Hypnotist brings act to Galaxy

When trim and youthful Dan Kimm walks onto the stage, one might think he is switching from his professional career as a certified hypnosis therapist to showbiz, but it's really the same thing.

He's doing what he does best - helping people to enjoy life more fully - and creating lots of laughter in the process.

He'll demonstrate that skill over the next 10 days, with shows at the Galaxy Theatre Thursday and at the Brewery Arts Center Jan. 12. For the second show, he will be joined by Minden's comedy queen Kat Simmons. The BAC show is an adult-only performance.

Kimm never embarrasses any of the co-performing subjects he selects from the audience - no barking like a dog or clucking like a chicken, standard parts of many hypnosis shows.

"My subjects are my stars," he said.

"We have fun, and we dispel myths about hypnosis, and we try to give people the idea that hypnosis may help them to live a richer and fuller life," Kimm said.

He's lived in Carson City for most of his life and has a regular therapy practice.

Kimm has been performing since 2004 and has worked with Simmons to polish his act, which is how the two got together to do a show.

"We do separate acts, mixing comedy with hypnosis," he said. "In my solo show at the Galaxy, it's fast moving and educational as well as comedy."

In his therapy role, he's certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists, he helps patients to stop smoking, lose weight and ease chronic illnesses. Children with long-term chronic illnesses are a special concern.

"I try to help people make positive changes in their lives," he said. He selects guests from the audience to demonstrate the positive powers of hypnosis and at the same time to dispel the myths about the ancient art.

He includes appropriate music along with his performance.

He has given benefit performances for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life program in Carson over the last four years, and in November he helped raise funds for OARC at the Brewery.

Tonight's show at the Galaxy is at 7 p.m., tickets are $10 at the door. The Brewery Arts Center performance Jan. 12 is from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance at the Brewery, 883-1976, or $25 at the door on the day of the show.

-- Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

What is hypnotism?

Hypnotism is the scientific and clinical use of hypnosis. Hypnosis, or a hypnotic state, is a temporary condition of altered attention in an individual.

Scientific evidence suggests that hypnotism is useful when it is practiced by qualified professionals. Some professionals use hypnotism to treat patients who have certain medical or psychological problems.

People have used hypnotic techniques since ancient times. But the practice of hypnotism has been condemned at times because of its misuse or because of ignorance, mistaken beliefs, and overstated claims. Today, professional organizations accept hypnotism when it is used for valid medical or scientific purposes.

Scientists have shown that hypnosis is a natural part of human behavior that affects psychological, social and physical experience. There is no magic connected with hypnotism, and the hypnotist has no special power.

The effects of hypnotism depend on the willingness and motivation of the person being hypnotized. In hypnosis, a change in the quality and focus of a person's attention alters his or her internal and external experience.

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Source: www.A2Zpyschology.com