What would it look like and what does it mean to be a “thought leader” in hypnosis? How do we set ourselves apart in the industry? Is it even an industry? And how are we defining ‘hypnosis’ again? These are all fair questions. Within the larger ecosystem of modern mental healthcare, hypnotherapy probably occupies a small space somewhere along the margins. In the history of mental health in the Western world however, hypnosis is a large presence at the center of the frame providing most of the seeds of Freudian Psychoanalysis in the Victorian world.

I’m looking forward to exploring the subject at an upcoming local conference this weekend. Without being able to boil down the content of the talk into a few sentences, I will say the delicate balance between follower and leader will be explored. Built into my story is the dumb luck (or destiny) of having been born at a source, my Father. As mentioned above, Hypnosis and Past Life Regression are my family business. I’ve had the unique and fascinating experience of close observation to the conventions, trainings, teachers, personalities, styles, and media around these subjects for decades. It’s given me terrific context to work with others, and play off expectations. Even though popular messaging around wellness has evolved significantly in the last 20 years, hypnosis remains mostly opaque and misunderstood. Another unfortunate fact that can be leveraged in creative ways (misleading ones too).

After my Dad passed in 2011, I inherited his work and had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Tiers the following year. Another source with whom I now share an office at The Center for Integrative Hypnosis in NYC, and regard as a dear friend and mentor. My practice could not be more different than my Dad’s and Melissa’s, and yet my proximity to them has been essential to my success, constantly instructive, and supportive when it was needed too. One thing is certain, in a field with such deep history and so much misinformation, good teachers that are worth our trust can be difficult to find.