Baltimore Therapist Helps Clients By Using Hypnotherapeutic Methods
Hypnotherapy is a psychotherapeutic practice that uses hypnosis to treat emotional and psychological problems. Just ask Mary Sidhwani, a therapist in Ellicott City, who specializes in hypnotherapy. After working in psychiatric nursing for 13 years, Sidhwani returned to graduate school in hopes of expanding her role from nurse to therapist. Back in 2000 she opened her own private practice, Women's Therapeutic Center.
Sidhwani earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from the University of Maryland, College Park where she also obtained licensure as a registered nurse. She holds a master's degree in clinical hypnosis and a doctorate in counseling psychology, both from St. John's University. She is also certified in clinical hypnosis.
What are the responsibilities of your current role as a hypnotherapist?
"My responsibilities include seeing clients for sessions, full-time, in my private practice. I also handle all phone calls, emails, scheduling and billing. In addition, I teach self-hypnosis classes to small groups."
What is your favorite part about your daily duties?
"My favorite part of my day is spending time with my clients and having the privilege of guiding and supporting them through challenges in their lives."
How has your education and training prepared you as a hypnotherapist?
"My educational training, both as a registered nurse and as a psychotherapist, has been extremely beneficial in dealing with challenging situations. An example is being able to handle crisis situations in a calm, professional manner as well as utilizing the hypnotherapy background to do regression work, as needed, for healing long-standing issues."
What do you do to continue your education and professional training?
"I love to learn and am continually taking courses in cutting edge techniques as well as taking a four-day workshop each year through ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis). In addition, I read clinical journals and other related books and articles."
Do you have any advice for others looking to enter this field?
"Though I love my work, it can be extremely challenging at times, and so it is important to have a passion for this work—to keep up your motivation and discipline to move through difficult days. Also, it is extremely important to continue to learn and find new, innovative ways to reach clients. Each one is unique, very special and deserves to have that client-centered approach."
Laura Catherine Hermoza has a lifelong love for writing. In addition to serving as a contributor to various media publications, she is also a published novelist of several books and works as a proofreader/editor. LC resides in Baltimore County.