News from down under.

I am running the chapter meetings here with the help of Raelene Brown. There are six or seven of us involved. We are all practicing clinical hypnotherapists and graduates of Infinity Institute.

Regarding my work within St. Vincent's in Sydney, Australia, my main practice is in the clinic which is attached to the Private Hospital. I see clients there with a variety of problems, referred from doctors wanting them to have help with giving up smoking, reducing weight, lowering blood pressure, managing stress and/or pain, and emotional difficulties. I also have a client referral system. Many of those satisfied with help they received at the clinic, refer their friends or family to me. It never ceases to amaze me what a large number and variety of problems people present with, that hypnosis can really help.

Also, I am called into the Private Hospital to show patients how to manage pre- or post-operative pain (often reinforced by well meaning but incorrect language from the medical staff, such as: "How bad is your pain today?" OUCH!!!) and the emotional issues surrounding that pain.

Having been hospitalized myself last year, followed by an extensive recuperation time, has given me an even greater insight into patient needs in extreme cases of pain. (I had two prolapsed discs in the lower back which crushed and damaged the sciatic nerve--MUCH pain!) I was fortunate enough to have my colleague, Raelene Brown, and also Peter Leslie visit me often and help me through not only the pain, but the depression associated with my situation--being in extreme pain, not being able to work, and being told that I had permanent nerve damage. Thanks to their never-ending efforts and help, I am more convinced than ever that YES, hypnotherapy works!

Thanks for your continuing support and help--it's nice to know that we're not alone "down under!"

Del Layton, C.Ht. is an IMDHA member from New South Wales, Australia and a graduate of Infinity Institute of AU Email: [e-mail]