By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
The power of hypnosis and the unconscious mind is about to be unleashed on local audiences through a provocative and entertaining Stage Hypnosis show at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Hi-Desert Center Spiritual Living, 18575 Corwin Road in Apple Valley.
The program will be presented by HDCSL’s spiritual director Rev. Valerie Reeves, a certified hypnotherapist with a long track record of putting people under, all in the name of good, clean fun.
“When I put volunteer audience members in a hypnotic state, I have them do wonderful things,” said Reeves, who earned her certification from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy in Irvine. “For instance, I’ll tell them to sing like Meghan Trainor or act like a 007 secret agent.
“My favorite thing to have people do is to have people imagine they are riding on the world’s biggest roller coaster. The shows are great fun and provoke lots of laughter.”
Reeves, who began doing clinical hypnosis work in 1995, said her live shows begin with a short talk about what hypnosis is and how it works. Audience members are then asked to volunteer to come up on stage and be hypnotized. According to Reeves, she then narrows the field down to several people who she is confident can be hypnotized.
“Although some people want to be hypnotized, it just doesn’t work on them,” Reeves said.
According to Reeves, the techniques for stage hypnosis are similar to those use in clinical hypnosis where one might seek help for losing weight, quitting smoking or breaking a number of bad habits. The therapy also can be used strictly for relaxation, which Reeves highly recommends.
“I’ve been hypnotized for relaxation purposes and I absolutely love it,” said Reeves. “It’s like going on a wonderful journey. And when I come back to full consciousness, I feel so good.”
Reeves, a native of Chadron, Nebraska, says events like the Hypnosis Stage Show are part of her plan to continue expanding the Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living’s programs and special events.
Since taking over the position as spiritual director last year, Reeves has been holding a variety of classes on spiritual growth, as well as ongoing workshops to empower individuals to live happy, healthy and prosperous lives.
“This center has always been called the High Desert’s best-kept secret but we aren’t a secret anymore,” said Reeves, who holds a bachelor’s degree in metaphysical counseling from the American College of Metaphysical Theology.
“There were so many people in the community who didn’t realize that we were here or that there was a place they can come and be in perfect alignment with what they believe. That is all changing and we’re very excited about it.”
Along with providing a family-oriented night of entertainment to area residents, Reeves’ Stage Hypnosis show also will serve as a fundraiser for HDCSL to fund its many programs and services.
Tickets to the event are $10 and can be purchased by calling 760-242-2302. For more information, visit www.hdcsl.com. Visit Reeves at www.comedybox.org.