Lesa J McFadden – RN, BSN, MS

Health and Wellness Coaching PLLC

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

Norman Vincent Peale

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

William Arthur Ward

Imagine that you could be a caterpillar one moment and a butterfly the next.

Louie Schwartzberg

Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor.

Brian Tracy

Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing and Health Coaching in San Antonio

About Lesa J. McFadden

I am a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

My nursing experience has ranged from general med/surg and critical care to cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, from transplant intensive care to hospice care.

To become a hypnotherapist, I completed over 200 hours of classroom and practical training in basic, intermediate and advanced hypnosis theory and technique through an accredited school of hypnosis. Among the topics covered were the use of hypnosis in weight loss, stress management, smoking cessation, and pain management, as well as the utilization of hypnosis to aid in symptom relief from various medical and emotional conditions. After completing the classes, I met the requirements and qualifications for certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist through the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA) and the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ICBCH).

My training as a certified health and wellness coach (CHC) was completed through the National Society of Health Coaches. The goal of NSHC is to produce health coaches who are skilled in engaging, guiding and supporting individuals as they move toward positive change in health behaviors. The health coach is taught to utilize Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) methods to direct decision processes with the goal to assist clients in identifying and employing self-management skills and improving health outcomes.

Providing the most effective care to my clients is of utmost importance to me. Therefore, I have continued my education through attendance at workshops, conferences, webinars and classes, as well as through extensive reading. I also research and keep up to date on various topics which I cover in my blog.

My practice adheres to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of each of the agencies through which I am licensed or certified.

Hypnosis

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Motivational Interviewing
Health Coaching

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To find out how I can help you

Call (210)480-6269 for a free telephone consultation.

Talk with Lesa

About Hypnosis

For many people, their only knowledge of hypnosis comes from the entertainment industry.

They may have seen a stage hypnotist perform or, perhaps watched a movie where hypnosis was used to control someone’s actions or thoughts. While this is great entertainment, it has little to nothing to do with clinical hypnosis. The Hollywood version of hypnotic mind control is pure fiction. While the stage performance of hypnosis does use hypnotic techniques, it is only loosely related to the practice of clinical hypnosis.

The stage hypnotist’s greatest skill may simply be the ability to choose the right participants. While it may seem that those on stage are under the control of the hypnotist, regardless of the outlandish antics a participant may perform, he/she cannot be persuaded to do anything against his/her personal morals, beliefs, ethics or will. Indeed, without the cooperation of the individual, no hypnosis can occur. This is true of stage hypnosis and of clinical hypnosis as well. Hypnosis is not mind control.

So, what is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a relaxed but highly focused state. While we think of this state as being induced by a hypnotist or hypnotherapist, hypnosis is truly just a very natural state of consciousness that we experience every day. Whether we are daydreaming, drifting off to sleep, relaxed in front of our favorite show or driving down the highway, we have all experienced this very relaxed, comfortable state. In fact, any automatic activity (for example, brushing your teeth) can elicit the same level of brain waves (state of consciousness) experienced in hypnosis.

By engaging in hypnosis, you allow your mind to be more open to and accepting of suggestions for positive change. Entering a deeper level of consciousness during hypnosis simply permits you to access your subconscious mind more easily, thereby harnessing its abilities to assist you. As a hypnotherapist, my role is merely to guide you to this relaxed, focused state.

Issues that can be addressed through hypnosis:

Weight management
Smoking Cessation
Acute/Chronic Pain
Self-esteem Issues
Stress management
Sleep Disorders

Anxiousness
Relaxation
Self Improvement
Body and Self Image
Pre- and Post-Operative
Motivation

Addictions
Headaches
Labor and Delivery
Sleep Disturbances
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
And more…

To find out what hypnosis can offer you

Call (210)480-6269 for a free telephone consultation.

Talk with Lesa

About Motivational Interviewing and Health Coaching

We have all experienced times when we need to make a change, yet, can’t seem to carry through.

While ambivalence, at times, is a natural part of human nature, it can become problematic when our health is the issue. In the 1980s, while working with people addicted to drugs and alcohol, Dr. William R. Miller found that, regardless of the bitter consequences of their addictions, many of his clients seemed to have mixed feelings about changing their behavior.

While lecturing or arguing to persuade them to change had little effect, Dr Miller discovered that when clients talked about their ambivalence in an accepting, nonjudgmental atmosphere, many were able to work through and resolve it. Finding their own internal motivation and commitment, these clients began to make the healthy behavioral changes that had alluded them before. In a 1983 journal article, Dr. Miller introduced Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Not only was this method as successful as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the 12-step programs in treating people with addictions, it was also found to be more cost-effective and time-efficient. By the early 1990s, it became apparent that these techniques could be utilized outside the realm of addiction.

Long-term, chronic health conditions have a major impact not only on the lives of the people living with them, but on our healthcare system as well. Many of these diseases and illnesses, such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes; yet, many people struggle to take the steps necessary to maintain or regain their health. Studies confirm that MI, used as a primary component of evidence-based health coaching, produces positive outcomes within these populations.

Whether the goal is weight loss/maintenance, increase in physical exercise, ceasing the use of tobacco or lowering of cholesterol, institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent’s Hospital have experienced success utilizing evidence-based health coaching. This evidence-based intervention (MI) is the foundation of the NSHC clinical model of health coaching and continues to produce favorable outcomes when used in the management of chronic conditions.

Health coaching is a partnership between the coach and the client. Motivational Interviewing provides a solid base upon which to form this collaborative relationship. It offers you, the client, a positive, respectful, non-judgmental atmosphere in which to discuss any feelings, beliefs, or concerns you have in a constructive manner. Together, we will identify and address any issues that might prove to be an obstacle in making change, while also recognizing the strengths and skills you possess that will aid you in your endeavor.

As a team, we will work together to determine realistic goals for you…goals made with your individual needs in mind. Within you lies the desire, commitment and motivation to change.

Evidence-based health coaching, utilizing MI, can help you discover your best you.

A sample of the many conditions/issues addressed with Motivational Interviewing and Health Coaching

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Addictions
Physical activity

Weight management
Smoking
Control of Diabetes

Dietary restrictions
Adherence to medication regimens
And many more…

See what health and wellness coaching can do for you.

Call (210)480-6269 for a free telephone consultation.

Talk with Lesa

From the Blog

June 26, 2019