Jan Segers Rysdon
      [Formerly Jan Ballantine]

       Certified Hypnotherapist*
              Educator, Speaker
               Coach, Volunteer

Providing Education for a Healthy Life and a Happy Heart!

In the summer of 1988, hypnotherapist David Segers taught me a new brain model theory he developed to understand why his clients suffered emotional and other stress due to events, people, and information they encountered in their lives.  Based on his theory, Segers created techniques to help his clients identify the areas in the brain that caused the emotional reactions and stress, and then he helped them alleviate the subsequent symptoms.  He also taught me the techniques to help me deal with my own stress and issues.   I even used the techniques when I coordinated a grant writing workshop and had to work with a boss who wanted to run the show.  Everyone kept asking me, "Jan, how come you're not getting upset?"  Aha!  The techniques worked!!!  So I continued to use Segers' techniques along with the positive imagery techniques I learned from the books of Norman Vincent Peale.  As I practiced the techniques, I began to release negative emotions and feel so much better in mind, body, and spirit. In fact, utilizing all these techniques helped me deal more competently with difficult people and situations at work, at home, and socially.  

Prior to teaching me his theory and techniques, David Segers had used his theory and strategies to help hundreds of clients release negative and harmful emotions and heal deep emotional problems.  However, not until I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in November of 1988 had Segers used the technique to assist the body to deal with physical illness, a physical illness probably caused by emotional stress.  Immediately after receiving the diagnosis, I began to practice the same techniques I had learned from Segers and Norman Vincent Peale as I continued with the medical protocol, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.  My doctors were amazed when the breast was removed three months later in March of 1989 and NO inflammatory cancer cells were found.  At one point during the year-long traditional medical procedures for this type of cancer, my oncologist told me there were few long-term survivors.  Undaunted by this information, I was determined to beat the cancer.  And I did.  I attributed the positive diagnosis to the wonderful gift David Segers had given me.  The most wonderful thing of all is that David Segers is my uncle, my father's younger brother, may he rest in peace.  Uncle David became my Guardian Angel in 2004. I am honored to share his "gift" with others.

At a free public seminar entitled "How I Healed Myself of Breast Cancer" in June of 2001, I narrated my experience with breast cancer and taught the audience how to use the techniques that had worked so effectively for me.  Some of the attendees were going through chemotherapy at the time of the seminar and came to find out how to survive cancer.  Others admitted to suffering from stress at work.  Others came to learn how to feel better about themselves.  One attendee reported eliminating a severe headache at the seminar using the technique that night. To find out  more about my experiences, please read the article Monique Fields wrote for the St. Petersburg Times on May 31, 2001, prior to the seminar.  Click on this link:  www.sptimes.com/News/053101/NorthPinellas/A_matter_of_mind_over.shtml.

Today, I work with clients to teach them how to prepare for medical, dental, and surgical procedures, cope with medical conditions, overcome obstacles, reach goals, and find their highest creative potential.  I successfully coach them to achieve their dreams.

What about the other areas of my life?

For over 20 years, I was a results-oriented educator of post-secondary courses in composition, literature, speech communication, and English as a Second Language.  I received a B.A. in Speech - English Education from the University of South Florida and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Inter American University in San German, Puerto Rico, where I taught first and second language communication courses for several years. I was fortunate to live Puerto Rico for 16 years and learned to speak Spanish while there. The people, the sites, and the memories stay with me always.

After moving to Florida in 1989, I began teaching composition courses at St. Petersburg College.  From 1999-2001 I coordinated International Education, which included directing the CASS Program [a grant program funded by CIED at Georgetown University for adult healthcare workers from Haiti, Central America, and the Dominican Republic].  From 2001-2006 I taught speech communication courses and  was a pioneer in developing and teaching public speaking in an online format.  Adrienne Samuels, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, captured the essence of the course in her article "Say what? SPC students take speech online."  Click on the following link to read the article:   www.sptimes.com/2002/09/14/NorthPinellas/Say_what_SPC_students.shtml.  The Public Speaking course I created won a prestigious national award as an Outstanding Online Course from the Instructional Technology Council in 2005.

Some selected academic honors include receiving the Instructional Technology Council Award as well as an EXCEL Fellowship from the University of South Florida, 1998-1999; being named to Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1997-1998 and 1999-2000; and receiving an Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence at Inter American University, Puerto Rico in 1989 when 2% of 400 faculty were honored.

In addition to being an educator, I am also a polished public speaker and have given talks at professional conferences, at events for college students, faculty and staff, and at programs for organizations in the community. As a member of Toastmasters International I achieved the level of Advanced Communicator - Bronze.

During my life, I have had the great fortune of living in Japan, Germany, and Puerto Rico for a total of 25 years and traveled to many other countries as well.  This international aspect has enhanced the quality of my life while adding a unique flavor to my speaking and communicating styles.  Traveling has also allowed me to tap into a creative side through photography.  For a look at some of my photographs posted on Webshots, click here.

Contributing to my community is an important part of my life.  When I lived in Puerto Rico, I was an active member of Altrusa International.  In Florida, as a dedicated member of the Clearwater Alumnae Association of Kappa Delta Sorority I served as president of our alumnae association and worked on philanthropic projects, such as teaching digital photography to Chi Chi's Kids at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida.  I was an active member of the steering committee for the UNO Latin Film Festival 2002 and coordinated many events for the college and community while working at St. Petersburg College, including international festivals.  I am a former chair of the Breast Health Education Committee of the Pinellas Unit of the American Cancer Society, and I currently chair the Health Education Committee of the Tampa Bay Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida.  With the Institute Founder and President Dr. Akiko Tanaka, I coordinated and taught programs for children to help prevent obesity.

Today, I continue to teach self-hypnosis, Uncle David's techniques, and other strategies to help people cope with life's difficult moments in professional and personal settings.  If I can find the time, I'll finish a book about my experience with breast cancer to share the gift I received from my beloved uncle. My family takes priority during my free time, especially my new husband Rick and my granddaughter Michelle.  It's wonderful being a wife and a grandmother!  (Yes, I stay busy and happy!)  

I also sell a wonderful all natural fruit juice with acai berry and loads of antioxidants.  The Active fomula is especially helpful for joint problems and arthritis.  The Original blend is perfect for families.  Log on to www.MyMonaVie.com/jejmarketing to read more and order some today.   

I am so eager to help you experience the life you deserve and encourage you to explore this website.  I want you to have a Happy Heart!  Contact me today at 727-741-8513 or email me at Jan@HappyHeartHypnosis.com to set up a consultation.

Education for a Healthy Life and a Happy Heart ~~ learn all you can to be successful, healthy, and happy!

* I do not treat, prescribe for, or diagnose any condition. I am a properly trained facilitator of hypnosis and am not practicing any other profession that requires a license under the laws and regulations of the State of Florida. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Hypnosis for subclinical purposes requires no referral. I only practice therapeutic hypnotherapy within the guidelines of the law and Florida Statute 485, which requires a referral and oversight from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts.