Hypnotized Into Love

1

"Good morning, Sera." Lauren greeted me from behind the desk.
"Good morning. Is the client here yet?"
"He said he's running a little late, but he's on his way"
"Great, I need some coffee"
I walked behind the desk into the little kitchen. The Keurig was practically calling my name.
Lauren spun around in her wheelie chair "you look exhausted... what's up?"
I sighed, "It's just uh," the coffee began to brew "I don't think me and Ethan are going to last much longer."
"And?" She replied
I took the cup of coffee and held it tight, the warmth between my hands made me shiver.
"And we may have gotten into a big fight. He left last night... still gone. He won't return my calls."
"I'm sorry to hear that," she replied "but, you know, I always had a feeling that it wasn't going to work out."
"You did?"
"Absolutely. I've known you for a long time, you're a hopeless romantic, we both know relationships with guys like him won't last long."
"Like him?"
Before Lauren could answer, the door opened. I quickly went to the mirror on the other side of the kitchen. Deep breath, relax. This is my job... no emotions. Pull it together.
I closed my eyes and heard Lauren.
"Good morning. Just sign here, please"
There was a short pause.
"Alrighty just take a seat and in a moment Dr. Crauswell will take you."
I rush into my office to check my notes. 23, male, sleeping issues.
I make my way to the door and call "Luke Green, you can come in now."
I glance at the notes again, and when I looked up, there he was, standing in the door frame.
I extended my hand, locked in eye contact.
"Good morning, Luke. You can take a seat on that couch right there."
He shook my hand with a strong, yet gentle grip. He sat down.
I went to my desk and got right into the session.

"So before we begin, why did you choose hypnotherapy?"
"Well," he began, "I've been suffering from Insomnia for a long time."
"Mhm"
"I've tried everything. All sorts of medication, other therapies, and lifestyle changes. But nothing has really helped me. I heard that hypnosis was pretty effective, that it could help if not cure Insomnia."
"Interesting," I say "Well, that's true. I've treated many patients this way, and I think it'll definitely help you. I just want to make sure you know how hypnosis works. A lot of people think hypnosis is fake, dangerous, or mind control. Just to make it clear: hypnosis is actually very safe, especially in a professional's hands, and hypnotism won't make you do anything you wouldn't. All I'm doing is suggesting your subconscious mind to start or stop doing things."
"I've always thought hypnotism was cool, but it just seemed like an uncommon treatment. I did good searching too, and you were the best in New York."
We both chuckle softly.
"Alright, well let's begin," I say, scooting my chair in front of him "Make sure you're comfortable."
"Now I want you to close your eyes and focus on my words completely. Forget everything, all your worries and problems. Just relax, relax your mind and muscles."
I repeat similar phrases until he is completely calm.
"I'm going to count from five to one and every time I say the word relax you will relax even more, even deeper into focus..."
"...and 1, you are relaxed like never before. You are at your maximum level of relaxation. You don't want to move, talk, or open your eyes. You will receive and follow all of my suggestions. Now that you're open to my suggestions, you will feel even more sleepy every night. You will want to sleep and will have the most satisfying slumber you've ever experienced. Going to sleep will never be difficult for you. You will fall asleep within minutes of laying down. Soon, you won't even remember having Insomnia..."
Nearly an hour passed of me repeating myself, putting Luke into a deeper trance, but that's how hypnotism works.
"Now I will count again from five to one and you will become even more awake with each number I count..."
"...and, one you are now completely awake and aware. You will feel better than ever."
Luke lifts his head up and rubs his eyes.
"That was quite," he smiles and closes his eyes
"Relaxing... and strange. I feel really good right now."
"That's great news. I can assure you that when you sleep tonight, you'll be out like a light. But in order to receive full results you'll need to come back for a few more appointments. Lauren will help you book some right outside."
We stand up together and leave my office.
"Lauren, I'm going to need you to book this gentleman, hmm... 2 more sessions. It looks like it's working quick for him, but today won't tell me much. "
I turn to Luke "By the second or third appointment I'll know whether you need more help or not."
"Sounds good." He replies taking out his wallet.
"Alright, Luke." I shake his hand once more "Take care."
"You too." He says, using the same grip as earlier with a slightly bigger smile. Once he leaves, Lauren turns to me.
"See," She says "He's a nice guy."
"Oh please, you just met the man. Plus, you said I don't go for guys like him."
"Like I said, I can read a person in seconds."
"Well, since he's such a nice guy, I bet he's already in a relationship."
"Why don't you ask him?"
"Hey, that's a great idea. I'll say because Lauren has a huge crush on you." I respond, walking towards the door.
"Wait, no!"
"I'll be right back, let me go find him"
I just ran downstairs into the café to grab some snacks.

While waiting on the line at the café, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. After a couple of vibrates I take it out of my pocket and take a quick glance because I'm about to place my order. Lauren must be really worrying that I told Luke something.

After I got the food, I went back to the office.
"Lauren, it was just a joke" I say, opening the door "I just went to get some food."
"I know." She replied
"Then why were you texting me like crazy?"
"What are you talking about? I didn't text you at all."
I realize that something's wrong.
"Who could it possibly be?" I ask, quickly putting the food on the counter.
I take my phone out and...
"It's Ethan."