The stroke that disconnected Cathy Hutchinson’s brain from her body has kept her silent and unable to move for more than 14 years. But science is starting to change all that.

Researchers have connected the 58-year-old woman’s brain to a computer that runs a robotic arm. As Hutchinson sits at a table staring at a bottled drink and imagining the robot grabbing the bottle and bringing it to her mouth, the robot arm begins to move.

To read the rest of this riveting story click here

Susan Gold

New board member Susan Gold is creator and editor of our brand new monthly e-mail newsletter.  Her first one is published and is first to announces our upcoming 4th annual conference speakers and topics.  Susan says each future issue will feature an interview with one of our speakers.  Other time sensitive information with hot links will be included such as notice when ImagiNews is available.

Registration for the conference will be announced soon.  Conference dates are October 5-7, 2012 at Mercy Center in Burlingame, California. We look forward to seeing you there.

If you wish to receive the newsletter you can send a request to signup@imageryinternational.com.

Susan Gold is a fiction writer, teacher, and hypnotherapist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds an M.A. degree in creative writing and specializes in using hypnosis and guided imagery to help writers and artists overcome blocks, reconnect with their creativity, and develop discipline in their craft. Please visit her website: http://www.susangold.net

Susan Ezra hosts a panel of Imagery International certified hypnotherapists who incorporate imagery in their work. There are surprises as each has a different approach to their work.  As is often the case with complementary/alternative practices the theory may be different.  This is a fascinating presentation for anyone who is curious about the similarities and differences between Hypnosis and Guided Imagery.

Elizabeth Wolfson

They discuss trauma and how survivors of the Holcaust are helping young traumatized youth to create new meanings and hope.  She refers us to visit Portraits of Survival – Life Journeys During the Holocaust and Beyond to learn more. Listen to the program by clicking on Elizabeth Wolfson – Holocaust Rememberance.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Days of Remembrance, April 15–22, 2012

Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust and created the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a permanent living memorial to the victims. Holocaust remembrance week is April 15–22, 2012. The theme designated by the Museum for the 2012 observance is Choosing to Act: Stories of Rescue.
Watch the live webcast of the National Days of Remembrance ceremony in the US Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, April 19, at 11 a.m.

Hello, everyone.

Belleruth Naparstek

I’m very much looking forward to giving a day-long practicum on posttraumatic stress for mental health and health professionals at Grace and Growth Counseling Center, hosted at Mercer University in Atlanta on April 20th.

The workshop will review what the field has come to know about posttraumatic stress over the past dozen or so years and why guided imagery is a best-practice approach for treating it.  I’ll summarize the relevant clinical research and discuss ways to introduce imagery into a clinical practice, whether that be with individuals, couples, families or groups.

I’ll demonstrate several kinds of effective imagery and go over practical do’s and don’ts, gathered over the years from the combined wisdom of hundreds of practitioners and their clients.  I’ll also be talking about other imagery-based techniques and discussing special considerations when dealing with military-related stress, something we’ve been doing a lot of lately over here at Health Journeys.

If you want to learn more about this, click here or contact Mary Ellen Hughes at Mhughes@graceandgrowth.org or 678-235-3911.

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This week is National Sleep Awareness Week, folks, so we’re featuring some of our sleep-related titles for you to check out. We’re proud of the quality of our carefully curated collection and the range of techniques and practitioners that we’ve put together for you.

It seems to me we’ve never had such an epidemic of sleep deprivation and disruption as what we’re seeing right now, and we can’t keep these titles in stock.  I wonder what that’s about, exactly.  For years, weight loss seemed to be America’s Most Obsessed About Issue, and we used to joke that sales of our Weight Loss imagery paid the bills and allowed us to keep carrying our less popular titles.

I’m not sure exactly when that changed – maybe 10 years ago? – but now Healthful Sleep clearly holds that distinction.  It’s far and away our bestselling title, and has been for quite a while.  This can’t be good either.  Here’s hoping we all get more sleep – the nourishing, restful, replenishing, renewing kind.  

Take care and be well!

Just as the effectiveness of hypnosis and hypnotherapy varies from individual to individual, so too will the effectiveness of a hypnosis recording.  However, it is my opinion that some recordings are better than others.

An interesting observation for me is that no matter how technologically advanced we get (and I can record a .wav file on my digital recorder and burn it to CD or send it in an MP3 format, so here at Rothman Hypnosis we are very technologically advanced), folks still want to call all recordings “tapes.”  Go figure.

A generic recording is the least favorable and the best is a personalized hypnosis recording for the following reasons:

You can buy generic hypnosis recordings on everything from weight loss to smoking cessation and from phobia release to relationship issues all over the Internet, but for the most part, unless you can listen to them ahead of time and determine if there’s nothing in them that won’t bother you, they probably won’t work for you.  Anything that bothers you will cause you to pop out of the very state you are trying to achieve and stay in (i.e. hypnosis). 

Some of the reasons why a hypnosis recording might bother you are as follows:

a.  You don’t relate to the subject matter.  While it may say “weight loss hypnosis” (which of course you do relate to because this is the absolute #1 reason why anybody seeks hypnosis of any sort) you might not like how the subject matter is presented.  For example, the voice on a generic weight loss recording might suggest “You eat less and less every day.”  Is that a good thing?  No!  (If your subconscious mind takes that at face value, that means eventually you will eat nothing).  Can you believe it?  No!  Will you come out of hypnosis if somebody says that to you?  I know I would.  Or the voice could say “You won’t even need to exercise.”  Is that a good thing?  No!  In order to have a healthy lifestyle, you need to exercise.  Some hypnotist / hypnotherapists use metaphors that some will relate to but not others.  For example, I know of a hypnotherapist that uses a metaphor of a car needing fuel and oil in order to run well on their weight loss recordings.  I hate the idea of eating gas or oil, and since the subconscious mind is literal (we think), that would be real turn off for some.  Would you pop out of hypnosis if you heard this?  I did when I heard it.  Plus, most women except maybe Danica Patrick (I would think, but I could be wrong, and please excuse my lack of political correctness), would probably not relate to metaphors about cars.  I absolutely love this hypnotherapist, but I don’t like their metaphor.

b.  You don’t like the voice of the hypnotist.  You may love the description of their recording on their website.  Some folks are great at writing magnificent descriptions of the content of their recordings, but if the hypnotist’s voice is squeaky, too gravelly, too fast, too slow, or have an accent that you find annoying, or their voice has poor inflections where good inflections matter, you will pop out of hypnosis and not get your desired effect.  A bad waste of good money.

c.  You don’t like the music.  If there’s background music, you may like it, and you just may hate it.  I am very picky about this.  I like Tibetan singing bowls on my recordings because I have found that most people like them, and there’s no music for them not to like.  Another option is no background sound at all, but most people who are making hypnosis recordings will not opt for that.

d.  There are too many pops and clicks and/or background noise.  In essence, the recordings are unprofessional.  Another turn off, and one that will take you right out of hypnosis, even if the hypnotist was able to lull you into trance in the first place.

e.  You don’t like the imagery.  Many hypnotists commonly use a “beach scene” to relax people, because most people relax at the beach.  But not all people!  Some people hate the sand, and the noise when there are lots of kids, and the ocean.  Some people might have even been involved in a tragic tsunami and are deathly afraid of water.  In this case, generic is good!  The best imagery is generic imagery where the person finds their own relaxing spot.  In fact, the best hypnosis is non-leading where the person directs every aspect of their hypnotic event with as little interference from the hypnotist as possible.  They become their own “inner hypnotist” if you will.

All this being said, if you find a hypnotist’s recordings that you enjoy on the whole, they may help you will your issues, challenges, and changes particularly if they help you utilize the powers of your own inner mind and they don’t bother you in any way that would cause you to pop out of hypnosis.

Personalized hypnosis recordings are absolutely the best possible option for you.  If the hypnotist / hypnotherapist is doing their job, they are listening very carefully and closely to everything you are saying and can create a recording that will not only be pleasing to you on every level, but will resonate deeply for you in your subconscious mind where your changes must ultimately take place.  These recordings can be done in person, on the phone, or even on Skype as long as the hypnotist / hypnotherapist has the proper recording devices ready to go.

In essence, no generic hypnosis recording can compare to a personalized hypnosis recording created by an experienced, confident, non-judgemental hypnotist who is cognizant of the fact that your mind knows how to heal and change itself better than any outside source.  And since repetition can be a key ingredient for hypnotic success, a personalized hypnosis recording is always your best bet.

Click this link to visit Stephanie’s website.

Susan Gold

Susan Gold is a certified hypnotherapist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area.  One of her specialties is helping writers to overcome blocks, reconnect with their creativity, and develop discipline in their craft.  She is also an educator and works as a mindset coach helping teens utilize the power of their Imagination to achieve goals and develop the presence of mind necessary for confidence and success.

Susan has a master’s degree in Creative writing from San Diego State University and is a published poet and fiction writer. She has taught writing, literature, and mythology courses at high school and college levels.  Much of the curriculum that she has developed fosters self-exploration and creative expression.

You can learn more about Susan by visiting her website at http://www.susangold.net.

When asked why she joined the II Board, she replied: “When I attended the 2010 conference, I felt so lucky to have found an outstanding organization that would foster my continued growth as a healing arts professional.  I found the members to e warm, creative spirits with wide-ranging areas of expertise.  I eagerly joined the conference committee the following year and am deeply honored to to serve on the board.  My primary responsibility will be working under Jann’s [Fredrickson-Ramus Conference Chair] leadership to help plan the next conference.  I also hope to find other ways to contribute to help grow you community.”

See the 2012 roster of Board of Directors http://imageryinternational.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

Don Moss
Chair, College of Mind-Body Medicine, Saybrook

Jeanne Achterberg

It is with deep sadness that I announce that Jeanne Achterberg died Wednesday afternoon, March 7, 2012, of metastatic breast cancer.

Jeanne Achterberg was a pioneer in mind-body medicine and complementary medicine. Early in her career, Jeannie collaborated with O. Carl Simonton, studying the quality of imagery in cancer patients. She was able to show that features in the imagery predicted the course of the illness. Since that time, she has championed the role of imagery in healing, the role of the mind and spirit in healing, and the shamanic role of the healer.

Jeannie went on to serve in the Office of Alternative Medicine, co-chairing the panel on mind-body interventions. The OAM grew into NCCAM, the home of complementary and alternative medicine within NIH. She is also a past president of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology.

Jeannie has contributed much to mind-body medicine:  Her books, Bridges of the Body-Mind, Imagery in Healing, Woman as Healer, Rituals of Healing, Imagery and Disease, and Lightning at the Gate, remain best sellers. Jeannie has also given us a personal example of courage in the face of illness. Her book, “Lightning at the Gate“, narrated her own journey with illness.

Jeannie has been a friend and mentor to me for over 15 years. Our mutual friend Lynda Kirk introduced us in the 1990’s, when Jeannie presented a keynote at the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. I am now attending this same meeting, and it is here I received Dean Bob Schmitt’s message and learned of Jeannie’s death. When I first joined Saybrook, Jeannie took the time to welcome me, and continually supported my work with students.  Together Jeannie and I have served as advisors to the new International Network for Integrative Mental Health.

Jeannie has been a friend to the College of Mind-Body Medicine, since its inception. She has extended herself whenever possible to teach our students, especially in the imagery course, and also in theses and dissertations.

I extend my deepest sympathy and support to her companion Mark Harris, and to her family and close friends. She was a woman filled with creativity, compassion, and love, and we will all miss her.

Don Moss
Chair, College of Mind-Body Medicine

Greetings Everyone;

Terry Reed, Jeanne and Susan Ezra

Terry and I received the sad news about Jeanne Achterberg’s passing while we were in Maui.  We just returned last night. And I wanted to share this photo of Jeanne and us taken at our Beyond Ordinary Nursing 2006 anniversary conference in Hawaii. Jeanne presented her research on using fMRI to capture the area of the brain activated in the imagery process.

It was SUCH an honor to have her there.  She was truly a great visionary and trail blazer. If you have not read her book, Lightening at the Gate, you will want to now.
Blessings, susan

A tribute by Marilyn Schlitz the CEO and President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, as well as a researcher, author, speaker, and change consultant is found here. Listen to a downloadable audio recording by Jeanne on “Medicine as Spiritual Practice“

A free electronic copy of June 2011 edition of ImagiNews is available here:

 http://imageryinternational.org/imaginews-journal

From the Co-Editors Desks

By Bev Hollander, BSN, MS, HNB-BC and Judith Ewing, M.Ed., M.A., CIH

Judith’s thoughts:

Judith Ewing

Centered within the esoteric theme of “Enlightenment,” another powerfully creative issue of ImagiNews has evolved. The scene is set by the striking beauty of our cover – Belinda Paton’s painting entitled “Pink Lotus.” From there, the submissions provide an eclectic view regarding the attainment of Enlightenment. After being dark last month, we welcome the return of Dr. Epstein’s column which discusses the place of Imagination in the context of Enlightenment. Other submissions approach this theme though theoretical-based orientations and through discussions of everyday practical uses of Imagery within both professional settings and our authors’ lives. There are also submissions of a whimsical nature to assist our travel along the road toward Enlightenment. Bev and I hope that you enjoy this very special issue.

Based on the requests of those wanting to submit their work to ImagiNews, Bev and I jumped into action and created an all- important SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES for you. (See p. 5) These guidelines will provide information regarding the requirements, deadline, word count, etc. four our journal.

This brings us to your co-editors request to put on you r thinking caps one more time. We have room for a couple of articles for the June issue themed “Ritual” due May 1.

I humbly and graciously appreciate the Enlightenment that individually and collectively enriches this issue, and me through your presented thoughts.

Judith

Bev’s thoughts:

Bev Hollander IPY 2010

Enlightenment is as simple as a new understanding of the same old thing or as complicated as becoming an Enlightened Being. The Image that comes to my mind when I think of the latter is of a smiling, meditating Buddha who appears to be in a constant state of bliss. I do believe it is possible to achieve said state. Occasionally I find myself getting glimpses of the true ease and happiness that can be found there – at least a big enough glimpse to notice a difference between ordinary, everyday plodding versus a quiet, restful and contented space no matter what surrounds me in that moment. May we find Enlightenment!

Thanks to each and every one of you for your generous and thought provoking submissions. Because of your contributions, ImagiNews continues to deliver high quality material, so much of which I find Enlightening. After you read this issue, please consider writing us with your thoughts. Hearing from you enables us to better meet your needs in the production of this journal.

Bev