Website review
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What is ExcelCenter?
ExcelCenter is a hypnotherapy and counselling practice based in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, combining one-to-one client sessions with hypnosis training and a small shop of self-hypnosis audio products. Its stated focus is self-improvement: quitting smoking, weight management, anxiety and depression, pain management, relaxation, and inner peace. The practitioners named on the site are Alan Eastman, DCH, PhD, and Ruth Eastman, MCHt. Couns. dip.
What it offers
- Hypnotherapy and counselling — private in-person sessions, plus phone consultations for people who cannot attend in person.
- Audio programmes — a self-hypnosis CD series and downloads covering areas such as anxiety and depression, guided relaxation, and weight loss ("Slim & Trim").
- Hypnosis certification training — a basic hypnotherapy certification course, described as a two-day in-person programme with all materials included, and support for people who want to set up their own hypnotherapy practice.
- Shop — the audio products are sold through the site, with a payment options page rather than a listed checkout platform.
Who it suits
Someone in or near central Alberta who wants face-to-face hypnotherapy or counselling, or a practising or aspiring hypnotherapist seeking certification, gets the most direct fit. If you only want a relaxation audio to try at home, the download and CD range is the lower-commitment entry point. Phone consultations widen the reach beyond Red Deer, though distance work is generally a weaker substitute for in-person hypnotherapy when the issue is complex.
Practical points to weigh
Training courses run on fixed dates rather than on demand, so timing matters — the site lists May 2025 and August 2026 intakes for the basic course. The site also notes a reopening from the 15th, suggesting access or scheduling changed at some point; confirm current availability before travelling.
The next step is to decide which side of the business you need. For personal help, book a consultation and ask whether your goal suits hypnotherapy, counselling, or both. For training, check the next course date and what the certification qualifies you to do. For products, start with a single download in your area of interest before buying a series.
How do I choose between hypnotherapy, counselling, and phone consultations for my issue?
Start with what you want to change and how much support you want while changing it. At ExcelCenter, the three service formats map to different needs: hypnotherapy for habit and pattern change, counselling for talking through emotional or life issues, and phone consultations for convenience or distance. The site presents them side by side under Services, with self-hypnosis audio products as a lower-commitment add-on.
Quick comparison
| Format | Best for | What you do | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypnotherapy | Habits, anxiety patterns, weight, smoking, pain management | Relaxed, suggestion-based sessions | You need openness to the method; results vary |
| Counselling | Processing emotions, relationships, grief, stress | Talk-based sessions | Less focused on habit interruption; may take longer |
| Phone consultations | Distance, scheduling limits, initial questions | Remote conversation by phone | Less in-person presence; suitability depends on your issue |
| Self-hypnosis audio | Practising relaxation or reinforcement between sessions | Listen on your own | Not a substitute for assessment or therapy |
How to decide
- If your issue is a specific behaviour you want to interrupt, such as smoking or snacking, hypnotherapy is the more targeted route. The ExcelCenter page specifically names quitting smoking, anxiety, pain management and weight loss as areas its specialists address.
- If your issue is more about understanding feelings, relationships or life decisions, counselling fits better. It gives you room to talk rather than only receive suggestions.
- If you cannot attend in person, or you want to ask questions before booking, a phone consultation is the practical first step. It also lets you gauge whether the practitioner's style suits you.
- If cost or travel is a barrier, the self-hypnosis audio series is the lowest-commitment option, but treat it as practice support rather than treatment.
A useful next step is to call the centre and describe your issue in one sentence, then ask which format the practitioner recommends. The site lists 1-888-686-6163 and [email protected] as contact points. If you are comparing local alternatives, ExcelCenter is in Red Deer, Alberta, so distance may itself decide between in-person and phone.
One practical criterion: choose the format you will actually continue. A course of hypnotherapy you attend consistently will usually do more than a single session you never repeat, and the same applies to counselling.
What is covered in the Basic Hypnotherapy Certification Training Course and who is it for?
The Basic Hypnotherapy Certification Training Course at ExcelCenter is a two-day, in-person program with a fee of $1,550, which the site states includes all materials (a starter kit and personalized instruction). According to the page, it is part of the center's hypnosis training offerings and is aimed at people pursuing self-improvement or educational goals, including those who want to establish their own hypnotherapy business. The course dates listed are 09–10 May 2025 and 08–09 Aug 2026.
Who it suits
- Aspiring practitioners who want a structured, instructor-led introduction to hypnotherapy rather than self-study.
- Existing counselors or wellness professionals considering adding hypnosis to their practice.
- Individuals planning to build a hypnotherapy business, since the center says it assists with that goal.
Practical considerations
The page does not break down the syllabus, so it is worth asking directly what techniques, ethics, supervised practice, and certification requirements are covered before registering. The two-day format suggests an introductory or foundation level; if you need advanced clinical training, confirm whether further courses exist. Because the fee includes materials and personalized instruction, compare it against the value of the starter kit and contact hours. For a concrete decision: if your goal is to practice professionally, verify whether the certificate meets the requirements of the professional body you intend to join, and ask about any prerequisites or post-course supervision.
How can I use the self-hypnosis audio CDs and downloads for goals like quitting smoking or weight loss?
The Excel Center's self-hypnosis audio programs are designed as at-home companions to its in-person hypnotherapy and counselling work, so the practical way to use them is as a repeatable daily routine rather than a one-off listen. The page_evidence lists audio series for eliminating anxiety and depression, entrancement music, guided relaxation, and a Slim & Trim series, plus downloadable products, alongside in-person services such as hypnotherapy, counselling, phone consultations, and hypnosis certification. A basic two-day in-person hypnosis training course is also advertised with a listed price and 2025–2026 dates.
A practical way to use a CD or download
- Pick one goal and one track set. For smoking, choose a program framed around habit release; for weight, use the Slim & Trim series. Mixing several programs at once makes it hard to tell what is working.
- Set a fixed time. Many people use them at bedtime, when falling asleep naturally, or in a quiet chair earlier in the evening. Consistency matters more than length.
- Use headphones if the recording has stereo guidance or music. This is general advice, not a claim about these specific recordings.
- Pair it with a behaviour plan. A recording can support motivation and relaxation, but smoking cessation and weight loss usually also need practical changes: a quit date, removing cigarettes, portion awareness, or a walking routine.
- Track briefly. Note sleep quality, cravings, or mood once a week. If nothing shifts after several weeks, that is useful information.
- Consider live support. The site offers counselling, hypnotherapy, and phone consultations, which suit people who want a practitioner to tailor suggestions to their situation.
CDs versus downloads
| Format | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Audio CD series | A bedside or car CD player, a simple no-screen routine | Physical media; you need a player |
| Download products | Phone, tablet, or laptop listening; instant access | Requires a device and a quiet place to listen |
Who this suits
These products fit self-directed adults who want a low-commitment way to build a relaxation or motivation habit at home, especially if they already find guided relaxation helpful. They are less suited to someone seeking treatment for a diagnosed condition, severe depression, or significant anxiety, where the centre's counselling and hypnotherapy services, or a qualified local clinician, are the more appropriate route.
A useful next step is to check the shop page for the specific series that matches your goal, confirm the format and price, and then decide whether to add a phone consultation or the in-person training. For a broader view of the field, the Hypnotherapy Directory explains how hypnotherapy is typically used, and NHS offers evidence-based stopping-smoking and weight-management guidance that can sit alongside any relaxation program.
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety, depression, pain management, or habit change, and what should I expect?
Hypnotherapy is best understood as a focused, relaxed state used to work on habits, stress and emotional patterns — not as a standalone cure for depression or chronic pain. At a clinic like ExcelCenter in Red Deer, Alberta, it is offered alongside counselling and hypnosis training, which suggests the practical answer: it works best as one part of a broader plan, and expectations should be modest and specific.
What it may help with
- Habit change — smoking, nail biting, overeating and similar repetitive behaviours are among the most common reasons people seek hypnotherapy. Success usually depends on motivation and on combining sessions with practical strategies.
- Anxiety and stress — relaxation, breathing and suggestion work can reduce day-to-day tension and help interrupt rumination. For clinical anxiety, it is a complement to therapy or medical care, not a replacement.
- Depression — hypnotherapy may support mood work and self-esteem, but moderate to severe depression needs professional mental health treatment. Treat hypnosis as an add-on.
- Pain management — some people use it to soften the distress around persistent pain, improve sleep and reduce tension. It does not treat the underlying cause, and any pain should be medically assessed first.
What a session is usually like
Expect an intake conversation about your goal and history, then guided relaxation with focused attention, suggestions and often a recording to use at home. You remain aware and in control throughout; you cannot be made to do anything against your will. A common pattern is an initial block of sessions followed by less frequent check-ins, with home practice in between. The clinic also sells self-hypnosis audio series and offers phone consultations, which can suit people who cannot attend in person.
A realistic decision rule
Choose hypnosis for a clearly defined, behaviour-linked goal — quitting smoking, sleep, tension, snacking — and give it a fair trial of several sessions. For depression, trauma or unexplained pain, start with a physician or licensed therapist and use hypnotherapy as support. Ask any practitioner about their credentials, how they handle referrals, and what results they consider realistic for your situation.
What are the payment options and how do I register for courses or book a session?
Payment options aren't spelled out on the page itself; the site links to a separate Payment Options page, so that's where you'd confirm accepted methods before committing to a course or session. Registration for the in-person Basic Hypnosis Training Course is handled through a REGISTER link on the course listing.
Registering for the Basic Hypnosis Training Course
The page advertises a two-day in-person Basic Hypnotherapy Certification Training Course at a listed price of $1550.00, stated to include all materials (a starter kit and personalized instruction). Course dates shown are 09–10 May 2025 and 08–09 August 2026.
A practical sequence:
- Open the payment options page and confirm which methods are accepted and whether a deposit is required.
- Use the course REGISTER link to claim a seat for your preferred date.
- If you have scheduling or eligibility questions, contact the center first at 1-888-686-6163 or [email protected].
Because the course is in-person and includes personalized instruction, seats are likely limited by the trainer's capacity rather than by room size alone — registering early is the safer move if you need a specific date.
Booking a session or buying audio products
For one-to-one work, the site lists Hypnotherapy, Counselling, and Phone Consultations as separate services, alongside a library of self-hypnosis audio CDs and downloads (titles include Eliminate Anxiety & Depression, Entrancement Music, Guided Relaxation, and Slim & Trim). The shop area shows a shopping bag, indicating online ordering for those products.
For a session, phone the center directly rather than trying to book through the shop — the page presents counselling and hypnotherapy as practitioner-led services, and the listed contact details are the practical route. Phone consultations suit anyone outside Red Deer, Alberta who wants to work with these practitioners without travelling.
How to choose
- Want to practise on others or build a business: the certification course is the relevant track; the page notes the center also assists people setting up their own hypnotherapy practice.
- Want help with a personal issue (smoking, weight, anxiety, pain): book a private hypnotherapy or counselling session.
- Want something self-directed and low-commitment: start with an audio download or CD, then move to a session if you need tailored support.
Whichever route you take, verify the current price and dates at the point of registration, since the dates shown on the page are fixed event listings rather than rolling enrolment.
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