Hypnosis 101: How Does It Work?

TheoryoftheMindIn last week’s post I talked about how hypnosis is a natural state we all go into; while watching TV, while driving, while exercising, before we go to bed and right after we wake up.

That attached diagram, (courtesy of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute) is what I use with every new client to explain how hypnosis and hypnotherapy works.

From the time we are born until about 8 years old, we are very suggestible. That just means that we take in everything as absolute truth. As children, we do not have the ability to analyze incoming information; we believe everything we are told. Most kids are walking around in hypnosis.

We learn likes and dislikes, what we are capable of, what we are not capable of, what is fearful, desirable, etc. This is the creation of our so called Life Script: a collection of beliefs and “knowns” that shape our behavior and thinking.  This happens at the level of our subconscious mind, so we are not aware that it is occurring. We all fall under the hypnosis of our culture, and adopt the beliefs of our parents, religion and society.

Between 7 and 9 years old, we begin to develop the “critical mind” which blocks suggestions into our subconscious minds. We began to question incoming information, we began to ask why, and to seek to understand the information presented to us. At this point we begin to develop our conscious minds, which we use for decision making, reasoning, analyzing, and logic. We start to think for ourselves.

As you can see from the diagram, the subconscious mind makes up 88% of our total “mind power” according to some estimates. The conscious mind, only about 12%. The subconscious mind has a much greater influence on our behavior.

What brings people into my office is the realization that they have a problem that they cannot seem to solve on their own. For instance, they can’t quit smoking, or get rid of anxiety or get motivated.

The reason for this is that that their subconscious minds contain the programming that keeps them anxious, or procrastinating, or smoking, or overeating. This programming comes from childhood. For instance, in the case of smoking,  someone may have seen their parents smoking, saw that they look relaxed when they were smoking, and maybe even saw commercials for smoking. (“Winston tastes good like a cigarette should”)

Their subconscious mind is familiar and comfortable with smoking, to the subconscious, it’s a “known”.

So even though they may want to quit smoking, the part that wants to quit is only 12 %: the conscious mind. But 88% wants to keep smoking. Which do you think will win out? Of course, the 88%.

Hypnosis as a tool for change.

This is where hypnosis comes in. When a person is in hypnosis, their critical mind, whose job is to be the gatekeeper to the subconscious mind, takes a break. They become very suggestible, or, open to suggestion.

So in a hypnotherapy session,  I can use the power of suggestion to get the subconscious mind familiar with what the goal is, so that the goal now becomes a “known” to the subconscious mind. With enough repetition and reinforcement, by coming to a few sessions or listening to recordings that I make for my clients, they can begin to reprogram their minds to stop smoking, be more calm and relaxed, or be more motivated. See how that works?

I specialize in helping people quit smoking, release anxiety, and get motivated! If you want to know more about how I can help you, click here to contact me. I can help you change your mind one thought at a time!

Ted

Quit Smoking: Tips, Tools and Tricks

 

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I read a funny quit smoking joke by Conan O’Brian: “The CDC says that it’s graphic anti-smoking TV ads have have helped over 200,00 people to quit. Not quit smoking, quit watching television.”

But if you are a smoker, and want to quit smoking, you know that quitting smoking is no joke. It can be very hard.

The dangers of smoking are well known. Since May is  National Health and Fitness Month, I’d like to provide some tips to help you quit smoking. If you don’t smoke but know someone that does, please forward this to them.  It might just save their life.

Some people are able to quit smoking on their own, but research show that the best way to quit is through evidence based smoking cessation technologies and programs. Seventy percent of smokers will attempt to quit smoking without using a program and 9o percent will relapse. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.)

Ready to quit smoking on your own? Here are some tips to increase your chances.

  • Have a plan. To quit smoking, you must be prepared. Pick a goal date when you will smoke your last cigarette and start your life as a non-smoker. Between two weeks and 30 days from today.
  • Get a physical. Be aware of any health problems that may exist. It’s better to know. Make sure it’s ok for you to exercise.
  • Get regular exercise. Get your health back.  Walking is a great way to start, riding a bike or doing exercise videos at home. Exercising will also help you deal with negative feelings that may arise in your first days of quitting.
  • Prepare to quit. If you smoke over a pack a day, give yourself two weeks to prepare your mind to quit smoking. If under a pack, give yourself a week. Adjust if necessary and based on your intuition and experience. During your preparing to quit period:
  • Write down all the reasons why it’s so important for you to quit smoking. The more emotional, the better. (“I don’t want my kids to watch me die of lung cancer” for example.) Write your reasons down on a few 3×5 cards and carry them with you. Put them up where you will see them. Read them several times a day.
  • Change your diet. Since nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant, you don’t want to gain a bunch of  weight after you quit smoking. (Very common after folks quit smoking.) Start to eat three healthy meals a day with healthy snacks in between. Increase protein and reduce refined carbs.
  • In your preparation period, start to scramble your smoking pattern. For instance, if you smoke in your left hand, start smoking in your right. If you like smoking on the front porch, change your smoking spot to some uncomfortable place like out by the trashcans. Stop buying cartons and buy one pack at a time, changing brands each time you buy a pack. Start cutting cigarettes in half.
  •  FIND REPLACEMENTS. In my opinion, this is the number one secret to successfully quit smoking. There are many reasons people smoke: to ease boredom, reduce stress, relax, as a reward, or simply because it’s a habit. Of course, there is the addiction component as well. Find things to replace  smoking with and have them ready on your quit day. Some examples:
    1. Find ways to stay busy to keep from being bored. At work instead of a smoke break, take a short walk.
    2. Keep your mouth busy using sunflower seeds in the shell, gum, sugar free suckers or hard candy, licorice, carrot sticks, celery sticks, pretzels, flavored toothpicks. Some people say that putting a Listerine slip in their mouth takes away the urge. Drinking milk works too.
    3. Keep your hands busy with a stress ball, or an object you can keep in your hand like a pen or small stone.
    4. Drink lots of water.
    5. Take a Vitamin B supplement to help with stress.
    6. Deep breaths.
    7. Use the nicotine patch,  gum or prescribed smoking cessation meds if you need to, they are much more effective when used in combination with the techniques I’m giving you here.
  • Use affirmations. Use positive self talk such as “I am free!” or “I can do this” or “I am in control” or I’m worth taking care of ” or “I am healthy, happy and free from addiction.” Make it a habit to say them several times a day.
  • ON YOUR QUIT SMOKING DAY: Tell everyone what you are doing to make yourself accountable. Pick your quit day carefully; a day when you have time to focus on your goal.
  •  After you quit smoking, avoid drugs like alcohol and marijuana which can decrease your motivation. I suggest giving them up at least for the first month of being a non smoker, longer if they are major triggers that make you want to smoke. If coffee makes you want to smoke, cut down or eliminate it for a while.
  •  Get lots of sleep. You body needs energy to heal.
  • Get your teeth cleaned. 
  • Get your car washed and detailed if you smoked in your car.
  • Avoid situations that will tempt you. Stay away from bars and parties where people will be smoking. Ask those close to you to refrain from smoking in front of you.
  • Give yourself a reward. Have a plan to get a massage after 30 days of smoke free. Or take a trip. Or buy something for yourself.
  • DON’T KID YOURSELF! Don’t even think for a second that you can have “just one” after you quit. Chances are you can’t. “Just one” can undo all of your hard work. Begin to see cigarettes for what they are: a deadly poison that you want to stay away from.

Hypnosis was found to be more than twice as effective as quitting “cold turkey,” and over
three times as effective as nicotine replacement therapy, according to a a study presented October 22, 2007 at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.

I offer a four session “Freedom From Smoking Forever” ® program using hypnosis and hypnosis recordings for listening  at home.  Research shows that using hypnosis to quit smoking can be up to 66% effective when 4 or 5 sessions are used in a 6 to 12 month period.

Your health is the most precious thing you have. If you are ready to quit smoking and want more information about my smoking cessation program, you can request a free consultation by clicking here.

Ted A. Moreno
Certified Hypnotherapist

The Story of The 2 Boxes and Releasing Limitations

releasing limitations

Let me tell you the story of the 2 boxes.

There are 2 boxes that exist in everyone’s life.

The 1st box represents a person’s actual limitations.

For instance, I will probably never play center for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why?

Because I’m not 7 feet tall, and don’t play basketball.

See?

That’s an actual, physical limitation.

And of course, everyone has this box in their lives.

However, there’s a 2nd box that exists in everyone’s lives – and this 2nd box represents a person’s PERCEIVED limitations.

This 2nd box is created by all the doubts, fears, and insecurities a person has.

  • “I can’t ever be relaxed and have fun…I have too much anxiety…”
  • I can’t make a lot of money… I just not greedy enough…smart enough…motivated enough…”
  • “I can’t be in a relationship…too many issues…too much fear…”
  • “I can’t ever be confident enough to speak in public…I’m just too nervous…”
  • “I can’t ever quit smoking…I just don’t have the willpower…”

The sad part?

The 2nd box is usually MUCH smaller than the 1st box!

Meaning, it’s often our own doubts, fears, and insecurities that hold us back from claiming the success we desire so much!

Meaning, you are capable of so much more than you think you are!

Meaning, you can overcome most – if not ALL – of the challenges you come across in whatever it is that you choose to take on.

But most people let their self-imposed 2nd box create an imaginary barrier between them and their success and happiness!

The reality?

This 2nd box usually doesn’t exist!

So the next time you encounter a challenge on your way to doing what you really want to do, have or be, think of the 2 boxes.

Is your challenge created by a real limitation?

Or are you constraining yourself with a self-imposed 2nd box?

Now, there are many tools and resources available to help you begin releasing limitations and vaporize your self-imposed 2nd box.

You just have to be aware of these resources when you come across them.

Releasing Limitations Using the Moreno Method

For example, you can give me a call, and using the Moreno Method for Life Transformation, I can help you start releasing limitations that are holding you back.

I’ll ask you to make a commitment to yourself to take action on your dreams, goals and desires.

Afterwards, I’ll send you home with a recording to listen to that will begin to reprogram your mind for success at whatever you choose to do.

I’ll even call you to check in and provide accountability and coaching.

So if you’ve ever been frustrated that you can’t even get started down the road to doing what you really want to do, whether it’s gaining confidence, getting healthier or making more money, then that reasoning has just become a 2nd box limitation.

I want to help you vaporize that 2nd box so that it never stops you again.

Then you can now simply reach out and claim your success.

Questions? Want to talk about the possibilities that exist for you after releasing limitations? Click here to get in touch with me. Time to get out of that box!

To hear a podcast of this blog, go to TedinYourHead.com episode #71

Ted

Ready to Quit Smoking?

This is the time of the year when smokers start thinking about quitting. Standing out in the hot sun smoking is not fun, people are starting to exercise and think more about their health, and vacation time might mean time on an airplane when you can’t smoke. 

One of my specialties is helping people quit smoking and chewing tobacco.  I call my program “The Moreno Method for Freedom from Smoking”.  Catchy, don’t you think?  The goal of my program is to free you from from smoking so that you remain a permanent non-smoker for the rest of your life. Read more

How to Be Free from Smoking in 2013

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If you are a smoker and thinking about quitting, why not use the New Year as a reason to make it your goal? (If you are not a smoker, please forward this to someone who is.)

If you need convincing that quitting is the right thing to do now, here are three good reasons including a special offer:

1. Look at the chart above. On the left side are all the cancers linked to smoking. On the right, the chronic diseases. Smoking can damage every part of your body. If you are a woman, smoking during pregnancy may cause damage to children’s blood vessels. Here are a couple of links to articles based on this news: Smoking During Pregnancy May Damage Children’s BloodVessels Yet Another Reason Not to Smoke During Pregnancy

Kids of Prenatal Smokers Have Vascular Damage

2. Afraid you’ll be unhappy without the smokes? Think again: Smokers Who Quit Are Happier, Study Finds. “Our findings suggest that, over the long-term, individuals will be happier and more satisfied with their lives if they stop smoking than if they do not,” the researchers wrote. “This research provides substantial evidence that quitting smoking benefits well-being, compared to continuing smoking.”

3. This is the best reason to quit now: or a limited time only, I have a special offer to help you get free from smoking. Smoking cessation is the number one reason people go to a hypnotherapist. I’ve helped many people quit smoking permanently and many are surprised at how easy it is. Here’s what one person said:

Dear Ted, it’s been almost four years since I quit smoking.  There’s never been a “white-knuckle” moment, and I almost never even think of lighting up.  On the extremely rare occasion that I do think about it, all I need to do is take a deep breath of fresh air without coughing, and the thought goes away!  The good part is, whenever I see anyone smoking these days, I still think to myself, poor schmuck, why are you doing this to yourself, don’t you know how easy it is to quit!!! Thanks again.” B. Freiberger

My Freedom From Smoking Forever smoking cessation program is a proven method to help you quit permanently. Normally, it’s four sessions  designed to help you quit a lot easier than going cold turkey. I’ve been helping people to quit for 9 years and I’ve learned all the tips and tricks for helping you to be successful, including the number one secret that is essential for success in quitting. So here is what I want to do for you if you are ready to quit smoking:

If you call before January 5th and make an appointment to get started on your Freedom from Smoking Forever program I’ll give you:

  • Instead of four sessions, I’ll give you five sessions for really getting your mind on board with your goal of quitting. An extra session is added insurance that your non- smoking habit sticks even better!
  • A special care package with stop smoking aids that can help make quitting even easier! ( I learned about these from ex-smokers.)
  • Let’s say you are 3 months into your non smoking life and you decide to go see your family in Phoenix who all smoke like chimneys. Or a big project comes up at work and you’re feeling the stress. I’ll give you a booster session for 50% of what I charge for a regular session.
  • A lot of people worry about gaining weight after quitting. I’ll give you 15% off a package of three sessions for weight control.
  • I’ll even throw in a copy of my book “The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of Negativity and Fear and Loving Life.” 

Even before you come into my office, we’ll start with a phone interview to find out exactly how, when and why you smoke. Based on that interview, I’ll design a custom program specifically for for you. As always, you’ll leave each session with a recording of the hypnosis part of the session for you to listen to at home. Call me at 626-826-0612 or (909) 257-8260 for more information.

Remember, you have to call before January 5th to book the appointment to get started. Make your 2013 goal Freedom from Smoking Forever!

Here are some more testimonials from people who have achieved success with my program:

“I wanted to take this time to personally thank you Ted for the tools you have given me to help me rid my life of smoking. I know it has only been a month, but again with your support I take a new step each day toward my goal of a lifetime non-smoker. If anyone wants a verbal recommendation for Mr. Moreno, I’d be more than happy to share my experience.” Scott

“Thank you Ted for your assistance helping me quit smoking. You saved my life. I also want to thank you for your positive suggestions concerning the 3 1/2 hour dental procedure that coincided with my sessions with you. You told me everything was going to go smoothly and that my recovery would be quick and successful. Indeed all of the above was achieved with a calm peace of mind. Once again, thank you Ted, you’re the greatest.” Dominic S.

“Just wanted to let you know, today is 6 months, no smoking, no trying to smoke, no holding a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. I feel real good. I am running three times a week and my long run is on Saturdays. I ran 12.5 miles this Saturday, non-stop. I have been adding every week and will stop this weekend at a 13 mile run. Thanks a Billion.” Jim D.

“I WAS a smoker for a good 35 years.  I liked it, REALLY liked it.  Then one day, near my 50th birthday, I became thoroughly disgusted with myself.  Even though I smoked, I had a very athletic history – track, dance, martial arts.  Well, on my ultimate “day of disgust” my daughter asked me to play a game of tether ball with her on the school yard.   Two rounds (5 minutes?) later I was winded…done. That night I got on-line and found Ted. Thanks Ted! Our sessions helped me over the rough transition, giving me the mental context to do what I REALLY wanted to do – be free of the evil stinky sticks. I was also able to send a very important message to my family, the smokers AND non-smokers about change.  And me, I’m damn happy and proud of myself.  I’m back in to the martial arts and becoming the lean mean fighting machine of years gone by, only better!  I’m ever amazed with how easy and relaxing the process was. “ Tammy G.

“Ted, I used your tape and the process you taught me to successfully quit smoking for my alcohol control. It has been over two weeks since I had a glass of wine or anything.” Barb B.

“Dear Ted, Thank you so much for your help in giving me the tools to quit smoking- like most I have quit hundreds of times, but with your program I believe I will always be a permanent non-smoker. I tried hypnosis before for this and was not successful, your professionalism was very different than my previous experience, your knowledge of the struggles associated with quitting was obvious on the first visit- I followed your program as you laid it out and it made it much easier than expected. Again, thank you so much, and continued success on your mission to empower individuals like myself to succeed in life.” Joseph P. Yarmolovich PT

At my regular prices, just the value of five sessions, a recording of each session, and a phone interview would be well over $750.  But I’m going to bring all my expertise and experience to help you quit for only $497.  Call me at (626) 826-0612 or (909) 257-8260 and I’ll answer any questions. (If you’re a pack a day smoker, you’ll recoup your investment in about 3 months!) .

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Ted

Extolling the Virtues of Walking

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Last week I decided to do something that I have been wanting to do since I moved to where I now live. I’ve been wanting to take a walk in a nearby park that has a large reservoir. It’s within walking distance from my house, but I usually don’t have enough time to both walk to the park and explore the many trails. So last week I drove the three minute drive to the entrance and started walking. Read more

Are You A DIY? Attend my Self Hypnosis Class Starting 10/23 at PCC

 

If you are a DIY (Do It Yourselfer) then you might be interested in taking my Self Hypnosis for Success Class at PCC starting October 23rd and continuing for the next three Saturdays: October 30th and November 6th from 9 am to 10:30 am. Click here to register!

All hypnosis is self hypnosis, so in this class you’ll learn to use this valuable tool to address a variety of concerns including: overcoming bad habits such as procrastination, gaining confidence, increasing motivation, releasing limiting beliefs and business success. We’ll cover what hypnosis is and isn’t, how to do a hypnotic induction on yourself, crafting suggestions and how to put it all together to reprogram your subconsious mind for success in just a few minutes a day.

You’ll receive a course syllabus as well as my Guide to Self Hypnosis and my Self Hypnosis Conditioning CD, which also includes my studio produced “Peaceful Place” relaxation track as an added bonus.

This will be the third time I’m offering this class, and so far I’ve recieved great response. Here are some comments from the course evaluations I received from the  class held in January 2010:

  • Ted is very knowledgable and enthusiastic about his field. It really helped me a lot.”
  • “It actually works!”
  • “Professional, organized and informative. The instructor was engaging and knew his subject well. I’m glad I took the course!”
  • “Clear and easy guidelines to follow. Instructor is knowledgable and well experienced.”
  • “Ted is dynamic and makes an effort to engage the students. The content was well delivered.”

Remember, you’re being hypnotized daily, through advertising, the media, and the people you spend time with. In addition, you’ve been hypnotized throughout your life to believe things about yourself and the world that may or may not work for you anymore. The good news is, you can take control of your own positive programming. If you have habits of thinking and behaving that are holding you back from the success and happiness that you want, then you can learn to use the power of your own mind to change. Click here to register!

If you’re not interested in learning self-hypnosis but believe that hypnosis can be of help to you, give me a call and I’ll give you a free half hour consultation to discuss how you can benefit from working with me as your hypnotherapist or personal/small business coach. Call (626) 826-0612, email [email protected] or click here.

A subconscious mind is a terrible thing to waste! Put it to work for you with self hypnosis. Click here to register.

How Hypnosis Can Help Someone Stop Smoking

The reason it is hard to change a habit such as smoking is because your subconsious mind (which makes up 88% of your mind), likes what is known and familiar and sees change as unpleasant or painful. The conscious part of your mind which makes the decision to quit, (12% of your mind) can’t compete with the strong influence of the subconscious mind. The physically addictive part of smoking plays a part as well, however, after about three days, this usually passes. It is the mind which makes it difficult to quit.

When working with a smoker, the first question I ask, over the phone even before they come into my office, is “Why do you want to quit?” I’ll start getting them focused on freeing themselves from smoking and why that is important. My smoking cessation program involves four weekly sessions. They will quit at either the first or second session. At the beginning of each session, I will ask them “Give me the reasons why you want to free yourself from smoking.” I’ll have them write their  reasons down on a 3×5 card and carry it with them. Repitition affects the subconscious mind.

For the first 30-40 minutes of  each session, we’ll talk about when they smoke, why they smoke, what triggers them to smoke, and provide techniques for helping them deal with urges after they have quit.

The last 20 minutes of the hour session is the hypnosis part. Remember, during hypnosis the subconscious mind is much more open to suggestions. What we will do is create familiarity in the mind of the smoker to how good it will feel as a non smoker. We’ll do that partly with visualization;  imagining a healthier life without smoking. I’ll give their reasons back to them in hypnosis. I’ll help them create a strong belief that not only is it possible for them to quit, but quit they will. With enough repition and reinforcement of new ideas and habits of thinking and behaving through hypnosis, the subconscious mind begins to align itself with the conscious desire to quit.  If the motivation is there, quitting happens so easily that many ex- smokers are quite surprised. No wonder that smoking cessation is the number one reason people go to a hypnotherapist.

If you liked this post, please leave a comment and/or share it with your social networks.

Tman

 Ted A. Moreno
Personal/Small Business Coach
Certified Hypnotherapist
Specializing in Your Success
www.TedMoreno.com                                                                       
 (626) 826-0612