The Transparent Hypnotist

One of the questions I always ask clients is, “What suggestions would you like to include in your session?” I do this to get the phrasing for the suggestions I will use later in the session. After several years of doing this practice, the responses are always interesting in how the clients will interpret the question. A majority of the time, the answer is a restatement of the reason they have come to me in the first place. Then there are those that use the question as an opportunity to see if I can add in some magical wording to do something completely alien to the original reason they are there. For example, if one may come to me for help with exercise motivation and answers the question as they would like me to suggest that their subconscious mind could grow some hair where hair has not grown in 20 years, that would be good.

Then there are the responses that touch me and get to the core. A recent client came in for weight loss. When we came to the question of suggestions to be incorporated, she responded, “be able to find a new relationship.” How telling. How telling on many levels. But my heart ached for her for a moment. There was the my own inner judge rallying to say something like “you do not need to be thin to find a relationship, after all you want someone to like you for the inner you, not just the outer you.” But, I kept my mouth shut and tried to push those thoughts away.

Perhaps she picked up on them because she continued, “If I lose the weight and accomplish this goal, I’ll feel better about myself - then maybe I can have a healthy relationship. Plus, it will give me more options.” Indeed. What a telling and wise statement.

So, we did the session for weight loss, but at the end she asked me, “How does one even begin to find a good relationship?” Now there is a question. “I don’t even know what sort of person I would want to be with?” I had her list qualities she likes in the men she knows. She actually found it easier to list qualities she does not like, so we turned those into positive statements. The I-don’t-like-men-who-have-no-interst-in-what-I-say became I-like-men-who-listen-and-want-to-hear-what-I-have-to-say. This idea evolved into the shorter phrase “good listener” and the list went on from there.

Then to really wet her whistle, I suggested during her weight loss period that she go to a web site like True.com, where one can sign up for free and do a personal search for free to help narrow down the choices of potential types of companions that are out there. It is a great tool - like looking in a catalog for the right fit. And then there is always the whole if-you-actually-find-what-you-are-looking-for, try it on. Start the conversation. In her case (and all really), I suggested she be upfront about the concept that she is in a time of transformation. Perhaps the contacts she makes on the site, Mr. Right or Mr. Not-quite, may still provide positive feed back and help cheer on her own personal victories.

The exercise I just explained is a little esoteric in the realm of true hypnosis practice and more in the realm of window shopping, but what better way to know what is out there. The next window might have the perfect thing.

Cyber Location: www.thefearmaster.com

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

Yes, I am a full time hypnotist, however I use combinations of other techniques in the hypnotic mix!

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

Yes and No. If I may answer the question at a different level that would be great, I always use bespoke methods for individuals and groups following a detailed questionnaire. I believe having flexibility in your approach is critical in achieving a 100% success rate, after all thats what we all want.

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

I do not and will not do any sort of intervention hypnotically or any other method of intervention without first making sure the outcome and procedure is of a sound ecological result.

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

Self Hypnosis is a great form of self development and yes, I use it regularly. I think people make the mistake of thinking self hypnosis is about being in a quiet place with music in the background, warm atmosphere etc, etc. I use walking the dogs, going for a run, washing the dishes, even doing the gardening!!!! Simply clearing my mind and organizing my structure of the day, week, month and future goals, the list is really endless.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

A lot of my work is done in the clients house or office because I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed. If they decide to come to mine they will find a big Mac computer on a desk with a very comfortable cane chair shaped like a donut on a platform that can move, very comfortable indeed. From the moment they walk down the street to my office, they and I know they are having a positive outcome. As soon as they see me, the client knows I’m the right person for the job, check out my website on www.thefearmaster.com, as soon as you see, feel and hear my website you already know if you want to work in my environment or not and that’s the key!!!!

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Very early to rise, and either walk or run with my dogs and let my thoughts carry me through the physical exercise. Check e-mails, prepare for my clients with paperwork and history ready at hand, any slack time in the day in between clients, use wisely and priorities appropriately!!!!! Always round the day off with the next days activities and paper work completed for that day. Boring really!!!!!! I love it. No one day is ever the same, no one client is ever the same, no one treatment is ever the same and yet I still achieve a 100% success rate, its awesome!!!

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I got my training through a company in Windsor London UK, I had the best trainers in the UK!! Yes, I am certified.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

The most wonderful techniques I use would have to be those ones where the client achieves their goal and is hyper over achieving it, example - a client of mine came over because they had a deep routed fear of drowning and pushing themselves until they were out of breath!!!!!! Seven months later they achieved an awesome result by completing this years UK Ironman Triathlon Championships 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile cycle, followed buy a Marathon 26 miles!!!!!!!! all in one day - an amazing fete of human performance, this person now has unlimited resources and confidence to fall back on, they have now absolutely got no limit on what they can achieve, physically and mentally.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience.

You know what, I have no worst moments, everything is about learning and thats how I view things.
10. Any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotist.

I have lots of words of advice, too many to list. The main few for clients are, make sure the person has insurance for what they are doing and are qualified to do so, expect to remember everything and remain in control at all times, expect fast results and thats what people get with me - ultra fast results!!!! When using someone make sure you can connect to them and they are successful or have been referred buy a trusted friend.

To all hypnotists if you talk the talk, walk the walk, you have got to be on top of your game 100% of the time, learning all the time, the day you stop learning and improving pack up your job and find something out there that gets you fired up, take what makes you fired up and bring it back into your old job and implement it, your business will explode. I’m going to be controversial here. I see to many so called therapists on my travels wearing cardigans and hugging trees,etc etc. They tell other people what to do and they are not doing it themselves, for goodness sake remember if your talk talks and your walk talks, your walk talks speaks louder than your talk talk!!!!! in other words what you do speaks louder than what you say!!!!!!! Command your Fears with the Fear Master.

Is your head the most perfect of heads? Does it have an interesting shape? Is it the sort of head that does not require hair to complete you? If so, you just might have the perfect element for becoming a cranial billboard. A little tattoo ink, comfy walking shoes, and you have the potential of a whole new career or a grand adventure…

But let’s talk about me for a few moments before we consider your future (hey now, this is my blog and I can talk about me all I want, thank you very much. LOL).

When I first came to this country (way too long ago to mention the year), one of the most compelling feelings I felt was an expansive sense of freedom. My family was on the other side of the pond, and here I was, a sweet young thing following her bliss. And one of the first things I did was to follow the American dream by driving across the country. I wanted to see it all and another long plane ride would not accomplish that goal. The young man who had my heart at the time provided the means. Wouldn’t you love it if I told you all about his beautiful vintage, Cadillac convertible? I could describe the wind whipping through my long hair as we happily hit the back roads. But a more apt image to invoke is one of two gawky barely adult-teenager types, one with a buzz cut and one with long hair (I was the buzz cut), and an old minivan (it was white). We did hit lots of back roads, though and camped in the back of the minivan at every National Park we came found.

Needless to say, we also met a lot of very different people. I think that trip awakened me to the whole American version of New Age and competitive Buddhism (as a friend of mine calls it). I learned how to meditate on that trip - how to really meditate, not just close my eyes and struggle to ignore the pressures of life. I learned how to be relaxed, aware and to feel the earth beneath me, often opening my eyes to lush vistas of potential. From that moment on, it seemed as if an electric, tingling sensation remained with me. Something was happening. The rebellious Brit shed her shocker shell and began to understand that anger was not a way to go through life.

In Sturgus, SD I was able to bring together that free spirit and the one that was turning into the hypnotist you know today. The episode of X-files where Scully got the infinity tattoo on her back had just aired. I was so impressed that I too had the same emblem (the snake eating itself known as Ouroboros) tattooed on my lower back. To me it was very much the alchemy idea, infinite possibilities and transformation.

So, I had to laugh when I saw the casting call for Air New Zealand. They are looking for 30 people who would be willing to shave their head and have messages of Air New Zealand’s transformational journeys permanently displayed there. Ultimate marketing - the cranial billboard comes to LA. I totally love it. I might even be tempted to give it a go if Air New Zealand had been responsible for my own life-changing journey (I suspect the sponsor of that would be the minivan people). Instead I will leave it to those who are aglow with the desire to participate and in need of their own life-changing experience. That alone could be such a journey. Plus, my own tattoo was extremely painful, though now, I believe I would use self-hypnosis to dull or be rid of the pain. Hey, maybe the airline would consider hiring me to bring my skills as a hypnotist to help those who have trouble with any pain involved. That could be a wonderful experience for us all. (Just thought I would put that out there in case any Air New Zealand people read this). But I digress. If you are interested in participating, visit www.airnewzealand.com.

Though very few people see my tattoo, I know it is there and when I think bout it, I still get that electric tingle. Would it not potentially be the same for these walking advertisers? Eventually the hair would grow back and the moment would be a memory. The transformation would remain however.

Several month’s ago, on theunwindingpath.com, I did a project based on Sophie Nicholls’ Hypnotic Journaling. It was great. Sophie also was a fabulous support mechanism as I went through the week of implemented the suggestions in her book of the same name.

Recently she emailed me to let me know she is doing a new online course about Creative Writing for Personal Development, Health and Well Being.

I thought it would be best to highlight her writing career here (based on her own web site bio). She is very impressive:

She gained a doctorate from the University of Sussex in Creative Writing and Personal Development and went on to develop courses in writing from life and creative writing for personal development for the universities of Sussex, Leeds and York in the UK.

Even if you are not into hypnosis but want to improve your writing skills and ideas, Sophie just might be your girl. You will not find any swinging watches or pendulums. No one telling you to go “deeper.” This new program runs from October 20, 2008 to April 2009 and is all done online.

If you want to learn more, visit her site at wordsauce.com.

Photograph by ST33VO

The phone would ring off the hook with potential clients clamoring for my services. That has always been a goal of mine (and every other hypnotist out there). It is how I imagine marketing success. What I did not imagine was the phone ringing off the hook and having past clients ask me if I was hosting another hypno Halloween party. For goodness sake people, I barely mentioned I had the notion of doing so. But okay, I get it, you want a Halloween party (maybe this is a barometer that last year’s party was okay).

So now I suddenly find myself on this Tuesday morning looking for creative (and affordable) party ideas rather than reading hypnosis journals. In looking at www.celebrations.com ideas, they suggest a “green party” (maybe that will go well with my new Hybrid, sigh). Recycled paper invites (maybe using old obituary columns?), using organic apples from the local farmer’s market and homemade carmel, and utilizing the local thrift store to create a new, slightly-previously-owned costume. The site suggest using old sheets instead of table clothes, but I have a ton of handwoven fabrics that would look fairly sophisticated. And of course I would do some sort of guided visualization to begin the festivities, but I am not so sure what would be appropriate for a green Halloween theme…a walk through an old fashion pumpkin patch, maybe? Any ideas?

But then last year, when I was working with my weight loss clients, one of the exercises we supported each other on was dancing. Maybe the ‘70s Disco Demons and Divas party idea would be more fun? It would sort of be like stepping into Lorne’s karaokebar from the television series Angel. Dry ice punch and a homemade mirror ball. THere are some pretty intersting Halloween Decorations that could add to the atmosphere. That seems doable. Maybe the invitations would have a Saturday Night Fever (playing on the fever aspect) quality. This might be the sort of thing to do in my home yoga studio as opposed the the office. Rather than doing a guided visualization, I could do a short hypno show (but do it with demonic, over-the-top magician being sure to be as cheesy as possible). Hmmm.

The green idea is low key and fairly easy. It would be a good right-after-work sort of drop-in thing. The demon disco is a lot fun and a lot more work - but would probably have a repeat of people calling in October next year. Any thoughts?

Art by ocean.flynn

Good morning! Ready for a new week? I am!!! So let’s start it out with last week’s news from the hypno world.

Participants Needed

Last week we looked at a study on the positive effects of hypnosis dealing with hot flashes experienced by breast cancer survivors. Along these line, there is a new study in the works that is seeking participants. Baylor University’s Gary Elkins, a psychology and neuroscience professor, is in need of 180 post-menopausal women to help explore the benefits of using hypnosis for the reduction of hot flashes. (Baylor University)

The Good

Want to lose some weight? How about trying a hypno-party? That is exactly what hypnotist Matt Dawson host for groups of people ready to shed a few pounds. Interesting idea! Last year my own weight loss group found the experience of communal weight loss to be extremely helpful (Bucyrus Telegraph)

Or maybe you are seeking more intense ways to lose weight. Surgery, pills, hiking the Appalachian Trail (my personal favorite). If so maybe the Gastric Band is just your thing - that is Dr. Armando Scharovsky’s hypnosis idea - the Virtual Gastric Band. It is a weight loss hypnosis program that is about to be experienced in Puerto Vallarta. (The PV Mirror)

Want to know how other people (other than hypnotists) feel about their hypnotic sessions? The IndyStar.com features a conglomeration of such interviews from the clients of Richard Erickson.

My philosophy has always been that anyone can be hypnotized provided they want to be hypnotized, but (yes there is a caveat) not all hypnotists can hypnotize just anybody. There has be a certain rapport, trust, if you will. And so it was with Sydney L. Murray, whose first session with a hypnotist was a disaster. However, the writer persevered and found Kali Korogy, who provided the author with a successful session. Sydney interviewed Kali for Vision Magazine.

Other hypnotists who were interviewed during the past week:

Peter Wolf from Ontario, Canada (Huronia Business Times)

Dave Miller at times in South Dakota and at others Arizona (Moody County Enterprise)

Photograph by caffeina liquida

Wow. It seems as though I was just here, having a glass of wine and lusting heartily over a car. A few hours of sleep and here I am again but this time it is with a cup of Cafe au Lait.

Sleep has dulled the impulsive desire for becoming a hybrid owner, yet the idea remains at the back of my mind. Darn that car and its instant hypnosis. Yet, there is a pile of bills, office overhead and general life dues that take my priority. Yuck. As my nephew would say, “that’s mature of you.” He might be correct.

So here’s today’s question of note - have you ever been mesmerized by an object (or any noun will do) and if so what and what were the effects it had on you? I am not just talking about a whim of fancy or peer pressure. I am talking about something that you beheld, time stoped, and all that existed was that object. It holds you captivated. Do tell.

So this is what it is like to be an evening blogger, trading the coffee cup for a glass of wine and watching the sun setting rather than rising. Interesting (it has been a long time since I did this).

Well, my life is not right if I do not try to keep up with the self-imposed rituals I have set in motion. Esoteric Saturday is a must for my mental health. So, here goes:

My company arrived unexpectedly, family stopping by on their way to another location. As I shuffled to the door in my Uggs and bathrobe, wondering who could have traversed my driveway this early on a Saturday, I saw an unfamiliar car in the driveway. The car was a silhouette in the rising sun, both awesome and ominous.

As I squinted at it (fumbling for my glasses), I heard the familiar sound of my brother’s voice outside my door, “Hey Ellie, I know you are awake and I know you have coffee on, come out and see my new car.”

Coffee mug in hand, I unlocked the door and stepped out into the semi-darkness of pre-morning (my family members are also morning people so this is not so unusual). Half hugging me, half dragging me, we went closer to the mysterious vehicle. Sure enough, my eyes were not deceiving me - there it was all ecco-green goodness - a brand new hybrid. Wow.

And here is the esoteric hypnosis part of today’s post - I was totally, utterly, completely mesmerized. This car was amazing. I stood in awe of it, frozen in time, no real thoughts, just taken completely in by the concept. Normally, I am not a car person (though I have wondered about how my current car reflects my professionalism - maybe you remember that?). I am not one to go in for much materialism. But gosh darn it (is this political vernacular now?), that car was so clean and beautiful…that I suspect my brother must have realized my trance and slipped in a suggestion that this was a way to to contribute to saving the earth. Talk about your instant hypnotic inductions.

That was this morning. It is now evening. I have been for a ride in the car and was deposited back to my day to day. I have found myself looking up hybrids, knowing full well that I do not have the funds at the moment for such whimsey. I will not give into insane jealousy (I am happy that my brother picked a hybrid - he has not had a new car in years and so deserves a good one) and let it rule me, but I can cross my fingers and try to manifest my wants.

Fingers are crossed and look, there it is - a contest to win a Honda Civic Hybrid from Charter. Granted I have already established television, high speed, and telephone service, but heck, if I win the car (which one can enter without having their service), I would more than consider the change - or if I were to need new service I would definitely give it a thought (if available in my area). It is a great idea for a contest - giving away some green - save money with your technology services and save the world, one mile at at time (or something like that).

Call it coincidence, call it what you will. I have been hypnotized by a car.

For those of you who came here expecting an Esoteric Saturday - my apologies for not having it up and ready for you. I had unexpected guests this morning and found myself completely unready. I hope to post later today…

Location: London, England
Cyber Location: www.affinityhypnosis.com

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

I am a part-time hypnotist.  I love being a hypnotist and also adore my researching.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

Most of my clients are other therapists and I tend not to specialize, although I am particularly fond of experiential (not experimental!) hypnosis. Some people like the hypnosis experience without needing therapy and others just want to know what being hypnotized feels like.

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

I haven’t been asked yet to do anything I wouldn’t want to do.  However, I am aware of my boundaries and would refer someone on if I felt I was not the best person to work with them.

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

I regularly use self-hypnosis.  When I first started I went through the whole induction procedure, now I can go into hypnosis with just the intent (although it can shock people so tend not to in public!)… I use it often to simply have some time out and relax.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I am fortunate to have access to some lovely consulting rooms… The reception area is suede and leather, really comfortable chairs and sofas and lovely pictures.  It sets the mood beautifully for when the clients come to the therapy rooms, which are decorated in a similar way.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

A typical hypnosis work day would start with reading emails and looking at the internet (what a research tool!).  I would then see clients (usually 1 to 1.5 hours at a time) and then finish off with more emails and some research. I am researching at Doctoral level into how hypnotists and hypnotherapists are taught.  The advantage being that I have been on a vast amount of courses and the knowledge is never wasted.  I have met some amazing people from all around the world and it is fantastic to find out how other countries approach hypnosis.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnosis and are you certified?

I did my clinical hypnosis training with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis, am a member of several professional organizations in the UK and recognized as a Certified Hypnotist with the NGH.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I have two that I find amazing.  The first is the Self-Integration Dissociation (’SID’) technique which is wonderful for clients with boundary issues, and the second is the Positive Phobia Replacement technique which is usually now my first step when working with anyone with a specific anxiety or phobia.

9. Worse moment ever in a hypnosis setting that ended up being a valuable
learning experience.

I went on a stage hypnosis course, mainly out of curiosity as it was so frowned upon by many clinical colleagues. Whilst at that time I was comfortable with hypnotherapy inductions, the rapid inductions needed so much intent and confidence I struggled.  Then I realized that if I didn’t have confidence in me, whatever the induction, how could I expect my client to?…The course was a turning point in my confidence in my abilities.

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

To potential clients, know that there are many different therapists and approaches, so find the one you are comfortable with.  To other hypnotists, believe in yourself and your abilities whilst doing all that you can to ensure you develop and evolve (so keep learning!)