While hypnosis conjures images of people unwillingly clucking like chickens, Dr. Timothy Marlowe says its more than that.

“It’s not like you see on TV,” Marlow said.

Marlow, a local OB-GYN, started holding classes on weight-loss and stress reduction a few weeks ago.

Marlow uses hypnosis to change the habits and behavior of his patients so they can better avoid smoking, overeating or overstressing.

Marlow said it’s simply a matter of changing a patients mind.

“People who change their minds change their behavior And when they change their behavior they change their bodies,” Marlow said.

Hypnosis is nothing new to Marlow. Years ago, while a senior resident in California, he wrote his senior thesis on the “holistic approach to the female patient.”

Holism refers to treating the whole patient, instead of just symptoms or a particular disease. Hypnosis is one of the ways Marlow does that.

“I’m doing what a true physician should do: treating the whole patient,” Marlow said.

Marlow, also an evangelist, feals that the spiritual and mental aspects of a patients life should be treated as well. That’s where his hypnosis comes in.

During a typical session, Marlow make a patient comfortable, and then begins hypnotizing them.

Marlow uses his voice to put a patient in a relaxed state. He then speaks to them in such a way as to plant suggestions in the subconscious mind.

Marlow said a patient is in control the entire time.

“A hypnotist is someone who guides you through the process,” he said. “It’s a method of teaching.”

The suggestions are based on goals patients want to achieve, like losing weight or quitting smoking.

Hypnotized patients are more likely to change negative behaviors, because it gives them pause.

The American Medical Association approved hypnotism in the 1950s. Marlow said there’s nothing controversial about his methods.

While strictly a OB-GYN, Marlow said his hypnosis sessions are open to anyone.

“It’s the only time I treat men because I don’t have to touch them,” he joked.

Marlow offers free introductory classes every Monday at 7 p.m.

Followup course cost $7.50 for new patients and $3.50 for established patients.

The classes are currently being held at the Vaughan Regional Medical Center Tower, in Suite 310.

He expects the service will take off in a big way soon.

“If you want to achieve something this is the way to do it,” he said.