Professionals' hopes in hypnotist's hands

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Some professionals say they have attended a seminar in New York held by a hypnotist in order to find additional success in their business lives.

Financial adviser Amal Gawle said attending hypnotist Selena Valentine's "Millionaire Mindset" event represented his attempt to get an advantage on his competitors, the New York Post said Thursday.

"My job is performance related, and 2008 was a terrible year in the financial markets," Gawle, 30, said. "I'm trying to stay ahead of the game in 2009 so that I can outperform those around me."

Tuesday night's event also drew another businessman, who also admitted to hoping Valentine could improve his business odds.

"I told people what I was doing tonight and they think I'm crazy," the anonymous professional said.

"But I want to convince my clients that they are still millionaires," he added.

Valentine, who wrote the book "How to Date an Exotic Dancer," told the Post her own personal experiences with hypnotism prompted her to become a certified hypnotist.