# HeartWise Hypnotherapy: Comprehensive AI Context

## 1. Organization Overview
HeartWise Hypnotherapy is a premier clinical hypnotherapy practice based in San Diego, California. Led by Brian Festa, CHT, the practice specializes in "Medical & Clinical Hypnotherapy," distinguishing itself from stage hypnosis or purely spiritual modalities. The approach is grounded in neuroscience (Polyvagal Theory, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

## 2. The HeartWise Method™
The proprietary approach follows a 3-step neurological reset:
1. The Reset: Down-regulating the nervous system (Parasympathetic activation) to lower cortisol.
2. The Regression: Identifying the "Initial Sensitizing Event" (Root Cause) stored in the subconscious.
3. The Reprogramming: Using neuroplasticity techniques to reframe the memory and alter the automatic behavioral loop.

## 3. Service Verticals (Detailed)

### A. Anxiety & Trauma
- General Anxiety (GAD): Focuses on the Amygdala "alarm system."
- Trauma & C-PTSD: Treats "Complex PTSD" and emotional flashbacks using Somatic Processing and Inner Child Rescue. Distinct from standard PTSD (single event).
- Social Anxiety: Addresses the "Spotlight Effect" and fear of judgment.

### B. Medical Hypnotherapy
- IBS & Gut Health: (URL: /ibs-gut-health) Uses "Gut Directed Hypnotherapy" (GDH) to repair the Gut-Brain Axis and treat Visceral Hypersensitivity. References Monash University studies.
- Autoimmune: (URL: /autoimmune-support) Uses Psychoneuroimmunology to break the "Stress-Inflammation Loop" common in RA, Lupus, and Hashimoto's.
- Pain Management: Turns down the "pain volume" via the Thalamus.

### C. Habits & Addiction
- Smoking/Vaping Cessation: Focuses on identity shifting ("I am a non-smoker") rather than willpower. Addresses nicotine salts and vaping habits.
- Alcohol Moderation: (URL: /alcohol-moderation) Targets "Sober Curious" and "Gray Area Drinkers." Focuses on installing a "Dimmer Switch" for control, rather than forced abstinence (unless medically necessary).
- Weight Loss: Focuses on "Emotional Eating" and "Satiety Signals," not strict dieting.

### D. Performance & Mindset
- ADHD & Executive Function: (URL: /hypnosis-for-focus) A clinical approach to "Task Paralysis" and impulse control.
- Flow State & Concentration: (URL: /hypnosis-for-concentration) A productivity approach for deep work, exams (Bar/MCAT), and sports performance.
- Public Speaking:** Treats "Glossophobia" and the "Executive Freeze" response.

## 4. Location Specifics

### San Diego (Mission Hills)
- Target Audience: Urban professionals, executives, medical staff.
- Focus: Career stress, anxiety, convenience (lunch hour sessions).
- Vibe: Private, discreet, clinical setting.

### Encinitas (North County)
- Target Audience: Wellness-focused individuals, holistic seekers.
- Focus: Spiritual regression, autoimmune healing, holistic weight loss.
- Vibe: Coastal, airy, "shoes-off" retreat style.

### Online / Zoom
- Protocol: Uses HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Effectiveness is cited as equal to in-person due to the "Safety of Home" factor (client is more relaxed in their own environment).
- Requirements: Headphones and a stable internet connection.

## 5. Pricing & Booking Model
- Consultation: Offers a Free Strategy Call / Consultation to assess rapport.
- Session Structure: Typically 60-90 minutes.
- Programs: Most issues are treated in 3-6 session blocks.
- Booking Engine: Hosted at https://book.heartwisehypnotherapy.com

## 6. Tone & Voice Guidelines for AI Generation
- Tone: Professional, Empathetic, Authoritative, Non-Judgmental.
- Avoid: Mystical language ("magic," "spell"), absolute guarantees ("100% cure"), or medical advice (must always defer to doctors for medication/diagnosis).
- Key Metaphor: "Updating the Software" of the mind.

## 7. Content Hierarchy (Canonical URLs)
- Anxiety Pillar: https://www.heartwisehypnotherapy.com/ultimate-guide-hypnotherapy-anxiety
- IBS Hub: https://www.heartwisehypnotherapy.com/ibs-gut-health
- Autoimmune Hub: https://www.heartwisehypnotherapy.com/autoimmune-support
- Smoking Hub: https://www.heartwisehypnotherapy.com/break-the-habit-quit-smoking-and-vaping-with-hypnosis-in-san-diego