Testimonials

Life by Design

A Healthy Life is Designed by a Healthy Mind.
Use Your Mind for a Change.

Coaching & hypnosis for health and self-improvement

WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

WEIGHT LOSS
Lisa has a knack for knowing how to “lead you” to the answer without “telling you” the answer. Lisa helped me lose 80+ pounds. I am very grateful for all the encouragement she provided during this time. I would recommend Lisa to anyone interested in or needing hypnotherapy/coaching to achieve greater self-esteem, self-fulfillment, and a better lifestyle.
Barb Ovsak, South Mills, NC

I was overweight for at least 6 years. I felt like I was walking in molasses. I was sluggish and it was hard to do the things I wanted to. I tried to lose weight with diet pills and everything else, but nothing helped me. My next step would have been gastric bypass, but I didn’t want to go that route. I decided to try hypnosis. I figured I had nothing to lose. I noticed a change in my behaviors immediately after my first hypnosis session. I didn’t buy the foods I used to—candy, ice cream, and cake. But from the first hypnosis session all that stopped. I began to eat normally. This has been super easy! I just don’t want to eat junk anymore. I don’t eat between meals. I feel in control now. I've lost 35 pounds, my blood sugar has gone down over 100 points, my cholesterol and blood pressure have also decreased. Everything has improved! Lisa has been so great and I really appreciate her help!
B. Shoun, Norfolk, VA

I lost 18 pounds in 3 months with hypnosis. Today, at age 77, I am still healthy and fit! I’m living proof that you can lose weight at any age and keep it off! My weight loss was relatively easy. I was very happy. I still think this is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I come back to Lisa from time to time for a “boost” of positive thoughts and I have my old recordings to pop in when I need to keep focused on staying healthy.
M. Leech, Portsmouth, VA

Thank you for your invaluable help with my weight loss program. Your professionalism and genuine compassionate kindness has endeared you deeply to me. I hope you especially like the “butterfly” gift I made for you as a ‘thank you’ for the butterfly/cocoon parable you shared with me as an analogy to my rocky childhood. Looking forward to many more informative and life-changing classes and personal sessions in the new year.
J. Turner, Virginia Beach, VA

Thanks to Lisa's help, I lost 40 pounds in 6 months; I'm back in my size 34 jeans! My cholesterol went from 214 to 145 and I feel better than I have in years. My family is eating better now, too. My weight loss has been a journey, not a destination. It's just my way of life now.
S. Lepkowski, Norfolk, VA

I am 65 years old and have been overweight since my college days. I have tried lots of diets and twice have lost 50 pounds--only to put it all back on. I decided to try hypnosis after my cardiologist suggested surgery; I didn’t want to have to resort to surgery. I started with Lisa October 2006 with a goal of losing 65 lbs. by Christmas 2007. Although I was skeptical at first, I was determined to make this work. At first, I wasn’t sure if/how the hypnosis was working for me even though I was eating differently and trying some of the new things Lisa suggested. Now I find it’s really started to stick in my subconscious. So far I have lost 35 lbs., and am still going strong. My cholesterol has dropped like a rock, and my PCP is telling me that he may start to take me off some of my medications. I can already feel the change in my subconscious mind, and know that when the weight is gone, this time it will stay gone. Changing the way you think is the only way to go--and Lisa has been great! My wife was so impressed by my progress that she signed up with Lisa as well, and the program is working for her, too. I would strongly recommend Lisa’s methods for weight loss above all other diet methods. She will help you KEEP IT OFF by reprogramming your subconscious. It really works!!
Jim Barrett, Virginia Beach, VA

I have struggled with weight loss issues for many years, as well as trying to change my lifestyle to a healthier one, and MAINTAIN it. Lisa recently worked with me on this, and I have been very pleased with the results so far. First, she talked with me and asked questions in order to learn more about what I consider important for myself, and what my problem areas are, then did a hypnosis session geared to those answers. She made a hypnosis CD specifically for my needs, which I listen to frequently for reinforcement, especially if I
feel tempted to slip back to old habits. It is very relaxing and keeps me focused. I considered myself addicted to chocolate and diet soda, but I have totally eliminated them from my life, and am comfortable with that.
  In addition to hypnosis, she has a great deal of knowledge regarding nutrition, supplements, relaxation techniques, etc. She shared that knowledge with me, as well as teaching me other techniques for dealing with temptation
and cravings. I have been very pleased with my progress, especially because it doesn't feel like I am fighting myself all the time. A major key to success is attitude, and her program has helped me develop a positive attitude. I also know that Lisa is always available to me any time I might feel the need for more reinforcement. I hope others will take advantage of her skills and be as pleased as I am.
Ginny McCall, Pahrump, NV

   Before coming to Lisa, I had been ill and house-bound, gaining weight and craving sweets. My medications kept me lethargic and I was very depressed. I was this way for 3 years. It even hurt to try to exercise.
I tried some weight loss programs like NutriSystem (I gained 10 lbs.), Slim Fast (gained 5#), and Weight Watchers (I lost 15 lbs. but gained back 20 once I started eating regular meals again).
   With Lisa there were no diets, just simple suggestions for healthier food choices. We talked about what I wanted and what I needed. In hypnosis, Lisa constantly spoke my name and how I wanted to see myself; how I wanted to eat. I could relate to everything spoken to me.
   I've lost 32 lbs. in 6 months and gone from a dress size 16 to a 10! I am happy, thin, and have more energy than I know what to do with! I don't like the taste of sweets anymore and don't buy them. I also have a business of my own that I'm having fun with. I owe it all to the positive effects of working with Lisa. I know this will last because I feel so good and I can use my hypnosis to help me. When I look in the mirror, I am the me I have always wanted to be!
Lillie Stack, Virginia Beach, VA

Want results like these, too?
You can have them!

Call now for your
Free Consultation
to learn how.

757-631-9940

DOCTOR'S REFERRAL
I highly recommend Lisa Smith as the hypnotist of choice for anyone working in the health care profession, whether personal or patient/client referral. She is one of the best in her field. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years and have utilized her services from both standpoints.
Caroline M. Schloss,
Clinical Psychologist,
Knott's Island, NC

PAIN/CANCER/
SURGERY
It may sound dramatic, but I tell people that Lisa saved my life. I came to her just after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Obviously, it was a scary time for me. I did 3 sessions with Lisa over a year's time. The first one helped me to instill a positive attitude and envision my healing, plus help me relax so I could get to sleep. The second one was a process I used to prepare for my surgery to be more relaxed through the procedure and need less anethesia, control my bleeding, lessen the shock on my body, improve the healing afterwards, and decrease pain. I had experienced general anesthesia many years ago and remember waking up cold, scared and feeling out-of-control. Using Lisa's CDs, I woke up from surgery relaxed, warm, alert, hungry and wanting to use the bathroom. I had almost no post-surgical pain.
The last CD she recorded for me was focused on moving past the disease and instilling visions of a healthy future, letting go of the fear created with the whole experience and gaining the lesson. All 3 sessions helped me go through the experience better than I think I would have otherwise.
If you're going through something like this, I would highly recommend working with Lisa.
Louise Cheo, Virginia Beach, VA

Being extremely needle phobic, my first chemotherapy treatment for a brain tumor was a disaster. I cried, hyperventilated, and passed out. So, I decided to try hypnotherapy with Lisa. The session was fantastic! I felt very relaxed throughout the session and it actually worked! Since then, every treatment and blood drawing has been as easy as chewing gum. Lisa also gave suggestions for getting my appetite and strength back. She encouraged me in my desire to get my life back to “normal.” I thank Lisa and her techniques for helping me.
C. Coyle, Ashland, MA

I was turned to hypnotherapy because I get horrible migraine headaches, and I wanted to see if there was any way that I could modify or manage the pain without using expensive medicines. Being very skeptical at first, I did not think that hypnosis would be as successful as I would have liked. My first session with Lisa Smith was not only educational, but taught me how to reach a deeper sense within myself and helped me relieve the pressure and pain that migraines cause. I was especially impressed with Lisa's soothing relaxation techniques. She works with you to assist you with reaching a state of total relaxation. Soon after this session with Lisa, I was struck with another migraine. I was unable to locate any of my medication so I said to myself, "Use the techniques that you learned from the hypnotherapy session." I slowly but surely put myself into a state of relaxation and the pain lessened significantly. This is coming from someone who was a true skeptic. I am convinced now that hypnotherapy works.
Susan Williams, Athens, GA

I'm happy to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to Lisa Smith for her timely help when I was experiencing an impending wisdom tooth extraction. I was very fearful, since my prior dentist had first tried to fill the partially exposed tooth. She was very supportive and worked with me to cope with my anxiety. Lisa made a hypnosis audio tape personally for me. I listened to it often prior to oral surgery and the results were amazing both for me and the dentist. Even though it was a very difficult extraction, I was relaxed and healing was swift. I appreciate Lisa's individual attention, soothing voice, and her expertise--it's very assuring to know she is available to help ALL in ALL situations.
Marie Walker, Newton, MA

I was facing breast surgery for cancer and was feeling nervous about the procedure as well as being under anesthesia. In order to minimize my anxiety I asked Lisa Smith to do a couple of hypnotherapy sessions with me. She counseled with me to find out what I needed for my healing. She then created a recording that was tailored to my needs. I listened to the tape every day. I went into the surgery feeling very calm and peaceful. I did not need any pre-op medication to relax me. In our second session, we discussed my outcome goals for my radiation treatments and visualizations for getting the most benefit and least negative side effects from the radiation. She made a recording of the session, which I used before, during, and after my weekly radiation treatments. I am happy to say the surgery and treatments were successful. Lisa created a safe and confidential environment in which I could express myself. She was thoughtful and focused during our sessions. She also followed up afterward to see how I was doing. She has a high level of integrity, which I believe is important for this type of service.
Mary McCulloch, Arlington, MA

In addition to cravings and eating habits, Lisa also helped me several years ago, preparing me for gall bladder surgery. We did hypnosis and visualization techniques (and again she made a tape specifically for me, that I could listen to repeatedly) to prepare me before the surgery, and another for the healing afterward. I was able to use a minimal amount of pain meds immediately following surgery, and nothing more than some Tylenol after that. My surgeon was amazed at how rapidly I healed--he was able to remove the stitches earlier than anticipated, and I was working out at the gym 6 days later. Thanks, Lisa!!
Ginny McCall, Pahrump, NV

Would you like to help your body heal like this?

Take your healing into your own hands!

Call 757-631-9940 now!

Still not sure? Want to
get to know me before
you come see me?

Then, sign up below
for Healthy You!
my bi-weekly ezine
with helpful &
insightful tips, tools &
techniques to live your
life by design--not
default.

SMOKING CESSATION
At the age of 68, smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day, I decided to quit smoking. That decision led me to Lisa Smith (in my humble opinion, one of the greatest hypnotherapists of all time). Lisa’s voice is utterly soothing, melodic and supportive. Her imagery is inviting, believable, easy to follow and absorb, and is specifically tailored to fit your individual needs. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Lisa was behind me 100% in my desire to stop smoking and feel good about myself. I have had a lot of great things change in my life since using hypnosis with Lisa, including eliminating all desire for smoking. I’ve been a happier non-smoker for 6 months now and don’t see that changing.
Update 6/1/07: Lisa, One year today since my last cigarette!!!!! WOW, huh?!
Joan Kelly, Virginia Beach, VA

Miss Lisa really helped me. I smoked for about 40 years. I tried to cut back on my own but didn't have much success. I was smoking less right after my first session with Lisa. The coaching was very helpful, and once I started listening to my personalized hypnosis every day, as she instructed, that made the difference. I was done. Now I can't even remember how long it's been--2 days, 2 months, 2 years. It doesn't matter because I know I'm a non-smoker for life and that feels good.
Mike Augone, Virginia Beach, VA

I know there is no such thing as a “magic bullet,” but our last session and the CD you made me really set me straight and got me back on track. It’s like you turned off my “addiction switch.” I have been doing great [not smoking] and funnily enough I find I fall asleep when I listen to that CD, no matter what time of day I listen to it. It seems to have gotten to the core of my recent and recurring problems with abstinence, though, and for that I am grateful.Thanks again!
Rob Watt, Newport News, VA

I’ve been a non-smoker for over 4 months thanks to Lisa. I quit smoking right after my first session. I was surprised and pleased at how quickly and easily it worked. I don’t cough anymore. I smell differently, and I feel better. I had tried stopping twice with the patch and twice just going “cold turkey.” Each time it was so stressful. With hypnosis it was different. I don’t feel any stress about it. I don’t feel like I’m being punished. This is easier on a daily basis than I ever imagined it would be. My friends and family are very happy I have quit. I find myself smiling when I see other people smoking, thinking “that was me.” I’m much happier this way. I had to clean out my bathroom (that’s the only room I smoked in at my house because of my kids). It smells a whole lot better now! I’m able to be around smokers and it’s okay. At first, I was afraid that it was going to be tough not to smoke around them, but it wasn’t bad, and each time it got easier. It feels so great to have total control over it now. I have much more confidence in myself and that I will remain a non-smoker, especially now that so much time has passed and I feel so much healthier. I would highly recommend Lisa to others who want to stop smoking, like I did. I’m a walking billboard for her!
Update 6/17/07: Just thought I would drop you a quick line to let you know I am still a "clean air breather"! I have not touched a cigarette to date [4 months] and have no desire to do so -- THANK YOU! Hope all is well with you.
Gaylin Wirtes, Newport News, VA

I am happy to report that I have been tobacco-free since our last session on May 8, 2007. I was a smoker for over forty years and now I've been a non-smoker for a year. I didn't like what other people thought of me when I smoked, so it became an isolating habit. I had tried many over-the-counter things to stop smoking, like the gum, etc., but they didn't last. Even though it took a few hypnosis sessions and a few weeks to quit, I did notice changes immediately--I was definitely smoking less. Listening to my personalized hypnosis CDs was very calming. Now I'm healthier, things taste better, and my clothes don't smell! I'm very confident that I won't go back to smoking.
I would tell everyone to just try it, but most important of all, only you can decide to do this--and you must want to do it for yourself.
Corinne Donovan, Yorktown, VA

Lisa, thanks for the wonderful Christmas card...more than that, thank you for helping me to quit smoking! After 34 years, I never thought I could do it. With your help I have, and it has changed my world. I am forever grateful for the help you gave me. You have a wonderful gift and are lucky to be doing what you do. May you have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year! I know I will!
Nancy VanKylen, Virginia Beach, VA

Are you finally ready
to breathe easier?

Call now and take back
your health!

757-631-9940

(Free consultation)

OTHER ISSUES
Lisa, I would be more than happy for you to use my name to vouch for the virtues of hypnotherapy with you. I would consider it a compliment. A week after I received the CD you made for me I forgot to take my anxiety medication because I didn't feel anxious!
I continue to see an improvement in my anxiety level in various ways. My husband is going away again soon and actually feeling good in spite of the upcoming deployment. I also find that if I have a migraine and listen to the CD, it resolves itself or greatly dissipates by the end of the CD. The reinforcement is so helpful. I'm able to drive to where I need to go without feeling panicked--even places I'm not familiar with. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Heather Bates, Carrollton, VA

Being extremely needle phobic, my first chemotherapy treatment for a brain tumor was a disaster. I cried, hyperventilated, and passed out. So, I decided to try hypnotherapy with Lisa. The session was fantastic! I felt very relaxed throughout the session and it actually worked! Since then, every treatment and blood drawing has been as easy as chewing gum. Lisa also gave suggestions for getting my appetite and strength back. She encouraged me in my desire to get my life back to “normal.” I thank Lisa and her techniques for helping me overcome my phobia.
C. Coyle, Ashland, MA

I just wanted to thank you again for the sessions [for motivation and direction with my new career]. I feel really good about the direction my life is heading in and look forward to accomplishing my goals. Good luck and continued success with your practice. You're a truly talented professional.
Update October 2007:Hi Lisa, I had some hypnosis sessions with you back in January. We concentrated on keeping me focused on my art endeavors with the possibility of me completing enough work this year to get into a festival. [I'm happy to tell you that] I will be in the Stockley Gardens Art Festival in Norfolk next weekend. If you're free that weekend, stop by the festival.
Paul Emig, Virginia Beach, VA

I came to Lisa to help me alleviate my fear of flying. I flew by myself from Norfolk to California the day after my second hypnosis session and even though there was some turbulence, I remained calm; my seat-mate even made a comment at how calm I appeared through it all. I was able to have a wonderful visit with my daughter and know I can see her again whenever I want to thanks to the sessions I did with Lisa.
Mary Keywood, Virginia Beach, VA