In the realm of holistic healing, the convergence of ancient practices and modern techniques often yields transformative results. Meet Arlene Hand, a beacon of innovation in the world of alternative therapies. Armed with a mastery of Reiki Level II and a certification in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Arlene doesn’t just heal—she orchestrates a symphony of energies to uplift and empower her clients. With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, Arlene Hand is redefining the boundaries of holistic healing, one session at a time. Join Mystic Mag and read more.
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of holistic healing, and what drew you specifically to Reiki, Meditation, and Hypnosis?
I began drinking when I was 15, and right off the bat, it became an issue and a problem. By the time I was 25, I felt defeated. I didn’t want to drink at all, not even a drop. However, by the age of 25, I had given up on life and on ever achieving sobriety because despite several attempts, it never stuck. Then, one night, while sitting in the bar, I realized I was not only sitting alone but also that there was nobody at any of the surrounding tables. That was the moment I knew I couldn’t continue this way. I felt a strong sense of finality, an inner voice urging me to finish my drink and go home, promising a fresh start the next day. And that’s exactly what I did. I went home and haven’t desired a drink since.
I began engaging in AA and devoted myself to self-improvement, delving deep into the steps. I discovered a passion for learning and helping others, which blossomed during my involvement in 12-step work. Eventually, I shifted my focus to my family, particularly my three young children and my marriage. About 10 years later, after significant self-reflection, I found myself drawn to a hypnotherapy course, which I stumbled upon almost by chance. I completed a year-long course, finding it profoundly transformative and personally healing.
Following that, I pursued further training, completing three years of Ericksonian hypnosis. This specialized form of hypnosis involves conversational techniques aimed at inducing a natural trance state in clients. Throughout my training, there was a significant emphasis on counseling, complemented by my innate affinity for energy work, which I’ve carried since childhood.
Subsequently, I established my own practice, where I’ve primarily worked with survivors of sexual abuse. This work led me to deepen my understanding of trauma and develop skills to assist individuals in healing on a profound level. Since then, this has been my primary focus, moving forward with a commitment to helping others overcome their trauma and find healing.
What role do you believe spirituality plays in the process of achieving balance and well-being, and how do you incorporate it into your practice?
What I do is try to help people connect themselves – their body, mind, emotions, and all their different aspects, both mental and physical and emotional, to the realm of spirit. I aim to raise their awareness of the coincidences they’ve experienced in their lives, which may not have been mere chance occurrences. Essentially, I assist people in becoming conscious of what is already unfolding in their lives.
What type of services do you offer?
I specialize in hypnotherapy, primarily direct hypnosis, as it’s commonly associated with the practice. My services include a stop-smoking program and inner child work, focusing on processing and helping individuals navigate their emotions. For instance, when clients are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, I strive to convey that everyone possesses different facets of themselves. Healing involves integrating these various aspects, although for individuals with borderline personality disorder, these parts may feel more separate compared to others, such as myself, where roles like mother, daughter, and sister are integrated more seamlessly.
How do you tailor your approach to holistic healing to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual client?
I typically begin with an intake session, which I schedule for a longer duration to thoroughly understand what the individual is seeking. Initially, I often suggest starting with a Reiki session. I emphasize to them that Reiki is not a quick fix; it’s a process. It’s essential to recognize that improvement won’t happen overnight, and a single session won’t suffice. I want clients to understand that the decision to continue working together is entirely up to them; I value their free will. If they opt to proceed, our first session would involve Reiki. This allows them to experience the energy firsthand and helps me assess any blockages or issues within their energy system, such as blocked chakras. This initial session provides valuable insight into their energy, guiding our subsequent steps.
Can you describe your philosophy when it comes to guiding clients on their path to relaxation, balance, and spiritual growth?
They inherently know what they want and need, even if they are not consciously aware of it. Therefore, I strive to guide them in discovering their own path, without imposing my own thoughts, beliefs, or desires onto them. My aim is to assist them in finding what resonates and works best for their unique journey.
How do you practice self-care to maintain your own well-being?
I engage in a lot of meditation, self-Reiki, and self-hypnosis. For self-hypnosis, I induce a trance-like state by starting with meditation, followed by a self-guided countdown. During this process, I scan my body, paying attention to any sensations or thoughts that arise unexpectedly. If I notice a twitch or a new thought, I delve deeper into it. For instance, if I experience a twitch in my leg, I set an intention to understand its significance by counting down from 10 – 1. By the time I reach 1, I usually gain insight into the source of the twitch. Additionally, as I count down, I often uncover new threads of thought to explore further.
