Angie Hernandez has practiced hypnotheraphy since 2010. By channeling into an individual’s subconscious, Hernandez has aided individuals in losing over 100 pounds, resolving the grief of lost loved ones, overcoming fear of spiders and quitting smoking. Hypnotherapists have also been known to lessen the fear of public speaking, overcome writer’s block and end chronic pain, says Hernandez. (Photo by Rebekah Whirledge)

Angie Hernandez never set out to become a hypnotist. She had never been hypnotized. She was not familiar with the legitimacy (or illegitimacy, for that matter) of the trade. She did not know the first place to begin. She also happily owned — and still does own — a flower shop in downtown Milford. But, the idea of practicing hypnosis nagged at her nonetheless.

“I thought about getting out of the flower business and the physical demands of that job. And, as God will do, he kept bringing hypnosis to my attention. It just kept knocking on my brain. I saw a future in hypnosis, but didn’t know anything about it,” she explained.

As those with questions often do, she headed online. There, she found the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, where she enrolled in a free, introductory course.

“I was totally enthralled. I wound up getting a degree,” said Hernandez, who has been a certified hypnotherapist since 2010.

A hypnotherapist — unlike a sideshow hypnotist who gets gullible people to speak gibberish or belt out show tunes for the entertainment of an audience — most often helps individuals overcome problems or fears.

“Everyone can go into hypnosis. In fact, the state of hypnosis is a totally natural phenomenon,” says Hernandez, who explained the 30 minutes before sleep or after waking, when an individual is half-in and half-out of sleep, is in fact, hypnosis.

“It’s very safe, pleasant and relaxing with predictable results. It is inconceivable that any harm could come of them (those hypnotized),” said Hernandez. “In fact, the centuries old technique of hypnosis is being used increasingly as a complement to orthodox medicine, where it is providing valuable in accelerating healing, relieving stress and controlling pain.”

By channeling into an individual’s subconscious, Hernandez has aided individuals in losing over 100 pounds, resolving the grief of lost loved ones, overcoming fear of spiders and quitting smoking. Hypnotherapists have also been known to lessen the fear of public speaking, overcome writer’s block and end chronic pain, says Hernandez.

“I’ve worked with people in all degrees of suggestibility,” she said. “Most fears can be overcome pretty quickly once we come to the root of it.”

Hernandez continues to attend continuing education courses and recently collaborated on a book entitled “Hypnotic Women” with over 50 female hypnotists.

From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, she will present a free lecture at the Syracuse Public Library entitled “Vision for Goal Setting.” The class will be taught to make vision boards, which serve as visual guides to the subconscious to master particular goals.

On Monday, May 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. she will teach another class at the Syracuse Public Library on EFT (emotional freedom technique) tapping.

“Hypnotherapy isn’t something you can get bored in,” said Hernandez, who grew up in Milford but lived out West for a time before returning to town with her husband, Gamal.

“It’s for everyday people with everyday problems. I enjoy helping others accomplish what they couldn’t accomplish on their own and in the end, getting rid of problems and enabling others to help themselves in the future.”

For questions about hypnotherapy, contact Hernandez at (574) 658-4686 or [email protected].