Meet Susan Razavi, LCSWR, a dedicated hypnotherapist and psychotherapist whose holistic approach to mental health is transforming lives. With over a decade of experience, Susan seamlessly blends traditional therapeutic techniques with mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and body-based practices. Her unique TrancePlan Hypnotherapy, inspired by both Western and Eastern philosophies, provides clients with profound insights and lasting change. In this interview, Susan shares her inspiring journey, the benefits of her innovative methods, and practical tips for maintaining mental well-being.
Could you please share with us the story of your journey that led you to become a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist?
From a young age, I had a strong desire to help others, even at the age of 3 when I believed my only career options were to become a nurse or a teacher. This curiosity and passion for understanding human behavior led me to start exploring the works of Freud and Jung at the age of 10, despite not fully comprehending their theories at that time.
Life took me on a different path, and I became a mother and later a single mom, all while pursuing my education. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I decided to venture into the field of social work and pursue a career as a therapist. The journey to obtaining my master’s degree was a challenging one, as I juggled working the graveyard shift and raising two children. However, the impact of therapy on my own life fueled my determination to become a therapist and provide that same support to others.
I started my career as a case manager for developmentally delayed adults and newborns in foster care, all while immersing myself in learning Spanish to better serve my community. My early years as a bilingual therapist in community-based agencies allowed me to witness the power of therapy but also left me feeling dissatisfied with conventional methods. This realization prompted me to explore alternative approaches, such as Eastern meditation and Ericksonian hypnotherapy. Through extensive study and research, I delved into the world of hypnotherapy and meditation, eventually becoming certified as a professional clinical hypnotherapist in 2009 and a yoga teacher in 2010. My journey took me to India multiple times to deepen my understanding of Hinduism and Eastern philosophies, enriching my practice and expanding my knowledge base.
The fusion of Eastern philosophies and Western therapeutic techniques has been instrumental in my approach to therapy, allowing me to provide holistic and effective care to my clients. I continue to learn and grow every day, connecting with spiritual seekers online and drawing inspiration from those I work with. The reason I embarked on this journey was the profound impact hypnotherapy had on me and my clients, offering a faster and more cost-effective way to achieve lasting change compared to traditional talk therapy. By integrating yoga and meditation into my practice, I found a harmonious balance between advancing myself personally and professionally, while also meeting the diverse needs of those seeking my help. My burning desire to help others remains unwavering, as I strive to reach as many people as possible and make a positive difference in their lives through the transformative power of hypnotherapy.
What drew you to incorporate holistic approaches such as mindfulness, CBT, and body-based practices into your therapy sessions?
I learned a lot from working with clients. I initially observed that the ones who incorporated holistic practices made much better, deeper, and faster progress. There is a great deal of scientific evidence which indicates that holistic mind-body-spirit practices are not only considered alternative methods but are respected as techniques that deal directly with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and many other forms of disorders. I would like to say that living in New York for the past 35 years has given me a lot of different experiences with people from all over the world.
Hypnotherapy is also effective for biologically-based imbalances and has long been used to manage pain and reduce physical discomfort.
Could you explain what TrancePlan Hypnotherapy is and how it differs from traditional hypnotherapy?
Traditional hypnotherapy models often use scripts. Traditional Ericksonian hypnotherapy uses observation of the client in their breathing, body language, communication, communication style, and individual journey, taking into account their history of trauma, environmental stress, relationships, lifestyle, and goals. I incorporate the history of the person before I try to approach them in TrancePlan hypnotherapy because the more the person is able to understand what they want from hypnotherapy based on their history, the better they are to achieve their goals. Often I take into account the stage of life because there are particular stressful transitions that benefit from the guidance and listening to the self. This is inner child, adolescent, intergenerational, and identity work. Working on these creates a great deal of physical and mental relief. When I incorporate TrancePlan, the traveling in the imaginary future where the person has already created their ideal and perfect environment or domain; a person is able to learn to visualize what they want and trust their intuition, dreams, and gut instinct. The gut instinct is a part of the body-based practice of working with the chakras and energy channel systems. These are very well used in other approaches such as acupuncture, Chinese and Ayurveda medicine, and yoga. One of the positive aspects of TrancePlan is that a person doesn’t have to do anything. They just listen and they become attuned to themselves, their inner experience, and more aligned with their goals. It is similar to an Olympic ski jumper practicing through visualization of their jumps, which helps them to score higher.
When the mind is connected to the body, the body will follow. This is something that all beings are able to do because we all have the ability to heal ourselves which we were born with. Since we have taken our first breath, we have been able to heal ourselves. In the end part of the hypnotherapy, where a person is in TrancePlan they are imagining and visualizing the most beautiful perfect domain which they have created for themselves through their own effort and hard work. I guide them through their journey through that domain. It can include stories, or groups of people and individuals where there is a need to heal in archetypes or relationships. One of the benefits is that in their goals and relationships, they first find a more peaceful and honestly connected way, through their own selves, to not make more difficulties and also heal themselves through working on relationships. In addition to accessing the brain wave frequencies of deep sleep, REM dream, alertness, there is a bliss state which is called Turiya in Yoga Nidra with 400hz and above gamma brain wave frequency. Once a person has experienced a bliss state they are more motivated to continue creating patterns inside themselves to repeat that bliss. I remember one of the first inspiring sayings I heard was from Joseph Campbell—“follow your bliss“. People heal themselves and develop self-soothing skills more easily. I believe that what people are capable of is much more than what we know.
What are some of the primary benefits that clients have reported following their experience with TrancePlan Hypnotherapy?
TrancePlan Hypnotherapy goes beyond cognitive processes, allowing individuals to tap into their physical, emotional, intuitive, and transformational experiences to incorporate this newfound knowledge into their daily lives. This approach enables individuals to trust their intuition, leading to a greater sense of self-reliance and empowerment. By releasing unnecessary feelings, thoughts, experiences, and energy forms without judgment, individuals can achieve balance, health, and transformation. Clients often express feeling more comfortable expressing themselves, deepening their therapy process, and creating meaningful changes in their lives. Through managing challenges such as intrusive thoughts, fears, intergenerational trauma, and societal pressures, individuals have reported experiencing vivid colors, fractals, and beautiful images, enhancing their connection with themselves and overcoming feelings of disconnectedness. It is believed that our reliance on external validation has hindered our ability to connect with our innate healing abilities, which are rooted in our connection to the universe. As we continue to evolve our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, we are making strides toward a more connected and fulfilling existence.
How does hypnotherapy help in managing conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression differently compared to traditional psychotherapy?
Hypnotherapy gives a direct experience rather than an abstract, thinking process. It also integrates the abstract thinking process with direct experience. The connection with the self leads to being more available from the inner context, in a more conscious, liberated way rather than an unconscious, attached way. This is a natural outcome in the process called TrancePlan hypnotherapy.
Lastly, what are some daily mindfulness or relaxation techniques you recommend to your clients for maintaining mental well-being?
I recommend YouTube videos of sound baths, Hz tones starting with 432hz, affirmations, breathing exercises, mantra, being in nature, eating organic food, doing yoga or whatever exercise the individual finds. People have used apps such as Calm and Aura. Yoga with Adriene on YouTube is very accessible.
I try to meet the person where they’re at and give them the appropriate starting point and then, as we work together, add on more resources to help them. I often help people sleep well, which is the most important part of establishing health and mental health. Understanding the role of blue light from our screens is helpful. I recommend taking a Dosha quiz because that introduces the idea from Ayurveda of the three basic energies that all humans have. It also gives suggestions for seasonal lifestyle modifications, food, activities, and practices to maintain balance.
To learn more or reach out to Susan visit:
www.TrancePlan.com
