Test-Taking:

By Brad Bonhall, Times Staff Writer

The Power of Suggestion

The Bejamin Moss Hypnosis Center, in Irvine, lately has emphasized hypnosis' potential to help pass tests.

Kent Peppard, a clinical pyschologist in Irvine, went to Moss a year ago to help prepare for a written exam for his psychologist's license. "I needed increased retention so I could study longer, " Peppard says. "Some people use hypnosis to lower their anxiety when they're taking a test, but I didnt really need that. I had three sessions, and I was able to increase my study time to 12 hours a day and passed the test the first time."

For Clients who fear test situations, Moss first builds their confidence. "Then I use hpnotic suggestion to enhance focus and concentration, and thethird step is positive visualizaton--getting rid of the image of freezing when walking into the test room," Moss says.

Fleming's Fundamentals of Law, a Mission Viejo firm that helps law graduates pass the bar exam, has a hypnotist on staff, as do other such companies. "We started using hypnotists in 1985 for relaxation and stress reduction, "says director, Jeff Fleming. "Since 25% of the bar exam is mental [preparation], I'm a big believer in anything that reduces stress.

Exercise:

By Michelle Nicolosi, The Register

Mind over Matter

Hypnotists say suggestions can get enough couch potatoes moving.

Amy Heintz aches to be an FBI agent: to wear the chic, navy jacket splashed with bold yellow lettering to right wrongs, to have excitement in her life. But before she can pass training in October, she needs to slim to a size 13. Until recently, although Heintz wanted more than anything to exercise to that end, she just couldn't make herself do it.

I'd get home and I'd just be dead tired, " said Heintz, 31. "I would just blow it off." Desperate, Heitz turned to Irvine Hypnotist, Benjamin Moss, in mid-May. A few sessions later, Heintz is faithfully walking four times a week, her weight is dropping, and she feels fitter than she has in years.

How does it work? Heintz can't quite say. "It was...almost like an out-of-body experience. Continue

Smoking Cessation:

HypnosisTherapy Battles Bad Habits

Benjamin Moss, a hypnotherapist certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, helps people stop smoking, lose weight, improve study habits or overcome fears and build self-confidence.

What if I can't be hypnotized?

Nearly everyone can be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a natural state, a state of profound relaxation in which the subject becomes more receptive to suggestions.

Will I be under your control? Continue