Healing 101 Lecture Notes

Session 1: September 1, 2016

Introductions: (15 minutes)
Introduction of Wendy Smullin to class, including hobbies and interests. Description of her
background in Physical Therapy and the transition to CAM healing. Sharing the clinical and
practical benefits of CAM in the healing process.
Class introductions, including name, field of work, field of study and hobbies.
What is Healing? (30 minutes)
Merriam-Webster defines healing as the process of becoming healthy or well again or making
something healthy or well again. Is healing simply the eradication of disease or illness? Or does
it go much deeper into the mind?
A person is not just the flesh and bones we run around in. We are made up of a mind (thoughts
and emotions), body (flesh and bones) and spirit (connection to the Divine). When any one of
these systems is affected by disease, injury, trauma or illness, the other two systems are affected
as well.
How does the body react to any illness, disease or injury? Our bodies are designed to self-heal
with mechanisms to stop bleeding, fight infections, repair broken proteins and remain in a
constant state of renewal, especially when the conditions are conducive.
How does the mind react to illness and trauma? Our minds are complex organisms equipped to
handle trauma in many ways. According to Hypnotherapist Kevin S. our minds will defend
themselves initially through amnesia and denial. As the mind goes to work changing the belief
systems related to the traumatic event or thought, it begins to heal and move forward.
How does the spirit react to negative situations? Our initial defense and reparation system is
actually guilt. This emotion is meant to propel us to repair the situation and change. As we take
the steps to create this positive change, the guilt dispels and peace returns to our hearts.
When these systems are out of balance, the result is a global disease within the person. Examples
of how we feel inside when we feel guilty, or how our minds react when to traumatic injuries or
how our spirit feels when someone hurts us.
Disease is the absence of wholeness.
Healing begins at an anatomic level as the body begins to repair itself. This process is amplified
as the mind and spirit jump on board to help. There are various CAM practices that allow the
mind-body-spirit connection to facilitate optimal healing. This course will break down each
system and introduce various CAM practices that work at each level, and intricately with the
other two. Tonight we will start with the mind.

Hypnotherapy: (15 minutes)

Definition: hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state with increased suggestibility and decreased critical
faculties allowing the person to experience heightened awareness and concentration.

Hypnotherapy achieves different stages of consciousness, with a deepening at each level. The
goal is to find personal peace and healing at each level.
The critical faculties are commonly called the critical factor, which functions like a filter for the
mind. It is comprised of our beliefs, memories and value system. The critical factor is what
allows information to be accepted as real and true to each person.
~Demonstration with the colors people are wearing.
Through the different stages of trance, the critical factor is decreased and the ability for the mind
to accept new suggestions and truth increases.
Healing occurs as the individual experiences and trauma are brought to the surface of the mind
and the situation is revisited in a safe, healthy environment. Through suggestions from the
hypnotherapist, the person is able to see the reality of the situation, what the beliefs from the
situation are and how they have affected the persons mental, spiritual and physical self.
~Story of Melanie and how she healed from a physically abusive relationship which manifested
later in life as a loss of use in her legs.
Many misconceptions exist regarding hypnotherapy due to stage shows. This is common stagehypnosis and has no therapeutic value. Clients will not cluck like a chicken, bark like a dog or do
random, embarrassing acts. Trained hypnotherapists are simply guides to help their clients find
memories or events in their minds to overcome and heal.
Uses of Hypnotherapy: weight loss, PTSD, post-abuse, smoking cessation, high blood pressure,
acute and chronic pain, surgery, dermatologic disorders, allergies, and GI disorders.
Meditation: (15 minutes)
Meditation is a self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind to obtain peace,
insight, relaxation and awareness. Meditation can be practiced at almost any time or any place.
Ideally, it is a place of calm and peace. Studies have shown that people who meditate on a
regular basis have lower blood pressure, improved immune systems, improved concentration,
decreased stress response, decreased anxiety, and improved brain structure.
How does meditation help us to heal? The relaxed state of mind achieved through meditation
allows the body to slow down and heal. Guided imagery and meditations can provide the means
and direction for the person to focus their thoughts on healing and restoring balance to the
system.
~Guided Meditation (5 minutes)
Uses of Meditation: coping with illness, decreasing pain, restoring balance to the mind,
decreasing stress and anxiety, improved concentration, decreasing hypertension, and improved
mood and emotional states.
Wrap-up and Questions: (10 minutes)
The ability for the mind to heal can be facilitated through hypnotherapy or self-directed through
meditation and self-hypnosis. As the mind is able to heal and let go of destructive thoughts, ideas
and memories, the body and spirit are able to rediscover balance and harmony therein.