In MysticMag‘s exclusive interview with Erin Serafino, a seasoned hypnotherapist and yoga instructor, we delve into the intriguing world of hypnotherapy. Erin shares her personal journey into the field, highlights the importance of trust and integrity in her therapeutic practice, and offers insights into her customized yoga classes and unique retreat experiences.
Most people would say that they know what hypnotherapy is. However, what would you, as a professional, say hypnotherapy is and how does it work?
Hypnotherapy is the use of the trance state as a therapeutic technique. Entering trance is an essential to being human. Every culture ever studied by anthropologists has incorporated trance states for participants to enter the collective subconscious in safe, supported ways. Modern Western culture does not offer many opportunities for safe, healthy trance. Instead, advertisers, marketers, and social media designers have employed trance to seduce people into buying and scrolling their lives away. As religion has declined and ego-driven capitalism has increased, many feel more disconnected than ever from other human beings and what it means to be human.
Trance, and therefore hypnotherapy, is a spiritual experience. It’s going beyond the physical 3D world of relentless logical thought and analysis into the land of the subconscious where dreams, meditation, and prayer live. Hypnotherapy can be dangerous when not performed by a trained, trusted therapist with integrity. This is evident in cults. Nearly every cult has used hypnosis to entrance its followers. That’s how powerful the trance state is. Yet, when used for good with a trusted professional, trance, or hypnotherapy, can drastically improve one’s quality of life.
How did you get into this field?
I discovered hypnotherapy as I sought out treatment for my own depression and anxiety. I was astounded by the results and how quickly I felt better. I vowed to offer this practice to others.
How do you maintain a relationship of mutual trust with clients?
No bull sh*t. I’m a midwesterner. We’re kind and we don’t do bull sh*t.
You also offer custom Yoga classes for individuals or groups. How do you customize and individualize them for your clients?
My group classes are inclusive and leveled so participants know what to expect. I always want a participant to leave feeling better about their body, not worse. In individual sessions, there’s a lot of Q&A prior to our practice together and throughout the session to be certain that my client feels good and gets what they need.
What are your retreats like?
I offer whatever my creative brain dreams up. Half-day vision board workshops have been one of my favorite mini-retreats to do with groups. I’ve also offered full-day experiences in Northern Indiana. I’m currently planning multi-day experiences for Summer 2024. Subscribe to my website to receive the latest news. I also enjoy creating unique experiences for private parties.
To learn more about Erin and her work, you can visit www.erinserafino.com
