Health Journeys Adds Traci Stein, PHD, MPH, to its Star-Studded Lineup of Contributors

AKRON, OH, August 16, 2012 (Press-News.org) While the U.S. Olympians have grabbed the headlines this summer, Health Journeys has quietly added a new member to its superstar roster of contributing health and mind-body health practitioners. They are proud to introduce Traci Stein, PhD, MPH, a practicing psychotherapist and Columbia-trained clinical psychologist, ASCH-certified in clinical hypnotherapy - specializing in general health and pain management psychotherapy.

Stein is the former Director of Integrative Medicine in the Department of Surgery at Columbia University, and has combined integrative therapies, including hypnosis, with conventional medical and psychotherapy practice. Her passionate commitment to mind-body healing has spanned two decades.

Belleruth Naparstek, creator of the Health Journeys series, notes that Stein refers to her work as "guided self-hypnosis." "It's a creative hybrid between hypnosis and guided imagery," explains Naparstek. "Her work is stellar, and we're thrilled to launch two new, terrific audio titles by her that focus on fostering healthy self-esteem."

The first program, Healthy Self-Esteem, features two guided exercises - a short version and a long one, as well as a track of brief, powerful affirmations. The program provides maximum flexibility for listening in a relaxed state or while on the go, combining Stein's guided imagery and hypnotic techniques to help release self-doubt; cultivate feelings of personal mastery; envision a more empowered future self; and encourage present moment self-acceptance - all while embracing positive change.

"Healthy Self-Esteem would be great for kids struggling with social or academic insecurities and challenges," says Naparstek. "They could get a lot out of Traci Stein's audios if they start listening to them a couple weeks before returning to school...and as the new school year unfolds."

The second program, Self-Esteem during Sleep, is a complement to Healthy Self-Esteem. It features potent hypnotic imagery specifically designed to encourage a stronger, more confident and healthy sense of self-worth, while dropping the listener into a state of deeply restorative sleep. Especially helpful for those whose "inner critic" tends to interfere with positive change in the waking state, it will also enhance sleep quality for anyone looking for nourishing rest while doing the work of inner healing.

"Since a distorted and negative self-concept is one of the signature effects of depression, people with depression can benefit from Healthy Self-Esteem and Self-Esteem during Sleep," says Naparstek. "In addition, the Health Journeys' Depression imagery - coupled with our Anger & Forgiveness imagery - would also round out a helpful combination."

Because Healthy Self-Esteem and Self-Esteem during Sleep are designed to work hand-in-hand to foster and sustain self-esteem, a Self-Esteem Pack has been created that offers both program titles at a reduced cost.

"We love Traci Stein's approach, the quality of her narrative and the hefty clinical sophistication that permeates her imagery," adds Naparstek. "And we also love her voice."

In addition to her private practice, Traci Stein, PHD, MPH, is a clinical supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Topic Expert at GoodTherapy.org, and has served as an ad hoc reviewer for the International Journal of Mental Health and the European Journal of Pain. Learn more about Stein at her website at www.drtracistein.com, or on her blog at http://drtracistein.wordpress.com.

Health Journeys Inc. has successfully pioneered and tested scores of CDs and downloads for over 50 health and mental health challenges. Programs are used by Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, the U.S. Army, the Department of Veterans Affairs and hundreds of hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Health Journeys is a multimedia publishing company offering a range of outstanding holistic health tools contributed or selected by Belleruth Naparstek. For further information, please contact Elizabeth Hauser at 330.633.3831 ext.100.