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How Hypnotherapy Enhances the Transformational Process

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

How Hypnotherapy Enhances the Transformational Process
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Matthew Brownstein, executive director of the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy and CEO of Anahat Education Group, Inc, wholeheartedly believes that every individual is blessed with an incredible potential that is waiting to unfold. After logging more than a combined total of 16,000 hours in the classroom and in his clinical practice, Brownstein’s observations have taught him that individuals instinctively know that they are meant to fulfill a purpose in their own inimitable way.

After teaching hundredss of students who were studying to become a certified hypnotherapist, as well as working one-on-one with thousands of clients, the President of the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists, clearly saw that within each of us is a longing to be loved and love others fully and completely. He also surmised that beyond a doubt, all humans long for rewarding lives of purpose, meaning, and vision.

From Brownstein’s observations and reflections arose a deeper realization that within each of us exists a twofold purpose: to heal ourselves and once we have a sense of our wholeness, to heal others. He proposes that hypnotherapy can help us to tap into our intuitive knowing that by achieving our fullest potential and uplifting the lives of others, our own life is more meaningful.

How can hypnotherapy help individuals to discover their purpose and live out their full potential?

Studies show that our sense of self-esteem is formed by age 4. Although we don’t have conscious memories of our self-limiting beliefs and ideas stored in our subconscious, in adulthood they are the basis for how we function and interact with others and the world around us. It is our unconscious childhood programming that draws to us the people and circumstances that support these beliefs.

Hypnotherapy deals with the subconscious mind—the storehouse of our memories, emotions, belief systems and imagination. Initially, after an in-depth interview, a hypnotherapist uses techniques that help the client to consciously identify any limiting programming that is impeding their happiness and success.

An individual learns to use the hypnotherapeutic techniques that help them to change their belief systems and develop a more positive sense of self-worth and self-talk. Without removing the unconscious mental and emotional blocks to an improved sense of self-esteem, the limiting programming continues in the form of self-sabotaging behavior. This undermines the ability to develop a larger vision and actualize our full potential.

Most people look in the wrong place for their life purpose—the past, which doesn’t exist. It is the heart of the inner child that holds the key to our life purpose. However, the inner child is frequently dysfunctional and emotionally immature, therefore we first have to help it heal and grow into an emotionally mature and spiritually aware, fully functioning adult.

Hypnotherapy helps individuals to get clear, live passionately in the moment and listen to their true inner guidance system. Using the altered state of hypnosis, and meditation to learn to live in the moment, means being able to focus attention on the inner voice, where true guidance comes from within. When we learn to trust our joy and follow our bliss, a life of wonder and amazement begins to unfold. Ask yourself: If fear were not an option, what would I do? If I know I can’t fail, what will I do?

Matthew Brownstein is an author of numerous books and lectures extensively on the topics of spirituality, hypnotherapy and prosperity. He offers free self-improvement classes Monday nights online at 7 p.m. at tfioh.com. For more information call 800-551-9247.

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Mysticism, Mesmerism and the Ancient Mysteries

Matthew Brownstein — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Mysticism, Mesmerism and the Ancient Mysteries

Exploring Ancient Wisdom Traditions and Hypnotism within the World’s Great Spiritual Traditions

By Matthew Brownstein, CHT

Thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, Persia, Egypt and India there existed “Sleep Temples” where those who were seeking healing and enlightenment would enter into sacred spaces and altered states while they listened to the mystical prayers of the temple priests who spoke about their health, happiness and well-being. Initiates, spiritual seekers and those seeking relief from suffering have often sought out the ancient mysteries to deepen their understanding of the world and to improve their lives. In the year 2012 not much has changed as far as our intentions go, however, now the methods have become highly refined, widely accessible and beautifully articulated.

In the history of Hypnotism not much is spoken of from the time of the ancient sleep temples and the pioneering works of Franz Anton Mesmer – the founder of a powerful movement known as Mesmerism where the belief in an unseen force known as “animal magnetism” was transferred from the healer to the one being healed. However, in the Orient the phenomena of “energy transfer” had been occurring for countless centuries. The prolific author, teacher and lecturer Ormond McGill wrote, The Mysticism and Magic of India where students learn all about the origins of what is known as Oriental Hypnosis. In The Magic and Occultism of India, by L.W. De Laurence, we also read of the profound work that has been occurring in altered states since recorded history, including the Pythagorean and Egyptian Mystery Schools.

As Franz Anton Mesmer’s theories were considered to be erroneous the phenomena of Mesmerism fell out of popular favor, until other pioneers found more scientifically based understandings about why what Mesmer was doing was actually working. Relegating the healings that occurred to the power of belief, imagination and suggestion, many other practitioners could more reputably practice what became known as Hypnotism without having the negative connotations that went along with the controversial ideas of Mesmer and his followers.

Yet while the human intellect longs for logic, proof and a scientific basis in its endeavors, the human spirit longs for the ancient mysteries. Regardless of our conscious minds, our hearts are quite comfortable with discussions about energy, healing, love, wisdom and bliss. We all want high educational standards, well-regulated learning institutions and research based and scientifically proven modalities, yet we also long for wonder, awe and miracles. Hypnotherapy, as taught at the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, has joyfully blended State-Licensed Diplomas through the Florida Department of Education and the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners into a profound movement into Classical, Clinical, Medical, Metaphysical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy that leaves the intellect satisfied and the heart truly fulfilled.

Every Monday night, we offer free online classes that explore the ancient mysteries and the profundities of Hypnotism and Mesmerism. Topics include: Spirituality and Prosperity, Hypnosis and Religion, Mysticism, Meditation and the Out-of-Body Experience, as well as tried and true business and marketing strategies that create successful and fulfilling careers in what the New York Times called “one of the top new professions of the 21st Century.” For more information call us at (800) 551-9247 or visit us online at www.tfioh.com.

Matthew Brownstein is the Executive Director of Anahat Education Group, Inc, and the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy. He is the author of The Sutras on Healing and Enlightenment and The Sacred Geometry of Meditation. Matthew is the lead instructor at the Institute and leads all of the school’s Free Monday Night Online Classes.

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Jesus and Hypnosis - Did Jesus Use Hypnosis?

Matthew Brownstein — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EDT

During our Free Class on Monday night 6/25/2012 we began the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy's lecture series on Hypnosis and Religion. This first topic covered:

Christianity and Hypnosis

The question: Did Jesus Use Hypnosis?

Faith Healing

Alternative Views on the Life of Jesus

Transpersonal Hypnotherapy

Spirituality in a Hypnotherapy Practice

Watch the 2 hour video at:

Christianity and Hypnosis - Did Jesus Use Hypnosis?

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Hypnotherapy - High Standards and Sacred Traditions

Matthew Brownstein — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Back in the early 1970’s a group of well-respected Hypnotherapists decided to protect the practice of hypnosis by engaging in law and legislative efforts on a federal level. These early pioneers worked with the United States Department of Labor to create the occupational title of Hypnotherapist as it appeared in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. One of these people was the late Mr. Gil Boyne, the founder of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). Mr. Boyne worked tirelessly to raise the standards of Hypnotherapy training by honoring that Hypnotherapy was now a legitimate profession. Therefore, he required that all ACHE schools had to be State-Licensed by their respective State’s Department of Education.

The ACHE laid a foundation for a Certified Hypnotherapist to have a minimum of 200 hours of training and for a Clinical Certified Hypnotherapist to have a minimum of 300 hours of training from a State-Licensed school. This movement was an attempt to lay basic foundations for protecting the “free and open practice of Hypnotherapy,” since many other professions, like psychology and medicine, were trying to have exclusive rights to the use of hypnosis. However, because of the dedicated work of the early and current leaders in the field, Hypnotherapy is still an occupation that can be practiced in all 50 states. These standards have protected our profession and have provided for it more legitimacy and more respect.

As an ACHE Certified Hypnotherapist I knew that I was very well-trained and after 10 years of successful private practice I called Mr. Boyne and asked about being an ACHE approved school. He informed me that I needed to become State-Licensed first and foremost. Upon calling the Florida Department of Education I was shocked to find out that they did not know how to open a Hypnotherapy school since none had ever been legally established. When I mentioned that there were other schools in the State their reply was, “These schools are operating illegally in that it is not legal to offer certifications or diplomas in an occupation without a license to do so.”

I learned quickly of the importance of State-Licensure in education. The Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education works to protect the consumer by carefully regulating postsecondary vocational institutes and colleges. They ensure that if a diploma/certification is offered to the consumer that the consumer is protected in many different ways. State-Licensure ensures fair admissions, grading and refund policies. It ensures that locations are safe, that owners are free of criminal charges and that they are financially stable. The process of licensure takes about 6 months to 1 year and costs thousands upon thousands of dollars. The consumer seldom ever knows about this process, yet many schools choose to operate “under the radar” when they realize the standards that are required to be met and the expense in doing so.

To this day the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy remains that first and currently only school in Florida licensed to offer true career diplomas in the fields of Hypnotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy. We continually work to raise the standards of Hypnotherapy Education by offering over 500 hours of State-Licensed ACHE approved training.

With such a strong emphasis on high standards, the Institute has also worked quite hard to keep the heart of Hypnotherapy alive. We are proud of our profession having seen the lives of countless numbers of people transformed. Each and every interaction with a client or student of Hypnotherapy is a blessing and a chance to honor sacred traditions that truly touch the hearts, minds and souls of those who are fortunate enough to experience such a profound and transformational relationship.

Those of us at the Institute wish to invite all who are serious about an education in Hypnotherapy to give us a call, to visit the school or to attend our free Monday night classes to see the difference of attending a true postsecondary vocational institute that continually works to protect the integrity of our profession, to keep high standards, to protect the consumer and to offer the world the blessing of Hypnotherapy in a way that graduates can truly be proud of.

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Past-Life Therapy - Truth or Metaphor

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Those in the fields of hypnosis and those who explore the fascinating nature of the subconscious mind have often seen the powerful imagery and emotion that can arise from the use of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Knowing that this part of our mind is remarkably powerful, creative and emotional, and knowing that it is said not to be able to discern fact from fiction, what sense can we make of the phenomena experienced in hypnosis known as past-life regression? Are these memories actually really past-lives or are they simply the results of the metaphors and stories that the subconscious can so easily elicit and respond to? And in the end, does it really matter if a person is helped?

On Monday, January the 30^th,2012 at 7:00pm, Matthew Brownstein, CHt the founder, executive director and lead instructor of the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy will explore these intriguing questions during the school’s free online self-improvement classes. Using the Institute’s advanced distance learning system, Matthew will guide the group through discussions and sharing about the exciting nature of working with what appear to be past-life memories while a person is in hypnosis. This class will explore the theories of reincarnation, karma, transmigration and the oversoul, while explaining how a past-life regression is facilitated and how it brings about positive change in people’s lives.

The class will then explore the nature of the subconscious mind as the storehouse of not only memories, yet also how it is the seat of our imagination, emotions and creativity. Without coming up with any formal conclusions, participants will be asked to contribute their opinions and experience as together we look into the modality of past-life therapy in action. Login to www.tfioh.com and click on the free self-improvement class link for more information or call 800-551-9247 to gain access to this free class and to all past and future recordings.

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Free Self-Improvement Classes

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Every Monday night at 7:00pm join the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy for Free Self-Improvement Classes with FIH Staff. Visit us at www.tfioh.com or call 800-551-9247 to enroll for online classes and access to all past recordings. Topics include Creating and Manifesting, Life Mastery Course, NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Past-Life Regression, Self-Hypnosis, The History of Hypnotism, The Business of Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis for Weight Loss. The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy offers state-licensed diplomas/certifications in certified, clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Trainings begin at a 20-hour introduction to 300, 400 and 500 hours of training with a total number of hours at over 650. FIH continually works to raise the standards of hypnotherapy education by coordinating our school catalog with the Florida Department of Education. FIH utilizes advanced distance learning systems to deliver it education both online and in-house where students can attend classes live or through recordings. In-house practical hours and online and in-house exams ensure student proficiency and comprehension. A team of certified instructors and examiners work with mentors and supervisors to offer a student experience unlike any other. FIH offers strong graduate support in hypnotherapy with an in-house clinical internship, elective topics, CEU programs and an extensive in-house and online library. The Institute’s online hypnosis training resources now amount to thousands of hours of audio, video and power point presentations. Advanced advertising and marketing training occur during the training and afterwards as CEUs to help increase graduate success. Personal advertising and marketing training is available for very dedicated students with a strong desire to succeed. Join us each week for Free Hypnosis Self-Improvement classes or sign-up for a free webinar to watch a class live or to have a personal one-on-one school tour with an FIH associate. Visit www.tfioh.com or call us at 800-551-9247

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Hypnosis and Florida Law Part 2

Matthew Brownstein — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Florida Hypnosis Law Part 2

To further explain the stance of the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy on Florida Hypnosis Law, please read the following letter written by Institute Director, Matthew Brownstein, who came to the aid of a graduate who was not being allowed to receive his business license based upon a misinterpretation of Florida Hypnosis Law (The student’s name is removed for confidentiality.) The very day that the City attempted to keep this student from having his business license, this letter was written and upon careful deliberation of Florida Hypnosis Law the decision was reversed and the license was granted as it is completely legal for a hypnotherapist to practice hypnosis with the scope of his or her credentials in the State of Florida.

10/5/2011

To: City of Melbourne: Revenue Office

900 E. Strawbridge Ave.

Melbourne, FL 32901

321-609-7000

From: Matthew Brownstein, CHT

Executive Director, Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy

Florida Department of Education License #3448

Hypnotherapists Local Union 472 #4697509 – Florida Representative

American Council of Hypnotist Examiners – Certified School, Instructor and Examiner #3448

Re: Inappropriate restrictions for business licensure regarding Florida Hypnosis Law

A recent graduate of ours, Mr.___, applied for a business tax receipt in the City of Melbourne. Your office placed an unlawful restriction upon his constitutional right to practice his occupation in accordance with Florida Hypnosis Statutes. This is therefore a formal request that you review your understanding of these Statutes and to immediately offer Mr. ___ a business license without restrictions to practice hypnosis within the scope of his training.

The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy is licensed by the Florida Department of Education to offer diplomas in the fields of Hypnotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy. Your office is denying Mr. ___ the right to utilize a State-Licensed education.

Hypnotherapist, as an occupational title, is acknowledged by the United States Department of Labor as its own occupation. Mr. ___ therefore has the right to practice this occupation according to his training in this field.

Florida Statutes 485.001 to 485.005 do not limit a practitioner of Hypnotherapy to only work within the supervision of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts and these statutes certainly do not limit the Hypnotherapist to work only under the supervision of only one practitioner. Your restrictions limit Mr. ___ to only work under the supervision of the medical doctor who will primarily be referring to him. There is nothing within the Florida Statutes that says that other licensed practitioners cannot also refer to him, thus making this restriction extremely limiting and unlawful.

Florida Hypnosis Law specifically delineates between “therapeutic” and “non-therapeutic” hypnosis. According to Florida Law, when Mr. ___ practices “non-therapeutic” hypnosis he is not required to have a prescription, referral, supervision or direction from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.

When a Hypnotherapist works on conditions that are “therapeutic”, then the he or she needs a prescription, referral, supervision or direction from the appropriate licensed practitioner of the healing arts as listed in those Statutes. To limit Mr. ___, or any other Hypnotherapist, to only working with one medical doctor is clearly a misunderstanding of Florida Hypnosis Law.

I am therefore requesting that your offices reconsider your stance on the Florida Hypnosis Statutes and grant Mr. ___, and any future Hypnotherapist, their complete right to practice their occupation in accordance with Florida Hypnosis Law by offering a business license entitled “Hypnotherapist” where no restrictions are made. If you consult with other Florida City and County offices you will see that you have a misunderstanding of this law that needs to be changed immediately so as to grant Mr. ___ his constitutional right to practice his occupation.

Sincerely,

Matthew Brownstein, CHT

Executive Director, Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy

Florida Representative of Hypnotherapists Union Local 472 – AFL-CIO Affiliated

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Hypnosis and Florida Law Part 1

Matthew Brownstein — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

As the first hypnotherapy school licensed by the Florida Department of Education and certified through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy has been very active in the topic of Florida Hypnosis Law. Matthew Brownstein, CHT our School's Director and Lead Instructor is the official Florida representative of the Hypnotherapists Union Local 472 and has worked hard to protect the free and open practice of Hypnotherapy in the State of Florida.

Florida Hypnosis Statutes were written in 1961 as an attempt to limit the practice of hypnosis to proper "licensed practitioners of the healing arts." The law did not ban anyone from doing hypnosis, it only worked to regulate what hypnosis can be used for depending on who is using it. For instance, a dentist can use hypnosis for dentistry, but not psychology and a psychologist can use hypnosis for psychology, but not dentistry. For someone to use hypnosis for a purpose in which they do not have the appropriate credentials then that person needs the prescription, referral, supervision or direction from the proper "licensed practitioner of the healing arts."

For those who are practicing hypnotherapy without being one of the listed "licensed practitioners of the healing arts", then that person needs to be aware of scope of practice assessment to ensure that he or she is not practicing medical or therapeutic hypnosis without a prescription, referral, supervision or direction. When hypnosis is used for non-therapeutic and non-medical purposes, such as in motivation or test performance, then no prescription, referral, direction or supervision is needed.

Florida Hypnosis Law is not clear about what is therapeutic and what is not. At the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy students are trained in scope of practice assessment protocols to know when a licensed practitioner of the healing arts is required and when a client or prospective client needs to be referred out.