FAQ File 2 of 5 (1/07): Hypnosis FAQ...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HYPNOSIS FAQ
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*BACKGROUND of FAQ Author:
QUESTIONS Regarding Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy:
(Questions with revisions since the last version have an *asterisk.)
1. What IS hypnosis?
*2. What are the benefits of hypnosis?
3. Does a hypnotized person give up control?
4. How does hypnosis feel?
5. How do we induce hypnosis?
*6. What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
*7. What makes hypnotherapy different than traditional therapy?
8. How can hypnosis be used to quit smoking or manage weight?
9. Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain and/or suffering from illness?
10. Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
11. What about stage hypnosis?
12. Is hypnosis dangerous?
QUESTIONS for the Serious Hypnosis Student:
13. What hypnosis books and/or other sources can you recommend?
14. How can I choose a competent hypnosis instructor?
15. Which courses or instructors come highly recommended?
*16. Who is the leading authority on hypnosis?
17. If I have a natural gift, why should I seek training?
18. What about legislation to regulate hypnotherapy?
19. Can you hypnotize people without their knowledge?
20. Are people doing hypnotherapy and calling it something else?
21. What about so-called Past Life Therapy?
*--- BACKGROUND of FAQ Author ---
If you wish to skip this part, move on to Question 1.
My name is Roy Hunter, and I am the published author of several
hypnosis texts used in a number of hypnosis schools around the globe.
My hypnosis career began in 1983, and I first started teaching
professional hypnotherapy in a college in 1987. My course is based on
the teachings of my teacher and mentor, the late Charles Tebbetts, who
believed that all hypnosis is really guided self-hypnosis. I concur
with this, and also believe in a self-empowerment approach.
My well-known books are: THE ART OF HYPNOSIS: MASTERING BASIC
TECHNIQUES (1994, NGH; 3rd ed. 2000, Kendall/Hunt Publi****ng), and THE
ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY (1995, Kendall/Hunt Publi****ng, revised 2000). My
book for the general public is Master the Power of Self-Hypnosis
(Sterling Publi****ng, 1998), and is available online at Amazon.com as
well as in bookstores. My latest book is an advanced text entitled
Hypnosis for Inner Conflict Resolution: Introducing Parts Therapy
(Crown House Publi****ng, 2005), which sold out its first printing in
less than one year. This latest book has resulted in numerous
invitations from around the world for me to teach parts therapy
workshops.
Two different hypnosis associations honored me for lifetime
achievement in the hypnosis profession.
Additional information about me is available at:
www.royhunter.com/about_roy_hunter.htm
Now that you know a little more about who I am, perhaps you will enjoy
reading my responses in this FAQ...
* * * QUESTIONS Regarding Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy * * *
1. What IS hypnosis?
Even as we enter the 21st Century, opinions still vary on the exact
definition of this natural state of mind. First of all, contrary to
what many commonly believe, hypnosis is NOT a "sleep" state even
though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. James Braid, a
19th Century English physician, gave us the name "hypnotism" because
the people he mesmerized appeared to be asleep. Within a few months he
tried to change the name that he coined, but instead found that
hypnotism is here to stay.
Some people assume that a hypnotized person is asleep, especially
because one who goes into a very deep trance can sometimes have
partial amnesia. 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 currently out of 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)." He also taught that all hypnosis is self-
hypnosis, and many in the hypnotherapy profession believe likewise.
I totally agree with the above, and I also believe that THE POWER IS
IN THE MIND OF THE PERSON BEING HYPNOTIZED. So, in reality, the
hypnotherapist acts 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
part of Chapter 3: "The hypnotist is merely the guide who directs and
leads the subject into the trance (page 18)." Yet even today there are
debates over whether this is true. (Simply by reading the postings on
this newsgroup, you may soon discover that people are still debating
over who has the power!)
In my opinion, the most accurate way of defining hypnosis is to simply
call it "guided meditation." Since many of us enter a meditative or
"trance" state while listening to music, watching TV, listening to a
good speaker or a good sermon at church, or even while reading, 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; and we would have to outlaw TV, music, sermons,
political speeches, etc.!
The above being said, a personal friend of mine (and a well-known
expert in hypnotherapy) does NOT believe that all hypnosis is self-
hypnosis...as stated on his web site. He states, "Hypnosis is a
focusing of attention and resonation with the unconscious mind. It is
fairly easy to do this without the cooperation of another person's
conscious mind." He is not alone in this opinion, nor am I alone in my
opposite viewpoint. While I respect my friend's accomplishments in the
field of hypnotherapy, I respectfully disagree with him and retain my
personal opinion. No matter how deep one goes into the hypnotic state,
if the hypnotized person BELIEVES that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis,
he/she will be more easily able to reject (or modify) any unwanted
suggestions. However, if one believes that he/she is under the total
control of the hypnotist, might he/she be more likely to respond
according to that belief? Thus BELIEF is a very im****tant part of the
hypnotic process.
Some claim that hypnosis can become mind control by tricking someone
into trance without their knowledge or consent. The fact that music
can induce hypnosis without one's knowledge does NOT prove hypnosis to
be mind control any more than the act of tricking someone into a
trance without his or her knowing what is happening. Thus, I still
teach and practice hypnosis based on the philosophy taught by my late
mentor, because I believe it to be a more empowering approach for my
clients. While I do not question others on whether or not someone can
be induced into hypnosis without his/her consent, my opinion stands: I
believe hypnosis to be guided self-hypnosis. If someone enters that
state of mind without consent or knowledge, is it possible that he/she
was tricked into trance rather than induced against his/her will? I am
easily able to resist hypnosis if I know someone is trying to induce
me without my consent. However, though my own opinion is strong, some
would argue that the most professional response would be to say that
the verdict is still out on whether or not ALL hypnosis is self-
hypnosis.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 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. While working with clients, I keep the explanation
as simple as possible. That being said, some professionals believe
that a person in a very deep state of hypnosis can actually attain
THETA.
*2. What are the benefits of hypnosis?
Have you ever tried to change a habit, only to find your subconscious
resisting? Hypnosis has a good track record in empowering people to
get the subconscious to accept their conscious decisions, especially
when facilitated by someone who is competently trained in the art of
hypnosis.
Diets work on the body, but not on the mind. Most people who lose
weight end up finding the pounds they lose within two years or less,
because of subconscious resistance to change.
Hypnosis can be helpful in overcoming undesired habits, managing
stress, enhancing job performance, improving at s****ts, increasing
self-motivation and self-confidence, reducing anxieties (such as fear
of flying), and with appropriate medical referral and/or supervision,
hypnosis can often be helpful in reducing pain and/or in helping
cancer patients or patients of other major diseases.
3. Does a hypnotized person give up control?
Even NOW this question is still debated; but consider...
If this were true, then all hypnotherapists would have a 100% success
rate after only one session for every client who enters hypnosis.
While countless thousands of ex-smokers have successfully used
hypnosis to quit, there are thousands more who still smoke, even after
being successfully hypnotized several times. (The same can be said for
people wi****ng to use hypnosis to overcome improper eating habits and/
or other undesirable habits.)
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
retained 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 stage hypnosis or other experiments, but does that make
it right? I am part of the NEW ETHICS of hypnotherapy, perpetuating
what Tebbetts taught me to disclose: "ALL HYPNOSIS IS SELF-HYPNOSIS."
While stage hypnotists often create the illusion of having their
participants be under their control, I believe it is just what I said:
an illusion. Some years ago I witnessed a woman in deep trance bring
herself up out of hypnosis after the stage hypnotist gave her a
suggestion that she didn=92t like. She flipped him off in front of
everyone, and promptly returned to her original seat in the audience.
Her actions demonstrated publicly that she was the one who had the
power to enter trance, as well as the power to terminate the trance
when she didn=92t like where the hypnotists took her.
Once people really accept this concept, they may enter deep states of
hypnosis while still retaining the power to resist unwanted
suggestions. While it may be possible to trick some people into
believing and acting as though they have given up control, that
doesn't necessarily prove that hypnosis causes loss of control. I
proved this myself some years ago during a profoundly deep trance when
the hypnotist suggested that I shave my beard. I brought myself right
out of hypnosis and gave her a lecture on ethics that hopefully she
will always remember.
I believe that hypnotherapists should start informing people where the
real power is - within THEIR OWN MINDS! This will empower them to
protect themselves against being tricked into giving up control. My
ultimate goal is to help clients attain their ideal self-empowerment;
and we can begin by no longer referring to people in hypnosis as
"subjects." I ask my own students to use the following definitions for
people in hypnosis:
CLIENTS =3D People hypnotized for self-improvement, etc.
PARTICIPANTS =3D People hypnotized for practice, demonstration, stage
hypnosis, etc.
PATIENTS =3D People hypnotized for medical applications of hypnosis.
SUBJECTS =3D Those who are the subjects of someone experimenting with
hypnosis (whether for scientific research, or parlor games done by
untrained hypnotists), or someone who has been tricked into giving up
control. I ask professionals to please AVOID using this word to refer
to clients or patients experiencing hypnosis for a beneficial purpose!
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 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
resides! Yet truly if someone becomes convinced that he/she has "given
up" control and has become a "subject" of the hypnotist, that illusion
can seem very real as long as the "subject" believes it to be a
reality.
Are YOU seeking hypnosis for self-improvement or therapy? If so, you
decide which of the above words would best describe what you desire to
be called when receiving hypnotherapy. Perhaps you might wish to find
out how your prospective therapist describes someone experiencing
hypnosis, and whether he/she wishes to try to take control. The
ethical hypnotherapist will seek to help you become more empowered,
and not less empowered.
Benjamin Franklin proved over two centuries ago that Anton Mesmer had
no power over his patients; but rather, that his patients enjoyed
their cures because of their own beliefs and what was taking place
inside their imaginations. Yet for over 200 years, trance researchers
have been attempting to use hypnosis to find ways to gain control over
other people. Had all of our researchers over the years used hypnosis
to EMPOWER others rather than trying to disempower their subjects,
perhaps hypnosis might have a totally different history and widespread
acceptance today.
4. 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 or some beautiful
music. One may feel quite mellow, and may feel light (or weightless),
or very heavy as if sinking into the chair. The feeling may be
euphoric for some who enter a very deep state, 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
I consider it im****tant for a hypnotherapist to know how to
competently handle the pre-induction discussion as well as the
discussion after hypnosis. Amazingly, however, many of my clients have
successfully achieved their goals without ever getting deeper than
light trance. Yet deeper states tend to INCREASE hypnotic abilities...
The actual hypnotic process itself enhances certain abilities: (a) the
ability to IMAGINE, (b) the ability to REMEMBER, (c) the CREATIVE
abilities, and (d) RESPONSIVENESS TO SUGGESTIONS. Naturally, this last
ability creates the most appeal of hypnosis to some and the fear of
hypnosis to others; but before you go experimenting with hypnosis, be
advised to seek competent "hands-on" training (or at the very least,
invest in a quality Home Study course). Simply reading alone may not
provide sufficient education if you plan on trying to hypnotize other
people.
5. How do we induce hypnosis?
If you go to three different hypnotherapists, it is possible that you
might experience three different methods of induction.
The late Charles Tebbetts taught 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 explained in Chapter 5
of my book, THE ART OF HYPNOSIS: MASTERING BASIC TECHNIQUES. Let me
summarize them here:
a. EYE FIXATION (or "fixed gaze" methods) were primarily used during
the 1800's, and are the ones Hollywood uses the most. 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 MD or
psychologist that they could not be hypnotized after failing to
respond to a fixed gaze induction.
b. PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION (and/or guided 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 actually told
me that they don't believe in hypnosis! A trance is a trance, and is
still a trance regardless of what name or disguise people give it.
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. I recommend that hypnosis students avoid using this type of
induction until they understand it, and also until they know what to
do once a client enters hypnosis. This induction is great for
analytical people who don't easily respond to other inductions.
d. MENTAL MISDIRECTION methods employ active use of the imagination,
coupled with physical response, to hypnotize through responding to
suggestions. An example would be having an arm float upwards (or down
towards the lap) as a result of responding to suggestions involving
the use of the imagination. Personally, I believe a better name for
this category would be PHYSICAL RESPONSE TO IMAGINATION.
e. LOSS OF EQUILIBRIUM: most of us seem to have an inherited desire to
be gently rocked, as evidenced by the millions of rocking chairs
available. How many mothers "hypnotize" their babies to sleep by
rocking them at night? I personally found it quite effective when
another hypnotherapist used a rocking recliner, which she gently
rocked while giving me suggestions to progressively relax the various
parts of my body.
f. SHOCK TO NERVOUS SYSTEM (surprise): 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. Some evangelists may
unknowingly be hypnotizing their followers by this method at faith
healing services while shouting a "heal" command. Although I very
rarely use this induction type, there seems to be a time and place for
it once in a while. When the student of hypnosis understands these
induction types, he/she may combine two or more as "building blocks"
for techniques which are as limitless as your imagination.
There is an additional induction that does not fit in any of the above
categories, which only applies to a person previously hypnotized:
instant hypnosis by post-hypnotic suggestion. To prevent accidental
hypnosis, I link this to the combination of a visual and verbal
signal. This induction is helpful for a minority of clients, but I do
not use it for most of my clients.
Over the years students have often asked me which induction is the
best. My response is: The BEST induction for most of your clients most
of the time is the one YOU like best! Your confidence in your favorite
induction will usually influence most of the clients who have good
rap****t with you.
For more detailed explanations of the above basic induction types, as
well as sample techniques, order my book THE ART OF HYPNOSIS:
MASTERING BASIC TECHNIQUES from Kendall/Hunt Publi****ng. It is the
first volume of a 500-page major work based mainly on the teachings of
Charles Tebbetts, updated with my own professional experience, and is
praised highly by my peers. It may be ordered from Kendall/Hunt
Publi****ng by calling 1-(800)-228-0810.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: There are MANY excellent hypnosis books available
besides mine, and you may check the resource guide for titles. I've
named mine in the FAQ because others in the alt.hypnosis newsgroup
have told me that it is appropriate to do so; and also because I
believe the amount of time invested in preparing this FAQ and
maintaining it entitles me to refer to my own books! Additionally, the
fact that I've written hypnosis texts demonstrates my qualifications
as author of the FAQ for this newsgroup. While others might disagree
with some of my answers to these questions, regular readers of this
newsgroup have accepted me as the author of the OFFICIAL FAQ for the
alt.hypnosis newsgroup since 1994.
*6. What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
I would like to provide a clear answer to this question, but opinions
vary. I=92ll provide my own opinions, which have changed in recent
years=85
In the United States there is a growing controversy over whether we
should call ourselves Hypnotherapists or Consulting Hypnotists. All
hypnotherapy employs hypnosis; but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy.
Additionally, mastering the art of hypnosis does not necessarily
qualify someone as a hypnotherapist.
For years I taught that hypnosis employed only non-therapeutic
suggestion, while hypnotherapy was the application of suggestions for
self-improvement and/or therapeutic purposes. Contrary to what many
might believe, more than simple hypnotic suggestions are required to
help someone overcome undesired habits. My stated opinion in recent
years was that hypnotherapy constitutes the application of techniques
to help the subconscious discover and release causes of problems,
while the act of giving suggestions for self-improvement (without
discovering causes) may constitute hypnosis rather than hypnotherapy.
This change from my opinion in the early 1990's is explained below:
The plethora of graduates of 3-day and 5-day crash courses has
produced many "certified hypnotherapists" who know how to hypnotize
many people and use scripts and/or a particular modality, which may
work for many of the people much of the time. The drawback is that
subconscious resistance to positive suggestion often requires more
than hypnotic suggestions and/or guided imagery to overcome. Thus,
many veteran hypnotherapists (including myself) are considering
revising their opinions as to the difference between a hypnotist and a
hypnotherapist. I believe that someone who simply employs hypnosis and
hypnotic suggestions might more accurately be called a "Consulting
Hypnotist" rather than a "Certified Hypnotherapist." In my own
professional opinion, it is more accurate to require that a "Certified
Hypnotherapist" be able to demonstrate the ability to go beyond
knowing a few inductions and the exclusive use of scripts and imagery.
I believe that a competent hypnotherapist should be trained to
discover the subco
nscious cause(s) of subconscious resistance when working with a
willing client...and to enable the client to release those causes so
that he/she may be free to respond to positive suggestions.
If a person's subconscious resists positive suggestions for goal
achievement, the competently trained hypnotherapist may far more
likely provide service than he/she with minimal training in hypnosis,
or who are simply self-taught. In short, the person who simply uses a
methodology and/or a set of scripts while a client is hypnotized is
IMHO really practicing hypnosis rather than hypnotherapy.
Some professionals, both in the USA and abroad, consider the use of
hypnotic techniques to uncover subconscious cause(s) of resistance to
be hypnoanalysis rather than hypnotherapy, and that any use of
hypnosis for self-improvement should still be called =93hypnotherapy=94
rather than hypnosis. Having heard all sides of the debates, I must
admit that I understand the arguments on all sides=85and can appreciate
the apparent validity of the various points of view. In other words,
the verdict is still out on this issue!
Even now, the professional hypnosis associations cannot seem to come
to mutually accepted terms of agreement on what constitutes adequate
training to be a "Certified Hypnotherapist" rather than a Certified
Hypnotist or Consulting Hypnotist, and such disagreement has been an
obstacle for greater professional unity around the world.
The National Guild of Hypnotists is now leaning strongly towards the
philosophy that we should call ourselves =93Consulting Hypnotists=94
rather than hypnotherapists. My primary concern with this opinion is
that it could open the door for the psychology profession to restrict
what we may or may not do to help clients. If the psychology
profession is TRULY interested in helping clients achieve their ideal
self-empowerment, then I believe that they should NOT make any
attempts to restrict a competently trained hypnotherapist from helping
a client attain his or her ideal self-empowerment. Also, I hope that
the more open-minded psychologists will recognize and appreciate the
experienced hypnotherapists who desire to empower their clients.
Efforts to use legal loopholes and restrictive definitions of the
=93scope of practice=94 could result in preventing some people from
getting the help they need from qualified professionals originally
trained and certified by the =93lay hypnosis=94 profession. Does a massage
therapist do psychotherapy? ...yet they are allowed to keep the name
"therapy" in their job title.
Since my 2005 FAQ revision, New York buckled under to the influence of
the psychology profession and passed a law requiring anyone claiming
to be a =93hypnotherapist=94 to have advanced credentials established by
the psychology profession. Should this law become widespread, we may
need to re-define parts therapy and regression therapy, which I
believe to be two of the most valuable tools of a competent
practitioner of the art of hypnosis. In June of 2006 my work was
accepted and respected when I taught parts therapy at the London
College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH), which is affiliated with the
British Association of Medical Hypnosis.
For some reason we still have psychologists in the United States who
believe that people like me should not own the professional title of
hypnotherapist. I strongly disagree with this opinion=85but am willing
to find another professional title if ever required by law to do so.
However, it is my professional opinion that I am more than just a
consulting hypnotist. See the first paragraph of Question #7 for more
info validating the difference between a hypnotherapist and a
psychotherapist.
It is my hope and prayer that we will see a professional unity during
my lifetime! Also note that a background in counseling is NOT a
substitute for adequate training in hypnotherapy when hypnosis is used
to help people. (Refer to the questions regarding training.)
*7. What makes hypnotherapy different than traditional therapy?
While a trained and licensed therapist may diagnose causes of
problems, a competent hypnotherapist asks the client's subconscious
mind to disclose the cause. The licensed mental health professional
formulates a professional opinion describing the problem and/or its
cause, and treats or counsels accordingly. (He/she can also attach
labels to clients or patients, which are normally required by
insurance companies for insurance claims.) Meanwhile, the
hypnotherapist proceeds or refers accordingly, based on the
information disclosed by the client...based as well on the
hypnotherapist's qualifications to work with the issue(s) presented by
the client and/or the client's subconscious.
The above paragraph describes what I believe to be the PRIMARY
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPNOTHERAPY AND TRADITIONAL THERAPY. Now I=92ll
continue in more detail=85
A hypnotherapist neither treats nor diagnoses physical or mental
illness, unless otherwise trained and licensed to do so. The licensed
mental health professional (psychologist, psychotherapist, etc.) can
diagnose and/or give professional advice to clients (or patients),
whether the causes of the problems are in the past or present. In my
opinion, any professional practicing client-centered hypnosis does NOT
diagnose the subconscious cause of a client=92s problem (even if
licensed to do so). Rather, he/she employs appropriate hypnotic
techniques to ENABLE THE CLIENT=92S SUBCONSCIOUS TO DISCOVER THE CORE
CAUSE of a client=92s problem, and then helps the client RELEASE his/her
emotional attachment to the cause(s) unless the cause is a present
ongoing issue. Once the facilitator of hypnosis release the cause(s)
of the problem, he/she then uses suggestion and imagery to help the
client's subconscious to accept the goals that the client wishes to
achieve. If the cause is a present, unresolved issue, then the
hypnotherapist should refer the client to another professional as
appropriate (such as an unresolved family problem).
Cognitive counseling (or traditional therapy) deals with issues at a
cognitive level; and many of life's problems require just that. When
someone has to make difficult cognitive decisions, competent
professional help is absolutely essential! For example, hypnotherapy
is not a substitute for marriage counseling. When it comes to changing
habits or behaviors regulated by the subconscious, hypnotherapy
****nes. Hypnosis is NOT A PANACEA for all life's problems, however,
and should never be advertised as such.
If you have tough decisions to make, you need a skilled professional
to help you understand your options (such as a marriage counselor for
marriage problems). If your problem is due to the subconscious
refusing to allow you to accomplish what you consciously wish, you may
wish to consider hypnotherapy to help you discover why your
subconscious is resisting the solution.
It's also im****tant to realize that an ethical hypnotherapist will NOT
try to give you his/her opinion about the cause of a problem. If he/
she tries to tell you the cause of your problem, ask whether he/she is
qualified to diagnose. While a physician, psychologist, or licensed
mental health practitioner may be qualified to diagnose or "label" the
cause of someone's problem, the hypnotherapist should avoid doing so.
Also, in my opinion, even when a licensed mental health practitioner
uses hypnosis, it's very im****tant to avoid projecting a preconceived
opinion into the hypnotherapy session. An incorrect opinion may taint
the trance, making it difficult to differentiate between real or
imagined causes, and/or tell the difference between repressed memories
and false memories. This is why I believe that a mental health
practitioner needs specialized training in hypnotherapy before
employing hypnosis. If hypnosis is used to "validate" an alleged cause
based on the facilitator's preconceived opinion, that constitutes
inappropriate leading...which can take the client down the wrong path.
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. Or you could say that a left
brain problem requires a left brain solution, while a right brain
problem requires a right brain solution!
8. How can hypnosis be used to quit smoking or manage weight?
Many roads lead from San Francisco to New York; likewise we have many
ways to successfully help someone quit smoking. One im****tant
prerequisite remains: The client must CHOOSE to change, otherwise long-
term success is very unlikely. This being said, I'll provide my own
approach below; but realize that other hypnotherapists may employ
other approaches that are also successful.
I start with a positive approach, based on the client identifying the
benefits of change. Hypnosis helps to sell the benefits to the
subconscious before I give any suggestions regarding change.
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 the client associates pleasure with
smoking, he/she needs to make a conscious decision to choose another
way of having pleasure in a healthy manner - or risk backsliding.
Some hypnotherapists use regression back to the first smoke, based on
the premise that the original cause must be removed. With smoking,
more recent causes may far overshadow the original cause, which has
often faded with time. In some instances, particularly with the
addictive personality, regression therapy might be needed to uncover
the subconscious cause of the addiction. I personally prefer not to
use regression in the first session for two reasons: (1) regression is
not necessary for all the people all the time, and (2) I want the
client's first session to be pleasant and enjoyable. (First
impressions are lasting!) When necessary, I'll use regression in a
subsequent session to discover the cause(s) of any resistance to the
positive approach.
With weight reduction, I still start with the benefits approach. If
the subconscious resists the more positive approach, the client-
centered approach is to ask the subconscious to reveal the CAUSE so
that it may be released. (Without release from the cause, the problem
may return.) Once the subconscious reveals the cause, numerous
advanced hypnotherapy techniques are available for the competently
trained hypnotherapist, including (but not limited to) regression
therapy or parts therapy. Often more work remains; however, some
people overeat as an adjunctive response to another unresolved issue.
Also, depending on what cause(s) the subconscious reveals, I may or
may not be qualified to help the client resolve the issue. Some
clients are referred elsewhere.
If your therapist simply uses scripts and/or positive suggestions
without any lasting improvement, you might ask for a referral to a
hypnotherapist who is competently trained in advanced hypnotic
techniques.
9. Can hypnosis be used to reduce pain and/or suffering from illness?
Pain is a warning that something is wrong with the body, and the cause
should be diagnosed by someone qualified to do so. You should only
seek hypnotherapy for pain management after receiving the appropriate
referral from your primary health care professional. Any competent
hypnotherapy instructor emphasizes to his or her students the
im****tance of requiring a written referral from an examining physician
before using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms.
There are two exceptions:
The first exception (for those who are not licensed to practice
medicine) is if the examining physician is physically present and/or
supervises the hypnotic process. Once such permission is obtained,
hypnosis can often be a very beneficial ADJUNCT to appropriate
traditional treatment.
A second exception is for a hypnotherapist who has pre-authorization
because he/she works for a medical center and/or a hospice, and is
referred by the hospice and/or medical center to work with patients
for pain management and/or whatever other area(s) pre-authorized for
the hypnotherapist. (I often work within the second exception.)
When facilitating hypnotherapy with medical approval, the results can
be varied. Some of the hospice patients I've seen have enjoyed
considerable comfort from pain reduction suggestions and guided
imagery, while others have only minimal response at best. My work with
the Franciscan Hospice indicates a great need for hypnotherapy to be
offered in hospices throughout the world. One of my former
hypnotherapy students built this bridge between traditional treatment
and hypnotherapy, which I believe is im****tant to everyone concerned.
If similar bridges are built throughout the world in other medical
fields (as well as hospice), I believe that the long-term benefits
will surpass the expectations of today's medical establishment.
Since the time of a hypnotherapist is not nearly as expensive as the
time of a physician, it is more cost-effective to employ a
hypnotherapist than it would be for the physician to facilitate
hypnosis. Also, a competently trained hypnotherapist should be trained
to know when to simply use hypnosis for symptom removal, and when and
how to use hypnosis to search for subconscious causes of symptom(s)
that might be created by the subconscious. Many of us believe that
hypnosis can make a difference even with major disease! You might be
interested in reading the book mentioned in Question #2: LOVE,
MEDICINE & MIRACLES by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. (Publisher: Harper &
Row), and/or ANSWER CANCER by Steve Parkhill. Also, as noted in
Question #2, Kevin Hogan has do***ented some outstanding results with
people who suffer from tinnitus.
If you wish to explore the use of hypnosis to reduce your pain, ask
your personal physician to provide you with a referral. Then, for your
own well-being, make certain that you keep him/her updated on your
progress. Once you have the medical referral for hypnotic pain
management, you may consider contacting one of the following major
hypnosis associations for a hypnotherapy referral in your area:
In the USA ((listed in alphabetical order):
American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (1-818-242-1159)
International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association
(1-248-549-5594)
National Guild of Hypnotists (1-603-429-9438)
In the UK:
Association of Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP):
www.aphp.co.=
uk/
National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists (NRAH) www.nrah.co.uk/
10. Is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?
Because of the Wa****ngton State legislation requiring registration of
hypnotherapists, doors were opened several years ago for insurance
reimbursement inside Wa****ngton...and it could spread to other states.
Certain health care plans in Wa****ngton State include coverage for
hypnotherapy under certain cir***stances when done by a Registered
Hypnotherapist. While the scope of coverage is somewhat limited, and
only a few plans offer such coverage, this is a start.
Unfortunately, one of the state=92s largest insurance companies caused
us to take a step backwards by refusing to provide insurance coverage
unless the provider was a physician, psychologist, or certified mental
health counselor, even though state law apparently indicated
otherwise. When this FAQ author approached that insurance company
regarding their non-compliance (in behalf of the Wa****ngton State
Hypnosis Association), they used a technicality of the law to avoid
compliance, and the office of the Wa****ngton State Insurance
Commissioner suggested that we obtain legal counsel if we wanted to
pursue action. Because of the potential expense involved in a legal
battle, we backed off. Smokers who successfully quit through hypnosis
will save FAR more money by not smoking than the amount of their
personal investment for competent hypnotherapy.
For a number of years, Boeing covered smoking cessation as an employee
benefit even when hypnotherapy is used. ONLY the employee was covered,
with 80% reimbursed up to the first $200; and the employee needed to
submit a special reimbursement form to Boeing rather than going
through his/her normal health insurance plans. There is a question
whether or not this benefit still exists.
Perhaps it's time for the general public to ask their insurance
companies to offer coverage for hypnotherapy! Isn=92t an ounce of
prevention worth a pound of cure? There was a time when chiropractic
was not available in any insurance plan...yet now there are numerous
health plans that include chiropractic.
It's time for hypnotherapy to be recognized!
11. What about stage hypnosis?
My original FAQ response to this question began by saying: "This broad
topic could easily justify a separate FAQ." Thanks to an anonymous
author (a former professional stage hypnotist who changed careers), we
now have a separate stage hypnosis FAQ. However, some readers
requested that I preserve my original short response, which follows
this paragraph. Nonetheless, I encourage you to also read the stage
hypnosis FAQ which provides a more comprehensive response...and one
that comes from an experienced stage hypnotist. Now here's my own
response.
The reason most people do things they might not ordinarily do during a
hypnosis show is primarily because of the expectations. Many of those
same people might refuse similar suggestions in the privacy of a
hypnotherapy office. While most hypnotherapists believe that all
hypnosis is really guided self-hypnosis, a person will still respond
according to his/her beliefs! So if a person enters hypnosis during a
stage show with the belief that the hypnotist has control, he/she will
respond accordingly unless given some suggestions generating strong
emotional resistance. Some people can be tricked into giving their
power away, but that doesn't make it right to do so!
Many hypnotherapists are totally against stage hypnosis; but again, my
belief is that stage hypnosis of and by itself is neither good nor
bad. Rather, it depends on the way one presents it. Some
hypnotherapists forget that stage hypnosis kept interest in hypnosis
alive since the days of Mesmer. Let's appreciate that fact!
To learn more about stage hypnosis, link to the stage hypnosis FAQ.
12. Is hypnosis dangerous?
This question may be of interest to both the consumer and the serious
student of hypnosis alike.
According to many instructors, 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. 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 spla****ng, 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, and/or discovering and releasing the subconscious cause
(s) of resistance to change.
However, with that being said, I wish to address several concerns:
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 books written by people with doctorate degrees advocating
the use of aversion suggestion when dealing with tobacco and other
addictions.
One of my former clients, desperate 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 tem****ary and mild ones in rare
cases when numerous other attempted (and appropriate) techniques are
resisted.
b. REGRESSIONS AND FALSE MEMORIES: First of all, let's consider the
fact that a COMPETENTLY trained hypnotherapist might frequently choose
to hypnotize a client with a hypnotic regression being one of the
objectives to achieving therapeutic results. It is perfectly
acceptable if the hypnotherapist understands how to effectively handle
client abreactions, understands the risk of false memories, and stays
within his or her field of competency. Also, any regression therapist
MUST understand the im****tant difference between "leading" and
"guiding" questions.
Hypnosis causes an increased ability to fantasize, so it is all to
easy for a compliant client to fantasize a suggested ***ual
molestation that never took place! Some mental health professionals
have found themselves on the wrong end of lawsuits because of this
very problem. These glaring examples show the dangers of projecting
your own preconceived opinions into your client's trance. Until you
how to competently facilitate hypnotic regressions, DON'T.
If the above warnings about false memories aren't enough to convince
you to obtain competent training, ask yourself how easy it would be
for a "UFO abductee-wannabe" to convince both himself/herself and a
hypnotist that a real abduction took place? Also, if a hypnotist
convinces a client that he/she starved to death in a past life, it is
amazingly easy for the subconscious to fantasize something to validate
that opinion. In short, no matter what degrees you do or don't have,
avoid using hypnosis to validate a preconceived opinion about the
cause of a client's problem.
For the reasons discussed above, the therapist without actual "hands
on" training in regression therapy should avoid facilitating
regression therapy. The National Guild of Hypnotists Code of Ethics
prohibits facilitating regressions without appropriate training in
regressions.
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 knowingly accept suggestions to
break the law unless he/she already feels inclined to do so.
Nonetheless there are occasional postings on this newsgroup claiming
that some people have been the subjects of secret government
experiments involving drug-induced hypnotic mind control experiments.
Although I am not personally aware of such experiments, there have
been many questionable things done over the centuries in the name of
scientific research. I personally believe that a normal person could
resist unwanted suggestions (especially if he/she knows that hypnosis
is self-hypnosis), but I'm not qualified to state what might or might
not be possible with certain mind-altering drugs. Also, people can be
tricked even in a fully conscious state; so it might be unwise to let
an unscrupulous person hypnotize you.
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.
Also, 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. Those wi****ng to learn more
about forensic hypnosis might wish to browse the website of one of our
experts in forensic hypnosis, Marx Howell: http://www.marxhowell.com/
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. Client-centered techniques help clients use the power of
their own minds to change, while the hypnotherapist serves only as the
guide or facilitator of such change. 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 hypnotherapy 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.
There are those who would like to control hypnosis for themselves
(whether or not by calling it "hypnosis") on the false assumption that
it is mind control and/or mind manipulation; thus, they seek to
discredit the hypnotherapy profession. Is the profession
perfect? ...no, we have growing pains. However, just as with ANY
profession, there are varying levels of skill and competency. Choose a
hypnotherapist with ethics and integrity, and your risk of danger
diminishes whether or not he/she was trained thoroughly or marginally
- or even if still in training. I personally would rather be
hypnotized by a hypnosis student with integrity and ethics rather than
by someone who hides ego or personal bias under the cloak of advanced
degrees.
* * * QUESTIONS for the Serious Hypnosis Student * * *
13. What hypnosis books and/or other sources can you recommend?
When I studied hypnosis back in 1983, Charles Tebbetts required all
his students to read HYPNOTISM TODAY by LeCron & Bordeaux (Wil****re
Book Co.). I believe that it is now out of print, as it was written
about 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 Publi****ng), which I strongly
recommend that any serious student of hypnosis purchase and read.
Also, get John Hugh's HYPNOSIS: THE INDUCTION OF CONVICTION (available
from the National Guild of Hypnotists). These two books are required
reading in many hypnosis schools; and, in my opinion, they should be
in the library of every practicing hypnotherapist.
My own two-volume major work based on the teachings of my late mentor
has already received many praises from my peers, and has become
required reading in many hypnosis schools around the world: THE ART OF
HYPNOSIS: MASTERING BASIC TECHNIQUES (1994, NGH; 2nd version Kendall/
Hunt Publi****ng, 3rd edition, 2000), and THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY
(Kendall/Hunt, 2nd edition, 2000). You may order either volume by
calling the publisher toll-free at 1-800-228-0810; and receive a
discount if you order both volumes together. My latest book from Crown
House Publi****ng (2005) is HYPNOSIS FOR INNER CONFLICT RESOLUTION:
INTRODUCING PARTS THERAPY.
Other common "required reading" books in some hypnosis schools are:
TRANSFORMING THERAPY, A NEW APPROACH TO HYPNOTHERAPY by Gil Boyne
(Westwood Publ., 1989), TRANCEWORK: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF
CLINICAL HYPNOSIS by Michael D. Yapko (Brunner/Mazel, 1990), and
HYPNOTHERAPY HANDBOOK: HYPNOSIS AND MINDBODY HEALING IN THE 21ST
CENTURY by Kevin L. Hogan (Network 3000 Publi****ng, 1999). Two recent
additions to the above list are: HYPNOSIS AND HYPNOTHERAPY BASIC TO
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL by Calvin D. Banyan and
Gerald F. Kein, (Abbot Publi****ng House, 2001) and REGRESSION
HYPNOTHERAPY by Randal Churchill (available at: www.hypnoschool.com)
I would suggest that the serious hypnosis student invest in all of the
above books.
The "Recommended Hypnosis Books" page (formerly The Hypnosis Resource
Guide) provides an OUTSTANDING resource list originally compiled by
Paul Bunnell, who wrote and maintained the valuable guide for several
years. His list is merged with selected recommendations from other
professionals. The list of books is at:
http://www.royhunter.com/bookreco.htm.=A0
14. How can I choose a competent hypnosis instructor?
Rather than simply telling you where to go, allow me to share my own
views regarding instruction itself. My opinions expressed here are my
own, but NOT in behalf of any hypnosis association. My lengthy
response is from the point of reference of a combination of factors:
my professional experience, the opinions expressed by several
experienced hypnotherapists who have taken my course to enhance their
training, my national involvement with several professional hypnosis
associations and other leaders in the profession, and my awareness
that some would like to control who can legally practice hypnosis.
Legitimate concerns are frequently raised about the inadequate
training programs that are all too common.
Many 3-day to 5-day training programs provide "certification" which
represents that a participant can become a qualified or certified
"hypnotherapist" who can work with almost any client walking through
the door! On 4/1/97, I saw a three-day "certification" course flier
advertising that someone with a doctorate degree can become a
"Certified Medical Hypnotherapist" after only three days of training!
Who would you prefer hypnotizing you: a full-time hypnotherapist, or a
doctor with only three days of hypnosis training? (For medical
applications of hypnosis, a medical referral and/or supervision is
needed.)
Let me quote sections from pages 6-10 of my own book, The Art of
Hypnotherapy (Kendall/Hunt Publi****ng, 1994; 2nd ed. 2000):
"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. [****tions deleted]...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 im****tant than his or her academic
credentials.
[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." (I believe specialty courses
should normally be taught by those who specialize in those
applications of hypnosis.)
In my opinion, 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! Thus, the prospective student should first
inquire about the professional experience of the prospective
instructor.
SECOND: 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. Most major hypnosis associations around the United
States have now endorsed a 100-hour minimum training requirement
before one may be considered a "certified hypnotherapist," even if
said person has counseling experience.
THIRD: Find out whether or not the techniques taught are client-
centered and the cl***** student-centered. Will you learn hypnotherapy
techniques that you must use on every single client? No hypnotic
technique will work on all of the people all of the time. Charles
Tebbetts taught what I now call "diversified client-centered
hypnosis." (Maria Cobb gave me this definition. She is a competent
hypnotherapist practicing in Greensboro, NC.)
My teacher also exclusively taught subject matter that was directly
related to the art of hypnotherapy. He did not believe we needed
hundreds of hours of cl***** on theories or on topics that have
nothing to do with the practice of hypnotherapy.
Additionally, is your prospective teacher a self-appointed instructor,
or actually certified by a credible source? While some self-appointed
instructors may be competent, many actually teach courses that are not
recognized by any major hypnosis association. Avoid any instructors
whose courses are not recognized by any national hypnosis association.
Last but not least, find out whether the approach is self-empowerment,
or whether your instructor treats people as "subjects" dominated
during therapy.
Realize that because hypnosis is an art, there is probably no such
thing as a perfect instructor. Be willing to learn from him or her;
but make certain you are also willing to continue learning and grow
beyond your instructor's viewpoints. DON'T EVER make the mistake of
thinking your instructor is the only person qualified to be an
authority in hypnotherapy. None of us has all the answers, and I do
not recognize anyone as the "leading authority" in hypnosis. We are
all still learning. In other words, do NOT give your power away to a
self-appointed guru.
If the only program available near you is a short one, be willing to
refer many of your clients to those who are adequately trained. Make a
commitment to yourself to pursue additional training ASAP, and/or
enroll in a home study course (check the resource guide). Even if you
have counseling experience, please do NOT let 3-day or one-week
certification instructors dupe you into thinking that their short
courses offer sufficient training to qualify you to use regressions or
other advanced techniques to deal with subconscious resistance to
change! (The National Guild's Code of Ethics FORBIDS the use of
hypnotic regression until you are trained in that area!)
Don't get stung by the consequences of their failure to respond to the
light of truth: there is NO SHORTCUT to learning hypnosis competently.
The increasing controversies over "false memories" have resulted from
therapists employing hypnotic regression without adequate training in
hypnotic techniques! ...and in many cases these are experienced mental
health counselors who have only minimal training in hypnosis.
15. Which courses or instructors come highly recommended?
To minimize public controversy, I have chosen to delete giving
specific school recommendations in an informational posting. That
being said, schools approved by these four major international
associations are supposed to meet the following minimal required hours
of study for certification: (alphabetical order)
200 hrs.: American Council of Hypnotist Examiners
(www.hypnotistexaminers.org/)
150 hrs.: Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy:
(www.aphp.co.uk)
120 hrs.: International Medical & Dental Hypn. Assoc. (www.imdha.com)
100 hrs.: National Guild of Hypnotists (www.ngh.net)
Note that some schools approved by the above four associations
actually offer programs that EXCEED their certification standards.
There are some others that also exceed the above standards even though
they might not have formal approval from any of the above three
associations.
Although I lean towards longer training programs, I believe that a
program of 100 hours is far better than any weekend certification
course...although I personally recommend at least 120 hours as
required for IMDHA certification, and have a partial listing of those
schools or instructors at:
http://www.royhunter.com/instructors.htm
If you contemplate training outside one of these approved schools (or
outside the USA), you may wish to either refer to some of the links at
http://www.royhunter.com/HYPLINKS
and/or ask one of the listed
associations for a prospective instructor. THEN, do your
homework...and I recommend that you interview your prospective
instructor. Also, if you study from someone who teaches one primary
modality, 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 fit the technique to the client rather than
vice versa. This requires width and depth of training! It is
absolutely impossible for most people to learn enough techniques to
accomplish this in just one week - no matter what his/her academic
credentials are. Hypnosis is an art. I hope your instructor teaches it
as such.
If a one-week course or less is all that is initially available to
you, then you might consider investing in a Home Study course. Then,
please make a firm commitment to both yourself and your clients to
continue your training as soon as you can afford to invest the time
and money to do so, whether this is by investing in a home study
course as a supplement to augment the shorter course, and/or by
traveling to work with a competent trainer. When possible, please
augment any Home Study course with "hands-on" training. Omni Hypnosis
offers Home Study courses. Also, my own home study course is
summarized at: http://www.royhunter.com/homestudy.htm.
*16. 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 the art of hypnosis. I'm only an
artist who is still learning even as I teach.
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? Is the
"authority" also a good artist?
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 Milton Erickson, MD, as the
Grandfather of modern hypnotherapy. I personally recognize the late
Charles Tebbetts as the leading authority of his day on diversified
client-centered hypnosis, and a pioneer of parts therapy. 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 Century pioneers as well. I
personally recognize the late Arthur Winkler, Ph.D., as a leading
authority on spiritual uses of hypnosis. I personally recognize the
late Ormond McGill as the 20th Century world expert on stage hypnosis.
Jerry Valley and other professional stage hypnotists are doing much to
keep the interest in stage hypnosis alive, and Valley is now one of
the premier trainers of stage hypnosis. Since medical applications of
hypnosis do not fall within my area of expertise, I am not qualified
to give my opinion on the leading authorities of medical applications
of hypnosis, past or present; but I do recognize Kevin Hogan, Ph.D.,
for his research and written contributions regarding the use of
hypnotherapy to help people who suffer from tinnitus.
Any practicing hypnotherapist or consulting hypnotist has heard of the
work of Milton Erickson, M.D., already mentioned above. Although books
about Erickson's work are virtual classics, there are other
outstanding books from the scientific community that serve the entire
world; and some are written for the average person. For example, one
outstanding book was written by Bernie Siegel, M.D., entitled LOVE,
MEDICINE & MIRACLES (Harper & Rowe). This im****tant book is a must-
read for anyone interested in medical applications of hypnosis; and
Dr. Siegel does suggest that some readers consider seeing a
hypnotherapist for certain situations. There are numerous
contributions to hypnotherapy from the scientific community, from
names too numerous to mention here.
Also, within the hypnosis profession, some good people have
contributed to greater credibility of the benefits of hypnotherapy.
Paul Durbin, author of several books, spent years working in a
hospital as a hypnotherapist. Randall Churchill, a hypnosis instructor
near San Francisco, contributed a very im****tant book on regression
therapy: REGRESSION HYPNOTHERAPY: TRANSCRIPTS OF TRANSFORMATIONS
(2002, Transforming Press). Gil Boyne (Churchill's mentor) dedicated
decades of work towards promoting comprehensive hypnotherapy training
programs and endeavoring to make hypnotherapy a more credible and
recognized profession, and founded the American Council of Hypnotist
Examiners. Dwight Damon, president of the National Guild of
Hypnotists, has worked through lawmakers in attempts to promote the
hypnosis profession. Steve Parkhill has done some profoundly
successful hypnotherapy with cancer patients, and his work deserves
greater recognition. Additionally, Kevin Hogan, Ph.D., has a proven
record of success with Tinnitus, giving hope to many who suffer from
this noisy inconvenience. (You can read Dr. Hogan's book, TINNITUS:
TURNING THE VOLUME DOWN; Morris Publi****ng, 1998). Hogan has written
other credible books as well. Terrence Watts of the United Kingdom has
also made outstanding contributions to the hypnotherapy profession
which are worthy of recognition, and has written some books. A few
years ago Robert Otto received a special recognition from the United
States Congress for his work with hypnosis.
Certainly there are many other researchers and authors who could be
mentioned here, but space does not permit. Perhaps someday a
comprehensive book on 20th Century hypnotherapy will preserve their
work for future generations.
Since we are entering the age of specialization, there may be new
notable names within specialized areas emerging in the years ahead.
Two of these specialize in helping women. One is Marie Mongan, founder
of HypnoBirthing =96 a worldwide network of HypnoBirthing practitioners
specializing in helping women with pregnancy and childbirth. Another
is Lynsi Eastburn, doing groundbreaking research with the use of
hypnosis to increase fertility for women who have difficulty getting
pregnant. As this century progresses, I believe many other names will
emerge.
If the medical community could join hands with the hypnotherapy
profession, it is my opinion that some very substantial additional
research could result from such cooperation. In an era of greater
acceptance of alternative health care, why can't some research funds
be allocated to men like Steve Parkhill, Kevin Hogan, Terrence Watts,
and others, to explore the healing values of hypnosis? Certainly this
would be far more productive to society than the confusion that is
created by a few feeding the ongoing controversy over whether or not
"lay" hypnotists should be put out of business.
Now let me add a caution: BUYER BEWARE! Certain marketers who
represent themselves as "authorities" or leaders of the hypnotherapy
profession travel the country marketing 3-day or 5-day hypnosis
training programs, and offer hypnotherapy certification in a matter of
a few days. Regardless of their apparent credentials, I cannot
recognize them as leaders in the hypnotherapy profession because of
the damage done to our professional credibility by their churning out
"certified hypnotherapists" with an investment of only a few short
days. There is already an uphill battle in our profession because
certain psychologists would like to outlaw hypnotherapy by defining it
as part of the practice of psychology, and these weekend warriors have
given ammunition to those who wish to destroy what they call "lay
hypnosis."
Also, some marketers who give public seminars for smoking cessation
and/or weight reduction represent themselves as "authority" within the
hypnosis profession. The negative aversion suggestions and/or use of a
DISempowerment approach indicates their lack of training. They
frequently make promises of outrageous success rates that are as
unbelievable as they sound! I believe that 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
follow up sessions. I understand why some do not do so, however, as a
marketer asked me to facilitate such programs a number of years ago.
He promised me a huge income, but would NOT allow me to disclose that
some participants would need private sessions with a local
hypnotherapist. I told the marketer that I would facilitate such
programs ethically, or not at all. We parted ways.
I refer to people who teach programs described above as "hotel
hoppers," and in no way do I consider them to be authorities or
leaders in our profession. Let me go on record by stating that I am
NOT opposed to hypnosis seminars facilitated properly, but it is my
belief that misrepresentation and/or distortion of success rates in
advertising has hurt the public image of the hypnotherapy profession -
and that those who do such do not deserve to be called leaders.
In summary, success in marketing does not qualify that person as an
"authority" in hypnosis or hypnotherapy. Let him or her who is
considered a "leading authority" be so designated by others and not by
himself or herself. That being said, there are numerous names highly
respected in our profession. Most have been published.
17. 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. 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 im****tance, 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, so that you may fit the technique to the
client rather than the other way around. Even if you understand the
im****tance 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 with little or
no training in hypnotherapy who use hypnosis because it is legal for
them to do so. For example, improper wording itself often cancels
hypnotic suggestion.
(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, even if through a home study
course. This is im****tant 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 if we are to prevent
the AMA and A.P.A. from dictating who may or may not use hypnosis.
Some with doctorate degrees have been ACTIVELY trying to legislate us
out of legality in a number of states. We must start insisting that
hypnotherapists seek adequate training before calling themselves
"Certified Hypnotherapists," or we must create a new name for those
trained in advanced techniques! If we do not do so, we run the risk
that hypnosis could once again fall under the control of an elite few.
Although I will admit these opinions are my own, they are strong ones
based on my awareness of problems that have arisen in recent years.
Please don't take short-cuts in your training, or you may be short-
cutting both yourself and your clients.
18. What about legislation to regulate hypnotherapy?
This issue is one of the most hotly debated issues in hypnotherapy!
In 1987, Wa****ngton State became the first state to legally recognize
hypnotherapy by enacting a law requiring anyone practicing
hypnotherapy for compensation to be a "Registered Hypnotherapist"
unless practicing hypnosis within his/her scope of practice in another
licensed health care field. "A Law Relating to Counselors - RCW 18.19"
also requires that hypnotherapists abide by professional standards of
ethics, but it gives freedom to the hypnotherapy profession to be self-
regulated, thus providing benefit to both the profession and to the
general public. As of January, 2002, that law still stands (and
works).
California passed SB577 that went into effect January 1, 2003, which
legally permits hypnotherapy. The American Council of Hypnotist
Examiners considers this to be landmark legislation. Note the
following quote taken from their official website:
"The law goes into effect January 1, 2003. Starting at that time,
those therapists who are not licensed in the healing arts are required
to have new clients read and sign a disclosure form. The client
receives a copy and the therapist is required to keep the signed copy
for three years. The disclosure must include a statement that the
therapist is not a licensed physician, that the session is
complementary to healing arts services licensed by the state, and that
the therapist's services are not licensed by the state. Therapist must
describe the theory upon which the services are based, the nature of
the services, and therapist's education, training, and experience."
For more details about SB577, visit
http://hypnotistexaminers.org/legislati=
on.html
In other states, the A.S.C.H. has made attempts to pass legislation
that would outlaw hypnotherapy unless done by someone with a doctorate
degree or by a licensed mental health care professional. They
succeeded in Texas in the 1990's, and the hypnotherapy profession is
still fighting to reverse a law that (in my opinion) should be
considered unconstitutional because it erased an entire existing
profession. A restriction was announced to the alt.hypnosis newsgroup
on November 13, 1997, in a posting by Rev. C. Scot Giles (Legislative
Liaison, NFH 104): "In Mississippi, you might wish to know that the
psychology law in that state has converted to practice protection and
you need to be licensed as a psychologist to legally practice hypnosis
in that state. To date we are not aware of any enforcement and are
starting to gather a legislative team. Mississippi is not on our
tactical agenda for this year, but we'll try to put something ad hoc
together."
This type of restrictive legislation is in my opinion nothing more
than a "turf war" designed to protect the pocketbooks of an elite few
at the expense of many competent hypnotherapists, as well as the
expense of those among the general public who may be unethically
denied their right of free choice for alternative therapy.
Indiana passed a certification law effective July 1, 1997, requiring
training AND MENTOR****P standards for certified hypnotherapists.
Apparently similar bills may be considered in other states. However,
even since that bill's passage in Indiana, there is much confusion and
stress over how it will be applied to our profession - because a
certain few wanted to prohibit an established hypnotherapy school from
remaining in business. Other concerns in Indiana resulted in threats
of litigation and legal battles. Perhaps in time these concerns can be
resolved so that Indiana's law benefits everyone concerned...only time
will tell the tale.
Where do I stand personally on legislation? I oppose turf wars. In my
opinion, NO ONE GROUP nor any one hypnosis association should have
total control over hypnotherapy in any state or in any country. After
the turn of the century, the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH)
impressed many (including me) by stopping the passage of a bill in one
of the Southern states that would have given the NGH virtual control
inside that state where said legislation was considered. More
recently, however, they stood by while New York passed a law requiring
an experienced hypnotherapist to use the title =93hypnotist=94 unless he/
she has academic credentials deemed appropriate by the psychology
profession. When I expressed my concern to the N.G.H., one of their
leaders told me that the same law might be coming to a state near me.
I am a hypnotherapist, trained by the late Charles Tebbetts; and as
the published author of hypnotherapy texts, I believe that denying me
the right to call myself a =93hypnotherapist=94 would be a dis-service to
both my profession as well as the general public.
If we must have legislation, let it serve both the profession and the
general public rather than serving the elite. At the same time, my
inner conflicts over the issues surrounding legislation are due to the
concerns created by those who sell 3-day and 5-day certification
courses. The uninformed public has no way of knowing whether a
hypnotherapist has received one week or one year of training. The
A.S.C.H. has used this as ammunition against the hypnotherapy
profession. However, if the A.S.C.H. really cared about the
hypnotherapy profession receiving competent training, then I find it
interesting that several unspecified members of the Psychology
Departments in certain universities have BLOCKED college class
proposals from experienced certified hypnotherapy instructors! It
appears to me as though some psychologists want total control of
hypnotherapy...else why would they continue to call us "lay
hypnotists" and try to stop hypnotherapy both at the legislative level
and at the university level?
If the psychology profession is dedicated to helping the general
public, they need to allow the general public the right of free choice
in their health care, and help prevent any further laws from passing
that resemble the one passed in New York in 2005. This law GREATLY
concerns me, as it should any dedicated hypnotherapist! In 1997 the
situation in Mississippi also concerned me. Both laws bear a striking
resemblance to the debate between physicians and chiropractors. Some
years back, a group of physicians tried to deny the general public the
legal right to choose chiropractic care. What was their true motive?
Regardless of their motives, the result was litigation against the
AMA...and today, the chiropractic profession is here to stay. My
prayers are that the psychologist who practice hypnotherapy will also
accept those of us who practice client-centered hypnotherapy=85and
please STOP TRYING TO PUT US OUT OF BUSINESS!
I also hope that whatever legislation p***** in any state will become
both a win/win for both the hypnotherapy profession AND the public,
just as we have inside Wa****ngton State. Yet even in Wa****ngton, I
hope that eventually there are two levels of registration: Registered
Hypnotist and Certified Hypnotherapist. The public can benefit by the
requirement of hypnotherapists to follow professional ethical
standards and higher training standards; but my recommended solution
is that we IMPROVE HYPNOSIS EDUCATION rather than allowing the
psychologists to legislate an entire profession out of existence.
It would be my preference for hypnotherapy to be self-regulated rather
than government regulated. The law in California referenced above
brings us closer to that reality. This goal will also require a
greater unity among the various hypnosis associations, which is still
a roller coaster ride.
If there is pending legislation regarding hypnosis in your state,
please provide a copy of this entire hypnosis FAQ to your state
representative. Let's save the hypnotherapy profession from legal
extinction.
19. Can you hypnotize people without their knowledge?
In my opinion, we should not ask whether this is possible, but whether
this would be ETHICAL!
I include this question in the FAQ because there are many who want to
know. Unfortunately, just as people can be tricked while fully aware,
they can also be tricked into hypnosis without knowing (or even
believing) that they experience a hypnotic trance!
"Is this IMPOSSIBLE?" you might ask? Well, ask yourself how many times
you've been literally HYPNOTIZED by television! Since hypnosis is a
natural state of mind, you can even enter hypnosis without realizing
it while sitting in Church on Sunday listening to the sermon. Even a
good story-teller can induce us into hypnosis by holding our interest.
The best way to recognize the spontaneous hypnotic state is to be
AWARE of when your imagination starts working vividly. Realize that
since all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis, YOU have the ability to
MONITOR all suggestions going into your mind...unless, through
ignorance, you have been tricked into giving up control. Refer back to
Questions 1 & 2.
Now I'm going to state an opinion that may be considered the most
controversial of this FAQ...
In my opinion, religious cults often control their member****p through
group hypnosis. This belief is partly based on my own past experience
as a member of a religious cult. It took several years for me to
overcome the guilt and to become fully "de-programmed" from all the
manipulative subconscious programming done by my former church. So it
is now my opinion that some religions regularly hypnotize their
member****p without their ever knowing it. Does that make it ethical?
You decide. Perhaps the best answer depends on whether the motive is
to empower you, or to take away your power and free choice. There are
more comments in the next question...
20. Are people doing hypnotherapy and calling it something else?
A trance is still a trance, regardless of whether it is called
hypnosis, meditation, visualization, progressive relaxation, creative
daydreaming, auditing, rebirthing, etc. Even if you believe that there
is a difference between trance and hypnosis, both are still altered
states. Most people experience altered states frequently without ever
realizing it.
Facilitators in seminars often employ group hypnosis without
disclosing to their audience that hypnosis is being used!!! In some
cases, the facilitator actually realizes that he/she hypnotizes the
audience. In other cases, the facilitator doesn't even realize that
hypnosis is taking place! This is often true in church, where
sometimes a minister who literally hypnotizes many in the congregation
will actually command those same people to avoid hypnosis!
One religious organization actually has practitioners who employ
hypnosis under a different name while telling its members to avoid
using hypnosis! YOU decide the ethics of this. How would you like to
be hypnotized by the same person repeatedly, and be given suggestions
to return week after week, and then be given suggestions to refuse to
let anyone else ever hypnotize you? Yet since including this question
in my FAQ, I've received a couple of complaints from people who
apparently disagree with this response for Question #20. Meanwhile, a
client who was a FORMER member of this particular religious
organization referenced in this paragraph validated what I disclosed.
It's time we awaken out of our mass hypnosis. Perhaps the true
hypnotherapist is actually DE-hypnotizing people from the negative
trances induced upon us by the world around us.
21. What about so-called Past Life therapy?
Past life therapy remains among the most controversial of all hypnotic
techniques. While many can truthfully argue that there is no
scientific evidence to sup****t the validity of past life regressions
(PLR), many argue with equal fervor that PLR offers many benefits, and
cannot be disproven.
Does one person's belief OR disbelief in PLR make it true or untrue?
Most of those reading this FAQ have already formed opinions pro or
con, or somewhere in between. Before revealing my somewhat ambiguous
opinion, consider SEVERAL possible explanations...
a. FANTASY OR METAPHOR (false memories): This is a possible
explanation for many PLR's, and is plausible even if you believe one
or more of the other explanations.
b. ACTUAL PAST LIFE MEMORIES: Many people believe that this
explanation can neither be proven NOR disproven by science. It has
been said that extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof. Thus,
some scientists might wisely ask "Can it be proven?" while skeptics
might use science to claim that the lack of proof discredits the
theory. Some of us might ask, "Can you DISprove it?" Just because a
belief or theory cannot be proven to be true, does that constitute
proof that the theory is false?
c. SOUL-TAPPING: Is it possible for us to tap into actual memories of
a soul that lived in the past? Perhaps we can be like a VCR, playing
the tape of selected memories by tapping into the Universal Library
where the book of life is kept, etc., or Aka****c records, or by
tapping into the actual memories of a departed soul.
d. UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS: Some people believe we can tap into the
Holy Spirit or Universal Consciousness, and find any appropriate
memories of an actual soul that lived in the past...as though all such
memories remain permanently circulating in the universe.
You are free to choose your own explanation(s) which best serve you.
Nonetheless, I maintain my strong opinion that the hypnotherapist
should work within the CLIENT'S belief system! You have a personal
right to decide which of the above explanations you choose to believe;
however, the most client-centered therapeutic approach is to AVOID
projecting personal opinions into others. A therapist should NOT
facilitate a PLR unless the client requests it in advance. Likewise, a
client should NOT be criticized for requesting a PLR just because the
therapist doesn't believe in PLR. In my opinion, the therapist has a
professional obligation to either honor the requested PLR, or to refer
the client elsewhere. PLR is discussed at length in Chapter 13 of THE
ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY; but the reader still might not know my own
beliefs regarding this controversial technique even after reading my
book!
If you go to a hypnotherapist who, prior to hypnosis, tries to
convince you that your problem originated in a past life, then go
elsewhere. Likewise, if you ask for a past life regression and your
hypnotherapist tries to convince you that they are all false memories,
seek out someone who is more open-minded and willing to work with your
belief system.
While an unproven theory cannot be accepted as fact except on faith,
it is equally true that DISbelieving in the possibility of PLR is also
faith in your own belief - unless the theory has been proven to be
impossible. (Fear of new ideas kept this world in the dark ages for
centuries!) In the absence of scientific proof OR disproof of past
lives, my recommendation is that we keep an open mind for either
possibility. Maybe we will never know for certain until our present
life on this planet is complete.
....[Glossary and Self-Hypnosis FAQ in FAQ File 3 of 5]...
FAQ File 2 of 5 (1/08): Hypnosis FAQ...
Submitted by:
Roy Hunter, M.S., FAPHP, Certified Hypnotherapy Instructor
Published Author and Professional Speaker/Trainer
Inducted into International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, 2000
Latest revisions completed on January 15, 2008.
The complete FAQ may also be viewed at any time or downloaded at:
http://www.royhunter.com/hypnofaq.htm
|
