My experience is that people commonly find a safe place within – like a meadow, a river, a rock, or a tree. In that safe place, they often meet God. I define God as a presence that radiates unconditional love and possibility. The imagination may clothe that presence as a religious figure, a radiant light, a grandparent, a childhood pet, or a wild animal. What’s important is that they experience a level of love and safety that was unimaginable before. Once they know they are lovable, loved and safe, they can do anything!

I have never witnessed anyone being assailed by an evil force. People do, however, journey into darkness. It is the darkness of their own fear that hinders them from accepting parts of themselves. For example, someone may be afraid to face the vulnerable self or the angry self and so hides that part in the shadows of denial. Hypnosis is a vehicle that allows a person to bring the light of love to these rejected parts. Love does the healing.