Marcella Hilferty, BCH, CPHI, founder of Hypno Path Center had been doing spiritual work for 10 years when she discovered the 7th Path selfhypnosis method through a set of training DVDs. She was so impressed with what she believed the technique could offer her clients that she decided to train personally with its creator, Calvin Banyan, M.A., Board Certified Hypnotist and Certified Instructor of Hypnotherapy. A trademarked technique, 5-PATH is an acronym for Five-Phase Advanced Transformational Hypnosis, and as a result of her extensive training Hilferty has been a Certified Professional Hypnosis Instructor, Certified 5-Path Hypnotist and Certified 7th Path Self-Hypnosis Instructor since 2014.

Hilferty says that clients often come to her after they’ve tried everything else, yet remain stuck in one or more areas of their lives. Through this specialized hypnosis, she says they are able to move on more easily with their lives. Her practice focuses on several specialties many people struggle with, including smoking cessation, weight release, stress and fear elimination, public speaking and self-esteem issues. “Many times, when we feel bad we distract ourselves with things that are not the healthiest for us, things like compulsive eating, shopping, sex or even social media.,” she notes. Hypnosis is a powerful tool to replace those negative habits with healthy ones that lead to a more fulfilling life.”

Unlike other more common forms of hypnotherapy, the 5-PATH method goes beyond simply offering positive suggestions in a relaxed state. Hilferty is trained to find the source of the problem and desensitize it, allowing for faster results and greater long-term success. “People may consciously wish to change, but the unconscious mind keeps them stuck in unwanted patterns of behavior. This technique returns the client to the time when the unwanted pattern was established, allowing it to be reframed,” she says. “Only then do we make suggestions for change, installing new, positive programming.” Still, she emphasizes that the client is always in control and even under hypnosis cannot be forced to do anything against his or her will.

On average, Hilferty says it requires four to five visits to resolve an issue, but it can vary based upon how deeply the issues are embedded in the subconscious. Generally, she finds that the longer an issue has been ongoing, the more work is required. She always recommends that new clients schedule five visits, which is an indication of their willingness to change. “A person must want to work on the issue,” she says. “This is not a magic pill, and I am not a magician. There’s work to be done. My goal is to help people, but they also need to be willing to help themselves and be ready to move on in their lives.”

Hilferty says that overcoming fear is a big part of her practice. For instance, someone who had a near-miss car accident might be fearful of driving or even riding in a car, which can be socially crippling. Hypnosis can help them release that fear and move on in a healthy way.

Though the 5-PATH method is used one-on-one with a hypnotist, the 7th Path Self-Hypnosis method is designed to be used by the individual a reinforcement between sessions and beyond. Banyan developed the technique after noticing the similar insights his clients consistently had when they were successful in making desired changes in their lives. Described as a combination of self-hypnosis, meditation and prayer, Hilferty says she teaches the technique to the majority of her clients and and finds that they are more successful and need fewer sessions than without it. For best results, the technique should be done daily, upon awakening in the morning, after work or in the afternoon. As an added bonus, Hilferty says the process can assist with achieving sound sleep, a benefit many clients find helpful. Practice periods include a few minutes of self-talk, and no special equipment is required. “The technique is constantly working on the subconscious, and can be used as positive affirmation,” Hilferty notes. “It helps clients re-center themselves.”

Potential clients receive a free initial consultation in a 30-minute phone call, which allows Hilferty to gauge their issue, their readiness for change and their comfort with her methodology. From there, the initial and subsequent appointments are scheduled. During the first visit, clients complete confidential paperwork (“The deeper they are willing to go, the more I am able to help.”), watch two videos, titled “The Truth About Hypnosis” and “The Secret Language of Feelings Revealed.”, a short consultation to go over an opening questions and then receive their first hypnosis session.

On the second visit, Hilferty performs a shorter follow-up consultation based on thorough review of the client’s paperwork, then performs a hypnosis session. The first visit typically lasts two to two-and-a-half hours, with subsequent visits lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions are best scheduled about a week apart, and Hilferty is typically booked from four to six weeks in advance. Depending upon the issue, she has recently begun referring back and forth with Carolyn Snyder, a certified hypnotist Hilferty personally trained in the 5-PATH and 7th Path Self-Hypnosis Methods.

As a trained instructor, Hilferty also offers group training for those wishing to become hypnosis practitioners. The 100- hour training consists of approximately 75 percent teaching and 25 percent monitored hands-on training, allowing graduates to immediately begin working with clients. Hilferty says the technique is especially popular with counselors because it enhances talk therapy, making it more efficient and effective. For individuals looking to learn self-hypnosis for there personal use, Hilferty offers one-on-one and group training for the 7th Path self-hypnosis technique.

“I often have clients leave a session remarking about how good they feel,” says Hilferty. “I can see their hopelessness lifting. It’s totally amazing. This is why I do what I do. I would love to see everyone happy with who they are and where they are and doing what they are meant to be doing in this lifetime.”

Hypno Path Center has locations in Forks Township and Kimberton, PA. For more information, call 610-248-2358 or visit hypnopathcenter.com.