By Sondra Barr
In 2020, Leona Kiamahoe faced a series of personal and professional challenges that tested her resilience. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, Kiamahoe lost her job, struggled to find new employment, and faced the heartbreak of losing her father to cancer. Unable to attend his funeral in Hawaii, she grappled with immense grief and guilt. These hardships took a toll on her marriage and health, leading to high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels, and asthma.
Determined to find a solution, Kiamahoe discovered the transformative power of hypnotherapy. This discovery not only helped her confront and manage stressful events but also inspired her to open Modern Minded Hypnotherapy, where she now helps others achieve mind-body harmony using the tools and skills hypnotherapy offers.
“Dealing with stressors can be challenging, but a necessary step in the healing process and overall comprehension of the situation. Using hypnosis, we can explore the situation from a different perspective. This calm state of mind can allow the subconscious to accept new, upgraded perceptions surrounding the event,” Kiamahoe explains. “Hypnotherapy is much like riding a satisfying wave – your adrenaline is high, then time begins to slow, you are attuned and in balance with the wave – and with the shore in sight, you are stoked and ready to take on the next,” Kiamahoe describes.
“Hypnotherapy is unique and often overlooked and misunderstood. It is a beneficial alternative method for some, and this option is not often discussed. It is known to be offered and utilized within some healthcare settings as an alternative option to anesthesia for pain desensitization. I encourage potential clients to continue their search about hypnotherapy and consult with their medical provider if there is a diagnosis of psychiatric or neurological disorders,” Kiamahoe explains.
Kiamahoe’s journey to hypnotherapy was rooted in a lifelong desire to help others. “Growing up in Hawaii, I was surrounded by mana wahine (strong women) within the healthcare field – my beautiful mother, sister, and aunts,” Kiamahoe shares. Motivated by these women, Kiamahoe pursued a career within healthcare, amassing over 25 years of experience in medical records, coding, auditing, compliance, leadership, and education. She holds a Master’s in Health Administration and is soon to complete a Ph.D. in Health Science. She also holds a certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist through the American College of Hypnotherapy.
“My dad was my rock. He was a proud, hard-working, Vietnam veteran. He inspired my value for health and perseverance with his unconventional physical training and health-conscious routines. I cherish those lessons and the determined mindset he instilled in me,” Kiamahoe shares.
Kiamahoe’s cultural roots and Native Hawaiian heritage play a significant role in her approach to hypnotherapy. The aloha (love) spirit and kokua (helping) nature of her upbringing have deeply influenced her desire to promote mind-body health and support others to thrive.
Modern Minded Hypnotherapy offers a range of services. She tailors her sessions to each client’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.
“I have assisted clients with anxiety, stress, pain, weight management, reclaiming their zest for life, gaining some restful sleep, success in sports and academics, coping with traumatic events, and smoking cessation,” Kiamahoe explains.
At Modern Minded, hypnotherapy sessions are conducted online, making them accessible to a broad audience. Kiamahoe begins with a thorough client questionnaire and initial consultation to understand each client’s expectations and medical history. She customizes the hypnotherapy sessions to align with their preferences and core values.
“Hypnotherapy is a means for clients to increase their control over their mind and body,” she explains.
Kiamahoe emphasizes the importance of repeated hypnotherapy sessions to build upon and reinforce positive changes. She uses various techniques, including anchors, metaphors, and affirmations, to create lasting changes in the subconscious mind.
Kiamahoe’s dedication to her clients’ wellbeing is evident in her comprehensive and empathetic approach. She ensures her clients feel safe and comfortable throughout their hypnotherapy journey, respecting confidentiality and providing informed consent.
“I advocate for therapies that are in the best interest of my clients,” she conveys.
Looking ahead, Kiamahoe begins a Mind & Body Balance class within her local community in July and aspires to build partnerships with both modern and traditional medicine practitioners to promote a comprehensive approach to patient care. She is committed to raising awareness about the significance of mental health and the benefits of hypnotherapy.
“Modern Minded aims to continuously provide meaningful aid to others,” she shares. “It is crucial to raise awareness of the significance of mental health – I am always willing to extend help and support towards this cause.”
Through her work at Modern Minded Hypnotherapy, Kiamahoe is transforming lives, one session at a time, empowering her clients to achieve mind-body harmony and live their best lives.
To learn more, visit modernmindedhypnotherapy.com.
This content is sponsored by Modern Minded Hypnotherapy.
