2002 IMDHA conference presenters.

Paul Aurand, CHt was struck by lightning in July of '98. His near death experience and increased sensitivity resulting from this event have led him to refocus his work as a healer and hypnotherapist, helping many discover their soul's intent and realize their true potential. A hypnotherapist and healer, he is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Board Certified Medical Hypnotherapist. Paul is a Certified instructor for the IHF, and The National Council for Medical and Clinical Hypnotherapy. He is president of the IACT, Rockland County, New York chapter. In addition to his hypnosis training, he spent two years studying holistic healing and religion in Japan.

Mr. Aurand received the Therapist of the Year Award front the IACT. Outstanding Transpersonal Contribution Award from the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists and the Thomas A. Raffa Memorial award for "excellence in the field" from the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame. Paul is Founder and Director of the Holistic Healing and Hypnosis Center in Chestnut Ridge, New York and has over 20 years experience as a healer, hypnotherapist and counselor. Mr. Aurand has taught and lectured widely in the United States, Canada. Brazil and Japan and has been featured on both radio and television for his unique work with The Body Wisdom Process--a synergistic combining of hypnotherapy, interactive guided imagery and healing touch.

Ajamu Ayinde, A.C.H., is an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist with the IACT, a member of IMDHA, and a trainer of Transpersonal Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Healing. As a child he was taught the Silva Method of Mind Control by his mother, a Silva graduate. He began to study meditation and self-hypnosis in 1982 and been teaching hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming since 1997. He has appeared on numerous cable television and radio programs throughout New York City, has taught workshops on hypnotic approaches to creativity for artists at the Schenectady League of Arts' annual conference in 1999 and 2000, and has presented at the annual conventions of both the IHHOF and the IACT.

Ed Benjamin is a retired military officer and a Certified Hypnotist who has operated a hypnosis practice since 1997. He conducted his first sports hypnosis session on February 1, 2000. Since that time he has helped over 250 clients improve their sports performance in golf, tennis, skeet shooting, karate, and football. His golf clients have included Senior PGA golfers, high school golf team members, and average duffers. Clients report improvement in every sport.

Aspen Bernath-Plaisted has been a hypnotherapist, energy practioner, and social worker for 22 yrs. She has been a Qigong Instructor for almost five years. Her work is very holistic and spiritually inspired. Aspen has been on both radio and TV talk shows, and is frequently asked to present at local agencies, universities, and hospitals. She has a private practice in E. Lansing, MI, and teaches several classes at Sparrow Hospital's Wellness Center in Lansing, MI. Her approach emphasizes the use of intention and visualization for accelerated healing and harmony in life.

Peter Blum has had a full-time practice in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy since 1988. He is ordained as an Interfaith Minister and considers hypnotherapy a spiritual art-form. He has studied with many great teachers and healers, including Richard Zarro, Anne Linden, Dr. Paul Carter, Dr. Ernest Rossi, Dr. Scout Cloud Lee and Native American Shaman beautiful Painted Arrow. Known for his humorous and dynamic teaching style, he has been a popular presenter at numerous conferences and is considered one of the foremost teachers of Ericksonian hypnosis. Peter is co-author of The Phonebook: Breakthrough Neurolinguistic Phone Skills for Profit & Enlightenment and has produced a 4-CD set, Sounds for Healing, featuring the Tibetan Singing Bowls.

Albert C. Bottari, PhD, FBHA, a Certified Hypnotherapist and a healthcare provider of more than thirty years, is a lifetime member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM] and a contributor to Subconsciously Speaking as well as other professional journals. He is an International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM] Board Member and a Diplomat of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM].

Donna M. Bretz. CHt, a Certified Hypnotherapist, is also a Reiki Master/Teacher, as well as a Spiritual Life Coach. Ms. Bretz has worked and studied in the field of energy healing work for more than a dozen years. Donna works with Therapeutic Touch and various sound based therapies in her practice. Part of her work includes teaching clients how sound affects the body, mind and spirit. Donna's interest in the effects sound has on our well being expanded greatly when she became the caretaker of the unique Sound Table. Since that time she has used sound to help her clients heal their energy, release blockages and relieve stress and tension buried deep withing the cells of the body.

Ms. Bretz' 23 year career as a case manager in the field of Human Services has given her a special insight into the area of helping people and has enabled her to develop a system that helps people overcome their baggage. Ms. Bretz participates in various health programs sponsored by local hospitals and health care organizations and frequently appears on TV. She has also assisted in the organization and presenting of women's spiritual retreats. She is past president of the NCHS and is a long time member of IMDHA.

Dennis K. Chong MD, MPNLP, CH, Fellow of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapy and Fellow of the Society of Neuro-Semantics and

Jennifer K. Smith Chong. RN, PHN, MPNLP, CH, Fellow of the Society of Neuro-Semantics, have a conjoint practice in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. From their research, they have published widely in professional journals in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia and presented in professional forums in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Spain. Germany, Italy, Malaysia and Australia. At the Annual Conference of the National Guild of Hypnotists they were respectively given the 2001 Hypnosis Research Award. In 2003 they will present before the faculty of the Health and Social Sciences of the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong.

Cheryl Croci, M.S.A, CHt, Ht, maintains a private practice in hypnotherapy, Three In One Concepts and Healing Touch/Reiki. She also spends a good deal of time teaching classes and workshops in meditation, metaphysics, healing, spirituality and other topics in community education, corporate programs and privately. Cheryl's journey into holistic healing began with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1985 and remission in May 1989. She was "told" she had to experience pain--physically, mentally and emotionally to begin to help others with their pain. Her spiritual development has led her to incorporating rejuvenation as well as healing in her work. She is founder of "Indigos In Harmony," an organization with website to assist children and their parents. Her studies, working with many noted teachers, include Attitudinal Healing, A Course in Miracles, Universal Kabbalah, Channeling, Flower of Life, DNA Activation, Ascension, Lightbody Activation, Light Integration and Etheric Surgery, in addition to her continuing education in hypnosis and 3 in 1 Concepts. She has authored many scripts, including Physical and Spirtual Rejuvenation, and is writing a book on the Indigo Children.

Rayma Ditson-Sommer, PhD, has a lengthy background in psychology, biofeedback, neuro-learning, early childhood education, neuropsychology and research. She has spent years developing programs for sports science, learning styles, and many others. She is an internationally known speaker, consultant and lecturer. In private practice in Phoenix, she is CEO of OPNET, Inc. and serves on the board of directors of the Peak Performance Center and IMDHA.

Michael Ellner is an internationally prominent medical hypnosis educator and practitioner who has helped thousands of people around the world take charge of their lives and health. His extensive training and experience in traditional and nontraditional approaches to health and healing have enabled him to develop a comprehensive hypnotic modality utilizing language, metaphor and imagery that heals at the most personal and biological levels. He is a major force in educating health care professionals and the public about the healing powers of a happy heart, peaceful mind and playful spirit. His worldwide reputation for outstanding, inspirational, and life changing workshops, lectures and essays continues to grow.

Larry Farrugia, PhD, CHt is the founder and owner of inner Dimensions Hypnotherapy Center (Wayne County). He began his hypnosis career while serving in the United States Navy at NAS Miramar in California. He has earned a PhD in Clinical Hypnotherapy through Hamilton University. He is a graduate of Infinity Institute, is a member of IMDHA and holds IMDHA certifications as a Pediatric Hypnotherapist and as a Hypnoanesthesia/Pain Management therapist.

Helene A. Feldman, PhD is a Director of the Institute of Hypnotherapy in New Jersey, a state approved vocational school where Basic and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy programs are taught. Dr. Feldman has her doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy, a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision, a Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision, a Masters in special Education, and a BA in Psychology and Special Education. Dr. Feldman is an Advanced Instructor for IMDHA, ABH, IACT, IHF, PBH (Canada), and the New Jersey Board of Social Workers. She is a retired New York city Alternative High School Principal, having served over 25 years in education She is presently serving as the Director of Special Education for me city of Newark, NJ, the largest school district in NJ.

Dr. Jaime Feldman is the Director of The Institute of Hypnotherapy in New Jersey, a State approved vocational school where Basic and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy programs are taught. Dr. Feldman has his Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy, a Masters in Business Administration, and Industrial Psychology. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Computer Engineering. Dr. Feldman is an Advanced Instructor for: IMDHA, ABH, IACT, IHF, PBH (Canada), and the New Jersey Board of Social Workers and serves on the IMDHA Board of Directors. He has been one of the pioneers in an advanced technique of Hypnotherapy called "Advanced Parts Therapy."

Kenn Geiger, CHt, received his associates degree in business administration from Palmer Junior College in 1975 and his BA in Theology from Andrews University in 1977. He graduated from the Marie/Institute of Hypnology in 1988. A member of the ATM Society of Hypnotists in the quad cities, he has been president since 1991 He studied Advanced Hypnotherapy and Hypn0analysis at Infinity International Institute and became a certified member of IMDHA in 1992. He became a registered and endorsed adjunct faculty member of IMDHA and began teaching hypnotherapy in 1993. He has produced several video and audio tapes, is the creator and facilitator of a self-help course on self-esteem improvement, in addition to his general practice of hypnosis. Since November of 2000 he has been a trainer of neuro subliminal communication, the advanced science of body language. Kenn is available for comedy hypnosis stage shows for parties and events--school, private and corporate.

Joe Hammer, an active entrepreneur since age sixteen, quickly discovered that "more work" didn't translate into "more money." After researching the marketing secrets of the ultra-successful business owners in the country, Joe authored a best-selling marketing course and his small-business marketing newsletter--both of which are used by some of the most successful business owners in the country. As an entertainer and speaker. Joe delivers his message in a fun upbeat fashion. He is a long-standing member of IMDHA.

Malcolm Hendry-Holland, in the past ten years, has continually developed new techniques as a mental intuitive and is an expert in analytical hypnotherapy (regression therapy--the crown jewel of hypnosis). Malcolm teaches, through demonstration and past case histories, the use and abuse of sex and sense, as well as his therapeutic moralities in the use of age regression. He is the training director of the South African Institute of Hypnotherapy and an executive member of the MASTERMIND CENTRE, Cape Town, South Africa.

Lynne Browning-Krajenke has been a state certified educator and therapist working in private mental health clinics, the child welfare system and a hospital hospice department. She has received certifications as a Trauma & Abuse Consultant, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapist, Life Between Lives Spiritual Regression Therapist, and hypnotherapist (IMDHA). She has received further training in regression work from Henry Leo Bolduc and Dr. Michael Newton. Lynne is the founder of MindSource Institute and has developed Integrative Regression Therapy, which she uses to guide and assist her clients to resolve and release deeply seated neurologically locked emotional wounds and regressive energy blocks. In addition, her articles appear regularly in PhenomeNEWS, Michigan's foremost metaphysical newspaper.

Jillian R. LaVelle is a certified stress management consultant and a clinical hypnotherapist. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of South Florida. She is the CEO of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACTS). The IACT was created out of a conviction that those in the helping and healing professions require a forum in which they may exchange ideas, information, techniques, and methodologies. The IACT is a multi-disciplined group with the common thread of holistic technique incorporated into the clinics and practices of the individual members. Jillian was appointed special Ambassador to China by the Citizens' Ambassador Committee in the field of hypnotherapy. She represented the United States along with a twenty-seven member delegation during May of 1994. In 1999 she was the recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Contribution award by the Nations Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists. In 2001 she was selected to receive the Counseling and Therapy Award of the Year by the International Hypnosis Federation.

Robert A. Levine, PhD, is Research Director, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System. Dr. Levine is internationally known for his research on premature nerve cell death in the brain and Parkinson's disease. He has edited five books and published more than 70 scientific papers since receiving his PhD in Pharmacology from George Washington University, Dr. Levine is a graduate of the Medical Acupuncture for Physicians Program offered by UCLA. He received hypnotherapy training from Infinity Institute and is also trained in St. John Neuromuscular Therapy, which his research team at Henry Ford has shown to be effective in alleviating chronic migraine headaches. Dr. Levine is committed to proving which Complementary and Integrative Medicine therapies are effective and having those that are integrated into the mainstream of Western medicine and accessible to all patients. Bob is an IMDHA member full of enthusiasm lot Hypnosis as an essential element of Complementary Medicine.

Retha Martin, CHt, is the founder of the Retha J. Martin School of Hypnotherapy, North Coast Hypnosis Society and the Here and Now Support Group. In private practice, she also is an instructor in Ohio's continuing Ed programs. She has appeared on TV and radio. Retha specializes in the practice of hypnotherapy for positive behavioral changes in children. She has received awards, honors and congressional recognition and was inducted into the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame Guild in 1996. In 1998 she received the President's Award from IACT. Retha is a Board Member and a Diplomat of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM].

Bonnie Miller is a hypnotherapist certified with IMDHA, and a HypnoBirtherapist with HypnoBirthing Institute, where she is a trainer and facilitator. Her dedication to professionalism, common sense insight and extensive training bridges the gap between hypnotherapist and the conventional health care community. She has been a guest on TV talk shows, presented programs for various public and private organizations, hospitals and universities, as well as in-house classes and workshops. Bonnie enjoys a successful full time practice in south Mississippi and is expanding it to include Louisiana and Alabama.

Roger Moore, MA, is a Doctor of Clinical Hypnosis (candidate), Registered Counselor, Registered Hypnotherapist, Hypnotic Weight Management Specialist, Non-Organic Male Impotence Specialist, Time Line Therapy[TM] Practitioner, Neuro-Linguistic Program Practitioner and Certified Fibromyalgia Therapist. Roger lost 100 pounds and has kept the weight off for over six years using hypnosis, healthy eating and exercise. He was certified as a Hypnotic Weight Management Specialist and has successfully used the Slender For Life[TM] Hypnosis Program since February 1999. Roger has three flourishing offices in Seattle, Bainbridge Island and Federal Way, Washington and has been assisting people to create success in their lives for over 29 years. Clients often wait two to three weeks for consultations and clients are often scheduled as much as two to three months in advance.

Linda Otto, CHt is a certified hypnotherapist and has been actively involved in the health care profession since 1989. She is executive coordinator and personal assistant for Robert Otto Seminars and Workshops. Her involvement in the business has enabled her to travel extensively throughout the country to promote public awareness of the benefits of hypnosis. She is the author/producer of For Women Only, an audio program designed exclusively for women's wellness, and Foreplay, an audio program designed for sexual stimulation through the use of guided imagery, relaxation and visualization. She is a member of the IMDHA, the IACT, the National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anesthesiology and a lifetime member of the NCHS. Linda has been the recipient of the 1997 Friendship Award, the 1999 IMDHA Teamwork Award, and has been nominated for "Woman of the Year" by International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, she presently is a member of the Advisory Board for the IACT and holds a position on the Board of Directors for the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM].

Fr. Martin J. Patton is President and Diplomat of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM], Board Certified and Registered Hypnotherapist, Certified Hypno-Anesthesia Therapist and Certified Past-Life Therapist. The International Association of Counselors and Therapists named him "Therapist of the Year." He is a member of the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists; the American Board of Hypnotherapy: the Association for Research and Enlightenment; the National Association Clergy Hypnotherapists; Depossession Group On-Line moderator: a certified professional member of the International Association for Regression Research & Therapies Inc. and the International Board for Regression Therapy.

Jay Quinlan is the President of The Ontario College of Hypnology. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Fitness Consultant, Adult Education and Communications educator, Jay has been in the educational field fro" over ten years and is a regular presenter at international conferences across North America. He holds instructor certifications with four leading edge organizations. As a consultant, he has clients in private sector corporations and Federal Government agencies. Using a unique blend of humor and adult learning principles, he encourages his students to think beyond self-imposed limitations and to expand their own abilities. His style leaves people knowledgeable, enthusiastic and eager to learn more.

Melissa Roth founded Alabama Hypnotherapy Center in 1995 and specializes in medical applications of hypnotherapy. In addition to seeing private clients she is adjunct staff at a local hospital, has published home study certification courses on Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hypertension and has published several other books and articles related to medical hypnotherapy applications.

James Sievert is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Qigong (Chi Kung) Practitioner, He is also a Reiki Master and has studied several forms of martial arts. He has studied Tai Chi and these disciplines for over 20 years. He brings this experience to this workshop today. This workshop is not limited to those who currently use energy work in their private or professional life.

Patricia Sievert is a Certified Hypnotherapist and is also certified in Childbirth Education, Childbirth Imagery, and Hypnoanesthesia. This course is designed for those interested in learning about Natural Childbirthing and those L&D personnel who desire more skills in the process of Natural Childbirth Education.

Anne H. Spencer-Beacham, PhD is the Founder and Director of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association[TM] and Infinity Institute. She was the 1995 recipient of the Int'l Hypnosis Hall of Fame, Education Sealah Award. The prestigious David Elman Award was bestowed upon Spencer in 1996 as Instructor of the Year. The Presidents Award 2000 was presented to Dr. Anne by the International Association of Counselors & Therapists. Dr. Spencer is the director of Infinity Institute, a state licensed post secondary school to teach hypnosis as an occupation. Dr. Spencer's vision is a door marked HYPNOTHERAPIST in every health care facility world-wide--staffed by IMDHA certified members.

Shelley Stockwell, PhD is the Star of cable TV's "The Shelley Show," and a regular guest on radio and TV talk shows including "The Phil Donahue Show," NBC's "The Other Side" and "Strange Universe," Oxygen Network's "Pajama Party" "Good Morning Australia" and many more. She appears on 6 to 8 shows a week. The Los Angeles Times and the National Enquirer call her the HYPNOSIS EXPERT! Shelley was awarded the coveted Pen and Quill Award by the IMDHA, for outstanding writing in the field of hypnosis. She is the author of 10 hooks including Hypnosis How to Put a Smile On Your Face and Money in your Pocket, lime Travel The Do It Yourself Past Life Journey Handbook, and with co-author Ormond McGill the latest: The Search for Cosmic Consciousness: The Book Einstein Would Have Loved.

What they said after the 2001 Conference: Seeing the more spiritual aspect of our work (Hypnosis) is what we are all about and I found it at the 2001 conference.

What they said after the 2001 Conference: I loved the workshop pacing and information. Great presentation techniques!