What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis was given its name by an English 18th century Physician Called James Braid, after he developed the methods used by "Franz Anton Mesmer" (picture of Mesmer inset).

Does a hypnotised person give up control?

Do we give up control of our minds during a movie?

When is the last time you got so involved during a movie or TV show that you actually felt emotion?

You were literally in a hypnotic trance, although you still have the power to emerge from that state if desired.

Your mind may be guided by a movie, TV show, self-hypnosis tape, or hypnotherapist, but YOU still have the power to resist. Even though there are some people who seem to at least partially give up control of their minds, that is because of misunderstanding who has the power.

Certainly one can be tricked into believing that he/she has "given up control" in some forms of hypnosis or other experiments--but does that make it right?

I am part of the NEW ETHICS of hypnosis, perpetuating "ALL HYPNOSIS IS SELF-HYPNOSIS." Once people really understand this fact, they may enter deep states of hypnosis while still retaining the power to resist unwanted suggestions.

Let's start informing people where the real power is -- within THEIR OWN MINDS!

How does hypnosis feel?

Since hypnosis is a natural state of mind, clients are often surprised that they hear every word.

Unless one enters a deeper state, or at least a medium state, he or she may not "feel" any different than when relaxing in the favourite easy chair with a good book.

One may feel quite mellow, and may feel light (or weightless), or very heavy as if sinking into the chair. If one enters a really deep state, the feeling may be euphoric for some, or almost like being intoxicated without the side effects. In a light state, it is entirely possible for a client to believe that he or she was not hypnotised; so it is important for a hypnotist to know how to competently handle the pre-induction discussion as well as the discussion after hypnosis.

There are certain abilities which are enhanced during the actual hypnotic process itself:

• your ability to IMAGINE
• your ability to REMEMBER
• your CREATIVE abilities
• RESPONSIVENESS TO SUGGESTIONS.

How do we induce hypnosis?

Virtually all techniques of hypnotic induction could be categorised into six main induction categories. Once understood, a competent hypnotist can use them as building blocks for creating almost limitless induction techniques.

Induction Methods:

• Eye fixation (or "fixed gaze" methods)
  were primarily used during the 1800's, and are the ones usually used by Hollywood Films. Such as the Fictitious Character "Svengali".
• Progressive relaxation (and imagery)
  methods are frequently used on self-hypnosis tapes, as well as by some who facilitate meditation.
• Mental confusion methods are designed to confuse the conscious mind, so that it simply becomes easier to just relax and "let go" into hypnosis.
• Mental misdirection methods employ active use of the imagination, coupled with response, to hypnotise through responding to suggestions.
• Loss of equilibrium: most of us seem to have an inherited desire to be gently rocked, as is evidenced by the millions of rocking chairs available. How many mothers "hypnotise" their babies to sleep by rocking them at night?
• "Rapid" induction's used by stage hypnotists are examples of an induction type, employing a sudden emphatic command given in a "surprising" manner.

How may I learn self-hypnosis?

The best way to learn self-hypnosis is by asking a qualified hypnotist to teach you, and to give you post-hypnotic suggestions to reinforce what you learn.

Additionally, you may find it helpful to read a good book on the subject. One I like best is: "A Gateway To Better Health" By Dr Brian Roet. Also Monsters & Magical Sticks by Steven Heller

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis has been around for thousands of years.

Hypnosis refers to the actual state you will enter.

Hypnotherapy refers to the work done by the therapist to help you facilitate change and fulfil your aims and ambitions.

How can hypnosis be used to quit smoking or manage weight?

There are many ways to successfully help someone quit smoking. But the KEY is simple: THE CLIENT MUST CHOOSE TO CHANGE. If this is not so, long-term success is very unlikely.

I use a positive approach, based on the client identifying the benefits of change.

Hypnosis is used to sell the benefits to the subconscious before any suggestions are given to quit smoking or reduce.

With weight reduction, I also start with the benefits approach. Often there is more work to be done, however, as people may overeat as an adjunctive response to another unresolved issue.

Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain
and/or suffering from illness?

Pain is a warning that something is wrong with the body, and it needs to be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. Any competent hypnotherapist emphasises the importance of requiring a written referral from an examining physician before ever using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms.

A competently trained hypnotist should know, even with a medical referral, when to simply use hypnosis for symptom removal, and when and how to use hypnosis to search for subconscious causes of the symptom(s). Hypnosis can make a difference even with major disease!

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Is hypnosis dangerous?

According to current research and a report from the UK Government. Hypnosis of and by itself is not dangerous.

If it were, we would all be in jeopardy every time we get engrossed in a good book, movie, or TV show. But unwise use of suggestion may create the opposite of the desired results if the person using hypnosis does not understand the disciplines of suggestion structure. For example, a suggestion such as "You don't like candy" will cause someone to imagine candy, and imagination is the language of the subconscious!

What we say and how we say it creates images in the subconscious, which does not know the difference between fact and fantasy. (If you don't believe that last statement, hold your arms out in front of you and close your eyes. Then imagine a bucket in one hand and 100 helium balloons in the other. Imagine SEEING water pour into the bucket. HEAR it splashing, and FEEL the bucket getting heavy. After several seconds of deep breathing, open your eyes and notice where your arms are. Most people will notice a difference!) Most competent hypnotherapists focus on results -- whether they use direct or indirect suggestions, or both.

The so-called dangers from hypnosis are imaginary. Although I have hypnotized many hundreds of patients, I have never seen any ill effects from its use.

Dr. David Cheek, M.D., who has vast experience in the field writes, "We can do more harm with ignorance of hypnotism than we can ever do by intelligently using hypnosis and suggestion constructively." Psychologist Rafael Rhodes in his book "Therapy Through Hypnosis" writes "Hypnotism is absolutely safe. There is no known case on record of harmful results from its therapeutic use." In his book, "Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis," Dr. William S. Kroger states, "Platonof, an associate of Pavlov, who used hypnosis over fifty years on over fifty-thousand cases, reports as follows: 'We have never observed any harmful influences on the patient which could be ascribed to the method of hypno-suggestion therapy, or any tendency toward the development of unstable personality, weakening of the will, or pathological urge for hypnosis. "Dr. Louie P. Thorpe, Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California, in his book "The Psychology of Mental Health," writes, "Hypnotism is a natural phenomena, and there are no known deleterious effects from its use." Leslie N. LeCron, psychologist and authority on hypnosis, states, "As to self-induction, many thousands have learned it; and I have yet to hear a report of any bad results of its use." Andre M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph.D., a highly respected authority in the field of hypnotism writes, "As far as it is known today, hypnosis per se is no more dangerous than natural sleep. There is no evidence that hypnosis in itself weakens the will, damages the nervous system, or in any way adversely affects the mental and physical well-being of individuals."

Who is the leading authority on hypnosis?

This is a difficult question to answer. There are some who hold themselves up as such, but the longer I'm in this profession the more I realise there is to learn about the art of hypnosis.

Who is the leading authority on music? Music is an art. Would you consider Bethoven the leading authority on music? Of course not... but he is a master artist! Would you consider a music professor at University a leading authority? In classical music? In popular music? In country Western? And is there a difference between an artist and an expert who is an "authority" on any one area of music?

It's only a matter of opinion. Whose opinion? And is the "authority" also a good artist?

Can any one person be an expert in all areas? It's only a matter of opinion. Whose opinion?

Let him or her who is considered a "leading authority"
be so designated by others and not by himself or herself.

Hypnosis can be used to reduce pain.

Hypnosis can be used :

• to quit smoking.
• for weight reduction.
• to overcome phobias.
• to reduce stress or anxiety.
• for entertainment.