The Transparent Hypnotist

Ah, All Hallows. My favorite holiday. What a busy time, party and all. I got a favorable response to it so it should be fun. The cider is all ready to be spiced, the guided meditation written and my custume hanging on the shower bar.

Are you doing anything fun today?

And onto the scary stuff, no really, I mean scary. It is in the news again…someone having issues from a hypnotism show. What is the deal with this?

If you have not heard this one, it happened in Sydney, Australia at a Peter Powers hypnosis show on October 19. Same old story. Hypnotist hypnotizes skeptic. Skeptic feels bolts of lightening, itchy when triggered, and runs out of the show to chase leprechauns. At least the leprechauns is a charming touch. Apparently Chris (last name withheld from the press) ran out of the Enmore Theatre and into traffic to chase the little creatures. He says he felt terribly paranoid and confused and had reportedly run into traffic. His date to the show ended up calling him on his cell phone and this snapped him out of the hypnosis. He was on the other side of the city with no idea how he got there. This is what today’s story said (see the first two articles under cited).

However, Monday’s article says a little more. Powers said that he had removed the hypnosis and the man left the stage and theatre. Another audience member followed him, suspecting he was still under hypnosis. Chris was seen running through traffic and acting crazy, by police. Chris later told Powers that he had run because he thought someone was following him, which they apparently were. He had also told Powers this had frightened him. Well, yes, it might frighten me as well.

The disturbing thing is the subtle changes in two of the articles, both by Gemma Jones. Has indeed Chris changed the story and blamed it on Powers? Is the media slanting stories? So, I began wandering about leprechauns and how that got into the story. Early in the show, it was something Powers had participants do, so I think the two stories got blended.

Now as a person who tries to see the good side of things, here is the spin. Even though this seems like more bad press about hypnosis, ultimately it may not be. They do say there is no bad press. But all it really does, whether true or not, is potentially show how powerful hypnosis can be. It sort of plugs the notion of it in an awkward way, at the least the more recent articles do. The firstone really shows what may have happened. Chris got scared by being chased. Now perhaps he is trying to save face or something of the sort.

Your thoughts?

Sources:
news.ninemsn.com.au
Peters Powers ‘victim’ speaks out
Hypnotised man flees show into path of traffic

Hot coffee. Cold me. The two go so well together. And so I don’t forget…

Looking ahead at soon to arrive November, is anyone doing anything for National Memory Screening Day (it is probably mostly US related, but I think anyone anywhere should be able to participate)? It is on November 13. It might be a prime opportunity for us to in our various neck of the woods to speak to the public about hypnosis, how it can be a good tool for brain health. It is coming up quickly, so I thought it would be best to just post in now rather than in two days.

According to the Alzheimer Foundation of America, hypnosis is listed as a stress management tool, so we already have our foot in the door. They say:

It is imperative to harness chronic stress because it damages the body, emotions—and the mind. Most harmful of all, chronic stress creates overproduction of a hormone called cortisol. These elevated levels of cortisol may damage the brain cells in our memory center.Successful stress management involves reducing depression, improving your ability to deal with stressful situations, and, most of all, utilizing techniques that elicit the relaxation response—a condition characterized by a lowered metabolic rate and a calm state of mind. Stress-relaxation techniques are a crucial component in creating a healthier brain, according to a large body of medical research.

The following approaches have been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels by prompting the relaxation response…

Then they list meditation, guided imagery and visualization, hypnosis, deep breathing, classical music, massage and prayer.

To learn more about National Memory Screening Day, find a site to be screened at or to even host a screening, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.

Yesterday I talked about cheating and if surgery was cheating anymore than hypnosis is cheating, and I came up with an emphatic “no.” And once I came to that conclusion, it occurs to me that there is a whole lot hypnosis can do for those considering plastic surgery.

It could be used for self-esteem and positive image boosting, eating habits that will be effected, quicker healing, and maintaining a healthy life-style conducive to the appearance change.

So, I decided to spend a little time learning about plastic surgery today. Gemma Soames wrote a fabulous article that really captures the essence of what it is like to get plastic surgery consultations. It was on the Times Online and called Does this girl need lipo? She tells her experiences with Plastic Surgery UK (Being the Euro-phile, I tend to like the UK aesthetics and find it a little more realistic then the look-at-me-I-am-a-size-4 that infiltrate the American culture).

To sum it up, if you or your client are considering plastic surgery, you should really have an idea about what you want done before you go in for the consultation. If you do not, you may run the risk of being talked into other things and may find your self-esteem dropping even more. You will also want to see a few surgeons to get their opinion. It is not a matter of finding someone to do a procedure, there are tons of them around, but more apt, what you feel you really need done. There are so many procedures such as breast enhancement, breast enlargement, breast reduction, liposuction, body sculpting, and facial surgery. Also, make sure your surgeons are certified (if you read any of my blog, you know I am a huge fan of certification).

This was such an eye opener. I guess at times I live in a vacuum of sending clients home feeling better than when they walked in. This other side seems like the dark side if you are not careful.

Mya, who I linked to here, was sited in Gemma’s article. They seemed very down to earth and actually encouraged her to try other routes to tighten up her stomach. They also suggested she look at her self-image and expectations (ding, ding, ding, great buzz word). They are located in the UK, but would it not be fun to go over there for a procedure (if you decide on it) and recuperate there.

Still debating about the poll. I think it will be fear factored, but we will see.

Just wanted to let you know about a small, but cool change in this blog. There is a chance you have not noticed it, but there is a modification to the comment sections. When you leave a comment, you can now know if it has been followed up on. In the area where you check off your identity, there is now a place under that where you can add your email address and you will be automatically notified when a response if made. It may help to create more dialog between us all. Also, as far as I know, the email is not collected, so it should not add to your personal spam collection. However, I have no control over it as it is a blogspot function.

Terror lurks everywhere apparently. It comes from the monsters in the closet or under the bed, standing on the rooftop edge of a tall building, being alone on the streets in a bad section of town, or just getting on an airplane. Perhaps you have had clients who have a flying related phobia or maybe you yourself have one. Well, presto chango, hypnosis is a fine way to handle it. A relaxing session, a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and you are good to go.

But, what if you have a flying phobia, are in the hospital with a critical condition and have to be transported? One of my weight loss clients has a parent in this situation. They need to move his 87-year-old mother to a healthcare establishment closer to where he lives (the commute on weekends is getting to him, he has fly in to see her). He would like his mother’s care to be closer so he could see her during the week and he feels the medical care she would receive in his city would be better than what she is getting currently.

So, the phobia kicks in. She is absolutely terrified of being coptered out. The idea of spinning blades, the noise, the construction of the helicopter are all enough to send her under the covers. He asked if I could talk to her, which I have. I am not local to her, but he thought just a telephone call might convince her to try hypnosis. No go. Seems there is a phobia there as well. But what I did learn is that her phobia is focused on the helicopter idea. When asked if she would fly on a regular airplane, she said that would be fine, but she is too sick just now.

Not one to just let it go, I looked into having her flown and it is doable (that’s right Mrs. –can’t really mention her name – no more excuses!). I had no idea, but there are air ambulance services out there for just this sort of thing. Airambulance.net arranges medical flights internationally. They fly a variety of planes, not just puddle jumpers, and are equipped and are a licensed Medical Intensive Care unit. Nurses or paramedics travel with her or if a respiratory therapist or doctor is needed, they will also make the trip. Basically, an ambulance will take her from her current hospital to the airport runway where she will be put on her flight, and once she reaches her destination, she is taken off the flight and ambulanced to her new hospital.

Done, dealt with, over. Out.

Just thought I would write a quick good morning post as the fog clears in the mind and the caffeine takes hold. For some reason the water seems hotter than usual (same stove, same tea pot). Perhaps I stayed up too late, feeding my horror movie addiction. Funny how some movies get worse with time and others just remain awesome.

Well, I am totally babbling and you are not reading this to hear about Hellraiser. Sadly, it is what is on the brain and is currently creating a small block about what the Monday Poll will be about. Perhaps we will talk about psychology or perhaps it should be related to Halloween. Not sure just yet.

The other thing I have going this week is my mini-session weight loss group. We are using meditation and guided imagery, but it is also beginning to feel like “pop culture” weight loss. Doesn’t that sound less scary than hypnotic weight loss? I am almost kidding here.

Well, after talking with the group last week, exercise is definitely something that seems fairly absent. There is predictable moaning about the subject. It isn’t fun. I don’t have time. It doesn’t feel good. I hate exercising alone. And so on. You get the picture.

I personally am in somewhat agreement. Running hurts my knees. There is such little time in the day. I am not dressed to exercise. Excuses, excuses, excuses. They are every where. However, I prefer my exercise in doses of fun or relaxation - I like it disguised as something else. I am faithful to Yoga and dancing. You have heard about the yoga, but probably not the dancing. I have a personal desire to get into competitive ballroom dancing (tango, thank you very much).

I am forcing this upon my poor weight loss group. Once a week, during happy hour, I am clearing my floor and cranking up the sound system. Welcome to Ellie’s Very Small Dance Hall. And dance we shall. Thanks to DanceCrazy.com, we can use their dance videos to learn all the right steps. Started by SalsaCrazy.com, they have expanded their repertoire. A little disco (do the Hustle), a little swing (it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that…), and heck, maybe even a measure of ballet (just kidding, but it is a possibility). It is step by step, world class dance instruction.

Anyway, Rumba sounds more fun than running. Salsa sounds satisfying. Waltzing maybe just wild. It will be a great way to let off steam and a few pounds without noticing the pain.

As I continue my research for my football playing client, thoughts of cheating come to mind. No, it is not what you think. I certainly will not give suggestions that he do so to get ahead in school. But the question comes about as to whether or not having improvement surgery is cheating, this includes for better eye site, weight loss, or plastic surgery. My client asked me about this and if I thought such things would be cheating.

And I realized I have been assuming a hypocritical demeanor. I have openly scoffed at liposuction and line reducing injections (I am so sorry for any offense you may be taking in reading this). But in really examining it, I find that thought line is totally wrong and hypocritical. If one choses those routes to feel better or to enhance life, then so be it. If these things were cheating, then would not hypnosis be cheating as well? It is some what on the same plan, using a tool to enhance life.

So no, I do not think hypnosis or surgery for non-medical conditions is cheating. It is the means to an end, or for personal change.

Looking at the week ahead of me, one of my clients is a young football player who is working on a variety of things to help him ultimately do better in his studies, increasing his chances for more scholarships. He is really an interesting young man. He loves football (though I think it is the social aspects that appeal to him), and wants a career in pro-ball (via college, “just never know what life will hand you”).

One of his big concerns is his eyesight. He is extremely nearsighted. There is depth-perception distortion with his glasses and he is not that thrilled with contacts. He is considering Lasik surgery, like LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers fame. However, my client is a little phobic about it and is considering using one of his visits to work on that.

One task this weekend was to learn a little more about Lasik surgery. Being a faithful member of the NGH, I do understand the value of a great overseeing association, and sure enough there is one for Lasik called the Council of Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (www.USAEyes.org). They do evaluations and certifications, as well as provide advocacy and information sources that are heralded by papers such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and well, Oprah. Choosing a surgeon who is in good standing from this organization seems as wise as find a certified hypnotist. It gives one some sort of way to know that the doctors have met specific criteria and have to keep up on their education to maintain the certification. There is also a certain amount of redress for the client if necessary.

And at least now I feel I can talk more intelligently about Lasik.

Warm coffee. Cool morning. I am still drinking from the original pot and have yet to move onto the next. Perhaps a touch of cinnamon would be nice. Are you a flavored coffee fan or a traditionalist? No, that is not the Sunday question, but feel free to answer it.

The Sunday contemplation or question for the day is indeed one of philosophies or psychologies to be specific. After looking into Eliza yesterday and reading a tad more about Rogerian Psychology and his “client-centered” approach (gee – client centered, where have I heard that before? LOL), the question is:

In your hypnosis work, do you subscribe to any particular psychology philosophy to help you? Or if you are a client of a hypnotist, have you experienced a form of hypnosis that is based on a particular style of psychology?