Members of the Louisiana Hypnotherapy Association will present an introductory seminar focusing on the purpose and use of hypnosis at 12 noon, Saturday, Aug. 11, at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.

This event is free of charge and is open to the public. There is no registration.

Hypnosis -- or hypnotherapy -- uses guided relaxation, intense concentration and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. The person's attention is so focused while in this state that anything going on around the person is temporarily blocked out or ignored. In this naturally occurring state, a person may focus his or her attention -- with the help of a trained therapist -- on specific thoughts or tasks.

Hypnosis can improve the success of other treatments for many conditions, including:
• Phobias, fears, and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Stress
• Post-trauma anxiety
• Grief and loss

Hypnosis also might be used to help with pain control and to overcome habits, such as smoking or overeating. It also might be helpful for people whose symptoms are severe or who need crisis management.

The Louisiana Hypnotherapy Organization is a professional organization consisting of therapists who practice in the state.

During this presentation, members of LHO will describe the various types of hypnotherapy, and the ways in which hypnotherapy are used. They will be present to answer questions.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.