From news.ist.utl.pt!news.rccn.net!scsing.switch.ch!swidir.switch.ch!univ-lyon1.fr!jussieu.fr!math.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!nwfocus1.wa.com!news.halcyon.com!halcyon.com!rhunter Sun May 14 18:16:57 1995 Path: news.ist.utl.pt!news.rccn.net!scsing.switch.ch!swidir.switch.ch!univ-lyon1.fr!jussieu.fr!math.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!nwfocus1.wa.com!news.halcyon.com!halcyon.com!rhunter From: rhunter@halcyon.com (Roy Hunter) Newsgroups: alt.hypnosis Subject: Re: Wheres the FAQ? Date: Mon, 8 May 1995 09:27:11 UNDEFINED Organization: Alliance Lines: 12 Message-ID: References: NNTP -Posting - Host: blv -pm4 - ip3.halcyon.com X-Newsreader: Trumpet for Windows [Version 1.0 Rev B final beta #1] In article ac915@cfn.cs.dal.ca (Tim Burrell) writes: >From: ac915@cfn.cs.dal.ca (Tim Burrell) >Subject: Wheres the FAQ? >Date: Wed, 3 May 1995 13:29:46 GMT >hey... I'm looking for the FAQ for this group. Can anyone tell me where >to get it or if you have it handy email it to me? the faq is available for ftp at :- WWW: ftp://ftp.dcs.gla.ac.uk/users/murrays/faq*.txt ftp: ftp to ftp.dcs.gla.ac.uk , directory /users/murrays. From news.ist.utl.pt!news.rccn.net!scsing.switch.ch!swidir.switch.ch!univ-lyon1.fr!jussieu.fr!oleane!pipex!demon!news.sprintlink.net!nwfocus1.wa.com!news.halcyon.com!halcyon.com!rhunter Tue May 16 14:58:51 1995 Path: news.ist.utl.pt!news.rccn.net!scsing.switch.ch!swidir.switch.ch!univ-lyon1.fr!jussieu.fr!oleane!pipex!demon!news.sprintlink.net!nwfocus1.wa.com!news.halcyon.com!halcyon.com!rhunter From: rhunter@halcyon.com (Roy Hunter) Newsgroups: alt.hypnosis Subject: FAQ 1 of 3 Date: Mon, 15 May 1995 07:50:04 UNDEFINED Organization: Alliance Lines: 229 Message-ID: NNTP -posting - Host: blv -pm0 - ip14.halcyon.com X-Newsreader: Trumpet for Windows [Version 1.0 Rev B final beta #1] Welcome to the alt.hypnosis newsgroup! This posting contains my answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions concerning hypnosis (hence the title, "FAQ"). A number of people have requested them; and since several of you have e-mailed me requesting that I write a FAQ, here is the first of three. But before we start, allow me to provide you some personal information first. BACKGROUND OF AUTHOR: My name is Roy Hunter, and I have been teaching a nine-month professional hypnotherapy course in a college since 1987. It is based on the teachings of my mentor, the late Charles Tebbetts, who believed in a self-empowerment approach. Additionally, my mentor felt that most texts were too dry because of authors trying to write in an academic style; so I'll write my answers in these FAQ's with the same simple language and first-person style that my books are written. Please understand that my responses to the questions are based on experience rather than on scientific research (12 years full-time hypnotherapy, and 8 years teaching); but many successful sessions over a period of years validate my opinions as workable. Others may have differing opinions to the same questions presented here, which might also be valid from their viewpoints. I consider myself an artist rather than a scientist, and I teach hypnotherapy as an art. My national honors in the profession include: 1990 Voice of the Year (International Hypnosis Hall of Fame), 1991 Outstanding Service Award (National Guild of Hypnotists), and 1993 Dedication Award (Hypnosis Hall of Fame). Additionally, I'm the published author of three books: SUCCESS THROUGH MIND POWER (1987, Westwood Publishing), THE ART OF HYPNOSIS (1994, National Guild of Hypnotists), and THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY (1995, Kendall/Hunt Publishing). Now that you know a little more about who I am, perhaps you will enjoy reading my responses in this FAQ as well as the ones to follow... 1. What IS hypnosis? Opinions vary on the exact definition of this natural state of mind. First of all, contrary to what is commonly believed by many, hypnosis is NOT a "sleep" state even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. I prefer the way my late mentor, Charles Tebbetts, defined hypnosis, so let me quote his exact words as written in MIRACLES ON DEMAND (which is, unfortunately, no longer in print): "There is no legal definition of hypnosis. Webster's dictionary describes it incorrectly as an artificially induced sleep, but it is actually a natural state of mind and induced normally in everyday living much more often than it is induced artificially. Every time we become engrossed in a novel or a motion picture, we are in a natural hypnotic trance (p. 211-212)." I totally agree with the theory Charles Tebbetts taught: ALL HYPNOSIS IS SELF-HYPNOSIS, AND THE POWER IS IN THE MIND OF THE PERSON WHO IS BEING HYPNOTIZED. So, in reality, the hypnotherapist is more like a guide who facilitates the hypnotic process. Myron Teitelbaum, M.D., author of HYPNOSIS INDUCTION TECHNICS, came to the same conclusion--as is evidenced by what he wrote in the last two pages of Chapter 3: "The hypnotist is merely the guide who directs and leads the subject into the trance (page 18)." Additionally, the common belief evidenced by research is that a person experiencing hypnosis slows down his or her brain waves from BETA into ALPHA--although some people believe that we may actually enter THETA during deep trance states. (THETA is normally the "dream" state we pass through on the way to and from DELTA--or deep sleep.) Be aware that since we must all pass through ALPHA on the way to and from sleep, we could easily say that all of us experience hypnosis at least twice daily. But in working with clients, I believe it is best to keep the explanation as simple as possible. To me, the most accurate way of defining hypnosis is to simply refer to it as "guided meditation." Since many of us enter a meditative or <169>trance<170> state while listening to music, watching television, listening to a good speaker or a good sermon at church, or even while reading a good book, you could say that the hypnotist does not even have to be a live person. So if hypnosis were ever outlawed, it would be virtually impossible to enforce, because we would have to stop the freedom of speech and freedom of press! On the other hand, if all hypnosis is--as Charles Tebbetts firmly believed--really Guided self-hypnosis, then that truly makes the hypnotist an artist! This is why I chose THE ART OF HYPNOSIS as the title for the first volume of my major work based on the teachings of my late mentor. 2. Does a hypnotized 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 experiments--but does that make it right? I am part of the NEW ETHICS of hypnotherapy, perpetuating what my mentor taught me to disclose: "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. I proved this myself several years ago during a profoundly deep trance when the hypnotist gave me a suggestion that I felt was unethical. Not only did I bring myself right out of hypnosis, she got a lecture on ethics that hopefully she will always remember. Let's start informing people where the real power is--within THEIR OWN MINDS! And we can begin by no longer referring to people in hypnosis as "subjects." My own students are asked to use the following definitions for people in hypnosis: CLIENTS = People hypnotized for self-improvent, etc. PARTICIPANTS = People hypnotized for practice, demonstration, stage hypnosis, etc. PATIENTS = People hypnotized for medical applications of hypnosis. SUBJECTS = Those who are the subjects of someone experimenting with hypnosis, whether for scientific research or for parlor games. (And I do not choose to be in this last category.) Please AVOID using this word to refer to clients or patients experiencing hypnosis! In my opinion, the very fact that the scientific community has used the word "subject" for so many decades is part of the reason why people still fear hypnosis today. This very word implies that one is giving up control... and while there are those who wish to still use "disempowerment" hypnotic methods by tricking people into giving up control, I believe it's time to teach the truth about where the power is! 3. 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 favorite 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 hypnotized; so it is important for a hypnotherapist 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: (a) the ability to IMAGINE, (b) the ability to REMEMBER, (c) the CREATIVE abilities, and (d) RESPONSIVENESS TO SUGGESTIONS. Naturally, it is this last ability which creates the appeal of hypnosis to some and the fear of hypnosis to others. And before you go experimenting with hypnosis, be advised to seek competent "hands-on" training! Simply reading is not enough if you plan on facilitating hypnosis. 4. How do we induce hypnosis? My late mentor believed that virtually all techniques of hypnotic induction could be categorized into six main induction categories, which he called INDUCTION TYPES. Once understood, a competent hypnotist can use them as building blocks for creating almost limitless induction techniques. They are summarized below: a. Eye fixation (or "fixed gaze" methods) were primarily used during the 1800's, and are the ones usually used by Hollywood. Many people (including myself) do not respond to eye fixation inductions; thus, people who might respond quite well to other induction types could easily be mislabeled as "insusceptible" by a hypnotist employing only this type of induction. Several of my clients who have successfully responded to other induction types were erroneously told by an M.D. or psychologist that they could not be hypnotized--because they failed to respond to a fixed gaze method. b. Progressive relaxation (and imagery) methods are frequently used on self-hypnosis tapes, as well as by some who facilitate meditation. Facilitators often use a relaxation induction (or guided imagery) to have someone imagine being in a safe or peaceful place, and then awaken to full consciousness. Often those who actually use hypnosis inductions of this type will deny their use of hypnosis--and some facilitators of such meditations have even told me that they don't believe in hypnosis! A trance is a trance -- is a trance -- is a trance -- and is a form of hypnosis -- regardless of what name it is called. c. Mental confusion methods are designed to confuse the conscious mind, so that it simply becomes easier to just relax and "let go" into hypnosis. Do not attempt this type of induction until you understand it, and know what to do when a client enters hypnosis. d. Mental misdirection methods employ active use of the imagination, coupled with response, to hypnotize through responding to suggestions. e. Loss of equilabrium: 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 "hypnotize" their babies to sleep by rocking them at night? f. Shock to nervous system: the paternal "rapid" inductions frequently used by stage hypnotists are examples of this induction type, employing a sudden emphatic command given in a surprising manner. The participant or client will experience a "moment of passivity" during which he or she will either resist the trance, or "let go" and drop quickly into hypnosis. Although I very rarely use this induction type, there seems to be a time and place for it once in a while. When you understand these induction types, you may combine two or more as "building blocks" for techniques which are as limitless as your imagination. For more detailed explanations of these basic induction types, as well as sample techniques, order my book THE ART OF HYPNOSIS from The National Guild of Hypnotists by calling (603) 429-9438. It is the first volume of a 500-page major work based on the teachings of Charles Tebbetts. The second volume, THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY, may be ordered from Kendall/Hunt Publishing at (800) 228-0810. 5. How may I learn self-hypnosis? The best way to learn self-hypnosis is by asking a qualified hypnotherapist 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. The one I like best is: SELF-HYPNOSIS AND OTHER MIND-EXPANDING TECHNIQUES by Charles Tebbetts (Westwood Publishing). A former member of British Parliament told me that, in his opinion, the above book was one of the two best books ever written on self-hypnosis. He also recommended my own book, SUCCESS THROUGH MIND POWER (Westwood Publishing) to his students. Also, SELF-HYPNOTISM by Leslie LeCron is very good, as well as HYPNOTISM & MEDITATION by Ormond McGill (Westwood Publishing). I personally enjoyed CREATIVE VISUALIZATION by Shakti Gawain (Publisher: New World Library). Additionally, there are many good self-help books on visualization that are really recommending self-hypnosis techniques even when the author does not disclose that the techniques are forms of self-hypnosis. 6. What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or the release of problems. All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis; but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy. Additionally, mastering the art of hypnosis does not necessarily mean one is qualified as a hypnotherapist. Contrary to what many might believe, there is more to helping someone overcome an unwanted habit than simply giving hypnotic suggestions. If a person's subconscious resists positive suggestions for goal achievement, the competently trained hypnotherapist is far more likely to be of service than those with minimal training in hypnosis, or who are simply self-taught. And a background in counseling is NOT a substitute for adequate training in hypnotherapy when hypnosis is used to help people. 7. What books can you recommend? When I studied hypnosis back in 1983, Charles Tebbetts required all his students to read HYPNOTISM TODAY by LeCron & Bordeaux (Wilshire Book Co.). Although it was written almost a half-century ago, it stood for many years as the leading book recommended by my mentor, along with another book entitled HYPNOTHERAPY by Dave Elman (Westwood Publishing) which I strongly recommend that any serious student of hypnosis purchase and read. My own two-volume major work based on the teachings of my late mentor is already resulting in many praises from my peers: THE ART OF HYPNOSIS (National Guild of Hypnotists) and THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY (Kendall/Hunt Publishing). You may order the latter by calling 1 (800) 228-0810. Here's a PARTIAL list of other books highly recommeded by my peers: --Cancer Answer, the Healing of a Nation (Steve Parkhill) --Counseling Hypnotherapy: The Synergism of Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy (Charles J. Francis) Publisher: National Guild of Hypnotists --Clinical Hypnosis Principles and Applications (H.B. Crasilneck & J. A. Hall) -- Grune & Stratton --Embracing Each Other (Hal Stone & Sidra Winkelman) -- New World Library --Hypnosis for Change (Hadley & Staudacher) -- New Harbinger --Hypnosis Induction Technics (Myron Teitelbaum) -- Charles C. Thomas --Hypnosis: The Induction of Conviction (John C. Hughes) -- National Guild of Hypnotists --Hypnosis Questions and Answers (Zilbergeld, Edelstein and Araoz) -- Norton --Hypnotherapy (Milton Erickson, ed. by Ernest Rossi) -- Irvington Publishers --Hypnotic Investigation of Psychodynamic Processes (Milton Erickson; ed. by Ernest Rossi) -- Irvington Publishers --Hypnotic Realities (Erickson & Rossi) -- Irvington Publishers --Hypnotism & Meditation (Ormond McGill) -- Westwood Publishing --Innovative Hypnotherapy (Milton H. Erickson) -- Irvington Publishers --Introducing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (O'Connor & Seymour) -- Mandala, Imprint of Harper Collins --Love, Medicine & Miracles (Bernie S. Siegel) -- Harper & Row --Mind Probe Hypnosis (Irene Hickman) -- Hickman Systems --The Wizard Within (A. M. Krasner) -- American Board of Hypnotherapy Press --You'll See It When You Believe It (Wayne W. Dyer) -- William Morrow and Company Inc. And there are many more... 8. How can I choose a competent hypnosis instructor? Rather than simply telling you where to go, allow me to first share my views regarding instruction itself. My response is from the point of reference of a combination of factors: my professional experience, my national involvement with several hypnosis associations and leaders in the profession, my awareness that there are some who would like to control who can legally practice hypnosis, and that there are legitimate concerns raised about the inadequate 3-day to 5-day training programs making a few people rich at the expense of many. I'll quote sections from pages 6-10 my own book, THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY: "Charles Tebbetts said numerous times that there is no substitute for practice to develop confidence and competence with the art of hypnosis. In my opinion, this is even more true for those who wish to teach the art of hypnosis. [snip]...how can you determine whether or not your prospective trainer is your wisest choice? First of all, ask your prospective hypnotherapy teacher whether or not he/she practices hypnotherapy on a full-time or part time basis, and for how many years. This is far more important than his or her academic credentials. "In my opinion NO ONE should teach hypnosis unless he or she has at least two or three years of full-time experience exclusively doing hypnotherapy--or a minimum of five years of part time experience in those techniques that are taught!" [snip]... "I would far rather see someone teaching basic hypnotherapy with five years' experience in the profession than an instructor with a doctorate degree who only occasionally uses hypnosis in his or her practice of medicine or psychology--except for medical and/or other specialized applications of hypnosis. (Even with eleven years of full-time experience in the practice of hypnotherapy, I do not consider myself to be qualified to teach a course on medical applications of hypnosis! I only touch on it in my course on advanced techniques, encouraging interested students to pursue additional studies.) "And those newly certified hypnotherapists who jump right into teaching hypnosis a few weeks after their certification course are jeopardizing the credibility of our profession. Pay your dues and get your experience first! [snip]... "Secondly, find out the length of the training. Is it a one-weekend certification course? If so, forget it unless it is a specialized application of hypnosis for those who are already using hypnotherapy professionally. Charles Tebbetts required 150 hours of training for certification for most of his students, but allowed those with backgrounds in psychology and/or counseling to take their certification exams after 100 hours if they so chose. Also, my teacher exclusively taught subject matter that was directly related to the art of hypnotherapy. He did not believe we needed hundreds of hours of classes on theories or on topics that have nothing to do with the practice of hypnotherapy. "Thirdly, find out whether or not the techniques taught are client-centered and the classes student-centered. Will you learn hypnotherapy techniques that you must use on every single client? There is no hypnotic technique I know of that will work on all of the people all of the time. Charles Tebbetts taught what I call diversified client-centered hypnosis." Additionally, does the prospective instructor hold himself or herself up as some GURU or "expert" who frowns on all other courses or techniques except the ones he/she teaches? (We must outgrow the "guru" consciousness.) Does the instructor promote ONLY one hypnosis association in which he/she has a financial interest in your joining? If the answer to ANY of these questions is "yes," you might consider looking for other credible options. Last but not least, find out whether the approach is self-empowerment or whether your instructor is treating people as "subjects" which he/she dominates during therapy. Realize that because hypnosis is an art, there is probably no such thing as a perfect instructor. Learn what you can; but grow beyond your initial training. None of us has all the answers. 9. Which courses or instructors come highly recommended? This list is not complete, but it may give you a start. The International Medical Dental Hypnotherapy Association has a 120-hour minimum standard for IMDHA approved courses. You may call them at (810) 549-5594 for the nearest instructor in your area. THE CHARLES TEBBETTS HYPNOTISM COURSE is IMDHA approved, whether taught by me or by one of my other instructors around the country. If you wish a more spiritual approach, accredited by two theological accrediting agencies, contact St. John's University at 31916 University Circle, Springfield, LA 70462, or call (504) 294-2129. Arthur Winkler, PhD, is totally dedicated and sincere; and after having hypnotized over 35,000 people over three decades, he has a wealth of experience and research to share. Two other home-study courses come with high reviews: Gerald Kein's of Omni Hypnosis in Florida 1-(904)738-0408 and Hypnosis Motivation Institute in California 1-(800)682-4464. The National Board of Hypnotic Anasthesia has also evolved towards requiring over 100 hours of training for considering someone a "Certified Hypnotherapist. " They are located in Arizona." The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (Glendale, CA), though not fond of other hypnosis associations, does have better than average hypnosis schools, as well as a 150 or 200 hour requirement for certification. If there is no other good course available in your area, this is a very acceptable option for you provided you can avoid getting locked into the "exclusive" mindset of A.C.H.E. membership. There are many hypnotherapists around the country (like me) who have dropped their A.C.H.E. membership in order to outgrow the "exclusive" mindset. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis is open only to people with advanced degrees; and some of their leaders are actively trying to destroy the hypnotherapy profession as we know it by having state legislatures re-define the definition of the practice of psychology. Unless they change their attitude towards the hypnotherapy profession, I personally will have nothing to do with them. I cannot support their efforts to control the use of hypnosis -- which in my personal opinion is nothing more than a "turf war." Nonetheless, they offer a variety of books about hypnosis. If you study from someone who teaches Ericksonian hypnosis or NLP, be careful to avoid the trap of believing that your instructor's techniques are the only ones that are valid. NO technique, no matter how effective, will work for all the people all the time. Be willing to learn enough techniques to fit the technique to the client rather than vice versa. This requires depth of training! Hypnosis is an art. I hope your instructor teaches it as such. 10. If I have a natural gift, why should I seek training? Some people seem gifted in the art of hypnosis right from the very first class, so it is possible that you could be good at non-therapeutic aspects of hypnosis. But if you EVER plan on using hypnosis in a therapeutic way to help people be motivated, or to overcome bad habits, etc., you run two risks if you fail to obtain "hands-on" training: (a) First of all, and of vital importance, you run a risk of someone being left with a negative impression of hypnosis if he/she fails to respond to your attempts to help. Even the best of us cannot help all the people all the time. But the probability of helping a client is far greater if you have a good understanding of a variety of techniques and disciplines. Even if you understand the importance of suggestion structure, some people may have subconscious resistance to change. Frequently the failure is not theirs; but rather, that of an inadequately trained hypnotherapist who tried to make the client fit his/her technique or style. Believe it or not, this sometimes happens with counselors or psychologists who use hypnosis but have little or no formal training in hypnotherapy. (b) Second, you will simply not have the respect of hypnotherapists who have respected hypnosis enough to invest in their own training. If you ARE one of those who learned in only 3 to 5 days, do yourself a favor and seek additional training. This is important to both you and your clients. Additionally, our legal survival as a profession is in danger because of the very fact that there are self-taught people using hypnosis therapeutically, as well as "certified" hypnotherapists who only completed "certification" courses lasting a week or less. We as a profession simply must increase our own standards. 11. What makes hypnotherapy different than cognitive therapy? Cognitive counseling deals with issues at a cognitive level; and many of life's problems require just that. When someone is having difficulty with difficult cognitive decisions that must be made, competent professional help is absolutely essential! For example, hypnotherapy is not a substitute for marriage counseling. But when it comes to changing habits or behaviors regulated by the subconscious, there is nothing faster than competent hypnotherapy to facilitate subconscious change. However, hypnosis is NOT A PANACEA for all life's problems, and it should not be advertised as such. It's also important to realize that a competent hypnotherapist recognizes that he or she is NOT licensed to diagnose (unless trained and licensed to do so). While a physician, psychologist, or licensed mental health practitioner may be qualified to diagnose or "label" the cause of someone's problem, it is advisable for the hypnotherapist to avoid doing so. Additionally, in my opinion, even when a licensed mental health practitioner uses hypnosis, it is VITALLY important to avoid projecting the preconceived opinion into the hypnotherapy session. A diagnostician formulates a professional opinion on the cause of a problem. A competent hypnotherapist asks the client's subconscious mind to disclose the cause, and then either proceeds or refers accordingly, based on the information disclosed. Here's a good analogy: psychologists and mental health counselors could be compared to the "hardware" experts, whereas hypnotherapists are only trained to improve the software. 12. How can hypnosis be used to quit smoking or manage weight? There are many roads leading from San Francisco to New York; likewise 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 his or her benefits of change. Then hypnosis is used to sell the benefits to the subconscious before any suggestions are given to quit smoking or reduce. Some people use substitutes for old smoking triggers, and some do not. I recommend one deep breath, as it has no calories and no side effects. It is far better for the CONSCIOUS mind to choose the substitute than for the subconscious, as one addiction might be traded for another. Furthermore, if there is still pleasure associated with smoking, the client needs to make a conscious decision to choose another way of having some pleasure in a healthy manner, or there is greater risk of backsliding. Some hypnotherapists unnecessarily use regression back to the first smoke, based on the premise that the original cause must be removed. But with smoking, more recent causes usually far overshadow the original cause, which has often faded with time. With weight reduction, I also have the client identify his or her personal benefits of success. Often there is more work to be done, however, as people often overeat as an adjunctive response to another unresolved issue. Depending on the cause disclosed by the subconscious mind, I may or may not be qualified to help the client resolve the issue. If there is subconscious resistance to the more positive approach for ANY type of goal, a client-centered approach would be to ask the subconscious to reveal what the cause is. And before you do this, you are well-advised to have received competent "hands-on" training in such techniques! 13. 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 hypnotherapy instructor emphasizes to his or her students the importance of requiring a written referral from an examining physician before ever using hypnosis to reduce pain or to attempt to remove physical symptoms. The exception (for those who are not licensed to practice medicine) is if the examining physician is physically present and/or is supervising the hypnotic process. Since the time of a hypnotherapist is not nearly as expensive as the time of a physician, hopefully there will be greater cooperation between the medical profession and the hypnotherapy profession in the future. A competently trained hypnotherapist 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! You might be interested in reading LOVE, MEDICINE & MIRACLES by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. (Publisher: Harper & Row), and/or THE CANCER ANSWER by Steve Parkhill. 14. Is hypnosis dangerous? According to my late mentor, 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!) An untrained hypnotist often talks about the problems to be avoided; whereas most competent hypnotherapists focus on results -- whether they use direct or indirect suggestions, or both. There are some areas of concern which I believe need to be addressed Here: a. AVERSION SUGGESTION: In my opinion, the gross aversion suggestion given in many group hypnosis seminars is very risky. If a person VIVIDLY IMAGINES major disease as a result of smoking, and convinces himself or herself that the disease will come if the smoking habit persists, then how can we be sure whether the negative subconscious belief had anything to do with creating the onset of the disease??? Suggestions must be kept POSITIVE, affirming the desired results. Yet there are many books written by people with doctorate degrees which advocate the use of aversion suggestion when dealing with tobacco and other addictions. One of my former clients, desparate to lose weight, bought a suggestion given by her psychiatrist to get sick whenever she tasted or desired pizza; and she did so twice weekly whenever her husband called for pizza delivery. After suffering for over a year, she saw me to have the aversion suggestion removed. I am 99% opposed to most uses of aversion suggestion, except very temporary and mild ones in rare cases when all other techniques are resisted. b. REGRESSIONS AND FALSE MEMORIES: First of all, let's consider the fact that a COMPETENTLY trained hypnotherapist might, in some cases, choose to hypnotize a client with a hypnotic regression being one of the objectives to achieving therapeutic results! This is perfectly acceptable if the hypnotherapist is trained in the effective handling of client abreactions, understands the risk of false memory syndrome, AND is also working within his or her field of competency. But if you have not had "hands on" training in regression therapy, or if you do not understand the difference between "leading" and "guiding" questions or suggestions, you are advised to avoid causing hypnotic regressions. Because of the increased ability to fantasize, it is all to easy for a compliant client to fantasize a suggested sexual molestation that never took place!!! Some mental health professionals have found themselves on the wrong end of lawsuits because of this very problem. This is a glaring example of the dangers of projecting your own pre-conceived opinions into the trance state created by your clients; so until you know how to competently facilitate a hypnotic regression, DON'T -- even if you are an experienced counselor. c. PAIN MANAGEMENT: Since pain is a warning that something is wrong with the body, the cause should be discovered by someone who is licensed to diagnose. See my comments for Question #13. d. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: No ethical hypnotherapist would even consider trying to use hypnosis to induce criminal or anti-social behavior, nor trying to deceive someone into doing such. Furthermore, research seems to indicate that a person would not accept any obvious suggestions to break the law unless he/she is already inclined to do so. Military use could appear otherwise, but only because the soldier has already decided to follow orders to kill for his country if necessary. e. FORENSIC HYPNOSIS: If you plan on using forensic hypnosis, perhaps you should read TRANCE ON TRIAL (Scheflin and Shapiro) and then decide whether you wish to seek additional training in that field first. And, unless you have a legal background or background in law enforcement, make certain that the training you receive is specialized and adequate. Even with all my years of experience in hypnotherapy, I still avoid the use of forensic hypnosis. f. DEPENDENCE: The dependence issue should not be a concern with any client of a hypnotherapist who seeks to help a client become self-empowered. And client-centered techniques are designed to help clients use the power of their own minds to change, while the hypnotherapist is simply the guide or facilitator of such change. And since I'm a firm believer in the benefits of self-hypnosis, perhaps you could say that I've become dependent on self-hypnosis because it works! Furthermore, I'll put myself on the receiving end of hypnotherpy whenever I require it. Self-hypnosis is like lifting a chair; but when I'm moving a piano in my subconscious, it's much easier with someone on the other end helping to lift. 15. 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 realize there is to learn about hypnosis. Who is the leading authority on music? Music is an art. Would you consider Barbra Streisand the leading authority on music? Of course not... but she is a master artist! Would you consider a music professor at Juliard 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? Hypnosis can be used to reduce pain. Hypnosis can be used to quit smoking. Hypnosis can be used for weight reduction. Hypnosis can be used to overcome phobias. Hypnosis can be used to reduce stress or anxiety. Hypnosis can be used for entertainment. Can any one person be an expert in all areas? It's only a matter of opinion. Whose opinion? I personally recognize the late Dave Elman as a leading 20th Century pioneer of widespread acceptance of hypnosis by physicians. I personally recognize LeCron & Bordeaux as 20th pioneers as well. I personally recognize the late Milton Erickson, M.D., as the Grandfather of modern hypnotherapy. I personally recognize the late Charles Tebbetts as the leading authority on diversified client-centered hypnosis. I personally recognize Arthur Winkler, PhD (still living), as the leading authority on spiritual uses of hypnosis. I personally recognize Ormond McGill (still living) as the world expert on stage hypnosis. Since medical applications of hypnosis is not my area of expertise, I am not qualified to give my opinion on the leading authority of medical applications of hypnosis. There are some who give public seminars for smoking cessation and/or weight reduction who represent themselves as "authority" within the hypnotherapy profession; and the negative aversion suggestions given indicate to me their lack of training. They frequently make promises of outrageous "success rates" which are proving to be as unbelievable as they sound. If they knew half of what they say they know about hypnotherapy, they would inform their audiences how to wisely choose a hypnotherapist for the needed private followup sessions. Obviously they know how to market themselves, as must be evidenced by their incomes. But I do not consider them "authorities" in the art of hypnosis! There are some who feel they are so much more qualified than anyone else that they would like to have total control over who practices hypnotherapy. There is already an uphill battle because certain psychologists would like to outlaw hypnotherapy by defining it as part of the practice of psychology. Also, according to information I recently received from the O.P.E.I.U., there have already been attempts made in at least two states to legally require hypnotherapists to belong to the A.C.H.E. in order to practice hypnotherapy. In my opinion, NO ONE GROUP should have total control over hypnotherapy in this country. Be loyal to principles, and give your loyalty in degrees to those who earn it--not those who demand it. Let him or her who is considered a "leading authority" be so designated by others and not by himself or herself. And if the shoe fits, wear it. FAQ 3 of 3 submitted by: Roy Hunter, MS,CHt, Certified Hypnotherapy Instructor Published Author and Professional Speaker/Trainer