The Transparent Hypnotist

Good morning! I am a bit foggy today, so I think I will spend this morning’s post on an In the News piece. It actually pinged into my inbox yesterday, but it is old news from May. Since I missed it at the time, maybe you did, too.

The subject is Childhood Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and hypnosis. Arine Vliegaer, M.D., Ph.D, of Saint Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein (Netherlands) headed a randomized controlled trial and found hypnosis created a cure for IBS by the end of treatment in 59% of 53 young patients. This compares to the 12% who received standard care. And here’s the really nice part: 85% were cured through hypnosis after a year of follow-up.

The subjects of the study (I think it might be okay to use the word subjects here as it refers to experimentation) were between the ages of eight and 18. All had suffered an average of 3.4 years from abdominal pain and IBS with no evidence of there being a physical problem. Considered a common condition for pediatric office visits, this has a “reported prevalence of between 1% and 19%.”

Traditional medical care for IBS includes pain medication and education on sensitive gut. Finding potential triggers is also encouraged.

The Nitty Gritty of the Study
The control group was given standard medical care with six half hour sessions of supportive therapy. The mean pain scores for this group fell, but from 14.5 to only 9.8 by the end, though there was a little more of a drop after a year to 8.0.

The hypnosis group received three months of six half hour hypnotherapy sessions using the Manchester Protocol. The mean pain intensity scores for this group dropped from 13.5 at the beginning of the study to 3.0 at the end.

Only participant did not complete the treatment. This research found an 80% improvement in pain scores.

Source: www.medpagetoday.com

This morning there was a little glitch in the blogvertising submission process for the post I did called Changing Things Up. Well, I networked on the Posties Forum for a solution and found others in the same boat, and they turned out to be some really lovely people. I was perusing one of their blogs while waiting for an answer from the advertiser and became intrigued with an idea off of mindbump.com. It goes nicely with my Sunday Question concept.

suggested by The Real Eureka Springs

“Describe something seemingly unimportant or ridiculous that makes you happy.”

So, okay, I will give this a go.

Something seemingly unimportant or ridiculous that makes me happy is having a bedtime story read to me before falling asleep. Even now, in my late thirties, I am a complete sucker for this. I love to read, and maybe after spending my days listening to my own voice while doing suggestion work, it is nice to hear someone else’s.

So there you go, canal boy, there is my answer.

Suddenly the holidays have kicked into my mind, as if you cannot tell from the Sunday Question or the Monday Poll. Yes, they are on mind. I am doing a weight loss session with the group for stress reduction, will meet once in December and reconvene in 2008. When I originally set up the group, I thought I would take them straight through the holidays; it seems like a good idea with all the stress, pressure and temptation the season brings with it. What transpired was a half hour group meeting that turned into a vent for holiday stress and no time to spend with the group. Everyone seems to have this obligation, that family gathering, and on and on goes the list. And perhaps this is the crux of some of their issues: not making enough time for themselves, not considering their own needs. I could preach a sermon on this, but I suspect you all have some empathy towards this.

But I will share with you the most common peace antagonist that plaques the group. Family obligations and logistics. This really saddens me, but I am just as guilty as they are. It seems a time when compromise is the buzz word, leaving half-hearted results in the needs of pleasing others. Now I am not advocating being totally self-centered, but there seems like there would be another way.

I sometimes think picking a local that everyone could travel to (a neutral zone) might be a solution. For my family it would be somewhere like Oregon. I have no relative there, no memories, nor do any of my family members. No one has said, “Oh, I love Oregon. Let’s go there.” And why not? Sure it will probably be cold, but there might be snow (something that seems to appeal to several of my family members) and there are still brisk walks on the beach and the sound of crashing waves. Very hypnotic. One could rent a house or a condo for that “homey” feeling, have packages sent in advance, and heck, even have the groceries pre-delivered and waiting. No sterility of a hotel. Lincoln City holiday rentals offers all of this. One phone call and it is done. A change of environment might just be the thing.

It is like clearing the mind, opening the horizon of possibilities, and perhaps a chance to spend little quality time with loved ones with out the distractions of normal life.

At the moment, the voice in my head is trying to be pessimistic about what others would think of this idea and what excuses they would come up with, but I am heading it off with a meditative La, La, La, La, La, Fa, La.

What is it you are most thankful for in terms of hypnosis or alternative health modalities that has made a positive difference in your life?

It is a quiet morning and I have my trusty sidekick, Cup o’ Tea, beside me, so I thought I would have a gander at my own question. Perhaps you will consider answering it as well?

Aside from the various times I have used hypnosis for my own issues, I would say that learning how to go to that quiet place where time is not existent and thoughts are mostly silent is the one thing I am most thankful for in the hypnosis realm. Until I was hypnotized and learned self-hypnosis, I really thought meditation and such was a pure lark. Why would anyone find it appealing? Now I get it. Whenever life seems a little too frantic or stress is looming large, I take a few minutes out, shut my eyes (set the intent to relax or state in prayer-like form what it is that is bothering me or that I need help with) and begin the process. When I am done, I find calmness and some peacefulness remain. It has allowed me to be a more compassionate person and to see reason in some of life’s pain. Plus, I often feel rejuvenated or as though my stress has deflated like a balloon.

Now to move on and think of a poll question for today. Did only two of you actually participate in the health events of the year?

Recently, one of my friends began to take an interest in my services and began to ask a lot of questions that came down to hypnosis and relationships. Ever had these conversations? My friend is a recent divorcee but has been celibate for two years. She is trying to decide if she would like to continue this way or look at other options. This is where the hypnosis comes in. She wanted to know if I would hypnotize her to stop those adult desires or the craving for a relationship.

I truly suspect she rdoes not want hypnosis, but an opportunity to meet single men who might stimulate her both mentally and physically might be a better course.

So we have become acquainted with primedatingsites.com. It is a site that reviews, compares and contrast various dating sites. In the dating world, apparently the different dating and match making sites are all a little different and one may be better for one’s needs than another. For instance of one is looking for the ideal marriage partner (my friend is not), their review of eHarmony cites that this would be a great resource. Then there is Lavalife, which could be similar, but also features options for those just looking for intimate encounters (a little too far the other way for my friend). Dating has gotten so complicated. I am just waiting for the one that offer genetic testing for compatibility.

So, she is now emailing me about this guy or that, though she says she has not finished bugging me about hypnosis as a potential fix. LOL.

One talks about time distortion as evidence of hypnosis, but I think it is evidence of life in general. I cannot believe this week is Thanksgiving. How did that happen?

These are the questions rumbling around in my mind currently as the second pot of coffee slowly drips away the morning. But in honor of the American upcoming holiday (I won’t get into the politics about why or why not it should be celebrated, etc.), I think this Sunday’s question will be one of thankfulness.

What is it you are most thankful for in terms of hypnosis or alternative health modalities that has made a positive difference in your life?

It is Boxing Day here! Amazing. About a month ago, I wrote a post called How to Incorporate Subway into a Hypnosis Session and entered it in the Izea Blog Battle Royale III. I am actually a finalist, which means I won a $50 gift certificate (which I am sharing with my weight loss group - it is only right), a super cool t-shirt, and an iPod Classic. I am so amazed and pleased, I just cannot help but burst and share the news. So this means that I will, in the incoming weeks, be posting about my adventures with an iPod and such (just giving you a head’s up).

I am also working on a very short video meditation for winter relaxation…

I was all prepared to present a little Hypnosis death metal on this fine Saturday, but frankly, today, it just had no appeal. The only thing about the band that is hypnotic is their name. So instead, I shall show my age and share with you another 80s song by Simple Minds, called Hypnotized.

Personally, I think this is just a beautiful video. Interesting imagery. Great photography. Though when I experience hypnosis, I do not have an Opium Den like play I travel too, but why not? That would be interesting guided imagery to do…not that the transparent hypnotist recommends opium or illegal substances. Children: Do not try this at home.

Happy weekend!

When I was little, I used to stay with my Nan. Every afternoon around 3 pm, she would plop me on her couch (with all sort of comfy pillows and a quilt) and then she would tuck me in for a nap while she had a quiet cup of tea all to herself. Not one for appreciating naps at those early ages, I knew well enough to keep still. It would allow me to be with people again much sooner. So, I would watch the old grandfather clock that stood by the doorway, its gold pendulums going back and forth and forth and back. I would wait in anticipation of the chimes (loud bongs) and sure enough I would fall asleep. I still can fall asleep with the ticking of a clock.

So after dealing with a few children clients, I have begun to wonder if doing an eye fixation induction utilizing a grandfather clock might be helpful. Sure it is like the pocket watch and pendulum inductions, but why not? It is subtle part of the decor, so it becomes more friendly. Would relaxation start to happen on its own, if you, as the hypnotist were to let these clients get comfortable, alone in your office, where the focal point is the grandfather clock, standing there majestically?

My other idea is that the interval chimes could act as a deepener. That might depend on the chime. So, I have been looking up chimes at and found a blog entry on it at clocksblog.com. From there I was referred to 1-800-4clocks.com. They apparently carry all sorts of Howard Miller grandfather clocks, of which some of these have sound files attached. I have to admit, I was a little thrilled to see that there are some clocks that are still cable driven. I had expected them to be long out of date. The clock that I am most attracted too is one such type, the Howard Miller Newell Grandfather Clock. It is simple, clean and would not look to “homey,” yet would catch the eye. But, that is aesthetics, and I am concerned with the sound. The only sounds I could find were of Westminster Chimes. They are fairly classic. The clock I like mentions it has “bim bam chimes,” so I cannot tell if that is the sound it makes or if it is Westminster. This is the one thing that I wish was a little different about the site, but maybe they are in the process of adding more sounds?

Maybe I am getting too hung up in the details, but I think such a clock would be a nice touch for an office and a great induction (and maybe deepning tool, too). Have any of you out there tried this?

1. Are you a full time hypnotist, part-time or hobbist?

Part-time with aspirations of going full-time when my children are grown. Right now I see a few clients a month and do a lot of freebie hypnosis just to keep my skills sharp.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I work a lot with students on academic skills (memory, test anxiety, motivation to study). I also do my share of smokers and have been known to indulge in more light, recreational applications of hypnosis now and again.

3. Is there any type of hypnosis you do not do? Why?

I don’t do weight management. Part of the reason is credibility — I have a lot of work to do myself in that area — and part is Maryland law, which requires that I pay for a health club license to do weight management hypnosis. When I’m happier with my own situation I’ll pay the fee and branch out, but for now I refer weight clients out.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life?If so, how?

Oh, yes. I end each day with a 20-30 minute self-hypnosis session to get myself ready for sleep. I also use it during my morning and evening commute to help me make the transition from IT geek to dad/hypnotist.

5. Describe your hypnosis office setting.

I practice in my home. I have a room near the front door and the powder room with a pocket door for privacy, two comfortable recliners, a desk (against the wall so I’m never tempted to sit behind it), credenza for paperwork, and bookcase. Scattered around the room are various toys and props including a wall-mount candle holder (vanilla scented candle) with a silver spiral design on the front, a Tibetan prayer bowl, a brass pocket watch hanging on a hook, a pair of Chinese singing balls, a Salvador Dali print of “Soft Weeping Watch”, and a couple of plush toys with sleepy expressions. Oh — and a big glass jar half full of old, broken cigarettes. (The smell upon opening that jar is enough to put anyone off tobacco for a while!)

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Up before 6:00am, hopefully enough before that I have time for a workout session on the stationary bike; catch a commuter bus to the day job, using self-hypnosis during the trip to pass the time and get my mind focused for work; a full day as a high-level IT geek for a government agency; another bus ride home, again using self-hypnosis but this time to leave work at work and to pleasantly ignore the afternoon traffic and crowding; arrive home and assume “Dad mode,” checking homework and feeding my boys (I have 4 children, the younger two of whom are in high school); if there’s a client booked that evening, pick up the office and entry way and hopefully do a little advance reading on the issue to refresh my mind and have more ideas readily available before the appointment; work with the client if there is one, otherwise spend the evening with the boys or running household chores/errands until bed.

7. Do you have a website or blog?

I do keep a website: www.secondtrances.com . It has general information on hypnosis and about me, along with a couple of mini-session MP3 files that people can download and links to other hypnotists and interesting places (like The Transparent Hypnotist Blog). ;^)

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

Has to be Parts Regression. You can use Parts on so many different things that I find myself going to it almost out of habit (and then making sure to ask myself if it’s really the best tool for that particular job). Depending on the client’s interests I’ll do Parts as a cocktail party conversation, a Donald Trump-style boardroom meeting, a locker-room team gathering, a bunch of kids in their secret clubhouse, or whatever metaphor seems to fit.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting.

My first solo client! I did everything wrong: I was nervous during the pretalk, I didn’t get them talking enough to spot her primary representational system, I blanked out on the induction and ended up pacing and leading her into what I was sure wasn’t a deep enough trance, I misworded a suggestion about tension and saw her stomach tense up dramatically … and somehow, when she came out of trance, she was smiling and happy anyway.

10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

For a potential client: Forget everything you’ve seen, heard, read, or been told about hypnosis. Let go of all your expectations, relax, and enjoy the ride.

For another hypnotist: Make friends with as many other hypnotists as you can! My hypnotist friends are a great source of ideas and inspiration and they’re people I can talk to about this stuff who understand our jargon and processes.