Yes, I was at Hypnoticon, Josh. I went with a friend and had a wonderful time, learned from some very skilled and talented people, and didn’t witness anything that struck me as unprofessional. Nobody compelled me to go to an erotic workshop — in fact, I didn’t — and the ‘alternative’ workshop I did go to was absolutely professional and interesting, as good or better than what NGH provides.

With people like Brian David Phillips and Dave Fontaineau behind it, SET has a lot to offer as a positive, professional influence. What will it take, I wonder, for “mainstream” groups like NGH to recognize that?

<MR>

Not being a member of NGH, I can’t say exactly what benefits one gets from it, but I do understand they are quite expansive. However, I have also heard some negative things about the organization relating to cliquishness and elitism that only echoes the apprehensions you mentioned. About the only thing I can say is that from what I’ve seen, some of the rival professional organizations (for instance, one that needs the “magic letters” after your name for membership) are even worse.

And speaking of the NGH and HypnotiCon, David Fontaneau has said that the NGH has caused at least three people to cancel their presentations at HypnotiCon under the threat of losing their membership.

I wasn’t aware you we’re at Hypnoticon. I stopped by to visit a friend while I was in Atlanta on a trip. Due to late notice I wasn’t able to go to the actual event, yet I did meet many of the people at the event in the lobby. Very great event from the looks of thing. Now as for your question.

Would you associate yourself with an organization that supports alternative practices such as erotic hypnosis? Why or why not?

Yes I would depending on a few factors. The first one would be that the organizations must be very credible and professional. I hate to say it but their are so many organizations out their who just let anyone in.

I too, respect SET. I think they are a great organization and many of the members are very professional and very skilled. The second thing for me is how I could take something such as Erotic Hypnosis or another alternative form of hypnosis and use it to help people or provide a service.

As much as I love the guild they too have a few alternative workshops at their convention such as flute playing and etc. Honestly, I didn’t realize they look down on erotic hypnosis. All in all I think it doesn’t matter as long as the organizations conducts itself in a professional manner. Even if you aren’t into certain fields their are many people who are and they need someone to provide that service. So why not you?

If we are ever going to want to continue to grow our field we must start to become more accepting of other organizations and fields of hypnosis. Once again it goes back to basic business. If their is a demand for something, someone must supply it. So as the man in the crowd said during the movie the Water Boy “You can do it!!”

BTW, I once heard a story about how Erotic hypnosis saved a woman marriage from failing. So as long as it helps the person in some manner I’m okay with it.

Josh