A glimpse into hypnotherapy

Having always thought of life as one big, wild adventure, I was initially drawn to the idea of hypnotherapy out of sheer curiosity. 

When I heard that Sechelt resident Rifa Hodgson was an accredited clinical hypnotherapist, with a practice called Adventure into Time and Beyond specializing in past life and spiritual regression, I became even more intrigued. So, I signed up for an introductory session, not sure what to expect. Would hypnotherapy be: Relaxing? Revealing? Healing? 

I was about to find out, but first a little research to learn about hypnosis and Hodgson, and to prepare myself. 

Hypnosis puts you in a state of consciousness similar to sleep or deep relaxation, while at the same time focusing your attention and opening your mind to positive suggestion. According to Hodgson, it is one of the oldest and gentlest healing techniques. This complementary health modality may assist in the treatment of a variety of conditions: addictions, anxieties, depression, memory loss, motivation, stress, post trauma recovery, past life regression and weight management. 

“Hypnosis is a focused relaxation,” notes Hodgson. “During the session, you will go where you need to go, and afterwards you will remember what is beneficial to your well-being.” 

Originally from Russia, Hodgson is a Hypnosis Master Trainer and has been practising in the healing arts for over 40 years. She offers one-on-one private sessions in Sechelt, as well as via Skype, plus group workshops. 

Past life regression therapy is described as taking a client back in time to discover the cause of a present issue, situation, pattern or reaction, which may be related to a previous single or series of events or memories we are holding onto, often unconsciously. 

“Our past lives are all around us and sometimes we are triggered,” notes Hodgson. “People sometimes come to work on one issue but discover there is more to uncover.” 

Before our private session, Hodgson sends me a 15-minute audio recording to listen to. It reminds me of a guided meditation and helps me to relax as well as to get used to Hodgson’s melodic voice and pleasing accent. The tape guides me to be open to the supportive energy and messages I need to hear, while enjoying some stillness and relaxation. 

The in-person intro session in Hodgson’s Davis Bay office lasts about an hour and takes the inner journey even further. As I’m seated in a comfy recliner, Hodgson verbally guides me through a deeply relaxing process that includes visualization and responding to particular questions/prompts that, upon reflection, steer me to some longer-standing issues I would like to pay more attention to.

At all times I felt completely in control and safe, and the experience was at once relaxing, enlightening, expansive and inspiring. Afterwards, I felt more confident and supported in approaching and considering the particular issues and ideas that came up for me. 

“Hypnosis helps us find that fire and strength inside to do the best in the situation we are in and learn to enjoy life,” Hodgson says. 

For more information on hypnotherapy, past life regression, private sessions and upcoming workshops on the Sunshine Coast, see www.lifebetweenlives.ca