HOLISTIC HEALTH Practitioner promotes uses of hypnosis

The former nurse said her health improved with hypnosis.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Linda Speerbrecher of Struthers gets excited and enthusiastic when telling others about hypnotism and the positive results it has brought her and her clients.
And she is equally eager to "debunk the fears" long associated with hypnotism, myths that often prevent people from experiencing this ancient modality to break stubborn habits and create a path to a healthier lifestyle.
Speerbrecher spent 16 years as a practical nurse in the maternity ward at St. Elizabeth Health Center, where she worked with Dr. Simon Chiasson, an obstetrician/gynecologist. He is also certified in hypnosis by the American Society of Hypnosis, a professional organization of over 4,000 physicians, psychologists and dentists.
Speerbrecher respectfully refers to Dr. Chiasson as "The Master." She observed him perform Caesarean sections and vaginal hysterectomies without the need for anesthesia through his skill in hypnosis, which he has practiced for over 50 years.
Health problems
Then she began to develop numerous health problems, including a back injury; osteoarthritis, which required knee replacement surgery; rotation cuff repair, fibromyalsia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
She became disabled, requiring the use of a cane and walker, and developed weight problems because of her lack of mobility. After suffering for years, she decided to pursue hypnosis, for her own healing and to help others.
Speerbrecher studied with Dr. Chiasson from 2000 to 2001, then began studies in Strongsville at the Personal Growth School of Hypnotherapy, where she became certified through the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association (IMDHA), and now has her own private practice.
Through self-hypnosis, she has become mobile again, has lost weight, and has her pain under control.
Explaining hypnosis
Speerbrecher defines hypnosis as "bringing the conscious and subconscious mind together for a common goal." The conscious mind controls our reasoning, analyzing, interpreting, questioning, while our subconscious mind contains our memories, emotions, habits, skills and creativity.
During hypnosis, the conscious mind is relaxed and the subconscious mind is brought to the forefront, where suggestions are made toward behavioral modification. Speerbrecher has had great success in working with clients for weight loss, pain and stress management, study skills and memory enhancement, but she is most excited about the smoking cessation program she has developed.
Her mother was a smoker who suffered from emphysema.
"I tried three different programs with her, but realized that a part of her did not want to quit, and she felt she was being forced by her condition. That's when I developed my 'Modified Parts Therapy.' During hypnosis, I talk to all the 'parts' that make up our whole self. There is a present part that wants to quit smoking because it knows the health risks, the young part that started smoking, and the future part that will become ill if smoking continues. There is also a wise part that can solve all problems and remove any blocks. During hypnosis, all parts are united for the common goal of becoming a nonsmoker. If this program worked for my mother, who still had a 'part' that wanted to keep smoking, how much easier will it be for someone who really wants to quit?"
Other testimonials
And it has worked for others.
Fred Smith of Austintown tells of his experience: "I had mild emphysema, and wanted to quit for a few years. Then I had a heart attack. I went to Linda for a private session. I didn't even feel like I was hypnotized because my mind wandered. But I don't crave cigarettes any more, and haven't smoked since." Smith was a smoker for 45-50 years.
Mary Martin of Austintown also shares her success story. "I smoked since I was 14 or 15. I have asthma, and tried everything to quit -- patches, pills. ... Then I heard about hypnosis, but was skeptical, because nothing had helped so far. I went to Linda with an attitude, 'I'm not going to do this.' Even my husband bet that it wouldn't help. But after one session, I came out a nonsmoker. Linda is just fabulous."
Client must be motivated
Speerbrecher points out that "the more excited a person is to accomplish their goal, the better hypnosis will work. All hypnosis depends on the individual's desire, expectancy and belief that a change will take place."
She is also quick to add that no one can be hypnotized against their will, everyone is free to choose what suggestions they want to take, and everyone comes out of hypnosis.
Speerbrecher generally does private sessions, which last about 11/2 to 2 hours. She does an extensive pre-talk, then the client is usually in the hypnotic state for about 30-45 minutes.
"I like to give my clients strategies to take home, including a tape that they listen to for 30 days to reinforce all positive suggestions," she says.
Her scripts come from books and classes, and she also creates some of her own.
XLaughing Crow is a practitioner of holistic healing. She may be reached at laughingcrow@neo.rr.com