As a board certified hypnotist, Jessica Bartram is all too familiar with the stereotypical images her career often generates. If sideshow stages, swinging pocket watches and the phrase, “You’re getting very sleepy,” come to mind, Jessica doesn’t totally blame you. But she will make it her mission to prove you wrong.
Leaving the stereotypes behind, Jessica’s goal as a hypnotist is to create positive change at the subconscious level. By matching conscious desires with the subconscious goals from weight loss to managing smoking to quitting smoking can be made easier. “In hypnosis you’re focused on achieving a goal or making a change,” Jessica explains. “Hypnosis is an experience very similar to guided meditation.”
The trance-like state often mistakenly associated with hypnosis couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, awareness and relaxation are central to the process. Just the sound of a little guided relaxation is enough to make a career girl swoon!
How did you begin your career as a hypnotist and coach?
My Grandmother is a hypnotist so I grew up assuming everyone knew the benefits. After doing a high school project on hypnosis and seeing the strange looks I was getting, I realized most people just think of stage hypnosis. Experiencing the benefits first hand, I knew I had to show people how to control of their own thoughts and create changes through hypnosis.
How would you explain your company to others who might not be familiar with it?
We offer hypnosis sessions and corporate workshops for self-improvement in-person in North Carolina and online. Hypnosis is an experience very similar to guided meditation. The major difference is in hypnosis you’re focused on achieving a goal or making a change. When you’re relaxed, then your subconscious (that place memories, feelings, habits are stored) is more open to making changes.
What is a typical day in your life like? How do you organize your day?
After dropping the kiddos off at school, I head to work. Before I see any clients a take some time to meditate and focus on an intention for the day. Typically my workday is spent seeing clients one-on-one, hosting a workshop or group session for local businesses.
How do you use technology to connect with clients? Do you feel the connection with your clients is any different than if meeting in person?
We do sessions online through FaceTime or Skype all the time! Some people are apprehensive at first because they think the session will only be effective if it’s person. However, the sessions online are just as effective because the client is in their own environment and able to relax much easier!
What are the most common misconceptions about your career?
Oh boy! Most people think of stage hypnosis so they think they will cluck like a chicken or be unaware of what’s going on. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Clients remember the experience just like they remember a conversation.
How can hypnosis and meditation help in every day life?
Hypnosis and meditation can help change any subconscious challenges you’re facing.
While we all love the idea of sitting in quiet with no notifications sounding, how do you coach busy professionals to ensure they focus on themselves?
Take 5-to-10 minutes a day to reboot and refocus by just focusing on your breathing and visualize/think about your goals. It sounds cliché, but it’s a game changer. You don’t need a quiet, dark room and an hour alone to zen out.
As a stress relief coach, what is one piece of advice you would offer professionals who feel overwhelmed?
Make a list of your accomplishments either on your phone or in your planner. Read over it when you feel overwhelmed and take a mental note of all you have already achieved.
As a working-mom, how do you make it all happen?
I have a lot of help!
Do you feel that you have a good work/life balance, or do you have more of a work/life integration? Why?
I use to love the idea of balance, but I always ended up feeling unsuccessful. Life is life and balance is hard. Now I mesh everything together, which sounds chaotic but I find it very peaceful. Some nights I work. Some weekdays I stay home. I take it week by week and it works out great!
What is an accomplishment on your resume that you’re most proud of?
I’m proud that I can guide people to realize and utilize their true potential.
If you were left with only one book to read, what would it be?
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – or any other book by John Maxwell.
What are three pieces of career advice you’re willing to share with our readers?
- Trust yourself. It’s not supposed to be easy all the time so get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
- Take a few minutes for yourself each day. Obviously I’m an advocate of meditation and self-hypnosis but you’re version of meditation doesn’t have to be the same as mine. Perhaps it’s saying prayers, going for a quick walk or listening to peaceful music.
- Think and act like the people you look up to, even if you have to pretend for a while. What you think about and how you act, creates your future.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in this career?
Everyone has a story. Everyone is incredibly interesting and you can learn something from every person you meet if you take the time to listen.
I’d love to grab coffee with:
Gabby Bernstein
My favorite purse is:
Anything by Kate Spade
My go-to outfit is:
Blazer and jeans
My favorite dinner spot is:
Anywhere with Mexican food
I can’t live without:
Coffee!
My favorite way to unwind is:
A bath and a good self-help book
I feel my best when:
My kids are happy
Think and act like the people you look up to, even if you have to pretend for a while.