#103 - Demystifying Hypnotherapy - What Olympic Athletes Know About the Mind That Most People Don't — with Craig Meriwether

Can you rewire your brain just by thinking? Hypnotherapist Craig Meriwether joins host Mike Stroh to break down how your subconscious mind is quietly running the show — your habits, beliefs, emotions, and even your healing. Craig shares how he overcame anxiety and depression before the age of the internet or SSRIs, what actually happens in your brain during hypnosis (hint: you do it every day without knowing), and why Olympic athletes spend half their training time doing nothing physical. In this episode you'll learn: what hypnotherapy actually is and isn't, the science behind brainwave states (alpha, theta, beta), how to stimulate your vagus nerve to reset your nervous system on demand, and a simple 5-minute "3-2-1 Reset" exercise you can use today. Craig also explains why visualization literally rewires your brain — and what you might be accidentally practicing right now. 🧠 Topics covered: clinical hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind, brainwave states, vagus nerve stimulation, EMDR, bilateral stimulation, neuroplasticity, mental rehearsal, and the 3-2-1 Reset. Connect with Craig Meriwether: Website Chapters 00:00 Craig's Journey to Hypnotherapy 04:11 The Power of the Subconscious Mind 09:41 Demystifying Clinical Hypnosis 17:36 Understanding Clinical Hypnotherapy 22:44 Practical Hypnosis Exercise 27:09 Understanding Bilateral Stimulation and Its Benefits 34:02 The Three, Two, One Reset Exercise 39:30 The Connection Between Heart, Gut, and Brain 45:15 Visualization Techniques and Their Impact 51:08 Practicing Positive States and Lasting Thoughts 52:29 Introduction to the State of Mind Podcast 53:00 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement Please Subscribe to my YouTube - YouTube Subscription Link Free 1-month of the Meditation App - Waking Up https://dynamic.wakingup.com/guestpass/SC58BD912 Disclaimer Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.