The Standard

Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Bazil Manietta

A Springfield-based hypnotist is now offering his services to college students wanting to improve their test scores.

"Hypnotism is the subconscious realization of an idea," said Thom Taylor, a professional hypnotist. He described it as a tool that helps individuals achieve their goals more quickly.

Individuals must be in a voluntary relaxed state of mind that allows suggestibility to be increased, and they must be willing to participate in order to achieve a state of hypnosis. Taylor said those who are more creative and intelligent often experience the deepest state of hypnosis.

Taylor, a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, said he believes hypnotism can help students recall learned information more efficiently during test taking.

"During the hypnotism, I begin by dispelling any deep seeded fears or anxieties a student might have," Taylor said. "Then I suggest that anything they read and learn will be imprinted in their mind and can be recalled at any time."

The student test-help hypnosis sessions cost $250. Student discounts and financial help are available for students in need, Taylor said.

Taylor backs his services with a money-back guarantee if students do not pass the test.

Sessions are conducted in Taylor's home office. Students wanting more information about Taylor's services can contact Thom Taylor at (417) 725-1830.

Taylor, whose career in hypnotism is a secondary job, began learning about the practice of hypnotism in 1981. He had to pass an insurance essay exam, and he was six chapters behind in his studying two weeks before the test.

"I was in a state of panic before the test, so I went to the School of Hypnosis in Spring-field for help," Taylor said. After being hypnotized, he ended up with a grade point average higher than he had the semester before.

Taylor said he was so impressed with the results he wanted to learn hypnosis himself. He did an 80-hour internship at the school and taught classes on the therapeutic side of hypnosis, such as weight loss and nicotine addiction.

Now Taylor offers test-help hypnosis and also performs a comedy show, which he says is "the best comedy hypnosis show because it is progressive and unique." One thing he said that makes it so unique is the live keyboard player used in the show to provide sound effects.

"If I tell participants they are getting wet, the sound of dripping water will be played," Taylor said. Taylor's comedy shows can be seen at high school graduation nights and other events.

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