Hypnotist teaches students self-help

Students will be taught to relieve stress by using self-hypnosis during The University Board’s event Tuesday.

The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Danny Turano, the UB chair and senior sociology major said they planned the event because it was something different.

“We planned it because it was something outside of the norm that would get people excited,” Turano said.

William Mitchell, the hypnotist, will teach the workshop and has been doing hypnosis for more than 10 years and currently owns and operates a clinic in Springfield.

Mitchell got his start in hypnotizing in 1995 and became interested in it after taking psychology classes in college.

He said he has a deep passion for his business and what he does always provides ethical and safe practices for hypnotism.

“Hypnotism is not only a fun trick to play on friends or family, but can also be helpful,” Mitchell said. “Hypnotism is a growing practice; instead of contemplating surgery many people choose hypnotism as a less painful option.”

Mitchell said hypnosis can be used to heal stress, help with weight reduction, self-empowerment and even to help quit smoking.

At his clinic, Mitchell offers classes such as traditional student and teacher classes, a hypnosis training class and online educational videos.

Part of his reasoning for coming to Eastern is to increase awareness about the field of hypnosis and the use of it as a form of alternative medicine.

The workshop at Eastern hypnosis will be geared toward students, faculty and the campus community.

There will be games, demonstrations of people under hypnosis and a presentation on the practice of hypnotizing and how it works.

Mitchell will also discuss the health benefits of using hypnosis.

Turano said for an event like this one, he is hoping there will be a good turnout which is anywhere between 30 to 50 people.

“The more people the more exciting it will be,” Turano said.

Paige Bennett can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].