Business & Tech

Small Biz Profile: ​Induced Change Hypnosis in Marlborough

"After dealing with anxiety myself and then seeing my daughter deal with it, I enjoy showing people that they can be anxiety free as well."

MARLBROUGH, MA—A single mother of two teenagers, Diane Coulter has always enjoyed helping people, especially teens.

"I found the teenage years to be particularly tough," she said. "I welcome every opportunity to give them advice on confidence and dealing with the struggles of growing up. A few years back I thought about going back to school for psychology, but at 50, I had enough on my plate raising two teens alone."

A number of years ago, Coulter's 12-year-old daughter started started suffering from extreme anxiety and depression due to an unfortunate family situation. This affected every area of her life, explained Coulter.

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"About a year later my 16 year old daughter started experiencing anger and depression as well," she said. "I spent the next three years working with both my children and professionals to ensure I would raise emotionally healthy, responsible and well-adjusted women. It became my mission. I sought out therapists and found some wonderful people. Things were better - but far from optimal."

While much more stable, her younger daughter still experienced anxiety that affected everyone's lives. As she visited therapists and looked into therapies, Coulter got more frustrated. Her daughter told her about a hypnotist that visited the school, and they tried hypnotism.

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"In less than 90 minutes, my daughter was 90 percent anxiety free," said Coulter. "After three more sessions, she was more than 95 percent anxiety free and our family was now capable of making a fresh start. I felt so fortunate. I have always enjoyed helping people. I'm so happy I found a way to do it daily."

It prompted Coulter to open Induced Change Hypnosis so she could help others. Induced Change Hypnosis is located at 67 Forest St., Suite 261.

When did you open/launch? I’ve been practicing hypnosis informally for a year or so. I decided it was time to make it formal and got certified recently. My office opened June 1.

What do you like best about it? Several things: I was a smoker for many years and I know how difficult it can be to quit. With the right frame of mind though, it’s not as difficult. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I enjoy show others an easier way to be healthy. After dealing with anxiety myself and then seeing my daughter deal with it, I enjoy showing people that they can be anxiety free as well. After working at home for so many years, I am very excited to be in an office setting and seeing ADULTS again. For the past two years, almost every day, I have taken my youngest daughter to Littleton to the barn where she rides and works. Since February, the drive has been a daily occurrence. I always promised myself I’d do something for me when the time came. She got her license in April. I’ve had a car waiting; more for me than for her.

Biggest struggle? It’s been a very long time since I had to be anywhere except my home office in the morning. Getting back into the “real world” is sure to be difficult in the beginning, but I’m very excited about my new adventure.

What do you see for the future?

I’m tired of depending on a big company for a paycheck. I haven’t had a raise, nor have I been appreciated since about 2008. I’m hoping this is my key to growing something for myself, from which I can feel a great deal of satisfaction.

Name another local business you’d send customers to: Arturo's, Yummy Mummy, Salon 77, DeSigner Jewelers

Do you have or know of a small business profile that deserves to be in the spotlight? Tell us about it at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

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