Author: Brian Balke

Brian is building his hypnotherapy practice in Ventura, CA. His inspiration is to support clients seeking to overcome trauma and discomfort, and to build self-esteem.
Specializations

Therapeutic Imagery Master Certification

Brian Balke

This weekend I completed Cheryl O’Neil’s Therapeutic Imagery Series. The series is an extended course in guided hypnotic journeys that allows the client’s subconscious mind to speak freely. The sequence of journeys builds strength and confidence in the mental landscape to facilitate the exposure of deep motivations with “Divine Timing” – that is to say, when the subconscious is confident that the waking mind will not become confused or debilitated.

The series spans the full kaleidoscope of life’s experiences: from relationships to grief to unmet goals to psychic connection. Many of the journeys are suitable for group sessions, an activity that I intend to make a cornerstone of my practice.

I am proud of the association with Cheryl, not least because of her demonstrative patience, warmth, and positivity.

Events

Client Ready!

Brian Balke

With the support of Brian Chapman at Anacapa Office Furniture and the team at PTS Furniture, I’m blessed with a wonderful therapeutic space. Knick-knacks were gifted from my grandmother, collected from Taos on my 49th birthday, and acquired here and there on “random destination” vacations over the last five years. Steve Richardson contributed two paintings that capture my joy in life. “Green Peace” is evident here, but you’ll have to come in to see “Freedom from Association.”

Entry off an isolated corridor.
Initial entry impression.
Seating for induction and therapy.
Wardrobe and knick-knacks.
Business end.

I’m so pleased and proud to have this environment in which to fulfill my intention to channel peace and healing into the lives of my clients. Hope to see you there soon!

Specializations

Post-Traumatic Stress

Brian Balke

Imagine being forced from a place where everything is provided into a world where nothing is certain.

Being born is traumatic, but the newborn is hard-wired to open his or her eyes to seek a comforting face. When the mother presents her nipple, the sucking instinct teaches that if we cooperate, the world is full of wonderful surprises.

But events can break down that confidence. The persistent threat of violence, witnessing violence committed against others, and natural disasters: all threaten our core belief in safety. Our subconscious clamors for our conscious mind to make certain that never happens again.

Our Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) steals life’s wonderful surprises.

For those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the fear response takes over. The sights and sounds of the traumatic experience are brought back when a car horn sounds, or a waitress serves a certain sandwich at another table. PTSD sufferers withdraw from the world.

Through hypnotherapy, the subconscious is made part of the known effective therapies for PTS and PTSD: Innoculation Therapy builds habits that soothe fear; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy breaks down guilt and shame; and as self-esteem improves, Exposure Therapy allows us to find good in the situations that we’ve been avoiding.

If you are suffering from PTSD, talk to your doctor and psychotherapist about adding hypnotherapy to your treatment program. If they agree – or if you are eager for other methods to address PTS – contact Brian to discover just how powerful a tool hypnotherapy is for reconnecting with the love that surrounds us all.

Basics

Bring Your Whole Self to Life

Brian Balke

WholenessWe all want to be whole. We want to bring our best and most complete self to everything we do. We seek fulfilment in all parts of our life.

But the world demands that we break our lives into parts: a part with friends, a part at home, a part at work, a part in bed, a part when we’re alone. We need to be a different person at different times and with different people.

Those demands create tensions in our bodies and minds that we can’t see, and often that we ignore. They come at us through body pains, anger and anxiety, or a need to escape. We treat them with passive entertainment, substance abuse, or attempts to control others.

StressMontage

Are You Ready for Change?

ReformedHeart
Hypnotherapy brings our hidden tensions into the light, allowing us to change our life without breaking it.

That knowledge allows us to build relationships around the goal of mutual support and joy. As our tensions melt away, the incredible healing powers of our body and mind take flight.

TrustCourage

Such personal change is an inspiration for change in the world. We become part of a greater whole, rooted in the trust that is the foundation of courage.

The Hypnotist’s Contribution

The tools of the hypnotherapist are:Hypnosis

  • Listening – hearing your truth.
  • Dreams – the messages of our subconscious.
  • Hypnosis – a temporary and comfortable merging of the conscious and subconscious.
  • Life Skills Coaching – daily tools and habits that anchor positive change.
  • Collaboration – with licensed medical and mental health professionals.