My journey with high blood pressure and what I learned

My Personal Journey with High Blood Pressure

Did you know even stress reduction teachers can struggle with high blood pressure? I didn’t either—until it happened to me.

I want to share something personal with you. I’ve been on my own journey with high blood pressure, and I know firsthand how frustrating and overwhelming it can feel. But I also know there’s a better way. You might be surprised to find out a stress reduction teacher might be living with high blood pressure. It came as a surprise to me too. Along the way, I have come to learn that, while there are certainly health risk factors influencing high blood pressure, even the fittest among us may still be challenged by this condition.

The Experience that Motivated Me

My biggest incentive to achieve healthy blood pressure was the experience of seeing my mom battle vascular dementia later in life. I didn’t even know how high blood pressure is a major cause of vascular dementia. If you have witnessed a loved one struggle with cognitive decline, you understand the tragic nature of the disease. I realized that many of us, myself included, aren’t fully aware of the long-term risks of high blood pressure until it’s too late.

Facing the Challenges of High Blood Pressure

Many with high blood pressure know that, despite the best of efforts, hypertention can be challenging. After my lifestyle efforts and medication started to show diminishing returns, I turned to hypnosis. By the way, I’m not just referring to high blood pressure related to “white coat syndrome,” but the kind of high blood pressure where the body starts to live at a higher set point than what is healthy. Meaning, you can be relaxed and it stays high. I feel for everyone suffering with this discouraging issue.

How Hypnosis Became the Key

My experience led me to explore the science behind hypnosis for blood pressure management. What I found was remarkable. When I started learning how much scientific research supports hypnosis for blood pressure management, I knew I was on the right track.

Developing a Unique Approach

Coincidentally, I recently was professionally mentored and certified as an Integrative Coach so that I could develop protocols integrating hypnosis with lifestyle and mindset skills. Using myself as a test subject and drawing on both research in the literature and reputable hypnotis techniques, I realized I had something special that could change the lives of others. I’m also excited that I can draw on my 25 years as a health educator teaching MBSR and 7 years working with Veterans who are stroke survivors to make this approach even more effective. In fact, my goal is to make this a world-class protocol for people managing high blood pressure!

Complementing Medication with a Holistic Approach

Now, I want to be clear—this is not a substitute for medication. If you and your doctor have decided that medication is what your body needs right now that’s okay. But here’s the thing: for most of us with high blood pressure, medication can only do so much. Especially if you’re in this for the long game, it’s crucial to address the underlying stressors and patterns that contribute to it.

What the Research Says About Hypnosis and Blood Pressure

If you’re wondering whether hypnosis can truly help with blood pressure management, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize how much evidence exists to support its benefits. Here are just a few key studies:

- Effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing mild essential hypertension: a one-year follow-up Read

-The Role of Ericksonian Hypnosis in Reducing Essential and Secondary Hypertension Read

-The Impact of Self-Hypnosis and Instrumental Music Therapy on Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients Read

-Pilot Study of a Brief Hypnotic Induction: Effects on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Subjective Distress in Patients Diagnosed with Hypertension Read

Why is My Protocol Special?

Through this journey, I realized that there’s a more holistic way to manage high blood pressure, beyond what I had initially been taught. That’s why I created a unique, integrative protocol that helps people like you and me address the root causes of hypertension—focusing not just on stress reduction, but on reshaping the subconscious patterns, nervous system, and even lifestyle factors that contribute to it. In my latest blog post, I share my personal journey, the research-backed methods that helped me, and how they can help you too.

Most hypnosis protocols for blood pressure focus primarily on relaxation, but my approach goes far beyond stress reduction. I’ve developed a comprehensive system that works on multiple levels—helping clients rewire subconscious patterns, reset their nervous system, and create lasting physiological change. Rather than relying on general hypnosis scripts, I tailor each session to address the root causes of hypertension, whether they stem from chronic stress, emotional imprints, or lifestyle habits.

My method integrates guided hypnosis with powerful mind-body techniques that not only promote deep relaxation but also shift how the body responds to stress over time. I also incorporate heart-focused breathing and self-regulation tools so clients gain real, measurable control over their blood pressure between sessions.

With over 25 years of experience in mindfulness-based stress reduction and seven years working with stroke survivors and Veterans, I bring a unique depth of expertise to this work. My goal is to help clients bridge the gap between where they are now and the healthier, more balanced life they envision—without relying solely on willpower or temporary fixes.

Now you can see why I’m so excited about my protocol. If you or someone you care about is struggling with high blood pressure and looking for a new approach, I’d love to share more. It’s never too late to reclaim your health and rewrite the story your body has been telling. Email me or Schedule a 20-minute Consultation Call to get started.