The Philadelphia Inquirer

Jan. 5, 2009

Ignore the hype – Hypnosis Helps, Advocates Say

By Maya Rao
Inquirer Staff Writer

Want to lose weight? Quit smoking? Overcome your fears?

Wendy Merron believes hypnosis can help both longtime strivers and people who recently committed to New Year’s resolutions.

A dozen people gathered at Congregation Or Shalom in Berwyn yesterday afternoon to learn about the technique from Merron, a certified hypnotist, and other instructors on the fifth annual World Hypnotism Day.

Proponents of the technique established the day with the aim of debunking misconceptions about hypnosis and promoting its benefits.

At yesterday’s event, Merron spoke, among other things, about the value of hypnosis in reducing stress.

“It’s a very natural state,” she said in an interview. “It’s kind of like guided meditation.”

Yet many people mistakenly believe that a hypnotist can control someone else or that a hypnotized person may be unable to leave that state, Merron said.

She maintains that hypnosis isn’t a magic pill, but that it can help people think more positively “so you feel inspired instead of feeling forced to make a change.”