Using Hypnosis & AI to Enhance Psychological Therapy w/ Dr. Sera Lavelle (Ep. #8)

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EPISODE 8

Sera and Nate sit down to discuss how she uses hypnosis in her patient sessions and why eating disorders are so prominent in today's society. With her new therapy app, Bea Better Eating, coming soon, they also dive into how AI allows patients battling their disorders to thrive in psychological therapy when they have the ability to talk to artificial intelligence and a clinical psychologist concurrently.

Combining Traditional Therapy with Hypnosis and ai for Better Outcomes

Dr. Sarah Lavelle, a clinical psychologist and owner of New York Health Hypnosis and Integrative Therapy, shares her experiences of balancing her career, business, and family life. She discusses the challenges and joys of raising six-year-old twins, describing them as best friends with distinct personalities. Despite a busy schedule, she cherishes the moments with her children and finds joy in their current age.

Dr. Lavelle’s professional journey began in 2007 when she started her practice. Her unique path to becoming a hypnotist included working in real estate and volunteering while applying for PhD programs. However, she felt drawn to something more alternative. Her experiences in meditation and travels in Southeast Asia solidified her interest in hypnosis. After experiencing the benefits of hypnosis herself, she began offering sessions alongside traditional therapy in New York City. This combination proved particularly effective in treating insomnia and eventually led her to specialize in eating disorders.

The Power of Hypnosis and Therapy

Dr. Lavelle explains how integrating hypnosis with therapy, especially for conditions like binge eating, can provide a dual benefit. While traditional therapy helps patients confront difficult emotions, hypnosis acts as a mental "massage," allowing them to relax and let go of compulsions. By retraining the unconscious mind, hypnosis helps patients develop healthier behaviors.

Despite its effectiveness, Dr. Lavelle emphasizes that hypnosis is not a quick fix. It requires consistent effort and a willingness to change. Techniques such as metaphors, visualizations, and analogies empower individuals to recognize their desire to overcome issues like eating disorders. This approach is similar to motivational interviewing, where the therapist helps the patient tap into their own motivation for change.

Specialized Treatment and Innovative Approaches

Dr. Lavelle’s practice also focuses on treating phobias and using hypnosis for childbirth. Hypnosis offers a less invasive and more effective method for overcoming fears, such as fear of flying or dogs. In pregnancy, hypnosis helps address fear and anxiety related to childbirth, providing psychological support through guided meditations.

Recognizing the impact of traumatic childbirth experiences, Dr. Lavelle acknowledges that some women may feel unable to go through childbirth again. She also explores the potential of AI in psychological care. While not a replacement for therapy, AI can be a useful tool. For instance, her app, Be a Better Eating, uses AI to help individuals with eating disorders by providing a judgment-free space for self-reflection and exploration.

Integrating AI and Hypnotherapy

The Be a Better Eating app, currently in beta, focuses on emotional eating and binge eating. It offers activities like knowledge, motivation, and meditation to help users understand hunger signals, make healthier decisions, and move away from negative thoughts. The app’s AI is trained on Dr. Lavelle’s past writings and podcasts, providing personalized and effective support.

Dr. Lavelle envisions AI as a complement to traditional therapy, enhancing the therapeutic process by allowing users to practice self-help throughout the week. This integration can lead to "aha moments" that can be further explored in therapy sessions.

Balancing Work with Family Life

Throughout her career, Dr. Lavelle has emphasized the importance of communication and integration in balancing work and family life. She shares her personal experience of downsizing her living situation to reduce stress and increase financial freedom. This decision allowed her and her husband to invest in alternative assets, such as real estate and travel, leading to a more fulfilling lifestyle. Dr. Lavelle’s approach to life aligns with the philosophy of living fully now rather than waiting for retirement. She encourages investing in happiness and meaningful experiences over accumulating material possessions.

Looking to the future, Dr. Lavelle plans to expand her practice, including opening a second practice focused on trauma and launching an app called Via. Her journey exemplifies the balance of professional growth, personal fulfillment, and innovative approaches to therapy, offering valuable insights for both professionals and individuals seeking a harmonious life.

ABOUT Dr. Sera Lavelle

Dr. Sera Lavelle is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in treating eating disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), relationship issues, and a variety of issues related to pregnancy and infertility. She obtained a dual degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from The Ohio State University, with a minor in Eastern Philosophy. Her interest in the mind-body connection is not only due to her interest in eastern philosophy, but also from a research perspective. During her time at Ohio State, she spent two years as a neuroscience research assistant focusing on how hormones affect behavior and how stress effects the body, contributing to a scientific paper on how sunlight affects hormonal changes in animals.

Dr. Lavelle holds a Master Degree in Psychology from New York University (NYU) and both a Master and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology from The Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University. Her research involved issues of attachment, personality, and relationships. She wrote her dissertation on the complex effects of emotional and sexual betrayal on relationships, and how people navigate the difficult decision as to repair or leave a relationship after betrayal.

Learn more about Dr. Sera Lavelle at https://nyhealthhypnosis.com.

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