You are getting very sleepy ...

By Dalia Wheatt, tbt* staff writer
Published January 4, 2008

Debbie Lane cannot make you quack like a duck.

That's just one of the myths that Lane, a certified hypnotist in Palm Harbor, aims to dispel in observance of the fourth annual World Hypnotism Day on Friday, Jan. 4.

"In no way can I force you to do something against your belief system," said Lane, 50, who operates Wisdom Hypnosis on Indiana Avenue. "If it was mind control, then my sons would have clean bedrooms."

I decided to see for myself. I drove to Lane's office and curled up in her recliner for a hypnotherapy session.

Lane first played an introductory CD, which explained that hypnosis is about programming one's mind to form new habits. When the CD ended, Lane offered me a pillow and blanket and showed me how to recline my chair. I slipped off my heels. I had no idea what was about to go down, but at least I'd be comfortable.

We agreed to focus my session on relaxation and wealth. Guided by Lane's questions, I told her that I'm trying to sell my house and that I'd grown up around spoiled brats and had learned to equate money with obnoxiousness. Lane asked a few more questions that would enable her to personalize her hypnotic suggestions to me: Am I using a Realtor? Who's someone I know who is rich yet classy? What is my religious faith?

When I told her I'm a Christian, Lane put on a CD of instrumental hymns.

It was time.

I leaned back and closed my eyes, nestling under the blanket. Lane instructed me to breathe deeply.

"The only sound you care to focus on now becomes the sound of my voice," said Lane's soothing, even voice. "And my voice will continue to guide you safely, gently and easily into safe, natural healing."

Confident that she wouldn't have me driving off the Howard Frankland Bridge on my way home, I inhaled deeply and focused on Lane's voice. She told me to relax my neck and shoulders and lightly touched my forehead to help me concentrate.

"Perhaps you would like to imagine a place now that feels safe, a place that to you represents comfort," she said.

I pictured myself lying on my back on the bench of an English rose garden. Being from Cleveland, I'm not sure where I came up with that, but when Lane started describing birds chirping, I swear I heard them trill and could feel sunlight on my face.

She touched my arm, said "Verrry good," and quoted the Bible.

Mind you, I was awake the entire time. When I had an itch, I scratched it. When my throat felt prickly, I coughed. At times I could hear Lane shuffling her papers. But as I allowed myself to go deeper into hypnosis, Lane's suggestions became easier to imagine, like watching a movie.

She told me to picture a bank statement. I saw myself signing the closing papers for my house, then using some of the profits to host a dinner party.

"This is your desire, and your desire is your permission," Lane said.

After 20 minutes, she gently guided me back to alertness. I opened my eyes, feeling refreshed and with my senses heightened, as though I'd just taken a power nap or gone for a jog.

Said Lane, "Hypnosis is natural, safe and so easy, you can do it with your eyes closed."

Agreed. On my drive home, I was actually more focused that I'd been on my way to Lane's office.

With my permission, she'd recorded our session and e-mailed me the audio file later that day. I loaded it onto my iPod so I can listen to it in bed, just before I get very, very sleepy.

How to find a hypnotist

Here are Debbie Lane's tips for finding a reputable hypnotherapist. Want more info? She'll be hosting a free workshop on how to program your mind for wealth from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Oak Trail Books, 1219 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor. For info, call 727 785-1960 or visit www.wisdomhypnosis.com

1. Search the Web sites of the National Guild of Hypnotists (www.ngh.net ) and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (www.iact.org ).

2. Interview your potential hypnotist to make sure you have a good rapport. Hypnotism is not about control, so if the hypnotist forces you to, for instance, adhere to his or her diet plan, then look elsewhere.

3. Ask about fees and how many sessions your hypnotist thinks you'll to need. Find out if you're expected to pay for all the sessions up front.

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 09:39:46]