about

 

photo by Christopher Nazon

I’m Kristen, an artist and hypnotist working at the intersection of memory, imagination, and spirit. My current practices focus on language and sound as instruments of care. I am the descendant of care workers, earth tenders, teachers, and singers who called the islands known as the Philippines home. 

Like many others, I was born into someone else's imagination — belief systems which perpetuate cycles of harm and disconnection from ourselves, each other, and the earth. As someone with a queer, diasporic identity, I grew up feeling that my own desires, fears, questions, and very existence were peripheral, unimportant, or invisible. Despite how loud these feelings were inside me, I ignored them. I lived with a deep sense of misalignment and imbalance.

I realized that other possibilities of existing were available to me. I am learning that I can nurture and embody them — along with the parts of myself that I antagonize — by getting deeply curious about what my desires as much as my fears have to say to and share with me. This realization set a nonlinear course for what has become my current art, care, spiritual, and relational practices.

inside voice is a love letter to my younger self and to the parts of me that can never be silenced. inside voice is a practice (and process) of deepening our relationship to our imagination to create other possibilities for ourselves, each other, and our world.

Kristen is a powerful and gentle facilitator. The session unfolded organically and I felt tenderly lead into my subconscious where I received images and messages that were compelling and surprising. Kristen's voice and energy guided me along, supporting me in confronting and communing with parts of myself that I have been desiring connection with. I was moved by Kristen's care, attention and her intuition. The process felt full of mystical care. I would suggest a session with Kristen if you are looking to connect with the subtle but potent energies within. It was a journey of a lifetime and I know the images and language that I received will guide me for years to come. Thank you Kristen for sharing your gifts with such generosity.

— Georgia

frequently asked questions

 

What are the benefits of hypnosis? 

  • Nurture a creative and collaborative, rather than antagonistic, relationship with yourself 

  • Experience a sense of physical relaxation, mental focus, and energetic receptivity to different perspectives for a given challenge

  • Engage your mind and body for deep emotional healing

  • Explore ideas, possibilities, or solutions that you may not have previously considered 

  • Explore constructs of time, where you may learn from or make amends with your past, better envision your future, and ground in the present

  • Cultivate a sense of adaptability, personal power, and choice amid changes, transitions, and uncertainty

  • Address your given challenges, blocks, fears, and desires with a greater sense of curiosity and adaptability 

  • Develop an unconventional, nonlinear approach to a given challenge

What is hypnosis and how does it work?

Hypnosis is a creative practice that can support you through emotional challenges, creative blocks, unsupportive habits, and life transitions. A hypnosis practitioner guides you into your own, natural trance state, engaging your imagination or inner world and empowering you to explore ideas, possibilities, and solutions that might not have been as accessible in your everyday awareness. In this way, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Hypnosis can also refer to the state of hypnosis, or trance.

What is trance?

Trance is a deep state of physical calm, mental focus, and energetic receptivity. We can experience trance on a day-to-day basis, for example, when we scroll through our social media feeds, daydream, watch a movie, drive for extended periods of time, or immerse ourselves in an art practice. Trance is a different state of awareness in which we are more receptive to other ideas, possibilities and perspectives. While there are different levels of trance, I facilitate a light trance, like the in-between feeling of being awake and asleep.

What is past life regression?

Past life regression is a form of hypnosis. Past life regression involves a deep, narrative journey exploring the various dimensions of our lived experiences. These guided explorations offer us wisdom and clarity that can support us with our current experiences. 

What is it like to work with you?

I use an intuitive combination of verbal prompts, visualization exercises, relaxation techniques, somatic practices, and conversation to guide you into your own, natural trance state. In this way, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. My sessions are fluid, creative, collaborative, and conversational. I cultivate spaces of rest, play, wonder, and curiosity intended to challenge unsupportive patterns of thinking, cultivate self-trust and intuition, and catalyze desired change. You can read about clients’ experiences with me here.

Is hypnosis considered therapy?

Hypnosis is not a substitute for therapy and treatment provided by licensed psychotherapists, counselors, psychiatric physicians or medical doctors. Hypnosis can be a complement to therapy and treatment. I am a certified hypnosis practitioner and artist, not a licensed mental health professional, therapist, or counselor. Our work together is ultimately creative and collaborative.

acknowledgment of mentors and experiences that have informed my path

  • Student (certification-in-progress), Ablon (Hilot) Practitioner Certification Program, Kailukuan School of Indigenous Science (2024)

  • Student (certification-in-progress), Sound Therapy Practitioner, KIN Unified Healing Institute (2024)

  • Participant, Filipinx Food as Medicine: Healing with Autumn Transitions, 5-week community circle and class with Kai Delgado Pfeifer (October 2023)

  • The Ceremonialist’s 5-week workshop Sacred Bridge: to honor and acknowledge transitions through ceremony (June 2023)

  • Flower Essences for Emotional Health with Emily Ruff, Florida School of Holistic Living (2021)

  • Practicing artist and musician, taupe set xl

  • Hypnosis certification, National Guild of Hypnotists (2021)

  • Student, Hypnotherapy certification program (CHt), Divine Feminine School of Hypnosis (2020)

  • Participant, AZN FEMME CATHARSIS, 8-week group work & 1-on-1 guidance program (2019)

  • Podcast host and producer, Kidnapped for Dinner, longform interviews with artists (2018-2020)

  • 10+ years of professional experience in storytelling and mass communication (public relations, copywriting, branding, and graphic design)

  • Participant, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), one year of individual counseling and group skills training (2014)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Miami (2012)