Hypnosis is a natural, profound level of relaxed awareness and not, as some people think, a form of sleep.

In fact, the individual is both aware and in full control of his or her words and actions at all times. The use of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool is an ‘understanding through communication’ process that allows a person’s conscious decisions to be accepted by the subconscious aspect of mind.

The human brain receives messages from three sources. First: The external environment sends messages, which deal with our surroundings on a sensory level; things like temperature, smells, tastes, sights and sounds within our everyday surroundings. Secondly: Our bodies provide information concerning our physical tensions, movements, digestive activities, pain or discomfort and other physically related matters of the body. And thirdly: Our mind, which constructs all the thoughts and assigns the emotions to what we experience.

In relation to our individually perceived physical environment at any given moment, the waking aspect of mind interprets all of the above gathered information by using logic, reason and objectivity, within decision-making. The subconscious mind, being much more functional, accepts and imprints without judgment, all of the information from the conscious mind on a 24 hour a day, 7 day per week schedule. All of your daily experiences are recorded in the form of thoughts, ideas, emotions, feelings, sights, sounds, tastes and smells. With all of this information, the subconscious mind, with impunity, then begins to direct and shape our life experiences, and our personalities, which then affects our relationships, and even our physical bodies.

The use of hypnosis gives us, as individuals, the opportunity and ability to change those ideas and perceptions that have created an undesirable condition within our life to a more positive and beneficial one. The ability to reprogram emotional attitudes and physical reactions is a latent talent within every human being.

The use of hypnosis has been approved by the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association as a viable therapeutic tool. It has been used extensively in the areas of weight loss, addictions, stress, motivation, pain relief, disabilities such as MS and RSD, medical and dental procedures and more.

Tom La Framboise is a hypnotist from Indian River and operates his practice as, True Choice Hypnosis. He can be reached at 231-420-5466 or via e-mail at passacaglia06@yahoo.com. Tom is currently writing a book on the subject titled, "Life: A Unique Perspective Through the Eyes of a Hypnotist.”