Well, I'm new to this site, I got an invite about a month ago and finally; I got around to signing up.  I figured I would introduce myself and talk a little bit about how I became interested in hypnosis and throw some food for thought in there as well.

I obtained my certification about two months ago and since that time: I've noticed some odd "coincidences"-just about everything I have heard, read or has been caught by my eye, has at least one reference to hypnotism.  I am noticing that evidence of hypnosis seems to be everywhere.  I have also taken these last couple of months to research the subject on the internet and am learning quite a bit.  Hypnosis is an extensive and interesting subject-with a vast plethora of opinions and information.  It even seems to be touched on, on subjects such as back-masking and reverse speech.  

I have read the claim that hypnosis is the oldest profession in the world: I think it is one of the oldest, but I think the oldest would probably be hunting.

I became interested in the subject of hypnosis at the age of 17; after reading a book by Dr. Joseph Murphy called: "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind"-that book gave me a lot to think about, but it also helped to put some personal matters into perspective at that time.  I became curious about the mind, which prompted me to seek out the knowledge.  I also read another book at that time, which was on the subject of Osteopathy by a guy named Robert Fullford because I began to wonder about the connection between the mind and the body.  The book was full of useful information and provided me with a large quantity of information.  At that time: I was beginning to understand the relationship between the mind and the body and how it seems to be connected with everything and everyone else.  

I have always been something of a philosopher and prior to my seeking information about the subconscious mind, I was very interested in paranormal type stuff: researching different religions and perspectives on spirituality.  I started read about this kind of stuff at about age 13; and my teachers would say to me: "Those book will give you nightmares, Rob."  Turns out: they were wrong.  

One of the things that intrigued me the most was something I read about the Shoalin Monks, who were said to have the power to heal the sick with the touch of their hand and just by focusing their minds and directing the energy of their chi.  Martial Arts is another subject that has always fascinated me.  When I was a little boy; I wanted to take Karate or Judo, but was unable to.  I watched a lot of Martial Arts movies and was intrigued by the Ninja.  It wasn't the weapons or the combat that made the Ninja so interesting to me: it was the element of invisibility and stealth.  I can remember being a kid and thinking how cool that must be; to be able to move and do things like the Ninja could do.

Having learned and continuing to learn about hypnosis; I now believe that the Ninja were trained in the use of hypnosis and that it was one of the techniques they used to make themselves seem invisible-among other things.  There is actually an old form of hypnosis in Japan that I believe is called: Tsi-min-jitsu

I sought the assistance of a local hypnotherapist a couple of years ago, after being so overwhelmed with agoraphobia that it was trapping me and preventing me from going any further in life.  The hypnosis was so helpful and beneficial that I wanted to use it myself to help others and improve the quality of life.  It was a year later when I obtained my certification and I'm glad and proud to have it.  It's very empowering to have this knowledge and these skills that I have learned and am continuing to learn and develop.

I think it's an exciting time to be involved in such a field, as it's acceptance in North America seems to be growing in greater numbers everyday

I once spoke to an osteopath and he told me that in Europe-where he was from; there are Osteopathy clinics on just about every corner.  There are also a large number of other alternative treatments (such as hypnosis) and acupuncture in Europe and Asia as well that are used in conjunction with conventional doctors and medicine,  

It seems that North America is beginning to come around and I think there are many interesting developments ahead.  

Something else I am beginning to understand about the subconscious mind is that besides communicating by feelings, it also seems to utilize the language of metaphors.  

A friend and I had a disagreement on a particular subject sometime ago and after that, I was under the impression that my friend was very upset with me, which really began to bother me.  We have been friends for almost 30 years after all.  I began experiencing really bad back pain soon after this, almost to the point where I could hardly move.  After a few weeks: I called my friend and asked if they were angry-they just laughed and said: "No.  I've never been mad at you in my entire life."  Almost instantly my pain started to fade and it was because I had gotten "the load off." or “had gotten the monkey off my back."

Recently, after a session with someone, I had conducted a post interview and they mentioned to me that they kept seeing circles and squares.  This intrigued me, and upon further questioning; they told me about feeling confused.

     A couple of days later: I wondered; perhaps: "going in circles" or "spinning the wheels" and need to think outside of the box

Interesting-of course this is just a theory of mine.