Letters: Therapeutic benefits of hypnosis no laughing matter

ISSUE | HYPNOTISM

Therapeutic benefits no laughing matter

As a professional hypnotherapist and instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists, I was disheartened to read the article about stage hypnosis ("Feeling . . . sleepy," Tuesday.) Hypnosis is a powerful, but often misunderstood, therapeutic tool.

I've spent many years assuring people that hypnosis is not "mind control" and that I don't make my clients cluck like a chicken. Hypnosis is focused relaxation, not sleep, and is used by doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and coaches around the world.

Many people don't realize that hypnosis can help you relieve stress, reduce pain, lose weight, take tests, overcome fears and phobias, and improve sports performance.

Yes, stage hypnosis can be entertaining, but I wish there were more stories covering the emotional, physical and mental-health benefits that hypnotherapy can provide.

|Barb Angelo, Mount Laurel