Tapping into the unconscious mind

Elia Powers

Hypnotherapists are aware of the prevailing image associated with

their profession: A paternalistic figure standing behind a seated

volunteer, lulling the subject into an unconscious state with

soothing rhetoric, and then snapping his finger to wake the person

out of their slumber.

At the 21st annual American Board of Hypnotherapy Convention, held

through Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel Newport Beach, attendees are

getting a deeper appreciation of the field.

“We’re amused by stage hypnotists,” said Nick Delgado, a

conference guest, author and nutrition expert who heads a wellness

center in Mission Viejo. “Most of us are here to learn about

different styles of hypnosis. It’s a grab bag ... we learn lots of

techniques.”

Everyone from licensed medical professionals to alternative

healers are attending the weeklong event, which involves more than 40

speakers and between 300 and 500 attendees, according to Tad James,

the board’s executive director.

Nearly 40 vendors are selling crystals, clothing and books that

instruct readers on how to increase their productivity and maximize

their potential.

Orange County has hosted every American Board of Hypnotherapy

convention. James said a weekend course in hypnotherapy is being

planned for next month in Newport Beach.

While the American Board of Hypnotherapy is based in Honolulu,

Hawaii, James said the organization has a loyal following in Southern

California, where it was founded.

James’ son, board Chief Executive Officer Matthew James, said the

convention is part theory and part practical knowledge, and is

intended for both field specialists and members of the general

public.

“This conference is for anyone who wants to learn how to tap into

the unconscious mind,” he said. “[Hypnotherapy] is an alternative

form of treatment that’s widely used today.”

Matthew James said professionals who regularly give medical or

personal advice come to the convention, looking for new ways to

approach traditional problems such as smoking and obesity.

There is also a decidedly spiritual element to the event, with

speakers sharing stories of self-realization and personal

improvement. On Wednesday and Thursday, Tad James taught a seminar,

entitled “How to Create a Magical Relationship,” where he described

common traits among couples that have had successful lasting

relationships.

Other seminar topics included how to reach one’s physical peak and

how to overcome current problems by tapping into issues from past

lives.

Tad James said convention speakers use a mix of volunteer

demonstrations and theoretical material in their seminars.

Delgado has been coming to the American Board of Hypnotherapy

convention for nearly a decade. He gives speeches at “anti-aging”

conventions, where he focuses on methods of slowing the aging

process, maximizing energy and increasing sexual performance.

Delgado said the convention has motivated him to write books on

alternative healing and has enabled him to prescribe remedies to his

customers.

“This is a chance for professionals to discuss their work in an

open environment,” he said. “When I teach, I use what I learn here.

It’s a great way to train your mind.”

* ELIA POWERS is the enterprise and general assignment reporter.

He may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or by e-mail at

[email protected].