Mind Benders
Mind Benders
I have always wanted to use NLP and guided imagery to help clients. I am finally able to do this. I graduated from Argosy University in Tampa with a masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2009. Psychology has been an interest of mine my whole life. I earned my LMHC [licensed mental health counselor] in March 2013 as an intern at Westcare Foundation in St Petersburg, Florida. Working at Westcare was another life changing experience. I learned that many times people use drugs because of underlying issues such as past traumas. They can't stop using drugs because they are not getting the treatment needed to de-power the negative thoughts that lead them to using. I worked with men and women in a residential setting. It is a powerful program that uses the community [the clients and staff] to help with understanding addiction and the drug seeking behaviors that go with it. The program does not treat PTSD and trauma because it simply doesn't have the resources. What we do is outsource. In my practice, I want to focus on the trauma and the other 'stuff' that leads to using.
My interest in hypnosis (guided imagery is a form of hynosis) started with me wanting to quit smoking. I was just starting on my spiritual path at that time and I was thinking that smoking is the opposite of what I'm trying to achieve: bad for health, self destructive, smells bad, and it's just an ugly thing to be so attached to a habit that leads to death. One of my friends at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, knew I wanted to quit smoking and he told me about a guy who was going to be giving a smoking cessation hypnosis event at the hotel in Sierra Vista. If you bring a friend you get a discount. So, we went. I was deeply in trance and enjoyed the wonderful relaxing feeling of it. I still remember his suggestions: 'the urge will only last for 30 seconds. When you get an urge, drink a tall, cool glass of refreshing water.' Another suggestion was, 'Feel sorry for those that are still out there.' I drank the water and it got me through the urges until there was no more. I'm still smoke free today [28 years later] and I still feel sorry for those still out there. It was a life changing experience for me. My dream is to do what he did--help people quit smoking. It's on my list of things I want to add to my services.
Right now, I want to help you with your PTSD. So, you're saying, 'What is PTSD? Do I have it?' There is a description of post traumatic stress in the DSM [diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders] that states that in order to be diagnosed, one must meet the criteria as noted. Sometimes, we don't meet all the criteria of a disorder but we are still bothered by the symptoms. You have to keep in mind that the DSM is a guide. Sometimes one needs help because they believe they need help. Nothing is stopping you from getting the help you need.
Yes, I use guided imagery to relax you and turn off that nagging mind and let your subconscious mind heal you. I am now using EMDR for trauma resolution. I am a nationally certified EMDR Therapist as of 2019.
I have started using IFS, Internal Family Systems in 2019. This is an amazing therapy. It has to do with parts therapy. Google it if interested. So far my clients love it. It's simple and gives you an immediate look at why you act out sometimes or judge people or have an inner critic. Those are parts of us that are serving the purpose of protecting the exiled emotions usually from childhood.
Call or email for an appointment so we can start the process. 727-463-9962 or mindbendershelps@gmail.com