Former Carson City resident, hypnotist to headline Mission Remission 2 benefit

When the average American hears the word ‘Hypnosis,’ they probably believe that they will be made to silly things like bark like a dog, quack like duck or something much more serious, like rob a bank, or say or do things against their will.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," laughed hypnotist Dan Kimm, a former resident of Carson City.

For more than 12 years, Kimm has been on a personal crusade to bust those myths.

His endeavor continues this Friday night when his HYPNOT!C show opens at Silver Oak Golf Club in Carson City, part of "Mission Remission 2," a benefit for local cancer patient Mark Lindquist.

“I really get upset when Hollywood misrepresents what I love and do,” Kimm said. “Real hypnosis is nothing like you might have seen on TV or in the movies."

For one thing, subjects do not go to sleep or slip out of consciousness, he said. They are actually more aware of themselves through hypnosis.

"You are not asleep, unconscious or a mindless zombie under my complete control, and you will not reveal any deep dark secrets," Kimm said. "The truth is that hypnosis is a state of hyper self-awareness and focus. You are actually in greater control.”

He said the assumptions American culture has made about hypnosis is mostly cultural, learned through media and other means that present it in a negative way.

"The bias and fear of hypnosis is mainly cultural and learned as Canadians and Australians use hypnosis much more frequently as a way to stop smoking, release unwanted extra weight and let go of fears and phobias," Kimm said. "In those countries, they visit a hypnotist first for help. In America, sadly we are too often the last resort."

Kimm, known as the "Trance Man," is one of the better known Certified Clinical Hypnotists in Northern Nevada. What differentiates him from others as a clinical hypnotist is that he performs stage shows.

“I believe I’ve created the perfect marriage between them by melding the best of both," he said. "I’ve spent countless hours creating my HYPNOT!C show."

Most Americans are unaware that clinical hypnosis is very effective for helping shape and change behaviors. Unfortunately, it can be very boring from an audience point of view.

"I’ve taken science and made a fun, safe and entertaining show out of it," Kimm said. "I’ll be celebrating 12 years as a clinical practitioner in 2018. I have been doing stage since 2002."

Kimm spent three years at a Reno comedy club when he first started. He said he received more clinical clients from doing his show than any other way.

"I usually got three or four that grabbed me after a show and said, 'That was amazing! I never believed it until tonight, can you help me with...?'" Kimm said. "I’ve been fortunate to have worked in Vegas, John Ascuaga’s Nugget and Harrah’s Reno."

Kimm said he is overjoyed to be bringing his show to Carson City on behalf of the Lindquist fundraiser.

"I’m really excited to be performing Friday at the benefit for my friend, Mark Lindquist," he said. "Despite his tragedies, Mark always has an inspirational outlook, and although he has suffered from severe pain, nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy, he has never once stopped being positive or helping others."

Lindquist is battling cancer for the second time in his life. The father of two teenaged boys also lost his wife to pancreatic cancer two years ago.

Earlier this month, a pub crawl benefit was held in downtown Carson City to raising money for Lindquist's cancer treatment.

“When I heard of Mark’s plight I knew something had to be immediately be done for him to pay his bills, keep good on the table and provide stability while he could focus on healing,” Kimm said. “Mark has an army of people helping him daily."

Kimm's 90-minute HYPNOT!C show begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday night inside the Silver Oak Golf and Convention Center, 1251 Country Club Drive in Carson City.

Doors open at 5:30 with live entertainment from Jason King Roxas, as well as comedians Bob Johnston and Ethan Pickett.

The "Mission Remission 2" event includes a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and prizes to help raise additional funds for Lindquist.

An after party will also be held at "Living The Good Life" nightclub-bistro-lounge at 140 North Carson Street.

One dollar will be donated to the Lindquist benefit for every drink sold to patrons showing a ticket stub or wearing a "Mission Remission 2" t-shirt.

Tickets for HYPNOT!C cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call Kimm at 775-230-1174 or Trisha Krueger at 775-721-1482 to purchase in advance.