MysticMag chats with Rian O’Meara, a dedicated professional, who embarked on a path of service from a young age, earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. His journey in the helping professions led him to become a Case Manager at a group home for juvenile delinquent boys in Chicago. Here, Rian assumed roles as a surrogate parent, role model, and liaison, gaining invaluable leadership experience. This experience illuminated essential lessons about healing, emphasizing the individual’s choice in shaping a better life. Today, as a Certified Hypnotherapist, Rian runs a private practice in Los Angeles, offering individual and group therapies both in-person and online.
Rian, what led you to transition from a background in psychology and social work to specializing in hypnotherapy? How has this journey influenced your approach to helping individuals make behavioral changes?
I realized my life wasn’t heading in the direction I desired. Despite a background in social work, where I found some aspects meaningful, it left me drained and lacking energy every day. Fast forward 20 years, and I’ve explored various roles—from working in a pastry and cake shop to insurance and managing a restaurant. It was during my own therapy session that I met a therapist who introduced me to hypnosis. We connected, and he suggested that I had a natural aptitude for it. Encouraged by him, I pursued formal hypnosis studies at HMI (Hypnosis Motivation Institute) in Los Angeles County. The year-long program set the stage for my journey. My mentor, later my business partner, provided invaluable guidance. Despite our separation, I established my own practice about eight years ago. This path has allowed me to align my energy, enabling me to give my clients the support they need. My role involves coaxing out their potential and guiding them on their path, bringing a strong sense of service that resonates with me. Looking back, I recognize that my varied experiences and challenges were necessary steps to reach where I am today. Things may not happen at the right time, but sometimes, when you stop actively seeking, the right opportunity presents itself.
Could you explain how hypnotherapy works as a tool to address subconscious patterns and behaviors that individuals struggle to change consciously?
Guided meditation is at the core of what I do, a simple yet powerful tool. It’s important to note that as a practitioner, I can’t impose anything against the client’s will. If I were to say something contradictory to what they believe, it wouldn’t work; they’d resist. It’s not about waving a magic wand. Instead, I guide clients into a deeply relaxed state using a progressive countdown, tapping into the unknown of the subconscious. Our past experiences, especially from childhood, often have a profound impact on our adult lives. However, what worked for us then might not work now. In formal hypnosis, I embed positive messages aligned with what clients want from their lives. It’s not about me dictating changes; it’s about them expressing their desires. The subconscious proves to be an enigmatic yet highly receptive form of therapy. When clients make that connection, it significantly accelerates their therapeutic journey.
Your consultation involves guiding individuals through an experience of relaxation. How does this initial interaction contribute to their understanding of hypnotherapy and its potential for their personal growth?
The impact of the therapy is multi-faceted. Firstly, it helps clients quiet their “thinker” or conscious mind, which often tends to be defensive or protective. Creating a space for trust allows them to experience positive feelings after the session. My role is to offer a different perspective, a shift in alignment, steering them away from their default thought patterns. However, since therapy sessions are limited, the real change occurs through their commitment outside of our time together. I provide tools and homework assignments, but it’s the client’s responsibility to make those daily changes, creating new neural connections and fostering a habit of transformation.
Could you share some success stories or instances where distance therapy, conducted online, has been particularly effective in helping clients achieve their goals or overcome challenges?
Navigating the role as a practitioner is a unique balance. While there is a desire to help clients and sustain the practice, there’s also recognition that there should be an endpoint. Some clients may require more ongoing support, akin to handholding, while others undergo a graduation process, gaining the tools to navigate on their own. Whether addressing issues like bedwetting, addiction, fears, or isolation, the virtual platform, particularly since the pandemic, has proven highly effective globally. Identifying when clients have achieved their goals and can proceed independently is a rewarding aspect, and whether the interaction is online or in person, both avenues prove equally effective.
How many sessions do you typically work with a client and in your experience, what role does an individual’s commitment and willingness play in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy? How do you support clients in maintaining this commitment throughout their therapeutic journey?
The effectiveness of therapy often hinges on the client’s commitment and engagement in the process. Whether addressing issues like smoking cessation or weight loss, the goal is to delve beyond the surface symptoms and identify the underlying causes. Typically, significant changes are noticeable between 3 to 5 sessions. If progress isn’t evident, it may indicate either a misalignment with the practitioner or a need for the client to invest more in the personal work. The therapeutic relationship involves collaboration, with the practitioner acting as a guide and support, but the client’s commitment and actions outside of sessions play a crucial role in achieving lasting change.
As I mentioned before, I’m with the client for one hour a week; typically, that’s 52 hours a year. There are 8,760 hours in a year, so much of this work is done independently of me – I am there as a simple springboard and sounding board, to help support and bolster the client onto a new path.
If you would like to find out more about Rian O’Meara, please visit https://www.rianomeara.com/
