The Transparent Hypnotist

Here I am, back again, coffee in hand, Cinnamon bread baking in the oven and a few moments to spend with you. As you may be aware, on this blog, we are slowly exploring the various forms of hypnosis. We have covered the concepts of traditional hypnosis and have begun exploring elements within it (that may also be used in other forms of hypnosis as well). One of these elements is the intake form and/or process.

Here is the question:

From your viewpoint what are the most important things a hypnotist should include on the intake form or intake process and why?

Is there a perfect chair out there for doing hypnosis? I have begun to doubt it. What I think instead is that there is a perfect chair for each client, and it is luck of the draw if yours happens to be it. When it comes to my trsuty recliner, I have gotten everything from this recliner is perfect. This recliner is too big. This recliner is too soft. This recliner needs to recline more. And oh, I think I will just lie on the floor.

When I was going to school to learn hypnosis, we sat in hard uncomfortable chairs that did not recline in the slightest, and you know, the hypnosis worked as well as any done in the best recliners. (When I was in school, I had to walk fifty miles on bare feet, through snow…)

This had led me to remember my hypno massage I had back in May. It was pretty amazing. So, here is my latest thought - would one of those massage chairs like the Human Touch HT 7450 Zero Gravity Massage Chair be a good for hypnosis sessions? Might it provide a sense of comfort for some and could one time a session to coordinate with the chair’s various settings and cycles?

I know I could go to massage therapy school, but it is just not for me, but the chair could be an interesting addition to an office setting. Any thoughts?

He snickers, skips the questions on page two and hands back my intake form. I glance at it and hand it back, smiling at the skipped questions. He sighs and begins to answer them, every so often moaning about how hard they are. Sounds like an exam, does it not? Hardly. What he is moaning about is answering the questions about what peacefulness means to him or perhaps he does not feel like divulging his phobias.

In talking about hypnosis sessions in general, there are a few things that are fairly basic. The intake form or process is a big part of the session itself and provides a guiding focus for the hypnotist. It sounds elementary and maybe so, but there is an art to the intake. Whether the client fills out the form or the hypnotist ask questions and notes them, this is not just a formality. These questions help clients to pinpoint what it is that they want to work on and gives insight that the hypnotist can use to help in relaxation processes (such as taking the client to their own particular peaceful place and doing so with words that are familiar to the client - their own). Some intakes are more in depth than others. They may ask several potential questions that seem ultra personal, but again they point to clues that the hypnotist can use.

I once read someone’s intake that asked specifically about a person’s sexual preference. At first it seemed a little like privacy invasion, but the reason for it was sound. Say the client is wanting to work on intimacy in a relationship and part of the session includes focusing on the partner, if the hypnotist makes an assumption, the whole session may be a no go because the partner was described in the wrong sex.

So here are two questions for you out there.

Hypnotist - do you ask enough questions to get a true picture of the client?
Clients or potential clients - do you feel the intake forms you have filled out ask things that make you uncomfortable?

Hypnotist - do not be afraid to ask everything you need to know. Just be ready to explain why it will help you to know the items on your intake form.
Clients - do not be afraid to ask the hypnotist why he or she wants to know something, if it makes you uncomfortable.

Before going into lengthy diatribes about the various forms of hypnosis, I thought it might be fun to get a general definition.

What is Hypnosis?

Some might say this is a tough question. Merriam-Webster defines hypnosis as:

a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject…

Nice. Cut and dry, yes? No. What exactly is a “trancelike state”? What does “induce” mean? Wait. Backtrack again to the word “state.” Whoa Nellie.

Confused? It could be really easy to become confused when grappling with subjects of consciousness and the brain. Suffice to say, we are still learning what really goes on in the mind, which I suppose, is akin to the mystery of life.

To simplify or better yet - Ellie’s Definition of hypnosis:

hypnosis is all about using suggestions to create some form of inner change, whether long-term or short-term.

Now one could take this farther and use the word “state” from the Merriam-Webster’s definition, but again this gets fuzzy. There are a few different camps of hypnosis theory. One says that hypnosis is a “state of mind” or an “altered-state of consciousness.” Another says it is focused concentration and expectation that create the results. Personally, I believe the answer is found in both. Focused concentration means putting your mind in a certain “state” of consciousness. The two go hand in hand. I suspect later we may need to devote sometime to delve into this more (and feel free, as always to leave you thoughts on this).

But for now, you have my definition, which may help clarify the perspective in which my words revolve on this blog.

Last I week I mentioned we would be talking about the various forms of hypnosis, and guess what - we are. It is not something that can go in one post, but is going to take some time. Also, please feel free to jump in the comment section to voice your thoughts, opinions, and questions. It would be great if we could get a definitive list of types of hypnosis, but it seems to be ever growing and changing.

Here is a basic list of what comes to my mind this Tuesday morning:

• Traditional Hypnosis
• Authoritative Hypnosis
• Permissive Hypnosis
• Animal Hypnosis
• Mesmerism or Animal Magnetism
• Conversational Hypnosis
• Clinical Hypnosis
• Scripted Hypnosis
• Self-hypnosis
• Interactive Hypnosis
• Regression
• Parts Therapy
• Manchester Protocol
• North Carolina Protocol
• Theatrical Hypnosis
• Ericksonian Hypnosis
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (I am torn on this one - I am not so sure that it should be considered hypnosis, as it is its own thing, but it is used in hypnosis…any thoughts?)
• Distance Hypnosis
• Emotional Freedom Technique (again this is its own thing, but is sometimes used in hypnosis)
• Forensic Hypnosis
• Emergency Hypnosis
• Non-verbal Hypnosis
• Group Hypnosis
• Driving Hypnosis
• Covert Hypnosis
• Media Hypnosis
• Tapping (this is more technique, but I think it counts)

Again, this is just what comes to my mind on my first cup of tea. I really would like to keep the list going, so please do add to it.

The thing about hypnosis that I think many people do not understand is that there are several different forms of it. This can be frustrating as a client because it may not be clear what the session will actually be like and from a hypnotist standpoint it makes it difficult when we look at studies to know what hypnotic procedure was used to get the response.

As hypnotists we are always finding ourselves explaining to people that hypnosis is not what you see on TV. There seems to be this mythic place people want to go to, almost wanting to be put into a zombie state and come out of it “fixed.” It is never this way. There may be pendulums, pocket watched, swirlies, sounds, or words. But how the hypnotist proceeds can also vary. In other words you could go to two different hypnotist and have a completely different experience for the same issue.

This ultimately means that as long as you want to be hypnotized, it is possible. Just because you may have trouble with one hypnotist, does not mean you will have the same experience with another practitioner.

For the next little while, in addition to our regular segments (Esoteric Saturday, the Sunday Question, the Monday Poll, 10 Questions, and In the News), along with happenings in the practice, we will begin to look at the various forms of hypnosis that are practiced out in the world.

Yesterday I blogged about IBS and a study that found great success with using hypnosis as a cure. Yes, the source actually used the word “cure.” Then of course, I found the usual medical sites saying that hypnosis can help eliminate the symptoms, but it does not “cure.” Normally, the later just irritates me a little and I go about my day. But not today.

I guess it depends your school of thought on whether hypnosis is a cure or not. I suspect that those in the medical fields or organizations that more represent doctors and psychologist, one would probably say that hypnosis is not a cure, but a tool in complimentary medicine. I give you that, it is a great tool used in complimentary situations. But I think it can also be a cure, especially in cases where the client has eliminated or worked through some psychological concept that was creating a physical effect. But I can understand that this might be a threat to traditional medicine (or at least some pharmaceuticals).

Do I think it can always be a cure? No. It depends on the issue and the client. And as I say that, here is the paradox, though hypnosis can cause a curative outcome, it is the client who creates the cure. It is the client’s work, mind, thoughts, and connection with his or her subconscious mind that brings about the result. Hypnosis is the vehicle in this case. So maybe when other’s say hypnosis is not a cure, maybe this is correct. It is just a tool in self-healing.

Does this make sense? What are your thoughts?

Today is the day. Happy Blog Action Day. I am even drinking green tea to be a little greener.

The theme is environmental issues. So, the question becomes, how can hypnosis positively impact the environment.

So here goes.

How Hypnosis Can Impact the Environment in a Positive Way

• Helping people to quit smoking.
  • Less toxic pollutants in the air.
  • Less cigarette buts leaving their long-term disintegration in the earth itself.
  • Less packaging waste.
• Helping people to adapt a healthier diet of natural foods
  • More fresh vegetables means less packaging waste for the environment.
  • The waste are biodegradable and better for the earth itself.
• Helping make the habit change to living greener.
  • By helping people to change lifestyle habits, the environment can benefit.
  • These habits could include being more conscious of energy used for lighting and temperature control.
  • It could help people become more recycling conscious.
  • It could help people become more waste conscious.

If you would like to add to this list, please use the comment section. I am sure there are more.

Do you ever have Mondays when you feel like it much surely be Wednesday? I have not been awake for long, but it feels like the middle of the week. More tea for me.

And it is hard to believe that it is October and has been so for a little while. Are any of you out there doing anything specific for Breast Cancer Awareness month? I am still compiling my thoughts on it, and though this is last month’s news, if you have not heard about the study on hypnosis and breast cancer, than read on. This is very positive for both hypnosis and those suffering from breast cancer, and going out on a nice sturdy limb, any one who is about to undergo surgery.

On August 28, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute substantiated hypnotists claims that hypnosis, prior to breast cancer surgery has a few benefits. These include reduced amounts of anesthesia needed during the procedures and lessened the amount of pain endured after the procedure, as well as the amount of recovery time and the cost of it. Hypnosis helps the later by also reducing the need for medications after the surgery.

Here are the details:

• Dr. Guy Montgomery of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York) and colleagues conducted the clinical trial.
• The trail was to research the effects of hypnosis given within one hour before surgery.
• 200 women participated.
• The control group was given 15 minutes to talk to a psychologist.
• The test group was given 15 minutes of hypnosis.
• The hypnosis consisted of suggestions for relaxation, guided visualization, pain reduction, nausea reduction, and fatigue reduction. These participants also received instruction on self-hypnosis.
• The use of pain medications and sedatives during surgery, as well as pain levels and side effects were monitored.
• Results: The test (hypnosis) group needed less anesthesia and reported less pain and side effects after the procedure. An average of 11 minutes was shaved off of their time in surgery and medical costs were reduced by about $733 per patient (mainly from needing less time in surgery).

Sources
Science Daily

Coffee is on and I am still blurry eyed, but pretending to be ready to go.

So, here we are. We have discussed using self-hypnosis with the Silva Method (or in general) for gaining control over one’s own mind and how a hypnotist does not control another’s mind. Thanks Michael, for pointing out how Mythbusters did use unethical means in their hypnosis portion of the show (see his comment on yesterday’s post). But let us move on to a bit of a darker horse, so we know it if we see it.

What is mind control exactly? According to F.A.C.T.net Inc. (Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network) the world of academia definition of mind control:

refers to all coercive psychological systems, such as brainwashing, thought reform, and coercive persuasion.

This definition is based on Dr. Margaret Singer’s definition of coercion:

Coercion is defined as, “to restrain or constrain by force…” Legally it often implies the use of PHYSICAL FORCE or physical or legal threat. This traditional concept of coercion is far better understood than the technological concepts of “coercive persuasion” which are effective restraining, impairing, or compelling through the gradual application of PSYCHOLOGICAL FORCES.

It is in the later interpretation that hypnosis begins to play a roll in all this, but it is just a tiny part of a larger system. It alone is again nothing more than giving a suggestion. It is the factor in the mind control process that I believe may be the weak link. One always has free will, so the hypnotic process may or may not work for various individuals based on the wording, etc. (one suggestion may work for one person, it may not for another).

But, we cannot let it off here, though. Those who are engaged in mind control know this about hypnosis. So the odds are stacked to make “the suggestion” take. This is through means of psychical and psychological manipulation. These are described as tactics. Dr. Singer list these as follows.

• TACTIC 1. The individual is prepared for thought reform through increased suggestibility and/or “softening up,” specifically through hypnotic or other suggestibility-increasing techniques such as: A. Extended audio, visual, verbal, or tactile fixation drills; B. Excessive exact repetition of routine activities; C. Decreased sleep; D. Nutritional restriction.
• TACTIC 2. Using rewards and punishments, efforts are made to establish considerable control over a person’s social environment, time, and sources of social support.
• TACTIC 3. Disconfirming information and nonsupporting opinions are prohibited in group communication.
• TACTIC 4. Frequent and intense attempts are made to cause a person to re-evaluate the most central aspects of his or her experience of self and prior conduct in negative ways.
• TACTIC 5. Intense and frequent attempts are made to undermine a person’s confidence in himself and his judgment, creating a sense of powerlessness.
• TACTIC 6. Nonphysical punishments are used such as intense humiliation, loss of privilege, social isolation, social status changes, intense guilt, anxiety, manipulation and other techniques for creating strong aversive emotional arousals, etc.
• TACTIC 7. Certain secular psychological threats [force] are used or are present

So, we cannot completely exonerate hypnosis techniques in the process of mind control, but it is not the major player. It alone, especially used in a clinical setting, is not one and the same. Mind control is a long-term process using manipulative devises - coercion. It breaks down a person. Hypnosis builds up a person, empowers one to make the changes one seeks.