battle casualties in World War II were of a psychiatric nature--what we now call PTSD. The use of hypnosis with returning veterans by army psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon is shown in the 1946 documentary "Let There Be Light ." The documentary was commissioned by the U.S. War Dept. and filmed by John Huston when he was in the Army. It was shot at the Mason General Hospital in Deer Park Long Island, but the film was hidden for 35 years because the government was afraid this accurate description of the mental state of many combat veterans would discourage recruitment. This suppression happened even though the film is positive in many ways. It shows the soldiers recovering and participating in sports and trade classes that would help them reenter postwar society. In fact, over the decades, the military has used hypnosis for a variety of purposes. This includes using hypnosis to help new fighter pilots cope with air sickness and the effects of g-forces. Our armed services evaluate everything, and it's safe to conclude that during the 100 years they used hypnosis, it passed many effectiveness evaluations. Unfortunately, this effective therapeutic technique was abandoned by the VA during the 1980s when modern antidepressants came to the fore. Since then, the Veterans Administration has used group therapy, and a variety of pharmaceuticals to treat this condition. Combat veterans I treated reported minimal effectiveness for the VA approach, and a review of the prevalence of alcohol and drug dependence (and suicide) among veterans speaks to the failure of these methods. In contrast, hypnotherapy is still very effective in treating PTSD and its associated difficulties. A research study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry evaluated the use of hypnosis for cases of PTSD and found success for a method very similar to the one I utilize. Many research studies found the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for PTSD is superior compared to treatment by all other therapeutic methods and/or pharmaceuticals.

Hypnosis for Anxiety and Panic Attacks Life can be stressful, but some worry more than is reasonable. Usually those people don't realize that excessive worry is an anxiety symptom. They think they just have trouble sleeping, or are stressed because of their job, marriage or family. People with anxiety tend to second-guess themselves and often obsess about what others think of them. They are unduly afraid of making a mistake, or offending someone; and they generally have trouble relaxing. People who grew up in a home with alcohol and/or drug abuse often have anxiety. Similarly, excessive yelling or criticism in childhood may result in anxiety. At the extremes, those who experienced physical and/or sexual abuse often have lifelong anxiety. Irrational fears (phobias) are also symptoms of anxiety. Claustrophobia--or fear of enclosed places--is common. These people have trouble in elevators, airplanes, crowds, and confined spaces. There are other kinds of phobias too, although most people that suffer with them don't think of them as anxiety. They just try to avoid the trigger as much as possible. Men and women with social anxiety avoid social situations--for some, even talking with co-workers or family members can provoke anxiety. Being single and talking to an attractive dating prospect can be a challenge. If they can't avoid it, their brain may freeze and not be able to find words to say. Speaking in work meetings or doing presentations can also trigger those with this type of anxiety. Some anxiety patients are afraid to drive on our freeways. Others freak out when caught in traffic. Sometimes driving anxiety is the result of a car accident, but not always. Insomnia People with anxiety tend to have insomnia. They can't shut off their thoughts. They worry about the future, and regret what they said or did. They second-guess their words and actions, and often wish they could go back and do things differently. People with insomnia toss and turn. The experience is very frustrating. While most people fall asleep within fifteen minutes, those with insomnia may need 1-3 hours (or more) to finally fall asleep. At the extremes, some may need 4-5 hours to fall asleep, and on some nights can't fall asleep at all. It's understandable they would be desperate to try a method or substance that might help quiet their mind so they can sleep. I've had patients who were abusing alcohol or drugs that started their habit as a means to fall asleep! Sometimes those substances help them relax and sleep, but if they get up in the middle of the night, they have difficulty falling back asleep. Prescription sleep medications may help, but long-term use can result in serious health consequences. They are designed for occasional use only. (Check with your doctor.) About 10% of American adults have chronic insomnia. It may result in a lack of energy, a decreased ability to focus, cognitive impairment and overall fatigue. This reduces the quality of their life and may put them in danger. The NHTSA estimates that in 2017, drowsy driving was responsible for 91,000 crashes and at least 1,000 deaths. The good news is that insomnia is just anxiety at night. Fortunately, hypnotherapy is a very powerful sleep aid. When the anxiety levels are turned down, sleep comes naturally. The effectiveness of hypnosis to alleviate anxiety and insomnia have been demonstrated through medical research . Panic Attacks Extreme anxiety reactions are called panic attacks. These could be triggered by a phobia, social situation, having to present at school or for work, by getting caught in traffic, walking alone on a dark street, and sometimes for seemingly no reason. Panic attacks tend to happen in situations that cause anxiety for that person, but they are more powerful and harder to hide. The heart races, breathing speeds up, hands may sweat, and the mind gets foggy. There may also be chest pains, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, nausea, feeling weak, faint or dizzy. Some people with anxiety may never have a panic attack, while others I've treated had one or more panic attacks each week! About 6 million American adults have panic attacks, and women are twice as likely to have them as men. Whether a patient has generalized anxiety, insomnia, phobias, test-taking anxiety, or panic attacks--I've found hypnotherapy to be the most effective treatment. Of course my psychological training helps with anxious patients, and most are able to make significant progress in weeks rather than the months or years needed in psychotherapy. My work enables them to do the activities that caused anxiety or panic in the past--with few or no symptoms. < Back