All Categories - Rising Star Personal Development Services-Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Skill Buidling

Illusory Limitations

8/23/2019

Here's a video segment recorded Aug. 20, 2019 Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, San Francisco CA. This segment was part of a longer workshop that included a lot of Hypnotic skill building exercises and practical application of various techniques to performance enhancement, easing of physical discomfort and achieving personal goals.

Video notes: We’re making internal representations for the things we experience all the time. Those pictures in your minds eye, the things you say to yourself, the feelings you have about those things. All together these internal representations and the meanings we assign to them form our map of the world. Our behavior and responses are typically based on this map--not external reality. And like any map it has distortions and deletions because it’s not the original source. Because of this, many (if not most) of our perceived limitations are illusory and self generated. We are responding to the map and not the actual circumstances. And the map can be changed to serve you better.

Many thanks to author and hypnotist Jorgen Rasmussen for pointing out the usefulness of the Rope and Snake story.

Reflections on HypnoThoughts LIVE 2018

9/4/2018

Back in the Bay Area after attending HypnoThoughts LIVE 2018. What an amazing experience. HypnoThoughts is the biggest Hypnosis conference in the world. Held each year in Las Vegas and oriented towards professional Hypnosis practitioners, the roughly 1000 attendees from all over the world had 12 different workshops to choose from every hour between 8am and 6pm during the 3 day conference. The presentations were an incredible source of knowledge and inspiration. Many of us, myself included, also took advantage of the pre or post concert workshops. I took a post conference workshop with James Tripp--a mind expanding combination of basic hypnosis skill sharpening and cutting-edge Changework concepts. Another major highlight for me was meeting Freddie Jacquin and having a great discussion about his work and approach. He was so open and enthusiastic. He ran me through one of his techniques so I could experience it firsthand--so uplifting and powerful. Such a generous and welcoming gesture by one of the giants in the field. And there were many other opportunities during the day and evenings to meet and get to know some of the absolute best in Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy and really learn the nuances and fine points of their approach. Some memorable times and powerful learning came about informally in the hallways, at the pool, at the "Alligator Bar", at mealtimes, etc. There were several attendees from the SF Bay Area and we had a lot of fun forming big groups at mealtime and sharing contacts and introductions. All in all, it was a fantastic experience and I look forward to attending next year!

July 18th, 2018

7/18/2018

Free Workshop!

Practical Self-Hypnosis

Tues. July 24, 2018 6:30pm-8pm
San Francisco Public Library/Park Branch (Haight Ashbury)
1833 Page Street, San Francisco, 94117
(415) 355-5656

Gary Schwantes, MFA, CCH, CHt, presents an interactive introduction to self-hypnosis. Learn and practice techniques that can be applied toward improving performance, reaching goals, relieving stress, relieving pain, losing weight, boosting self-confidence, and much more...

More info:
http://www.risingstarforchange.com/
or
sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1033219701 (Library)

Free Workshop! PRACTICAL SELF-HYPNOSIS

4/24/2018

Free Workshop!
PRACTICAL SELF-HYPNOSIS
Sun. May 6, 2018
3:00 PM
South San Francisco Main Library
840 W Orange Ave
South San Francisco, California 94080

Gary Schwantes, MFA, CCH, CHt, presents an interactive introduction to self-hypnosis. Participants will learn and practice techniques that can be applied toward improving performance, reaching goals, relieving stress, relieving pain, losing weight, boosting self-confidence, and much more. Gary Schwantes is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and founder of Rising Star Personal Development Services in Burlingame, CA.
http://www.ssf.net/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9448/210

Break Free From Anxiety / Boost Self-Confidence

1/18/2018

Break Free from Anxiety and Boost Self-Confidence with Hypnotherapy

Anxiety, worry, stress, self-doubt. These are words used to describe thoughts and feelings that all of us experience from time to time. For the most part, these thoughts and feelings are temporary, perfectly normal and actually useful. They're a signal that something needs our attention.

But in some cases anxiety can become habitual and problematic. It might hold you back from doing the things you want to do in life. Things like advancing in your job, starting a business, participating fully in school, or even normal everyday things like shopping, family get-togethers, enjoying intimacy or going out for a good time.

Some people seem to know exactly what causes them to feel anxious, while for others it’s harder to pin down because it’s become more pervasive in their lives. Certain types of anxiety are related to the future, a fear of something that might happen. Others types of anxiety might be connected to an event in the past either known or unknown consciously. It may be a combination of both.

In our Hypnotherapy sessions we’ll discover the best approach for your particular situation so we can free you from the anxiety habit. This is not about me "fixing" you while you sit there passively. You will be actively engaged through your thought, feelings and imagination. In addition to our work in the sessions, I may share some tools (techniques, recordings, homework) to reinforce the change. Again, your active engagement with these tools will make a big difference.

Think of habitual anxiety as an unconscious skill you’ve developed. Your unconscious mind is doing its best to protect you from something. It's a behavior you're doing--and you can change this behavior.

Sure, there are things in life we need to be cautious about. But unnecessary worrying about things that will probably never happen is not healthy. There’s no need for it. If you’ve read this far, you’re probably well aware of whether or not you’ve crossed this line.

But there’s good news--Hypnotherapy shines in this area. There are many techniques we can use to help you break free from unnecessary fears and anxious feelings. As the anxious feelings dissipate and you stretch beyond your old self-imposed limitations, you’ll inevitably find your level of self-confidence rising. Feel free to call me to discuss your particular situation. I look forward to speaking with you.

All the best,
Gary

Can Hypnotherapy Help You Stop Smoking?

1/12/2018

As a Hypnotherapist, one of the most common questions I get asked is “Can you help me stop smoking?” And the answer is yes, absolutely. Hypnotherapy can help free you from this destructive habit.

Of course you are the one that must decide to stop. I don’t think you’d want me to do that for you. But once you've made the decision, Hypnotherapy is a quick, natural and effective way to quit. You’ll love the change.

And there can also be other benefits to working with a Hypnotherapist for smoking cessation. You’ll gain valuable insight and learn techniques you can use to improve many areas of your life. You could find yourself paying more attention to your overall health, eating better, getting more exercise. You may find that you deal with challenges more directly, rather than lighting up first as an avoidance strategy. You might develop better social skills realizing you don’t need the cigarette as a prop or security device. You may even develop new friends who are non- smokers or inspire current friends to quit simply by your example. Your children can learn by your example also. Not only that smoking is harmful, but about the value of healthy habits, self-discipline, reaching higher, self-respect and meeting challenges.

If you follow the program I offer you, you will stop. Guaranteed. How do I know? Because one of the basic components of my program is that you agree not to smoke. Am I trying to pull a fast one here? Not at all. If you want to stop, guess what?--you have to stop. Pretty basic. So when you're ready to do this program, you will agree not to buy, borrow, accept, smoke, chew, vape or in any other way acquire or consume any tobacco products whatsoever.

But Hypnotherapy sessions can make it so much easier to take this step while minimizing any discomfort. And I'll give you tools to use (techniques or recordings) that will enhance the work we do in the sessions and help you navigate any difficult moments. My goal is to empower you, so that you take back control of this area of your life.

When you’re ready to take the next step in your evolution, give me a call or send me an e-mail to discuss this further. I’d love to help you realize your desire to be a natural non-smoker for the rest of your life.

Transforming New Year’s Resolutions into New Year’s Evolutions

1/2/2018

The start of the New Year can be an important milestone. It gives you an opportunity to take stock of the way things are and re-evaluate your current direction. It’s a wonderful time to clarify your personal goals and work goals, plan family events and social activities, review your finances, sketch out travel plans and vacation plans for the coming year and many other things. I especially like to take note of any really positive things that happened during the previous year—achievements, progress on projects, personal relations, even seemingly accidental good fortune. This is all great stuff.

So how about New Year’s resolutions for personal change like quitting smoking or losing weight? Well, they’re a great place to start. They serve as as a type of “pattern interrupt.” A stimulus that breaks the unwanted behavior pattern. This opens the door to change, and here’s a way you can make your New Year's resolutions even more powerful, effective and long lasting.

I suggest you transform your New Year’s resolutions into New Year’s evolutions. If you’re repeating an unwanted behavior like smoking or overeating, go ahead and review the behavior along with everything else you review at this time of year. Honestly consider the positives as well as the negatives the behavior gives you. What are you getting out of it? There must be something. Isn’t there a better way to get the same thing? Give yourself permission to explore this with an open mind. Be true to yourself. Do YOU really want to STOP?

Now you’re basing your decision on something more authentic than the calendar date. If you decide to continue you might as well go ahead and enjoy it. But if you decide to stop the behavior, don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself absolutely fed up and maybe even disgusted by it. You can reach a genuine tipping point very quickly. When you reach this point (whether it’s Jan.1 or any other date), feel free to call or send me an e-mail. I’d love to help you take the next step in your evolution. Hypnotherapy can be the difference that makes a difference.

Hypno Tip: Remembering Name

12/19/2017

Hypno Tip: Remembering Names

It's been said that the most beautiful sound a person can hear is his or her name. We feel a stronger connection when someone remembers our name. Developing the ability to remember people's names quickly can dramatically improve your social and business interactions.

There are many different approaches to remembering names, but the one I share here is simple and effective.

It's a quick 3 step process:
When you meet someone for the first time,
1. Give them your full attention. Make eye contact, take note of their name.
2. Find a way to repeat their name out loud as you continue the interaction. If it's an unusual name, ask for the spelling.
3. At the same time as step 2 or soon after, while facing the person, imagine writing their name across their forehead as you simultaneously trace the letters with your fingertip on the front or side of your thigh. (Do the tracing inconspicuously)

Why does this work?
It's powerful because you're actively using multiple sensory channels to encode the information (auditory, visual, kinesthetic).

Bonus step:
You can also create a wacky image that goes with the sound of the name. Example: For Phoebe, think Fee + Bee and imagine a Bee with a Dollar sign on it. If an image like this comes to mind easily, use it. Otherwise, just go with steps 1-3.

What Is a Hypnotherapy Session Like?

12/1/2017

Many people are curious about Hypnotherapy and wonder what the experience is like. So I thought I'd give you an idea of what to expect when you come to our clinic as a Hypnotherapy client.

Rising Star Personal Development Services is located in Burlingame, CA just off the Old Bayshore Highway. There's easy access to freeways 280 and 101, and plenty of free parking. Our building (Kahala Tower) is right next to the Hyatt Regency SFO.

Directions and photos here:
http://www.risingstarforchange.com/contact.html

The environment is very clean and professional. We offer Hypnotherapy as well as Acupuncture through our partnership with Eva Kwong Acupuncture.

For Hypnotherapy clients, I typically create a 3 session plan or a 4 session plan. Every client is different, so there are some variations.

The sessions are roughly a week apart. Your first session will last about 90 min. Subsequent sessions last about 60 min. At the first session, we’ll do an intake interview, a series of imagination and skill building exercises, then the formal Hypnosis segment. At each of the following sessions we’ll begin by reviewing your experience since the previous session, make adjustments, and then proceed to exercises and the formal Hypnosis. You may be given a recording to listen to between sessions or some tools and techniques to use and report back on.

The actual feeling of Hypnosis is different for everybody, but the ability to go into Hypnosis is something we all have. Hypnosis is a natural state, a state of relaxed focused awareness. Most of us enter a type of Hypnotic state every day. Examples include:daydreaming, being completely absorbed in a movie or an activity, or driving on autopilot. But these experiences tend to happen randomly, without real focus or intention. In our Hypnotherapy sessions, we intentionally create the state, harness the power, intensify it, and apply it to your goals. When you're open to the process during the session, listen to the recordings and use the tools and techniques I share with you, wonderful things can happen. You can create positive, lasting change.

Feel free to call me or send me an email to discuss your particular situation.

All the best to you,
Gary

Gary Schwantes
MFA,CHt, CCH, California Teaching Credential
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Rising Star Personal Development Services
415-601-6575

Hypnotherapy Presentation at SF Library

8/17/2017

Some photos from last night's Hypnotherapy presentation at the SF Library, Merced Branch. Had a great time sharing the info and altered states with everyone!