Hypnosis and Hypnotism
Photograph by spotrick
A few weeks ago, I was looking over the National Guild of Hypnotists’ Code of Ethics (yes, we most certainly have one) and their terminology guide. It has been a long while since I became certified, created my Client Bill of Rights, and actually gave any of it much thought. In writing a paper about hypnotism, I decided to peruse the proper terminology guide again. I have become very lax about something and I fear it may have created some confusion, especially regarding the 10 Questions. There are two words that I think many of us tend to use (or not) interchangeably – hypnosis and hypnotism. They actually are not the same thing or synonyms, if you will. I think the NGH sums it up nicely, so I will quote directly from them:
Many practitioners casually refer to their profession as “hypnosis” and this is improper. “Hypnosis” is the state the client is in when he or she has been “hypnotized” by a “hypnotist” practicing “hypnotism.”
From now on I plan to be better about the usage of these words. And I am also changing the wording of the 10 Questions, even though the premise of each will remain the same. They are as follow:
1. Are you a full time hypnotist, a part-time hypnotist, a professional who incorporates hypnotism occasionally in your other practice, or are you a hobbyist?
2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?
3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?
4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?
5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.
6. Describe a typical day in your life.
7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?
8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?
9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?
10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?
Also, I would also like to take moment and again remind my readers that I do very little editing of the 10 Questions, preferring to keep the tone, the phrasing, and the words unique to each participant. Please note that if I am given permission to use the answers exactly as received, I make no changes, even when words are left out or the grammar is wrong.
Source – The National Guild of Hypnotists’ Code of Ethics
Tags: Code of Ethics, Grammar
