The Transparent Hypnotist

Photograph by freeparking(cc)

The smell is all newness and potential, grand adventures and long drives. The last congratulatory handshakes from the sales person have passed, my name has been signed to a servitude of paying-off a loan and the keys have been handed over. There is a sense of familiarity in sitting behind the wheel. It feels and drives like my last beloved little car, the one that I have left behind at the dealership. Memories and emotion flow out of me as I drive my pre-owned car off the lot and make it a part of my daily life.

I find myself mourning my old car and feel like I have taken a cherished pet to the animal shelter. I do not know what will happen to it, but I hope for the best. I also know that this is pure silliness on my part - the car had over 175,000 miles on it, was thirteen years old, over-heated in city traffic, needed some extensive repair work and had peeling paint….and yet, I remember the joy of taking it home that first, rainy day. It took me across the the world, or at least it felt like it at times (across the States several times). At other times, it felt like the only friend I had.

Perhaps you are like my partner and wonder about how I have anthropomorphized that vehicle. And yes, perhaps I should be more evolved and not feel the pangs of loss (I do have a beautiful, close-to new car) for a material object, but alas, even years of psychology courses seem to be failing me at the moment. Maybe this falls into the whole “change is hard” category.

I have chosen to share this with you, needing to remember this (so maybe I will not become quite so attached the next time), needing to remember the spirit of my vehicle and show my gratitude towards it for keeping me safe and being as reliable as it was for so long. I hope you will understand.

So today’s question relates to this - do you think of your vehicles as objects of transportation or is there something more to them, something almost intangible that gives them something like an artificial intelligence?

Yesterday’s 10 Questions were just not complete. I did a terrible thing…in all my hurriedness, I short-changed my guest hypnotist. Yes, I did the unthinkable, the unfair, the most terrible thing I could do – I forget to include Shelley Albini’s location and a link to her web site.

I have corrected this error, but I still feel bad. Dear reader, if you would, please visit her web site at www.natural-mama.net and help me make this up to her.

Location: Waterburyand New Haven, CT
Cyber Location: www.natural-mama.net

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?

I am a part time hypnotist and a full time business owner.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

I specialize in natural childbirth and fertility using hypnosis.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

I find that focusing on birth helps me to be good at what I do. There are so many areas in life that can benefit by hypnosis, too many to focus on at this time.

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

Self-hypnosis is too awesome a skill not to use myself. I use it to improve my business decisions and for general peace of mind.

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.

I teach in many different settings. I teach classes at Yale New Haven Hospital 4 times a year on Saturday mornings, I teach at couples homes and in my office at 1449 Old Waterbury Road, Southbury, CT.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

My primary job is MOM, so I do all the mom things, but when everyone is in school, I spend time in my home office when I’m not out with clients. I love what I do.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

I initially became certified by the HypnoBirthing Institute to teach HypnoBirthing classes. I went on to receive my Hypnotherapy certification from the National Guild of Hypnotherapists (NGH) and most recently became certified to do Fertility using Hypnosis.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?

I agree with another interviewee that the most fabulous technique is the one that is perfect for the client and comes through my subconscious to the room. It’s quiet exciting. I did a session for fertility using hypnosis and two weeks later the women became pregnant. Doesn’t get any better than that!

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

Luckily nothing horrible has happened. At the very least, clients become very relaxed and leave with a sense of well being. Sometimes births don’t happen the way couples hope they would, and the learning here is that one can only control their part. The baby and the Universe have a say as well.

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?

Self-hypnosis is an amazing tool for childbirth and I encourage clients and practitioners alike to explore this option. Thanks for this opportunity to share my views.

Location: Superior, CO
Cyber Location: www.soundofyoursoul.com

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?

Well, I received my training from the Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Institute 11 years ago, but didn’t take the final written exam to become certified until several weeks ago. I didn’t initially take the training to be a therapist. I just wanted to explore how the unconscious mind works, but I had a spiritual awakening seven years ago triggered by the music of a famous rock band, wrote a book about my journey, and now I’m being drawn to work more with individuals and possibly start a practice. So, I guess I’d be considered a hobbyist on my way to becoming a part-time therapist.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

Because I explore my possible past lives with the band in my book, I Found All the Parts: Healing the Soul through Rock ‘n’ Roll, I’m most interested in past-life regression and how music impacts our emotions and memories. I would also like to possibly become certified in between-life regression popularized by Dr. Michael Newton and his books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls. I’m also drawn to being a stage hypnotist, but that’s probably something I’d consider down the road when I get more experience.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

Not interested in smoking cessation and weight loss right now.

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

I took hypno-birthing classes when pregnant with my second child eight years ago, but I didn’t easily go into a trance state. I tend to do visualizations more than anything else.

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.

I’ve only worked with people I know, so it’s the recliners in my basement which so far everyone loves. I also play a CD from Hemi-Sync with binaural beats which supposedly helps induce Theta brainwaves.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Get kids off to school, check emails and google alerts, write comments on blogs related to my book found via google alerts, go to appointments and come home by the time my daughters are back from school. When I have a regression session at my house, I try to make time to focus a bit before the appointment and get myself into a relaxed state.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

I’m certified from the Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Institute in Colorado.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?

I don’t have one yet. Wish I did!

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

Going through hypnotherapy training was absolutely terrifying for me. It brought up a tremendous amount of fear, and now I believe it was due to past-life issues. I learned that working with the unconscious is very powerful, and I now respect the incredible depths of wisdom, memories and healing each of us are capable of accessing through hypnosis.

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?

Not really, because I’m just getting started. But I’ve enjoyed reading previous Q&A’s on this site from other hypnotists, and appreciate their taking the time to share what they’ve learned.

Location: Bracknell Forest, UK
Cyber Location: www.golf-hypnotist.com/blog

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?

I’m a full-time hypnotist focussing on building my golf psychology business. I just love applying hypnosis, NLP, EFT and other mind techniques to help my clients get the most success, pleasure and enjoyment from the wonderful game of golf.

In addition to the golf psychology, I practice with a wide range of clients as a clinical hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

I generally use a mixture of hypnosis and NLP techniques to match the emerging needs of my clients. In many cases I teach my clients to use basic self-hypnosis between sessions, as I believe that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. To that end, I’m also licensed to teach Adam Eason’s two-day Secrets of Self Hypnosis seminar.

Although interactive hypnosis sessions are my preferred working method, I also recognise that great value can be achieved using golf hypnosis recordings. I am currently developing a number of these recordings to accompany my forthcoming book. “The Secrets of Hypnotic Golf” and the first golf hypnosis audio recordings, “Your Own Virtual Caddy” is available free when you sign up for my Golf Hypnotist Ezine.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

I’m not comfortable doing past life regression with clients as it’s an area I haven’t made up my mind about yet. If I’m not comfortable, then it wouldn’t be professional or congruent for me to do it with a client.

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

All the time! I believe trance is a powerful tool in my life and provides access to all my unconscious resources. I’m a firm believer that a good hypnotist leads the client into trance by going into trance first. I find that my unconscious mind comes up with the best and most appropriate techniques to help the client find the solution to their problems or desires.

I also use self-hypnosis as a tool to help me through many difficult situations and to get the best out of some of the better ones. I just count to seven and I’m there… thanks Adam.

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.

As a golf hypnotist, I work wherever it’s most appropriate to the clients needs. This can include playing golf with the client, working with them during a practice round, on the putting green, on the driving range or in a quiet corner of a golf clubhouse. I also work from consulting rooms, at the client’s home or on the telephone.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Currently, I’m a one-man band, so I do everything from hypnosis, which I like, through writing blogs, newsletters, books and making recordings, which I sort of like, to running the business side which I like least. The good thing is that I like them all to some degree, the difficulty is striking the balance.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

I first got interested in NLP as a means of becoming more consistent in the most important areas of my life: my family interactions, my golf performance and my work – in that order! I did my NLP Practitioner and Hypnotic Practitioner training with Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna. As I got more interested in helping other people with these wonderful tools, I completed my NLP Master Practitioner certification with the same team.

Even with all the NLP training, I didn’t feel that I had the full complement of skills to work with clients and found the solution in the Hypnotherapy Diploma Course run by Adam Eason, the world renowned hypnotherapist, trainer and best-selling author.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?

Now this is a difficult one. I think that the hypnosis technique that works best for the client in front of me is the most fabulous technique of the moment and I don’t consciously know why I chose it.

If you really pushed me, I’d have to go for a combination of the “As If “ or “Pretend” Frame with a bit of timeline work. I get the client to vividly imagine what their desired future would be like, then get them travel back down their timeline to the present time unconsciously remembering how they achieved their imagined future. I don’t want their conscious mind to remember, otherwise it’ll say, “I could never do that.” This has helped clients achieve unbelievable results.

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

One of my Diploma Course case study clients wanted me to help him become a non-smoker and I spent hours preparing a lengthy hypnosis script that I proceeded to read to him. Half way through I realised that I had written the script on the assumption he had started smoking as a teenager when in fact he started in his mid 20’s to help him focus on his studies. I had to dump the script and trust my unconscious to get me through. It did, it worked and I haven’t used a script since.

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?

The most important thing for any client is to find a hypnotist you feel comfortable with and can trust. I’d also recommend avoiding hypnotists that use prepared scripts for their work or start out saying they know just what you need. These people are unlikely to have the flexibility to help you to get to the root of your issue quickly and easily.

I’m still learning so much about hypnosis that I’m hesitant to advise other hypnotists. However, the key thing would be to lead your client into hypnosis and let your unconscious guide you.

Location: Salt Lake City and Park City, UT
Cyber Location: www.scientificmindcontrol.com

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?

I am a full time hypnotist.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

I specialize in conversational hypnotism (Eriksonian) but I am comfortable with more traditional methods too.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

I stay away from past-life regression, mostly because I am not convinced it is real. I am pretty much a “skeptic” philosophically speaking.

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

Absolutely. In fact, I believe everyone does without necessarily knowing it. Our “identity” is the biggest trance of them all!

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.

My practice is in a professional medical building between Salt Lake City and Park City in Utah. The offices do have rather stark walls but we do have comfortable chairs!

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

Hm, a lot of reading, writing, working with clients, and enjoying time with my wife and daughter. Of course, I make some time for fitness and fun as well.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

I am an auto-didact mostly. I had dabbled in hypnosis since being introduced to visualization as a teenage oncology patient but I didn’t begin serious, deliberate study until a few years later in 1993. By 1997 I was creating mischief and adventure for myself with hypnotism every single day in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

However, I did finally get certified by the International Association of Professional Conversational Hypnotists once I decided to begin a practice. As a prank, I didn’t tell the others at the certification about my past experience with hypnosis so they were all quite amazed when I was fully hypnotizing strangers later that night at the bar after just day one. A creative hypnotist with a sense of humor can be quite fun.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?

I am a huge fan of embedded commands.

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

Any abreaction is horrible, luckily I’ve learned how to navigate the minefields (or “mindfields” as the case may be) deftly in my many years of play and experiment. Perhaps one of the most akward was when a girl I had done hypnotic work with experienced “transference” post-hypnotically…

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?

Have fun, be sincere, and be honest. The rest will take care of itself!

Location: Nyack, NY
Cyber Location: www.earthswisdom.com

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

I am a full time Hypnotist/Holistic RN

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnosis?

I work with a wide range of people. I use hypnosis for emotional trauma, behavior modification, pain reduction, childbirth(HypnoBirthing), women’s health and fertility, regression therapy, and reaching optimal health of mind/body/spirit.

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

I do not offer hypnosis for any sexual reasons. I look for clients that I can best be of help to.

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

I use hypnosis daily for positive living, staying healthy, vibrant and well.

5. Describe your hypnosis office or work setting.

I work in a professional office in a busy town of Nyack, NY. It is comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. I will either use a massage table or chair for my clients’ comfort. Soft music can be played to enhance the relaxation effect.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

I see patients regularly, enjoy family connections, and offer and do lectures in my community hospitals, and libraries. I walk 4 miles 2-3x week, and love nature and the surrounding river town that I live in. I formed a Holistic Network in my area, and we meet monthly and more often at other gatherings of like minded people. I love what I do and take care of myself.

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

I got certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists, and The IACT. I was trained by Paul Aurand, and continued with supervision training at the Holistic Healing Center for several months.

8. Most fabulous hypnosis technique you use?

I gather my information, and intuitive knowledge about each client, and then do the techniques that work best for them. I’ll use a progressive relaxation first, then induction methods.

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

I don’t focus on any negative experiences. All my learned experiences come from all areas of my life. I am grateful to be able to serve others in this rewarding practice.

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

Don’t try hard with hypnosis. It’s valuable and everyone can be hypnotized. Some people need more than one session to gain trust, and a feeling of safety with the practitioner. It’s a therapeutic relationship that needs to develop. Take a little time first to feel centered and relaxed; and be positive about whatever turns up.

Location: Danielsville, PA
Cyber Location: www.johnravencomedyhypnosis.com

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?

Part-time, I have a number of different businesses.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

My specialty is comedy stage hypnosis.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

I do not do “dirty” adult-oriented hypnosis.

4. Do you use self-hypnosis regularly in your life? If so, how?
 
Yes.  I have used hypnosis to loose weight and have used it to wean myself off my my asthma inhaler.

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.
 
I am the vagabond hypnotist. I perform hypnotherapy in the client’s home or office. My stage comedy shows differ in venue.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.
 
Get up.  Work out.  Work on other jobs.  Workout. Dinner. Check email.  Send out promo material. Update Social Networking Sites. Post/respond to advertisements. Make phone calls. Work on iPhone applications.  Watch TV. Go to bed.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

I received training from Stage Hypnosis Center, Paradox Hypnosis and a number of private seminars.  I am certified as a hypnotherapist and as a stage hypnotist.  I continue to learn in any way I can, be it DVDs, live classes and seminars, or even the HypnoSummit.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?
 
The most fabulous technique I use is the one that gets the client I’m working with into trance. Sometimes it’s glamorous, sometimes it isn’t.

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

I did a show in a small town and only a had a handful of volunteers and only one person went into trance.  I ended up putting on a one hour show.

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share? 

Hypnosis is the easy part.  The hard part is getting clients.  If you’re starting out - or even if you’ve been in business for a while - invest in a good marketing program, and possibly a virtual assistant.  Without marketing, you’re client list will grow much more slowly.

Location: White Rock, BC
Cyber Location: www.vanceromane.com

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?

FULL TIME since 1971. Part time since the 1960’s.

2. Do you specialize in any type of hypnotism?

SMOKING CESSATION, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, STRESS MANAGEMENT. Other areas occasionally.

3. Is there any form of hypnotism that you do not practice and why (i.e. entertainment, past-life regression, pain management)?

No areas outside my expertise, or those best handled by physicians or psychologists.

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

Yes, dental, including tooth extraction; stress management, sleep, energy, motivation, etc.

5. Describe your hypnotism office or work setting.

We use about 1500-2000 square feet overlooking the ocean for computers, a recording studio, storage of books and recordings, etc.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

I usually start off the day with some stretching, a little time on a weight machine, checking email. Most of my time is spent working with my office staff planning seminars, recordings, speaking to clients, researching hypnosis and related areas in my large hypnosis and mind power library with books dating back to the 1800’s. The rest of my time is spent visiting cities across Canada with seminars, with time set aside for family.

7. Where did you get your training in hypnotism and are you certified by any organization?

At age 9, I began reading everything I could find in the library on hypnotism, as I found the area of study fascinating. I attended many hypnosis courses and workshops including Maurice Kershaw in 1969; Dr. Freda Morris; Dr Gilligan and Dr. Carter in Ericksonian Hypnosis, and many, many others.  Dr. William Bryan, Jr.M.D. was also very influential in my training. I also attended many NLP courses. I have completed programs as a certified master hypnotist and hypnotherapist. I am a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, for many years, and have attended some of their conventions, as well as have been a guest speaker there.

8. What is the most fabulous hypnotism technique you use or prefer?

I find the Dave Elman methods combined with direct suggestions and indirect Ericksonian hypnosis to be most effective.

9. What was the worse moment you ever experienced in a hypnotism setting that ended up being a valuable learning experience?

I was about 13, and had just hypnotized a couple of school friends. They would get in a fight, and I would just snap my fingers and they would drop to the floor. I decided to implant a post hypnotic suggestion to Helmut that when I said the words “Spanish Armada”, he would instantly drop into hypnosis. It was very late at night and I whispered very quietly to Vince about “Spanish Armada”. I was very far from Helmut, but somehow he heard this. When I got home, the phone rang. Vince said that Helmut had gone back into hypnosis. I had to go back to Vince’s home to arouse Helmut from hypnosis. I was scolded by my parents for the late phone call. I quickly learned that the subconscious has a lot more sensitive hearing capabilities than the conscious mind.

10. Do you have any words of advice to potential clients or other hypnotists that you would like to share?

Ask your hypnotist about his experience in the area you wish to work upon, and with hypnosis in general, his training, and stay in touch with your inner feelings of comfort to work with that person. As for hypnotists, do not make promises like you will lose weight FOREVER. Do not treat medical or psychological conditions unless you have training in that area, you are a physician or a psychologist or working under referral. That includes depression. Be quick to refer people to the appropriate professional. Do not expect to get rich with hypnosis. Very few do. It should be a passion for the field and to help others. When I started hypnotizing in the 1960’s, it was rare to see any women in the field. Now there are many gifted women working with hypnosis. It was also rare to find any hypnotist in the telephone book. Now there are many. It is good to see those changes. Everyone should learn the priceless gift of self-hypnosis.

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