The decision to turn a life-long interest into a career in massage therapy seemed only natural to Bob. Bob had always worked well with his hands, and all his friends said he gave the best back rubs around. Yet, once in massage therapy school, Bob’s dream became a nightmare. As his courses progressed, Bob found that the large amount of memorization required to pass the tests was becoming more and more challenging for him. He saw his dream slipping away as he fought harder to master the material while his grades, nonetheless, were increasingly dropping. He knew he had to do something fast.

    Bob's friend, also a massage therapist, shared an office with a Hypnotherapist. He suggested that Bob try hypnosis for test taking anxiety. Bob agreed to give it a try. 

    Bob didn't know what to expect during his first visit but the Hypnotherapist quickly put him at ease and explained the process of hypnotic suggestion. She answered all his questions and put to rest any concerns that he had about losing control. She informed him that he would, in fact be in control of the process at all times. She explained that she would simply help him to obtain a state of deep relaxation from which he could arouse himself at any time if necessary. While in this altered state of awareness Bob's innermost (subconscious) mind would be more available to listen to and accept any suggestions or ideas that he perceived to be useful or helpful. His mind would automatically reject any suggestions that went against his values and beliefs. 

    Relaxing in a recliner, Bob quickly entered a state of light hypnosis while listening to the soothing voice of the Hypnotherapist instructing him to release tension from every part of his body, bit by bit. After a few more minutes of deep relaxation Bob was ready to received the mental suggestions that he hoped would end his problems with memorization and test anxiety. The Hypnotherapist had Bob think about himself in his study area suggesting he imagine his desk, books, papers and even any beverages he would normally have on hand to drink. Once fully "there" in the scene, the Hypnotherapist had Bob re-experience his study habits, suggesting that his mind would be relaxed and receptive, and that he would remember fully and easily the information that he read and studied.

     As Bob re-experienced each phase of his study routine – reading over notes, repeating information out loud, even taking rest breaks – the Hypnotherapist repeatedly reinforced that he was fully retaining all the information easily and effortlessly. The Hypnotherapist further suggested to Bob that when a question about the material he was studying was put to him, either verbally or on a test, his mind would immediately bring the information up to a conscious level, making it instantly available for full recall.  He was requested to envision himself in class, taking a test. He thought what it was like be relaxed, confident, and feeling great.  He was to noticed himself confidently answering the test questions while visualizing his study period when he had full and easy recall of the test material.  He was reminded to remain relaxed, confident and assured of this success. After fully experiencing himself confidently taking the test, Bob then imagined himself later receiving notice of his test results. He was aware of the feeling of excitement and a sense of self-esteem that came from scoring well on the test. It was suggested that he visualize the positive comments of his teacher and feel the congratulatory pats on the back from his friends.

    Once Bob had fully visualized his success, he was more certain about his chances to make his vision a reality. With a few follow up visits and a tape for home reinforcement, Bob soon made his new vision a reality.

    Bob’s dream really did come true after all. He graduated in the top of his massage therapy class, thanks to a  little help (and some good advice about trying hypnosis) from his friends.

    What your mind causes, your mind can correct. Every problem has a cause, and when you eliminate the cause from the subconscious mind, the problem will disappear.

What you believe you can do, you will do. You can change you life through the power of your mind. 

Hypnosis works!

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