Leonard P. Majikas, PhD

Leonard Patrick Majikas, LCSW, PhD., age 81, 32843 Landlubber Cove, (Long Neck) Millsboro, DE 19966 died at his home on Monday evening, June 29, 2009 following a long illness. He was a longtime resident of Bloomsburg before moving to Delaware in March, 2009.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on October 27, 1927, the only child of the late Peter and Jule (Shergalis) Majikas. He graduated from GAR High School and Wilkes College, both in Wilkes-Barre. He received his masters degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and his PhD from Columbia Pacific University.

Dr. Majikas served with the U. S. Army in 1946 and later served two years in the U. S. Naval Reserve.

Dr. Majikas started his local career in 1962 when he was hired as Executive Director by the Family Counseling and Mental Health Clinic. The clinic, with its emphasis on community based treatment, opened in 1960 with one therapist and one secretary, growing into a full service staff under his direction. Dr. Majikas was instrumental in the clinic's expansion and remained there for 18 years. From 1980 to 1993 he was in private practice in Bloomsburg, specializing in medical hypnotherapy. After completing a 500 hour training program, he was one of the first on the East Coast to be licensed in Medical Hypnotherapy, which was deemed an "acceptable treatment" method by the American Medical Association in 1958.

Dr. Majikas used a sophisticated audio-visual system which featured a closed circuit TV monitor display and audio aids, namely a large selection of audio tapes he recorded and produced. This large 'library' of tapes helped numerous individuals overcome personal obstacles in their spiritual and mental health journey. He also worked with police in helping victims remember significant details of crimes, events the victim had blocked out or repressed. Many police departments across the United States now train employees in theraputic hypnosis for the profound results attributed to medical hypnosis.

Dr. Majikas was always quick to debunk the media misrepresentation on hypnosis, emphasizing the positive benefits relaxation has on the human body and brain. He was featured in many articles supporting hypnoanalysis and was a certified member of the American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalyists and the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapies.

In 1993 Dr. Majikas 'retired' and closed his private practice, only to come out of retirement immediately afterward to work at First Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, remaining there until taking a second well deserved retirement at age 77. He served on the Board of Directors of Danville State Hospital for many years, including several terms as president, resigning from this post in March, 2009.

Dr. Majikas was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg, for 45 years. He also was a member of the Bloomsburg Lions Club for many years and enjoyed working at the Lions stand at the Bloomsburg Fair. He served on the board of directors of the United Rehabilitation Services and the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Montour Counties. He was a certified member of the National Association of Social Workers, as well as the Academy of Certified Social Workers.

Surviving are his wife, the former Joan Marie Krafchik, with whom he celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary on August 27, 2008; two sons: Mark Majikas, Annapolis, Md.; Jeffrey Majikas, and his wife Kathleen, Sugarloaf; a daughter, Donna Majikas, Bowers Beach, Del; and a grandson, Brandon Majikas, Sugarloaf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a. m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg. Celebrant will be Rev. Paul R. Fisher, pastor of the Church. Interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County.

Friends may call on Thursday from 6-8 p. m. and on Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a. m. at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg. Christian Wakes services on Thursday at 6 p. m.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lions Club Leader Dogs Program c/o Benton Lions Club, P. O. Box 163, Benton, PA 17814 or to the Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.