Hypnotherapy helps people realize potential

Judie Brierly wants to help people find the pathway to a healthier brain and balance their lives through hypnotherapy. The name of her new business is Hypnotherapy Potential.

"You are so much better than your wildest dreams," she said. "People have incredible stuff inside. Just relax and it will come through."

Brierly, who has a doctorate of counseling in psychology, said hypnosis is not for everyone but it could help men and women with mid-life crises and life changes, as well as people with depression and anxiety.

Many people want to change old habits such as smoking and over-eating and are looking for motivation. Brierly describes herself as a coach who works with people to find their strengths.

"My theory as a health psychologist is a wholeness approach. I look at the whole person," Brierly said. "Most people are stuck because of stress in their lives. If you get stuck or lose your way, you might need to relax or to have someone give a little nudge."

Hypnotherapy utilizes cognitive therapy where the client talks through a problem and hypnosis where memory and the creative portion of the mind are involved in changing old patterns or creating motivation for new patterns.

Brierly has done pro bono work for people involved in a death in the family or divorce.

"Because when they are in those situations, they may be frightened and don't know what to do," she said. "This is not a money-making business, it's a wonderful way of giving back."

Brierly is a 35-year resident of Genoa and has been a Realtor in Carson Valley for 25 years but has changed her career focus to counseling. She holds a master's degree in psychology/marriage and family therapy.

A clinical hypnotherapist for the last 10 years, Brierly has worked for the El Dorado Mental Health Department, was a crisis worker in area hospitals and schools and has taught self-hypnosis in community college classes.

"I love what I do," she said. "Even after 10 years, this job doesn't feel like work."

Brierly plans to hold introductory meetings for small groups or couples with a common goal such as quitting smoking or losing weight, or to learn about self-hypnosis.

Brierly said she likes to leave her clients with the tools they need to relax on their own.

"I'll hold an introduction so people can get an idea of what hypnotherapy is," she said. "It's nothing more than relaxation. You won't do what you don't really want to do - you won't quack like a duck."

For more information, call 720-1827 or 782-3889.