Dr. Gigi Arnaud is an award-winning, NYC-based Mindset Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Speaker. For over thirty years, she worked as a dentist in her own private practice and, 17 years ago, also decided to become a certified life coach and hypnotherapist. For so many years, she had been that smiling person who looked sunny and successful on the outside yet was quietly suffering on the inside. Through her own discovery and years of training and treatment (i.e., coaching, therapy, and more), she did the work to change from the inside out and unlock the traps inside her mind. Now, she helps others do the same and change their negative and unhelpful thought patterns to those more aligned with who they authentically are, what they truly want, and how to get there (actions). She uses her unique ‘art and science’ background, intuition, and practical tools to help her clients hear their own unique voices so that they finally flourish in their personal and professional lives. Her mission is to transform your thinking to transform your life, become the real you, and thrive!
Dr. Gigi Arnaud, Mindset Coach/Trauma Healing Coach & Hypnotherapist
Who is Gigi?
I would say that I’m a ‘healer’ and ‘creative’ (and a mom). This is why I’m here; it’s my purpose, passions, and priorities. I just knew, somewhere deep inside, that being a dentist/dental practice owner (for more than 30 years), wasn’t the best way to express myself (my authentic self) and to help others. So, 20 years ago, I decided to study hypnosis so that I could help my fearful/phobic dental patients. I found it fascinating and became a certified hypnotherapist through ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis). Then, I was told by a neighbor, about coaching. She told me that I did it naturally and should get certified... and I did. I knew, right away, that this was the path I wanted to take. I had to wait a few years as I was a single mom raising my son.
I am a highly curious and adventurous person. Since childhood, I have been fascinated with other cultures, languages, and attitudes and have traveled around the world... and will continue to do so... Throughout my travels, I have seen and learned that we humans have much in common, with certain differences that add some spice to life.
It took me many years (decades, really), to re-become who I was meant to be; a lot of deep inner work, and the up and down journey of healing trauma, in my case, mostly intergenerational and developmental. There was a lot of inner conflict, anxiety, sadness, and suffering on this journey and much of the motivation for my present work is that others don’t spend as much time suffering as I did. It’s not necessary once you learn to master your mind and consequently, your life.
I now have the honor to help others Change their mind(set) to Change their lives! Through coaching and/or hypnosis, we work with both the conscious and subconscious minds, through habit, routine formation, etc. and with hypnosis, mindfulness, visualization, mental imagery, and many exercises of the: mind, body, and spirit (ie: breathing, negative talk time, positive talk time, morning routine, trauma healing, etc.). My clients learn how to change and create new neural pathways, so that they can change their beliefs and thought patterns (trapped in the deeper, stronger, ‘automatic pilot’ subconscious mind) to those that will help them become who they truly are – their AUTHENTIC selves and live their best lives. There’s nothing better!
I have learned that ‘creativity’ in any of its shapes or forms is necessary, whether it be in the arts, business, teaching, family life... It’s an essential part of who we are as humans. I ignored my creative side for way too long and didn’t have the ‘release’ needed for my stored-up anxiety and creative imagination. A few years ago, I got back to my creative side and am now painting and writing again. Creativity is not only a big part of my life but a big part of the process to becoming the real you. It’s very helpful for hypnosis, coaching, and imagining, and designing your most fulfilling and joyful life...
How has this time of COVID been for you?
In some ways, it has affected me like most everyone else; there was fear of illness and mostly, fear of the unknown. I knew that flexibility and resilience would be two of the most important attributes to lean in towards, as individuals and as a society.
My folks, who were both from Paris, France, had been ‘hidden children’ Holocaust survivors, who had to hide throughout their (lost) childhoods. I was raised knowing about obstacles, challenges, and the ups and downs of life, including my own. So, I was somewhat prepared for this awful, yet necessary pause the Universe was giving us. By this time, I had learned enough about accepting life on its own terms to do just that. Most of my adult life had been spent in inner conflict between how I thought my life ‘should’ go and how it really was going. I decided to let go...
When COVID started, I had to close down my dental office. At the same time, I knew that I needed another knee replacement and that I would have to be ‘out of work’ again... Then, my orthopedic Dr. told me that my hands were getting worse (arthritis) and that it would be a good idea to stop clinical dentistry. Not to mention that my son, friends, and others, were imploring me to stop... for my health. Giving up a long career and the dental patients I really liked and cared about, was hard but I knew that I was getting signs and signals from all over: my own body, others who love me, my physician, etc. I took a couple of months to just do what gave me joy, which I hadn’t been able to do for decades. I continued painting (mostly acrylics and collage), writing, and going to neighborhood cafes to read (when things looked safe enough here in NYC). I was enjoying my time and felt ‘in the flow.’ I knew that it was time to return to me and part of my purpose: creativity and also to continue on my path as a: healer (ie: dentist, life coach, mindset/trauma healing coach, hypnotherapist).
I had already become certified as a life coach and hypnotherapist, while I was a dentist. I had been practicing these on the side while doing dentistry and I loved it. It was a way to help others that was ‘more aligned with me’. So, I decided that I would sell my dental practice and re-start my online business as a Mindset Coach, Hypnotist, and Speaker. There was plenty of work involved. I did it... and I couldn’t be happier...
Although COVID has been so tough for so many, I’ve decided to live with it in my unique way and to let it take me where I’m meant to go…
Honestly, without COVID, I don’t think I would have had the courage, just yet, to give up dentistry, and to start a new business and lifestyle. You know what they say, “Never let a crisis go to waste...”
Yes; we have to learn to be flexible and resilient while staying strong in our intentions, motivation, and methods. Sometimes, the universe, source, whatever/whoever you call it, gives you a hint or a strong hit on the head, to say, ‘Stop; pause; breathe. This time, I’m not giving you a choice.’ We’ve been in a go-go-go, non-stop communication culture for a while now. Maybe it’s time to slow down the pace, take a pause, and reset...
I really like how Megan Hines puts it, “Lockdown brought me home... to myself. Going from what has been an insanely fast pace of life for so many years to stopping still was a gift. It gave me time, it made me stop and listen... I embraced the change of pace for that moment.”
Yes; for many, this time of COVID has been horrible: illness, death, losing loved ones, careers, livelihoods, poverty, homelessness, and more. For others, it has (and still can be) an opportunity to pause... and transform yourself and your life for the better.
How and what made you go from being a dentist to being a Mindset/Trauma Healing Coach, Hypnotist, and Speaker?
Since as far back as I can remember, I knew I was meant to help others, as some kind of healer, and as a communicator and a creative person. I started ballet at 4 years old, became a gymnast in high school, and loved drawing and discovering new people and cultures. Unfortunately, my mother ‘repressed’ my creative expression (I wanted to be a dancer), and though I understand it on a rational level, it left me heartbroken and soul-broken, too. My folks were both immigrants and my mom didn’t have the opportunity to get a college education or a career and she absolutely wanted to make sure that I’d have both. I didn’t rebel; many children with intergenerational trauma backgrounds don’t. I was a very good student and, over time, decided to become a dentist (it was challenging, though I could mix art and science and use my hands).
I’m not sorry I became a dentist, although being in psychology and/or communication would have been more aligned with who I really was and am. Dentistry let me use my mind and my hands and allowed me to give my son and I, a good life. But something was always missing... I felt a hole in my soul. While I was working and being a mom, I didn’t allow myself time to express my creativity and this, for me, was spirit-crushing.
I am a multi-passionate person and I love to learn. I have always been fascinated with the brain and how the mind and psyche work. So, learning hypnosis and life coaching only increased my interest and creativity in learning about mindset, trauma, and how we humans work. I started with coaching and hypnosis clients, some of whom were my dental patients... and I was hooked. I saw that there was another way of helping others not only get to the life they really want but to get back to their authentic selves. I love to teach, so I’m able to do this, as a mentor and a writer.
It’s been quite a journey, much like a bumpy rollercoaster ride but it’s been worth it. I had to:
identify the trauma I’d experienced (intergenerational and developmental),
start the process of healing it (a long, tough process) and now, I’m feeling the great effects of
PTG: post-traumatic growth (more empathy, self-awareness, compassion, self-regulation, etc.).
I love what I’m doing now and I make the time for self-care, to — paint, write and spend time with those I love.
You don’t have to stay in a career, relationship or place that you’re not happy in. You don’t have to stay in a profession because you studied for many years or because you make oodles of money. Money helps but it’s not enough. Your profession and your life must be in alignment with the authentic you… then, life is good!
What were your biggest obstacles, challenges, limiting beliefs, that delayed or stopped you on your journey?
The biggest one was one that I didn’t even know existed until I was 35 years old and acting in a play called ‘Children of...’ We were all kids of Holocaust survivors and had many of the same negative and scary beliefs about the world (not surprising). I had always felt ‘different.’ Growing up, my parents were the only French people around. Within our home, several languages were spoken and there was much chaos, sadness and anger. This was the first time that I was with a group of people who really understood. This is how I discovered or identified that I had trauma. By the way, you can have Big T trauma and little T trauma, which I explain about in my blog posts and writing.
Then, I got out of a bad marriage and raised my son, pretty much on my own. So, I had to raise my son, work as a dentist and had to leave acting behind. My healing journey had begun: therapists, coaches, books, courses, anything and everything to discover why I was feeling so ‘empty’ and sad inside and constantly anxious.
There were more challenges but the most important thing I realized was that it was the ‘internal’ stuff, my beliefs and thought patterns, that caused this anxiety, depression and suffering. External stuff happens… to everyone but it’s all how you (your mind) respond to it. That was my big ‘aha’ moment. It’s me. I can ‘control’ how I respond to this. I just need to learn how… to master my mindset!
Then, there was the learning how. This was a long and sometimes challenging process, that went on for years and still continues today. There has been a big shift (yahoo). I’m not constantly repeating those negative things I’d been telling myself for decades; I now trust the universe more; I’m learning to recognize what ‘triggers’ me and how to react to it in a healthier and happier way and most importantly, how to always keep in alignment with the real me!
Did these challenges help you to grow?
For sure. Without these limiting and negative, repeating beliefs and the ensuing sadness, stress, anxiety and suffering it caused me, I may not have ‘listened’ to my inner voice and opened my heart to discover who I really am.
You don’t want to die with the music still within you. We’re all here to become who we are; to be who we’re meant to be and to do what we’re born to do. So, just do it. You need lots of courage, consistency and compassion, mostly for yourself.
I’m not saying that the challenges I had or that any of us have, are easy. It’s the way we respond to them that starts showing what we’re made of and who we are; sometimes deep, deep inside.
There were other experiences, not always easy, that helped me grow and look at life as an always-learning adventure. Living abroad was one. After dental school, I went to live in Israel and lived and worked there for 5 years. This was still a new country (in the 1980s) and living in Israel was very different than living in the United States or in France. There were less luxury and manners but the warmth, friendliness and spirit of the people were amazing. I learned of and met people of cultures I had never heard of. I learned about dealing with inflation (425% at the time). My friends were, literally, from all over the globe. It was exciting, interesting, fun, and full of newness and excitement. I was in a new place and could choose what I wanted, who I wanted. It was also stressful, not because of physical danger or security issues but because things moved fast there, people were straightforward and full of energy. I learned that I could adapt to an economically, emotionally and sometimes, physically tough environment.
Later on, being a divorced single mom taught me a lot about not necessarily needing to fit in (with society’s standards). I found out that not everyone was open to alternate ways of living which are, presently, quite commonplace. This wasn’t an easy lesson but, for me, a necessary one.
Developing arthritis and the necessity of several surgeries and joint replacements have reinforced the vital and primary importance of good health: mental, physical, emotional, environmental and even, spiritual. Your mother may have said it; mine certainly did. Believe it. Do self-care, and keep yourself fit and flexible, in mind, body and spirit.
I may have struggled physically in the last few years but it has taught me loads emotionally…
Where are you now and what are you up to?
In my coaching/hypnosis practice, I get so much pleasure helping people get back to (or move forward to) their authentic selves, both personally and professionally. This forever changes their life’s trajectory, for the better. They don’t have to be sad, stressed and suffering inside while trying to look good and happy on the outside. Their inner and outer beings come together. Their nervous systems get regulated. They learn habits, routines and rituals to keep them moving forward and motivated and consistent. They are not judging themselves. They are allowed to be WHO they really are and they’re beautiful. They understand WHY they’re here (purpose, passions and priorities) and this makes all the difference!
I love what I’m doing. I feel like I’m finally aligned with my soul and with the outer world, even with COVID right outside the door.
I know, for sure, that no matter what age or stage of life you’re at or in or whatever you’ve been through (your circumstances), you can change, even if you do it one tiny step at a time. It’ll get you moving forward, onward and on to your best, most fulfilling, most stunning life. Like a caterpillar crawling on a leaf and then, doing the ‘inner healing’ in his/her cocoon, the result is still the same: a gorgeous, personally powerful and free butterfly! To become this beautiful butterfly, a caterpillar undergoes massive transformation or metamorphosis. You can do it too; it’s magical!
As Maya Angelou said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
I believe that we can all make the changes or transformations necessary to become the unique, authentic butterfly we came here to be!
It seems that you love to read and write. What are a few of the books that have really helped and/or affected you, on your journey?
There are so many. I am really a bit of a book addict and intensely curious. For now, I’ll give you the name of 3 that have to do with Mindset, Trauma, and understanding your mind/brain.
The Mastery of Self: by Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. It’s written as a parable and contains so much wisdom. You will learn (with exercises too) how to master your mind and thus, your life. A large feat for a little book…
Man’s Search for Meaning: by Dr. Viktor Frankl. It’s about his experience as a concentration camp survivor (a background I relate to) and how his own search for meaning transformed his mindset and his life, throughout one of the most horrific experiences in history.
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: by Pete Walker. The title doesn’t sound too exciting but I couldn’t put this book down. If you have been through any type of trauma (and most of us have), you will learn a lot and recognize a lot in this book.
There are so many other great books out there. If anyone wants recommendations for other kinds of books, please contact me @www.gigiarnaud.com
Keep learning, keep growing and keep smiling. Change your mind to change your life!
You can find me @DrGigiArnaud on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
