Carla Chalah, award-winning hypnotherapist, hypnosis trainer and integrative coach, is a leader in the fields of hypnosis and holistic wellness. Internationally recognized, she educates with passion and acumen. Founder of Hemisphere Hypnotherapy and EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center, her mission: trance-form and empower lives!
In the vast and varied landscape of therapeutic professions, there exists a paradox that often remains unspoken. Those of us who have dedicated our lives to guiding others through their journeys of healing frequently find ourselves neglecting the very essence of our well-being. This contradiction is not bound by the confines of any specific discipline; it is a common thread that weaves through the lives of therapists, hypnotherapists, coaches, holistic wellness practitioners, and leaders alike. My personal journey of trance-formation and self-healing, which began with overcoming childhood trauma through hypnotherapy, serves as a testament to this universal truth. This experience not only saved my life (literally) but also laid the foundation for my professional path, teaching me a profound lesson: in the art of healing, we are at once both the sculptor and the clay, endlessly shaping and being shaped by our experiences.
The awakening: Rediscovering self-healing amidst life's turmoil
My professional accolades and the recognition I garnered in my field could not shield me from the personal challenges that lay in wait. A decade into my career, I found myself wrestling with the weight I had gained after becoming a parent. The irony of my situation was stark and unforgiving. Here I was, a practitioner who had successfully led countless individuals on their journeys to weight loss, now unable to navigate my own path to wellness. This dissonance rang as a clarion call for change, urging me not only to espouse the virtues of self-care and wellness but to embody them. Thus began my transformative journey of self-healing, where I shed 90 pounds in less than a year, a testament to the efficacy of practicing what one preaches.
The irony of neglect: Self-healing challenges for healing professionals
As my personal self-healing journey of transformation and holistic healing deepened, I encountered a profound irony that seems to echo throughout our professional community. During numerous hypnosis conferences and workshops, I was struck by the sight of my peers—talented and dedicated hypnotists, therapists, and wellness practitioners—confronting their own battles with health, habits, and hidden fears. This wasn't about casting judgment; it was about recognizing our shared vulnerabilities. Their struggles mirrored my own, creating a bond of shared humanity that underscored the complexities of our roles as healers.
I noticed fellow practitioners who, despite their expertise in promoting health and wellness, struggled with managing their weight, just as I had after becoming a working parent. The irony of teaching weight loss techniques while fighting this personal battle was not lost on me. It was a humbling reminder of the challenges we face in aligning our professional practices with our personal lives.
Similarly, between sessions, some would step outside for a quick smoke break, a habit incongruent with the wellness strategies we advocated for our clients. Observing this, I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of human behavior and the difficulties in overcoming habits that we know are harmful to us.
Nail biting during intense discussions or moments of silence revealed underlying anxieties and stresses, even among those who specialized in stress management techniques. This nervous habit, often overlooked, highlighted the constant presence of stress, anxiety and imposter syndrome that professionals are not immune to, despite their knowledge and resources.
Moreover, candid conversations unveiled that some of my peers harbored fears and phobias, such as a fear of flying or driving on highways, which restricted their personal and professional lives. These fears, especially poignant for individuals skilled in helping others overcome such obstacles, underscored the universal challenge of facing and conquering our deepest fears.
These observations and interactions were not moments of critique but of connection, offering a mirror to my own challenges and insecurities. They reminded me that the journey of self-improvement and healing is ongoing, full of contradictions and learning opportunities. It emphasized that as practitioners, our effectiveness is not diminished by our struggles; rather, it is enhanced by our willingness to face them, to learn from them, and to continue guiding others with empathy and authenticity. Our shared experiences, with all their imperfections, are what truly bind us in our collective quest for wellness and understanding.
The healer's path: Embracing authenticity and self-healing
This realization marked a significant turning point in my life. It compelled me to confront the glaring discrepancy between the ideals I championed professionally and the realities of my personal life. Embarking on a journey toward holistic wellness required a multifaceted approach, one that acknowledged the intricate interplay between physical, emotional, and mental health. I committed myself to embody the change I desired for my clients, affirming the transformative power of hypnosis and the practices I advocated.
Deepening the practice: Seven strategies for self-healing
1. Embrace comprehensive well-being
The journey to wellness is not solely about physical health; it encompasses the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our being. Creating a lifestyle that nurtures all aspects of our health is essential for true transformation.
2. Living the principles
It is imperative that we, as healers, incorporate the strategies and techniques we recommend into our daily lives. This not only reaffirms their validity but also strengthens our authenticity as practitioners.
3. Fostering connection and vulnerability for self-healing
Building a network of like-minded individuals committed to personal and professional growth creates a supportive ecosystem that encourages healing and development.
Opening up about our personal experiences, including both challenges and achievements, can forge stronger connections with clients and motivate them in their own healing journeys. Initially, I was apprehensive about making the therapy sessions too centered on my narrative, fearing that my vulnerability or discussions of my struggles might overshadow the client's needs. Yet, over time, I've recognized the profound impact of acknowledging our shared humanity and presenting ourselves more authentically to clients. It establishes a foundation of empathy and trust, essential for effective healing. Moreover, being open about our flaws lessens the pressure to seem infallible. By opening up about my own journey with weight management, I not only deepened my connection with clients but also experienced a tangible sense of relief, as a literal weight was lifted, freeing me from the compulsion to present an image of perfection. This practice encourages a genuine therapeutic relationship, inspiring clients to approach their healing process with more self-compassion and reduced self-criticism.
4. Introspection and growth
Regular self-reflection is vital for acknowledging our areas of neglect and actively seeking ways to address them. This ongoing process of introspection fosters continuous personal growth.
5. Setting clear boundaries for self-healing
Learning to say no and drawing clear boundaries is essential for preventing burnout. It's crucial for keeping a balance between our work commitments and personal life, ensuring we remain energized and passionate about helping others. Additionally, by demonstrating these boundaries to our clients—be it through enforcing a cancellation policy, adhering to session timings, or turning down appointments that interfere with our personal time—we offer a powerful lesson in self-care and respect. This approach benefits not only our own health but also educates our clients on the importance of establishing and honoring their own limits. Such actions highlight the critical role of boundaries in creating a healthy, enduring therapeutic alliance and personal wellness.
6. Honoring our journey
Recognizing and celebrating our milestones is crucial for sustaining motivation and inspiring both ourselves and those we serve. Each achievement, no matter how small, is a step towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.
7. Practice an attitude of gratitude
Gratitude acts as a powerful force of attraction, playing a pivotal role in both our personal and professional spheres. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate what we once yearned for, imbuing our lives with a sense of thankfulness. This act of taking a moment to express gratitude not only boosts our personal satisfaction and joy but also enhances our ability to undergo transformation. By consistently acknowledging our achievements, the bonds we form, and the wisdom we acquire, we energetically open the door to deeper transformations and opportunities for personal growth. Practicing gratitude fosters a positive mindset, invites further transformation, and keeps us in a state of openness crucial for ongoing self-improvement and professional distinction.
Reflecting on the profound insights of Dr. Wayne Dyer, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change," it's clear this wisdom profoundly impacts our self-perception. Altering how we see ourselves triggers an internal shift. Indeed, our perceptions define our experiences...
Conclusion: Embodying the change we seek through self-healing
The narrative of "healing the healer" is a powerful reminder of the dual role we embody in the therapeutic process. As practitioners, our responsibility extends beyond guiding our clients through their healing journeys. We are also tasked with navigating our own paths of self-discovery and transformation. This dual commitment is not merely a pursuit of personal betterment but a mission to uplift the entire therapeutic community. By embracing our vulnerabilities and dedicating ourselves to our well-being, we become beacons of change, inspiring those we serve to embark on their healing journeys with hope and courage.
My personal story—from navigating childhood trauma with hypnotherapy to overcoming the challenges of post-parenthood weight gain—underscores the importance of living the principles we teach. The path to self-healing is fraught with obstacles, yet it is imbued with invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. Our commitment to our own well-being not only enhances our ability to support others but also elevates our practice to new heights of authenticity and effectiveness.
I extend this invitation to my fellow healers: embark on your journey of self-discovery and transformation. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also ensure that we provide the highest quality of care to those we serve. Together, let us embrace the journey of self-healing, striving to become the models of wellness we aspire to be, and in turn, transform the therapeutic landscape for the better.
Read more from Carla Chalah
Carla Chalah, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Trainer
Carla Chalah's journey from childhood trauma to a pioneer in hypnotherapy and holistic wellness showcases her dedication to trance-formative healing. Embracing her own path of recovery, she explored potent change strategies, evolving from Harvard dropout to award-winning hypnotist and coach. As the founder of Hemisphere Hypnotherapy and EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center, Carla is commited to unlocking others' potential, guiding them to lead fulfilling lives worth celebrating.
