What does it mean to be a hypnotic coach, and more importantly, what does that mean for my clients?
A basic answer is that a hypnotic coach combines hypnotherapy or hypnosis techniques along with coaching. Over the last year and a half I have been working through a course towards an *Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner diploma. (IHAP) That’s a mouthful, but let’s break that down.
Integrative: to unify separate things.
Healing: the process of making or becoming sound, or healthy again.
Arts: the expression or application of human creative skill.
(Healing Arts: Creative practices that promote healing, wellness and personal change)
Practitioner: a person actively engaged in an art, discipline, or profession.
I will delve deeper into all of this later in January (2024) when I graduate from the program.
The *IHAP course includes Spiritual coaching, Life coaching and transformational coaching, among other holistic healing arts modalities. The course concludes at the end of January ‘24, and, as mentioned above, at that time I will be giving another more in-depth update.
(if you would like to keep updated with all the happenings with HypnoBreatkthough, please sign up for my monthly email – just send a msg. On the front page or at PamelaTopjian@HypnoBreakthrough.com)
As for the “Master Hypnotic Coach” certification that I have just received. I have been a certified hypnotherapist with the (ACHE) **American Council of Hypnotists Examiners since ‘20, ACHE certified Hypnotherapists renew our certifications every two years, which includes continuing education. This was the same for my nursing license.
Working on the Integrative healing Arts Practitioner course has included more than enough continuing education to add the Certification to “Master Hypnotic Coach” to my ACHE hypnotherapy certifications.
I’m proud of this achievement. I have been working hard at this for a year and a half.
Hypnotherapy has been a part of my life since 2010. Many of you know my story. I have written my memoir (found on Amazon) which includes my journey to hypnotherapy. At the time of this writing, I’m just about to publish my second book on my nursing career, and why I left. Which at the end, also includes hypnotherapy.
I always knew I wanted to add more to my hypnotherapy education and training. To have more ways to assist my clients on their healing journey. To gently guide people towards a fulfilling life in whatever way that will be most effective for them personally.
Hypnotherapy is such a powerful modality on its own, and is my absolute first love in the holistic healing arts. I know that it has the potential to be even more powerful, and the results are oftentimes longer lasting ,or even more rapid, when combined with other complementary and alternative healing arts modalities.
Results are very individual, and what fits well for one, may not be a good fit for another. This is another reason I wanted to add more training, and education to serve my clients more holistically.
PTSD is an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and CPTSD is Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Many people are under the impression that PTSD is mainly from those who have had combat experience. We can all understand how those that have lived through gunfire or bombs falling around them, would be panicked during a fireworks display, or startled when something falls on the floor unexpectedly, or feel panicked in crowds. Just to mention a few examples.
Defining Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
We may not realize that any traumatic event, regardless of our age, gender, or having our lives in danger, can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The actual definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary is: a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world.
The APA (American Psychological Association) defines PTSD: is an anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster or crime, or even a traffic accident. It may affect personal relationships or health
From the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health): (PTSD is) a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
If you have any trauma in your past, or living daily with trauma from living in a toxic living situation, you likely are suffering with PTSD. Sometimes we don’t even realize it, thinking instead that you have trouble sleeping, don’t like crowds, or get inexplicable bouts of high emotions because you’re just sensitive. Some may even feel completely numb, just going through the motions of everyday life.
Any of these could be a sign of PTSD.
Oftentimes it’s the “strong” ones, the ones who are healers or helpers that don’t realize they actually have PTSD. They themselves may be reluctant to reach out for help. They may think that others live through so much worse, so they just need to live with it.
Many people will think, “Something to help me sleep is all I need”, rather than getting to the root of the issue.
Many feel they may be overly “sensitive” or have had therapy for a childhood traumatic event, so don’t relate the issues facing them now, as still causing issues and may actually be PTSD or CPTSD.
Regardless of the label or clinical diagnosis, please reach out if you’re feeling any anxiety, depression which causes all kinds of other issues throughout life. You may not realize your life or that a specific event in your life, was actually traumatising.
As I always say, there is not one type of therapy or treatment that is best for all. It does take patience and diligence to find a good fit.
There are many types of therapists, with varying specialties, at different education and training levels.Having a therapist you’re comfortable with is most important. Any therapist of any kind will be open about their training and education.
You will find my own information here “Meet Your Hypnotherapist”
If you’re interested in learning how hypnotherapy might be helpful for you, reach out with any questions or concerns. Consultations are always free and include a sample session so you can see how it feels for you.
Thank you so much for being here. I love to hear from you all. I’m open to suggestions for other article topics you would like to see me write about, as well as any thoughts on this or any other articles.
Stay well, inside and out. Pamela Topjian LVN, CHt
There are many ways to help you through the healing process. There is not just one way that is the best, or one way that will be helpful for all. My last article was a basic overview of Childhood Trauma.
In that article, I mentioned this next one I would have more information about healing from Childhood trauma.
Self care is vital. Balance is important. The mind and body work together. Our outer world and inner world also work together. Even basic self care that most of us are aware of but also, most of us are lacking in, believe it or not, is part of healing. Eat a balanced healthy diet. This includes staying well hydrated with good clean water, getting enough good sleep, having a spiritual or mindfulness practice that you are comfortable with, a social network (no, this doesn’t include social media). Now more than ever, to have a connection with friends and family in a safe manner is important for our mental well being. Getting exercise and having hobbies you enjoy is important, and last but not least, remember good hygiene. This is a basic list, not in any particular order. Oftentimes these self care basics are overlooked as a result of the trauma from the past that is disrupting our own self care.
If you don’t have the skills or knowledge for self care due to neglect in your childhood, please do not be embarrassed to reach out, you are not at fault.
Reach out. Ask your doctor or primary care provider, or even a trusted friend or loved one. If you’re in therapy (of any kind) bring this issue up to them and they will be happy to help you, completely judgement free. Medical and mental health professionals are there to help you in any way they can. They may refer you or give you other resources they think will be more helpful if they aren’t a good fit. You also are free to search for another, if you don’t feel heard or understood. It does take patience and diligence to find a good fit sometimes when it comes to the right treatment plan for you.
Self care is usually thought of as spa days, and little luxuries, or gifts we give ourselves. It’s so much more than that. However, it does help with self-love, self-respect and confidence.
Painting by Pamela Topjian
Self-help techniques for childhood trauma. Journaling can be helpful to become clear on your thoughts and feelings. If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself what your inner child needs to know, what would you like to tell that little one inside of you? Writing your story is very healing as well, I recently have done this myself. See: “Your Story Matters”
Try writing letters to people without the intention of sending them, even to those who are deceased, or who may be dangerous to contact. Write it all out, then bury it, or burn it, or both. Have a silent conversation with a person or even a situation, imagine what you would say, what did you need to say in the past but never had the chance? What would you like to say now from your adult perspective? You can do this in meditation, while on a walk, or even just laying in bed before you go to sleep.
Healing through art is helpful. It’s a creative outlet for those stuck emotions, or can be a way to help unwind and relax, something to focus on that keeps your mind from any negative or racing thoughts. You don’t have to have any skill or take any lessons or wait for a class, unless you want to, but you don’t have to.
I started painting at a particularly stressful time in my life in 2019 just for the fun of it, just to have some way to express myself creatively. I never had a class and didn’t care about the outcome but in less than 2 years have come a long way in my painting. It’s not even about the finished product still, it’s the process that is so healing, and therapeutic. I had no idea it would be so therapeutic for me.
There are trained certified art therapists if you’re interested in finding one, which will be more helpful than taking an art class or course when it comes to using art as a form of therapy. If this sounds interesting to you, please don’t wait – pick up a pencil now and start doodling, get a few cheap paint brushes and some art pad… start today.
My own Painting, Breakthrough Woman, by Pamela Topjian
I have had a couple clients that journal with art and words, it’s so amazing what they come up with, I’m so honored when they share with me.
There are many books on childhood healing, or healing from childhood trauma and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some from spiritual perspectives, some from therapists and others from medical doctors. Check your local bookstore or an online shop to see the variety of books. Read the reviews and descriptions to find one that resonates with you. (I purposefully am not suggesting any particular one here, so you can find a good fit for you specifically)
Self care may also include alternative therapies, such as different types of holistic or energy healers, aroma therapy or sound therapy as well. All of which can be complimentary to more traditional therapies, or medical treatments.
Awareness is key.. As stated in my last article on Childhood trauma, not all trauma is abuse or physical. It can be hard to recognize that you are even suffering from the effects of childhood trauma. If you read my story (link above) you will see clearly how my childhood was traumatic, but when I went to therapy after an abusive marriage I had no idea, it hadn’t even occurred to me that my childhood had played a part in the debilitating anxiety and depression that brought me into that office that day. I didn’t even realize that I was suffering the effects of PTSD let alone CPTSD. In fact I was so confused by the mental health issues, I thought since I was away from the dangerous situation I ought to be feeling better. That confusion made it worse. Having an understanding of what’s going on, and why is very important.
My point here is not about my story, but to find out the root cause of your mental health issues can be very liberating, and give you a place to start in which to heal.
There are many types of therapists, with varying specialties, at different education and training levels. What works best though, regardless of any of that, is a good personality fit. Having a therapist you’re comfortable with is most important. Any therapist of any kind will be open about their training and education.
You will find my own information here “Meet Your Hypnotherapist”
If you’re interested in learning how hypnotherapy might be helpful for you, reach out with any questions or concerns. Consultations are always free and include a sample session so you can see how it feels for you.
Thank you so much for being here. I love to hear from you all. I’m open to suggestions for other article topics you would like to see me write about, as well as any thoughts on this or any other articles. You can reach me by using the contact form on the home page, or email me directly at Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com
Stay well, inside and out. Pamela Topjian LVN, CHt
Are your mental health issues rooted in childhood?
Why I decided to specialize with inner child work. I am a certified Hypnotherapist and changed careers from nursing, where I had the honor to work with many families in many areas of healthcare. Including, but not limited to, detox and recovery, home health pediatrics, and in a children’s psychiatric hospital. More on the career change here: http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/10/24/why-i-left-nursing/
I decided to focus on inner child work mainly from my own breakthrough during therapy a few years ago, where I realized that my own childhood had been a major contributor to my adult issues throughout my life. It took much too long for me to realize this, in my 50’s, after two unhealthy marriages and raising my own children. I also began to notice that many of my Hypnotherapy clients came to me for one issue only to realize after a couple sessions that the issue was rooted in childhood. You may not be able to heal from what may seem like a surface level issue, or something all together unrelated to your childhood, until you dig deeper in the subconscious. I decided I wanted to help others get to the root of the issue sooner, so they can live a more fulfilling life.
Trauma in childhood can cause many mental health issues in adulthood (not to be confused with mental illness, diseases or disabilities.) Including, but not limited to, Addictions, (remember that addiction is not always about drugs or alcohol) lack of self esteem and self confidence, issues with relationships, trust, attachment, attracting or being attracted to abusive or controlling partners, repeating cycles and patterns passed down from our own parents, often for generations. Just to name a few.
Mixed Media art by Artist, Aeron Brown
You may wonder how you could possibly be having issues that are commonly associated with the inner child, or childhood trauma if your childhood was ‘normal’ or average, or even have mainly only good memories. We tend to think of childhood trauma in terms of extremes, such as physical or sexual abuse, and severe cases of willful neglect. However, that’s just not the case.
What other kinds of things cause childhood trauma? Parents who often argue or fight (physical or otherwise) within earshot of the children, or involving the children in the fights or arguments, absent parents, divorce, even friendly, respectful divorce can cause childhood trauma, poverty, death of a friend or loved one in childhood, under or over stimulation, being witness to a traumatic event that didn’t involve the child without explanation, or a supporting loving place to express feelings or ask questions about what was witnessed ….and so much more. We hear so often that children are resilient, and they ’bounce back’. Parents are often wrongly advised to not talk about “it” or to hide their emotions around the children. Which actually causes more confusion for the kids.
Credit: Mary Anne Enriquez On Flickr, Under Creative Commons
How to heal? Childhood trauma benefits from inner child work; which may include forgiveness, connecting with the inner child to re-parent the little one inside, or unlearning of limiting beliefs and old patterns. There are certainly many ways to do this, not all involve therapy. A ‘toolbox’ approach is best, having and using several choices and options to help work through the issues, and heal. Some treatments and therapies work better for others, something that has helped one person may not do anything for another. It does take patience and diligence to find out what’s best for you. The best place to start is to practice self care. My next article will offer some examples of the many ways to heal from childhood trauma.
Reach out. Whether you feel that you have suffered childhood trauma or not, please reach out if you need help to cope. There is no shame or weakness in asking for help. You don’t have to know what exactly is wrong or why. If you’re feeling you need help – you’re not fulfilled, feel stuck or scared or unsure what’s going on, but just not happy – reach out, don’t suffer in silence! Mental health care matters, and you matter!
It seems asking for help is one of the hardest things to do, especially for those of us that are considered the strong ones, or the ones that everyone else comes to for advice, or to vent or be a shoulder to cry on. Helping others is healing, but even the healer needs to remember self care and to seek help when needed as well.
I want to thank you all so much for being here. I love hearing from you, please feel free to reach out anytime about anything. Do you have an idea for an article, or something you would like to see me write about? Do you have questions about hypnotherapy? Are you wondering if hypnotherapy can help you with your own issues and goals. I always welcome feedback and questions. I offer complimentary phone consultations, where we can have a chat about hypnotherapy, get any questions answered and even get a sample session so you can see how it feels.
While the world was (and still is at the time of this writing) in crisis, in many ways for some, 2020 was actually a good year. In fact for many, it was one of the best ever. Myself included.
People have realized what is really important in life. Life changes were made, some forced upon us, but for others it gave them time to reflect back. We had been so tired, or stuck in a rut or a pattern of unhealthy habits without a second thought. Feeling powerless to make a big change out of fear of the unknown. Many because of responsibility and obligation. When the rug gets pulled out from under us sometimes it takes that big upheaval to make much needed changes.
Authors Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut, both of whom have been cited with versions of the quote “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down”
There is a saying that the universe will give you whispers, then it will shout at you, then if you still don’t move, you will get knocked off your feet:
“I needed to make you uncomfortable or else you wouldn’t have moved” – The Universe.
Please make no mistake, I am not at all saying that all the loss, death, confusion and more, was a good thing. There is no denying that there has been so much seriously heartbreaking, anxiety and trauma inducing events and circumstances throughout the year. I am also not saying to bury your head in the sand and pretend it was all good. I am saying that there is still good in the world, and there is good that came from the storm. When the dust finally settles, and we can pick up the pieces, many will be in a much better place for it.
My heart goes out to families of those who lost everything, including loved ones during this past year. I send my heartfelt condolences, love and prayers to each and every one of you.
Let’s look at this past year as a lesson. To notice what we value, and where we spend our time and energy. Allow this time to motivate us to build ourselves, our families and our communities back up. Take this opportunity to give where you can, to count your own blessings, to remember you never know what someone is going through in their lives and families, now more than ever.
On a personal level, ask yourself if you want 2021 to be the same as 2019 for your own life …. Where were changes needed, and what have you gained in life lessons and self awareness this past year? Several ways in which to self reflect; spend time alone in nature, in meditation or prayer. Write it out, get clear with your inner voice, oftentimes writing will bring out things from deep within that you don’t expect.
Self care is so important, not just physical health to help strengthen our immunity, but mental health care is also much needed at this time. Those who already had mental health issues have been finding this year much harder to handle, and those that had no mental health issues are now finding themselves depressed, or anxious.
Hypnotherapy is very helpful to relieve stress, to get clarity with your inner self, your own values and help to motivate you to do better. Break old patterns and habits. Please keep in mind nothing is a cure all and not one type of treatment or therapy works for all. It’s important to do your own trial and error, self study with patience and diligence to find your own best treatments. The complementary treatments and ‘tool box’ approach is great for many, combining different methods to help you get the best results.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns or to schedule a free consultation. Thank you for reading this and being here.
Tell your story, I’m not saying it will be easy, I’m saying it will be worth it.
Write out your story. It may be hard, it may be grueling, you may need a break, or several. However it’s therapeutic. You can do it in your own time, no rush, no deadline.
Vulnerability is truth and it’s authentic. It’s helpful to put it out there and say ‘ this is who I am, this is my life and this is why I am the way I am today.’ Rather; this is how I got to where I am today.
More importantly, it’s helpful for you to see reasons for the decisions you made, reasons that you can see more clearly as you write it out. Patterns and realizations that are right there in front of you, in “black and white” so to speak.
That will help you to feel more in control. Which in turn helps you to feel that you have grown and will do better. That you can now recognize red flags – whether it’s in relationships or a job or the toxicity of others around you. How you self sabotage or family patterns that keep you stuck.
To write it out is sort of a release that you cannot explain until you do it for yourself. You may think this is a common story, many have lived through these similar things, or much worse. Yes that’s all true, but your own story is unique. Those that are going through something similar may see your story and realize they are not alone. They may realize they too can write it out for others or themselves. To see how others have coped or been able to get themselves back to some sort of normalcy, or even happiness gives hope to those still in low areas of their lives.
You may even think, I know my story all too well and I don’t need to write it out. I’m telling you it is different to know than it is to write. Again, It’s not easy, but well worth it.
I recently wrote out my own story. I’m not one to talk about myself much, but with clients I found myself telling them I can understand, I know how that feels etc. A couple have encouraged me to write out my own story. It helps them to know their hypnotherapist really does know what its like to live through some tough times. I wanted it to be just the pain points, just the basic gist – but it ended up being three parts. Three long blog posts. Whether anyone reads all three or not, it was cathartic, and even therapeutic. Well worth it and why I suggest you do the same.
I was already in the process of writing an autobiography, knowing it would be years until it was ready for publishing but working on it. Through writing that out, in part, I was able to start to remember things that were hidden in my subconscious.
I empowered myself by writing it all out. Realizing what I’ve been through and how my life could have gone, but went in a positive direction instead. Honestly, I’m proud of myself for that. Dreams do come true, even when you feel helpless and hopeless, its possible, and I’m living proof.
I do hope this was beneficial to you. Thank you so very much being here and reading this. If you have any questions or would like to share your story with me I’d love to hear it. I promise to never share your information with anyone. Whether you’re a client of mine or not. Everything is completely confidential. Any ideas or something else you would like to see my write about please feel free to let me know.
If you’re having trouble remembering your story, or have childhood issues that you need to release, please consider hypnotherapy. Only you can heal yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Chances are pretty high that you will make it through whatever you’re going through now.
If you’re reading this, you already made it through some dark times, even your worst. The chances are pretty high that you will make it through this one, or the next one too. Your survival rate to this point is 100%!
What some consider their darkest days can be very different from what others experience. It’s like pain – you cannot compare or think that someone didn’t have it so bad or that your situation is, or was, so much worse. Or that they have it so much worse than you and you must be weak and so on. It’s not a contest, and there is no measurement. The truth is, we will all at some point go through what we consider to be our darkest days. This is part of the human experience. Most of us go through some awful time and think that was the worst we will have to endure. Only to later in life experience something even more dark and traumatizing. If you can make it out, you have proved to yourself how strong you are, how resilient you are. Own that, latch onto it if you need to. Wow, I never thought I would be where I am now or even, looking back I cannot believe I did or didn’t do this or that…. Whatever it is, allow yourself to be proud of even the small steps. The one constant thing is change, wherever you are there is hope and a big chance that change is coming.
If you know me you know I love my metaphors, but they are so true! The mighty oak tree will grow its roots deeper and stronger through every storm. I absolutely believe it’s the same for us. “That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” but that which doesn’t kill you will also make you more humble and compassionate. It will also help you to begin to help others going through similar situations. Once you can truly empathize and say to someone, “I know, I’ve been there”, you can really help someone believe in themselves, and therefore have hope. Of course some will not think that you really know, and you really can’t know exactly, but you can say “I’ve been through some dark times, and never thought I’d live to tell about it, but I did, and I have faith that you will too.”
If you can share your story you never know how many you inspire and help along the way. I am currently watching a new podcast you tube channel Back On Track Podcast with many such inspiring stories. I have my own and may see if they want to share mine as well.
I wholeheartedly believe that going through some really rough times in my life has helped me to be much better at what I do to help others.
What are some ways you have made it through? Please feel free to share.
As for me, I did utilize those crisis text lines. (Crisis text lines: US and CA 741-741 UK 85258) I made a big move, sold just about all my possessions and got on a bus across the country and I did what I could to not have to be a single woman on the streets. I did house and pet sitting and in home caregiving jobs. I have regrets that I could have, or should have done better. However, I’m very proud of myself that I was able to stay off the streets, never turned to any substance and was able to help others in a small way at least, in the process. I received therapy and yes, vented a lot on social media.
I did not talk very openly or deeply with friends and family, which I now wish I would have. I know we are embarrassed or can feel like a burden, but your loved ones, be them friends or family can be very helpful, even if it’s just a listening ear. Please don’t assume that those that ignore you or don’t respond are not your “real friends” or don’t care. They may be going through so much themselves they can’t handle any more at that moment. They may feel helpless and unsure how to help. So you may need to tell your loved ones that you just need to vent or to not be alone, or that you need some food and are not in any condition to go out or cook/prepare anything – or maybe even to take you out to go for a walk. Be sure they know that you’re not asking them to solve your issues. Reaching out is so important and something I didn’t do enough. Please don’t suffer in silence.
Pets and animals help us when we’re down, they also help to have something we need to do, to get us out of bed. Growing things, taking care of plants even can be helpful. Of course we have all heard this, but I have to mention getting outside, staying hydrated and making sure you’re eating, better yet, eating healthy. Reading, music, journaling etc.
I do know all too well, in the darkest days (and mostly nights) we can be paralized, so wracked with fear, anxiety, panic even, so depressed that self care is the last thing we think about.
Of course Hypnotherapy will help you through as well. I do offer one free sample session to see how it feels and if its right for you. I do many phone sessions so you can stay in bed and not have to worry about going anywhere, complete privacy and if you have pets, they love the sessions too – just set the appointment, let me call you and you just put me on speaker or wear earbuds. Please see my *article archived from June about what hypnotherapy is and what to expect in a session with me. * What is Hypnotherapy? http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/06/20/what-is-hypnotherapy/
So, you have made it through your darkest times, congratulations! You do deserve to pat yourself on the back, and accept my virtual pat on the back as well.
Please know you can make it through whatever life throws at you!
I do hope this has helped some of you. Please let me know, what has helped you, or share your story. Comment below or send a message if you’re more private. Your confidentiality is always respected. I am a nurse as well, and hold high HIPAA standards for all my clients. I have a contact form on the home page, and I welcome emails as well – Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com I love hearing from you all.
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