It was a cold evening in the Santa Cruz mountains—a damp cold that called for thermals, a wool turtleneck and a parka. I had on a thin pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. There had been a heatwave on the Peninsula, and I had packed the sweatshirt as a precaution. I couldn’t wait to get into my sleeping bag.
I was a junior in high school on a leadership retreat, and one of the chaperones was a hypnotherapist—whatever that was. While the adults were preparing our dinner, she had us teeth-chattering teens lie down on foam mats under the enormous pine trees. She then led us in what she called a guided visualization. I remember a warm beach coming alive in my mind’s eye. I could see myself walking next to the shore in a white gauzy peasant dress. I could feel the sun on my skin and hear the waves. And then there was my younger self—just s a few years old, coming toward me. I hugged the child, took her hand, and we walked along the water, the wet sand under our feet. I felt such peace—the peace that comes with an easy, carefree confidence.
When I emerged from that experience I began to cry—it had been so beautiful. To my amazement, I then realized that I was no longer cold. I was completely comfortable.
The images from the experience stayed with me over the years. I thought of it as my “white dress fantasy,” a phrase which I repeated like a mantra whenever I was in intense physical pain. This would help me easily return to the comforting images of that beach and that white dress.
I hadn’t realized that I had been in a trance state until I began my hypnotherapy certification program and learned that guided visualization is one form of hypnosis. I also learned that being in a state of hypnosis raises body temperature, which may explain why I had emerged from the experience feeling so warm. I wonder now if the facilitator might have also thrown in some suggestions to help in that regard.
I have had some remarkable, life-changing experiences with hypnosis, but that first that first time will always remain most profound.
January 19, 2009 at 10:37 am
Susan, this is a good post. I ran across it because I was looking for information on using hypnois to accelerate my writing. My first experience with hypnosis was equally memorable. I used a hypnotist to help me quit smoking over 20 years ago. Not only was it a deep and profound experience, but I haven’t had a cigarette since. I have since gone through many other hypnosis experiences (including training with Marilyn Gordon) but like you, I will always remember my first.
January 19, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Chris, thanks so much for posting a comment. I can imagine that using hypnosis to quit smoking would make for a profound introduction.
Best of luck with your writing. If you are in the Bay Area, you might want to participate in my Hypnosis for Writers workshops.
You trained with with Marilyn Gordon! One of these days I’d like to take a workshop from her. I’m always keeping an eye on her center’s calendar.
Thanks again for writing.
January 30, 2009 at 4:40 am
Hi Susan…I underwent hypnotherapy last night…and I am laughing because my “happy place” as I refer to it…was so similar to yours. On the beach…rolling waves…the sound of someone sweeping sand off cement…I was alone and warm, peaceful…tranquil…I have more sessions with the therapist ahead…however I am concerned that “it didn’t work”…
I went to gain strength from a divorce, and betrayal of a friend…however I found myself having the same angry feelings toward my ex husband and my frined that I’ve been carrying around for months…We did do some resolve therapy…I saw myself letting the toxic relationship with my ex go…but I havent let go of the anger…and I continue to think about them…Could it be that my therapist and I didn’t touch on that? Or could I be un-hypnotizable…
January 30, 2009 at 6:37 am
Hi Bridgette,
Thanks for writing. I think the beach is a “happy place” for many of us—so peaceful. I love your description of “the sound of someone sweeping sand off cement.” What a nice image.
It is disappointing when a session doesn’t yield the results we’re hoping for. There can be many reasons for this. It is good that you have more sessions planned, so you can discuss it in detail with your hypnotherapist. I’m sure he or she will have ideas about how to proceed and may want to take another approach. We are always hoping that a single session will bring about the desired change, but sometimes it takes more.
It sounds like you have been through a lot, and I’m glad that you are getting support.
All the best to you,
Susan
December 1, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hello, I have accidently found your website whilst I’m searching on online as I’m researching some information on hypnotherapy and EFT. I think it’s an interesting website so I’ve bookmarked you and will revisit you tomorrow to have a more indepth read when I’m more free.