Your Hypnotist Blog

How Hypnotherapy and Counselling Help Each Other

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:03:00 +0000

By Adam Szmerling.

There are now more than 400 different counselling and psychotherapy approaches used by mental health practitioners! Two main paradigms of hypnosis have emerged, the older model being Traditional hypnotherapy and the more recent being Ericksonian hypnosis. However research has consistently demonstrated that the relationship between therapist and client (also referred to as the therapeutic alliance), rather than the therapists style, is what makes or breaks the successful therapy.

So if it doesn’t really matter what approach is used, why should counselling and hypnotherapy be combined?

Genius Milton Erickson, the founding father of Ericksonian hypnotherapy claimed that processing and change had to occur in the conscious and unconscious mind to really be effective. While counselling traditionally targets conscious experiences (such as thoughts, images and feelings we can access and communicate to others), hypnosis aims to influence the unconscious mind. So while the counselling process, involving respect, empathy and listening encourage conscious trust, hypnosis performed in a safe environment by a qualified and experienced practitioner helps to develop unconscious trust and rapport. Counselling and psychotherapy, whatever the approach, can help to make hypnosis and NLP more effective and vice versa, even though each attempts to address problems from a slightly different perspective.

Hypnotherapy usually focuses on changing behaviors, while counselling and psychotherapy more often help to promote self-understanding and self-acceptance. Together, breaking old habits and developing more adaptive behaviors and improving self-esteem and self-knowledge can create a much happier individual. Therefore, its impossible to really compare counselling and hypnotherapy. It would be like asking who’s better out of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones – they are both popular and well-known bands with much to offer.

Hypnotherapy can help psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists who are wanting to help their client deepen their self-understanding and awareness of their transferences (seeing aspects of authority figures from childhood, such as parents and teachers, in perceived authority figures in adulthood) and projections (seeing disliked overwhelming qualities of themselves in other people) through establishing a secure relationship with the unconscious. It can also be one of the fastest ways to develop rapport and trust with a therapist.

On a more individual level, I use dream work and analysis with my clients to help them identify more with their unconscious and to help them better understand the messages being sent from this part of the mind. Interventions promoting relaxation, such as light trances, meditative practices and Ericksonian hypnotherapy greatly accelerates this process. Another handy by product is increasing memory recall and self—confidence.

A further common difference between hypnotherapy and psychotherapy is the number of sessions required. Psychotherapy can literally go on for years, and in some schools such as traditional psychoanalysis, therapy is viewed as a life-long endeavour. Hypnotherapy can bring about noticeable changes in just a few sessions. Of course this is an average and will vary from person to person. While both approaches can be crucial to long-term healing such as in cases of unresolved or complex trauma, there are some issues such as nail-biting that hypnotherapy alone will be able to assist with.

So why in the world would anyone think about having long term therapy that goes for months and in some cases years? In my view, NLP and hypnotherapy themselves are not able to address deep seated emotional and attachment disorders originating in early childhood. These issues are thought to arise due to parents not responding effectively to the needs of their infants and young children. This lack of response can range from the parents misinterpreting that their baby is hungry when the baby is cold, to parents overtly ignoring, neglecting and abusing their children. The relationship and responses we receive from our parents in the earliest years of our life go on to form the templates we use that guides our expectations of what we will receive from others in all sorts of relationships including platonic, professional and intimate. Almost everyone who seeks psychotherapy and hypnotherapy have an insecure attachment style which can either be avoidant (lots of conscious mind activity, but little if any conscious emotional or feeling states), anxious ambivalent (flooded with and guided by emotional feelings and states with less conscious mind activity) and disorganised (who are incredibly sensitive to threats, inherently mistrusting and find it very difficult to feel safe).

Regardless if the presenting complaint is anxiety, pain, depression, addiction, OCD, trauma or relationship problems, there will always be an attachment disorder exacerbating the emotional torment. All of these problems unconsciously have one purpose: to avoid feelings. That is why “getting rid of a behavior”, for example quitting smoking or giving up alcohol is not enough, albeit helpful, of which hypnotherapy can greatly assist. While the behavior may be gone, the underlying motivation for the behaviour lingers and eventually crops up again if the deeper reasons are not acknowledged, processed and understood for what they really are and what they represent. This is explains why I see so many people who have “tried so much hypnotherapy and NLP and CBT before”. I reassure them that there is a very valuable place for hypnotherapy within the counselling relationship but it is not a quick fix. The cause is rarely singular and often includes repeated affective ruptures in empathic attunement from primary caregivers.

Willing people work courageously to face their inner conflicts and resolve them in time. This develops an authentic self, a self which is well integrated, congruent and fully aware of all its aspects. In effect, this process transforms and insecure attachment into a secure one, helping to shield against depression, anxiety, stress and traumatic feelings.

In my view true therapeutic work comes from changing an attachment pattern to a secure attachment complex. With a safe enough therapeutic alliance and weekly sessions this can be possible. A key pillar of this process in the ability of the therapist to remain non-judgemental, to offer ongoing acceptance and respect regardless of what the client discloses. With hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis the client can learn how to do this for themselves by accepting what they experience non-judgementally – but, human beings can not primarily self-regulate their feelings, which is why counseling and psychotherapy must be combined with hypnotherapy. It takes regular practice of around two years for the plasticity of the brain to change and an adaptive secure attachment style formed. This does require a commitment of time and money, however the life waiting at the end of the rainbow is one many people can’t imagine.

Melbourne Hypnotherapist and Counsellor Adam Szmerling has been practicing since 1996. He has completed the Advanced Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy, an undergraduate University degree in counselling and postgraduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy. He is a Master Practitioner of NLP and takes a Mindfulness and Attachment Therapy approach to counselling, integrating clinical hypnotherapy, NLP, mindfulness, psychodynamic and experiential approaches to best support the needs of each individual client. Visit Adam at http://www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au/

Rapid Hypnotic Inductions

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:26:00 +0000

Hypnotists and Hypnotherapists alike have mixed opinions about the use of rapid inductions. They are of the opinion that in a one to one situation they are over dramatic and in some cases where clients are anxious counter productive. What ever your opinion, they are a demonstration of how important pre-talk is in creating the trance.

For me the three stage handshake technique is a great way to build confidence and develop your skills. I have used it and continue to use this many times. The key to any rapid induction is to remember the person you are hypnotising. Focus all of your attention on to them and always see the end result in your minds eye before you start.

A story that could change your thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:37:00 +0000

A friend emailed this to me and I wanted to share it with the readers of Your Hypnotist Blog.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room..

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'

The origin of this letter is unknown.

Hypnosis and NLP Box Set- an experience of just about everything that is Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Jamie Smart founder of Salad has just told me that he is launching from today until Friday 27 November 2009 The Salad Big Box Collection.

Anyone who knows Jamie and Salad will know that this is going to be more than just a couple of CD's but an experience in itself. See here for details

You will get in your Big Box Collection

The Secrets of Hypnosis DVD Video Set
The NLP Belief-Busting Sleight-of-Mouth Mastery 6 DVD Set
Better Coaching Skills with NLP CD Set
Conversational Belief Change using Sleight of Mouth DVD
Ethical Influence with NLP CD Set
How To Stop Worrying & Grow Your Business CD Set
Live The Life You Desire CD Set
NLP Techniques Masterclass CD Set
NLP Techniques Masterclass DVD Set
The Secrets of Hypnosis CD Set
The Hypnotic Language Masterclass CD Set
The Language of Influence CD Set
6 Card Deck Bundle
Metaphorically Speaking CD Set
NLP for Business & Personal Success 6 CD Set
Practical Intuition 6 CD set
Bare Knuckle Selling Book by Simon Hazeldine
Instant Happiness CD
Ericksonian Hypnosis Cards Unpacked CD
Instant Wealth Unpacked CD
NLP Coaching Cards Unpacked CD
Bare Knuckle Customer Service Book by Simon Hazeldine
Bare Knuckle Negotiating Book by Simon Hazeldine
Special Salad VIP Bonus LIVE Event Priority Ticket - Worth £97

Recommended Retail Price is £2604.90 - Salad brings this to you for £997

Remember this runs until Friday 27th November 2009. Click here for more details.

Look Around: Hypnosis in the news

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:52:00 +0000

In the Taunton Daily Gazette (20 November 2009)

Smokers' opinions split after free hypnosis session at Bristol Community College. Participants were interviewed after receiving a group hypnosis session. Read full article

At this is north devon.co.uk (21 November 2009)

Council gets tough on hypnotism. According to this article, "If anyone hypnotises anyone else in North Devon without permission, for display, they can be fined £1,000." Read full article

image by FreeFoto.com

Imaging shows that hypnosis does exist

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

The University of Hull has identified using imaging that activities in the brain decrease in areas associated with daydreaming and mind wandering in hypnotised subjects.

According to the University of Hull's press release (13 November 2009) , students were tested on their ability to respond to hypnotic suggestion including seeing a cat that was not there, hearing non existing music and to forget what happened during the hypnosis session. Whilst under hypnosis fMRI ( Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) was used to examine brain activity.

Dr McGeown, a psychologist at Hull concluded that “Our study shows that hypnosis is real; it corresponds to a unique pattern of brain activation which was not observed in any other experimental condition and was not seen in people who were not hypnotizable.”

This research comes in line with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) approving hypnosis in the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

see BBC article

If you believe you are hypnotised then you could be?

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:39:00 +0000

The reticular activation system (RAS) is a part of the brain that creates our perception by sorting relevant data that is received through the senses.

Imagine going to a party with your partner and they spot in the crowd someone wearing exactly the same clothes. Many a happy night has been spoilt by this type of event. This is the reticular activation system (RAS) at work The conscious mind talks to the RAS to sort relevant information that indicates someone could be wearing similar clothes. This is then passed to the subconscious mind. Look at the image to the left, can you see two faces or cup? This is your RAS at play. A very simplistic example, but you get the idea.

How does the reticular activation system work in hypnosis? Most hypnosis training courses worth their salt will tell you that the first step in hypnotising someone is believing that you can. This activates the RAS to look for all relevant information that will help you to hypnotise this person. The subconscious mind then responds by helping you to achieve the goal of trance.

"John is like some seven year old kid who learned how to hypnotise people. It never occurs to him that there are some people who may not be hypnotisable, so therefore, anyone he wants to trance, usually gets hypnotised." said about John Cerbone.

Think about someone who believes they can be hypnotised or who believes they are in the process of being hypnotised. The conscious mind sends an instruction to the RAS, telling it to sort all relevant information that indicates they are entering into a trance. The subconscious mind then acts upon this information by entering into what it believes to be a trance. Does this mean that hypnotic inductions are ritualistic and are only there to create the belief of hypnosis and it is the RAS that is the real hypnotist? Or maybe, if you believe you are hypnotised then you are?

BBC Children in Need it's that time again

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:44:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again, when the BBC put on the Children in Need extravaganza. Good old Sir Terry Wogan and his swagger will be presenting the show on BBC ONE, Friday 20 November at 7pm. I'm sure Pudsey Bear will be making a guest appearance with many stars including Peter Kay.

Money raised from the event helps to fund small and large projects for Children in the UK. Last year BBC Children in Need raised £38 million and distributed to over 700 organisations.

Does your facebook or twitter profile picture stand out from the crowd?

Create your very own Pudsey's bandana for your profile picture. It only costs £1 and that will go staright to BBC Children in Need. Visit http://www.pudseybandana.co.uk/

Maybe, you just want to make a donation then visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate/

picture from bbc.co.uk

How to coach someone through nicotine withdrawal

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:56:00 +0000

By Ian Jackson

Many people think that smoking is purely a physical addiction. It is not. It is only partly due to physical conditioning. Smoking is also a choice. It is a process that an individual has to actively choose to do. They choose to take the cigarette from the packet, they choose to light up and they decide at what point they put the cigarette out. Granted, they may have become so conditioned to smoke that it feels almost automatic, but there is always a conscious component to the habit.

As a hypnotherapist, my job is to unravel and amend the psychological conditions that cause people to smoke. The good news is however, that once a smoker understands the underlying causes of the mental conditioning, it is much easier for them to overcome them.

Whilst I feel it is crucially important to emphasize the need to overcome the psychological aspect of the habit, it would be wrong to dismiss the physiological aspect altogether.

For the vast majority of smokers, once they decide to quit, they will have to endure a period of nicotine withdrawal. Thankfully, the physical withdrawal from nicotine is short lived, but it can be uncomfortable while it lasts.

During the early phase of smoking cessation the symptoms can be closely related to the sensations of having a cold or mild flu. But as we all know (even the men amongst us) colds and the flu do go away, and we do live to tell the tale.

By understanding what is likely to happen to someone when they quit smoking, and by following the tips that follow, it becomes far easier to coach someone through the difficult early stages of nicotine withdrawal.

Here are some of the common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Bear in mind that whilst most people will experience some of these, it is rare to experience them all. Each person goes through this phase of recovery from nicotine addiction a little differently. But for most people, these discomforts are short-lived.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings to smoke
Irritableness
Insomnia
Fatigue
Less ability to Concentrate
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Constipation, wind or stomach pain
Dryness of the mouth
Sore tongue and/or gums

Obviously most of the symptoms of withdrawal are unpleasant. So what can you do as a coach to help someone cope with these symptoms

Just Remember the 5’D’s

Encourage them to delay the urge to smoke until it passes - usually within 3 to 5 minutes.

Teach them to distract themselves, by focusing on other task.

Get them to drink water to fight off cravings.

Encourage them to take deep breaths, and relax! Tell them to close their eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths.

Discuss their feelings and support them by pointing out how much better they will feel in the long run.

Whatever happens, don't let nicotine withdrawal scare them. Remember, the nicotine withdrawal is a temporary phase of recovery. It doesn't last long and better days....much better days lie ahead of them. The fantastic feeling of freedom and control they'll get when they successfully beat the addiction is worth every bit of effort they give to quitting.

Helping someone to stop smoking is a real pleasure. Bear in mind though that ultimately the choice lies with them. Your job is to help and support them as much possible.

Helping someone to stop smoking is a real pleasure. Bear in mind though that ultimately the choice lies with them. Your job is to help and support them as much possible.

For more information on how Hypnotherapy can help with the process, email ian@hypnostic.com

Hypnosis in the media

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:06:00 +0000

After watching the BBC programme about a cat being registered with three hypnotherapy organisations, I could see the slightly humerous and unfortunate side. This programme will definately challenge you at some level about hypnosis and hypnotherapy in the UK. Click here for the article.

The video can be viewed here there is a time limit and maybe a restriction on which countries can view.

I'm sure there will be a discussion at a hypnosis forum near you!

See, learn and discuss hypnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:55:00 +0000

To quote John Cerbone when he was talking about learning hypnosis, "From a personal standpoint, eat, breathe, and sleep hypnosis. Always be talking about hypnosis..."

Here is an opportunity for you to do just that, Nongard TV every Sunday 9pm Central Time will be hosting a free video chat and hypnosis class. This is an ideal opportunity to interact with Professionals from hypnotism and discuss hypnosis. Richard Nongard tells me that everyone is welcome. Click here

Hypnosis used in a study on suggestion and emotions

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:32:00 +0000

An emotion could be defined as a state that occurs spontaneously without any conscious effort. A suggestion. A suggestion therefore could be either verbal or non verbal communication which spontaneously creates a state in another. Could hypnosis be the acceptance of a suggestion by another?

I found this article which discusses how hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion are used to elicit emotions. See Full Article

The Barnum Effect and Hypnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:23:00 +0000

So today I was glancing at my horroscope in the newspaper;

"There may be a few unanswered questions today. However, you probably have some idea of what needs to be addressed. Yet, a deeply personal matter doesn’t require any more analysis, as you will discover. There will be a few less people around when this happens."

I love reading them. Not for the predictions about my future or next weeks lottery numbers, but because they are an example of the Barnum Effect. P T Barnum was a nineteenth-century circus entreprenuer who put his success down to "We have something for everyone." Now, whether he did was not important. The fact that the audience believed this to be the case was enough. This principle later became the name for the phenomenan called the Barnum Effect. This phenomenan occurs when a person reads generic statement and believe it to be about them.

The famous experiment completed by Psychologist Bertram R. Forer showed this phenomenon in action. Thirty-nine students were given a test. A week later they were presented with a personalty description based on their results. They were then asked to score the accuracy of their descriptions 0 (poor) to 5 (perfect). The average score given by the students was 4.3. This showed the students believed the personalty descriptions to be accurate. In reality each student had exactly the same personalty description. This so called personalty description actually came from an astrology book.

"Barnum statements" appear specific, but really apply to most people and most of the time. For example: "You have an important decision to make over the next few weeks. Close friends will be happy to help you through this" or "You like to help people, however sometimes you feel that friends take advantage of you."

Many hypnotic inductions and pre-talk apply the principle of the Barnum Effect. For example "Many thoughts will pass through your mind, even questions as to whether you are hypnotised or not. You will feel relaxed and have a sense of heaviness, lightness or tingling in your body" or "Relaxation feels good. Some people are able to relax very quickly, whilst others may take a little more time." These statements can apply to anyone whether hypnotised or not. They are used as convincers in hypnosis to create the belief, "I am experiencing this therefore I must be hypnotised."

When you create your "Barnum Statements" ask yourself will most people, most of the time say, "this applies to me".

Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly Hypnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:37:00 +0000

In the Daily Record, Jo Wood former wife of Ronnie Wood has been receiving hypnosis to build her confidence when appearing on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. According to the Record the hypnotherapy session is to help her fight nerves. Good news that Jo is now through to the next round. Read the full article here.

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How to do self hypnosis?

Dave Elman's Hypnosis on the Radio: Master of Rapid Inductions

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Every other Sunday, HypnoDr is offering a different portion of selected classes from the teachings of Dave Elman. Dave uses his easy style and soothing voice to hypnotise patients and doctors alike, while teaching the many uses of hypnosis to relieve pain, help with depression and birthing.

"I came across Dave Elman's complete Medical Hypnosis Course for doctors. This was one of the biggest discoveries I have ever made. After hours of re-dubbing from old tapes and cleaning up the difficult to hear classes, you will hear a crisper and clearer recording. I will be highlighting important portions on my show." HypnoDR

You'll hear Hypnosis techniques only learned from the master himself including many rapid induction techniques. Join the HypnoDr for insights into hypnosis gathered from one of the best in the business. visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HypnoDr for more details.

The Power of Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:04:00 +0000

By Tom Breeze.

Okay, if you do a favour for someone (e.g. stay late to help them with a project), if they are polite, they will say to you, "Thank you so much for helping me, I really appreciate it." Then we will say something along the lines of, "No worries". That is a BIG MISTAKE.

Why? We would have just let a power moment slip us by.

It comes down to the idea of reciprocation. If you do something for someone, they will want to do something back to be a good person. By them saying 'thank you, I owe you one', they'll feel they have balanced the situation slightly. Rarely though will you find them going out of their way to repay you.

So what should you say instead?

SAY THIS - "It's nothing you wouldn't do for me". By saying this, they'll still feel they owe you and will go out of their way to help you. It works a treat!

So go out and use this tip.

Tom Breeze is the author and creator of 21 Steps To Fearless Speaking, findout more about Tom at prominds.co.uk .

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The Power Moment of BUT

The Power Moment of BUT

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:02:00 +0000

by Tom Breeze.

When we say the word BUT, many different things happen. We negate everything we have just said and get people to listen eagerly to the next thing we say. That's why people tend to start arguments by saying, "I understand what you are saying, BUT, I think we should do it this way". You see what the other person hears is, "I don't understand you, so listen to me".

Recently, an American spokesman for Ford Motor Company was heard saying, "The new financial review looks great, BUT, there is a long way to go.". It was meant to be motivating! The financial community heard, "This review looks awful and there's a long way to go!".

Notice what happens when you say, "There is a long way to go, BUT, the new financial review looks great". You can feel the difference.

Go and use this in your day today!

Tom Breeze is author and creator of 21 Steps To Fearless Speaking, findout more about Tom at prominds.co.uk .

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The Power of Thank You

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John Cerbone The Trance Master Interview Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0000

John Cerbone is The Trance Master. An innovator of speed trance. He is the author of Hypnotic Scripts That Work: The Breakthrough Book. Has published numerous training DVDs on Hypnosis. He is a true Hypnosis Guru. This part two of his interview.

YH: Where was your last stage hypnosis show?

JC: WOW! To quote a line from Monty Python's Flying Circus, "I'm not quite dead yet."
Some of the more memorable recent shows have included me working during the graduation of high school lock in season. In the U.S., many high schools take their graduates out for an all night party, and keep them locked in a giant indoor facility until the sun comes up to prevent car accidents and other disasters, while saving lives.

I did a whole string of these events, as many of us stage hypnotists in the U.S. do. Start times generally range from 3:00 AM to 4:30 AM. The shows are always powerful and Mind-Blowing. The only problem I have is getting out of the facility once the show is over, because many of the kids didn't get to be in the show and therefore want to be Speed-Tranced. Sometimes I have to hypnotise as many as 80 other kids; thank goodness I am really fast! I normally do street trance, using suggestion to glue them to chairs and floors. Sometimes this turns into a whole second show.

Recently, I have co-hosted a show with a female friend and student of mine in Mississippi, not exactly around the block for me. It was a fundraiser to help fight teen suicide. That show was very powerful; the reactions on stage were dramatic. The only disappointment was that I wasn't doing the show there night after night. I really truly love hosting a hypnosis show. I would rather be hosting a show than almost anything else in the world. Some clips from the show, are on http://www.youtube.com/TranceMasterJohnpage and stills are on http://www.facebook.com/john.cerbone.

YH: What makes an ideal induction for stage hypnosis?

JC: If I'm not hosting a two hypnotist show I tend to play with Inductions, mixing techniques and having fun. But more generally, I host a Speed-Trance Induction show. That means, I use group Speed-Trance Methods, in this recipe I then deepen by using using an one to twenty count to further the end. I start the show.

For a beginner, most stage hypnotists today have also had some sort of clinical training. I would therefore suggest, and I know I'm probably going to take some flak for this. Learning and mastering a dramatic interpretation version of the scaled down, Progressive Relaxation Induction. The question here becomes why? Most clinical hypnotist are using this sort of an approach to begin with. Unlike learning something different and new, in order to gain experience, it's easier to use something familiar. Unlike the way this is done in a private session, where it may be whispered or floatingly spoken, it needs to be delivered with dramatic affect and impact.

YH: Some people are complete naturals when it comes to being hypnotised, at the other end of the scale some others are not receptive, despite being keen. What do you do when you come across these people, and what advice would you give to hypnotists?
JC: Keep using various approaches until you succeed, do not stop, a hypnotist only fails when they give up. As long as the individual is not hyper-resistant or hyper-analytical or is vehemently fighting you, you still have a chance. I've demonstrated this on the Speed-Trance DVD, As well as clips on my YouTube.com/TranceMasterJohn page, as I was working several thousand miles away from where I live, and with people I didn't know, and in some cases who had a few alcoholic drinks. Perseverance here is key.

YH: What advice would you give someone who is starting a career in hypnosis?

JC: Learn as much as you can from honest and forthright people who love this profession. People you respect as well. Do all the work necessary to be successful. Avoid cutting corners, put the hours in, and open your mind to possibilities. From a personal standpoint, eat, breathe, and sleep hypnosis. Always be talking about hypnosis and never leave your place of residence, without a business card in your pocket.

Be good enough at what you've learnt to be able to demonstrate this because sooner or later you'll be called upon somewhere to do that. Realise that if some clubs or groups give you eight minutes to discuss hypnosis, you cannot do a twenty minute Progressive Relaxation Technique.

Learn how to Speed-Trance people, I sincerely believe that techniques I'm teaching may very well be the next evolutionary phase of this profession.

YH: Is it true some people can't be hypnotised? And if so, why not?

JC: There are only a handful of people who cannot trance easily. People with certain psychiatric conditions, kids under four years old and people with IQ's below 70. Actively resistant people looking to aggressively fight you in order to prove you are wrong and themselves right, and of course I have often found dead people difficult to put into a trance.

Recently a friend and colleague said about me, "John is like some seven year old kid who learned how to hypnotise people. It never occurs to him that there are some people who may not be hypnotisable, so therefore, anyone he wants to trance, usually gets hypnotised." I do believe that is something to ponder, embrace, and utilise.

YH: What is your favourite induction?

JC: Anything that works quickly and effectively. Trancing people deeply with maximum impact. Sometimes it's taking an induction based on where I am mentally, or what the people in front of me are most responsive to.

Anything I've personally designed, I know it will work and whatever I'm inspired to use at that moment to achieve maximum results and benefit.

I do have a soft spot in my heart, for my own stuff, especially the first two or three I invented. They're kind of like my children.

YH: What preparation do you do before you go on stage?

JC: As I tend to be very high energy, my energy tends to go up dramatically before a show. If I am in a hotel room far away from home, I'm normally jumping around to some music on my computer.

A stage show to me is an expression of ultimate joy, passion and intense energy. A powerful and unforgettable entertainment event. I start summoning up all my energy as an extension of what's to come.

Divine inspiration for a great show by asking for the blessings and guidance from those hypnotists who have gone before me, as well as metaphorically summoning of lightning from the sky into me. This generates immense power necessary for a powerful show.

I'm also very concerned about stage safety, making sure the environment is as safe as possible for the people who will volunteer.

I believe in full show preparation, my recorded stage introduction and music are on a CD and given to someone who operates the sound system. I do have a long list of skits, which I prepare for each show so that the sound engineer can cue the correct music for each routine. I don't always stick closely to the order, which makes things interesting.

I also use all my experience making mental notes on things in order to heighten response and it just use enough skits as necessary for maximum impact in the show. I do work very adaptably throughout the course of my show to keep inspired, lively, vivacious, and high energy.

After the show is over, I'm usually quite warm and somewhat high from the experience. In some ways, performing this way is quite addictive. I love it!

YH: What makes a good skit for a hypnosis shows?

JC: Anything funny for the audience and has maximum effect. The stage hypnotist must always remember, you are there entertain and make sure they laugh really hard. It also helps to do things to blow their minds.

The goal of every performance is to make the experience completely unforgettable. Always remember, you're running a fantastically energised party, you are the Ringmaster, a Powerhouse and Entertainer. It should be an absolutely amazing time for all concerned completely beyond anything they expect.

Also, keep your eyes open for unexpected hilarious reactions to various routines and skits. What comes out of various individuals while hypnotised is nothing anyone could ever dream up consciously. It's so much funnier, so much better and so much more intense. The very best stuff out there comes from those reactions.

YH: What areas do you believe hypnotists/hypnotherapists should focus on to increase the success of their therapy sessions?

JC: In my clinical book, I have written a whole section called, session optimising suggestions. I think all too often, the average clinical hypnotist is not utilising many self reinforcing, automatically adaptive suggestions. In other words, self- perpetuating suggestions. Suggestions also need to be written so that an individual’s subconscious mind can adapt them to generate better success. Rigidly written suggestions generally do not allow adaptation. Keep them fluid, let them be as water.

YH: Ok John I can resist no further, I have to ask this question. What is hypnosis biggest secret?

JC: Well, if I told you that it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now wouldn't it?
Ok for Your Hypnotist Blog, here are a few.

Trancing an individual is not that difficult, once good rapport is established. Resistance generally lies more within the hypnotist and their inner fears and doubts, rather than the hypnotist rising up and being mightier than the situation presenting itself.

When hosting a comedy stage show, be a true powerhouse entertainer! Be mighty, be bold, have fun, laugh, jump around, participate in the show, spur on the people and move skit suggestions on and forward to a higher level. Make sure your people are safe and happy, avoid standing there like starch. When I am hosting a show, I'm not happy unless I have broken some sort of a sweat.

When hosting a session or group program in clinical hypnosis, avoid sympathy, yet be fully compassionate. There is a difference you know. Sympathy approaches from conditional love similar to, "Oh that poor baby, better me than them." Or worse, "better them than me." Compassion however shines an eternal and unstoppable loving light that leads them from the darkness to a place of light and healing.

YH: John thank you for sharing your experience of hypnosis.

JC: It was my pleasure! I love Hypnosis and all the people who bring it out into the world honestly and ethically, breaking new ground. Thanks for the chance to engage more people and for the engaging questions.

To findout more about John Cerbone The Trance Master and speed trance visit Trance-Master.com or follow John on http://www.Twitter.com/TranceMasterJ

Purchase Hypnotic Scripts That Work: The Breakthrough Book Version 7.0 by John Cerbone

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John Cerbone The Trance Master Interview Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:21:00 +0000

YH: Hi John and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take part.

JC: In advance, I would like to thank everyone here for some really amazing questions. I have been told that I eat, breathe, and sleep this stuff, the last one I think is only appropriate as I am a hypnotist.

YH: How do you design a new induction?

JC: When I invented the Cerbone Butterfly Induction, an earlier version of my book was already in circulation. It wasn't enough for me to have invented numerous clinical session suggestion scripts. I wanted some Inductions of my own.

During a hypnosis conference, I'd been watching some of the old timers, using rapid and instant induction techniques, and kept thinking to myself, "how can I do this faster, better, and more intensely, with higher impact and better results."

On the way home, driving south on the US Interstate 95, like most people driving for several hours, I was daydreaming. While I daydreamed, or should I say, experienced highway hypnosis, my imagination wandered onto a technique, a movement of my hands and fingertips, which I thought would work dramatically. This occurred to me as I approached, believe it or not, an exit for a town called Mystic, Connecticut. So perhaps it was a mystical inspiration! I've stopped off at the exit, pulled into the parking lot of the convenience store and wrote my idea down on the back of a fast food napkin.

I tried this technique which I had visualised two days prior to a private session. The client, instantly went into trance, keeling over on to her right side on to the couch, with a big grin on her face. She was out in less than two seconds, in a REM state. I thought I might be onto something. Some months then passed before I came up with the next one.

Nowadays, when I'm in an inventive frame of mind, I pay attention to the body movements of people around me and see what might work as an induction.

Each and every induction has three steps. Future tense, present tense, and control phase. Even in Speed-Trance Inductions, this is the case. It just happens very quickly. When my imagination wanders to the next induction pattern I invent, maybe I’ll try it and it works very well.

With any induction, it's a matter of seeing what the person in front of you needs and getting it done. Working from one's own intuition and imagination can never be underestimated.

I wrote an induction script for a highly resistant former head nurse of a psychiatric hospital. That script appears in my book, the Bedtime / Days End Induction. The only time this woman seemed to be able to relax, was in bed, while in her pajamas and turning the pages of a book. As she had strongly resisted me on a more standard induction approach, and told me that she only gets things right the third time. On the second attempt I asked her to take a few deep breaths and she started laughing. I found out that the only time she allowed herself to relax, was in bed reading a book, I quickly turned that into an induction which she should feel comfortable with, and which she would go immediately in to trance.

YH: What makes an ideal script to use in an hypnotherapy session?

JC: An honest answer would be any script that is effective and to the point.

A script that is generally free of negative words and negative suggestions.
That continues to deepen the hypnotic trance and gets results. Perhaps, offering seemingly variant options, which will both lead to success. Seems like they have a choice, but success is the only viable option.

Sometimes I use language patterns, where the words in the sentence are reversed. In some sessions I bring them back to a time before the situation existed, bridging that into now, almost like it never happened at all.

I am big on the idea of forgiving, healing, releasing, any thoughts, feelings, action, emotion, or experience. Leading them to where they currently are, letting it go and ushering in a brand new chapter of their life. It's almost as if someone has reset a switch, a dial, a computer, or thermostat in some way, liberating them into and unstoppably successful future.

Personally, I like what I write because I know most of the time it's going to work dramatically.

YH: What do you look for to know someone is entering hypnosis?

JC: To start with, a willing person and good rapport. If someone is glassy eyed and has a slightly fixated stare, you’re partially on the road to success. Quite often it's also a matter of intent. In my mind before I walk up to anyone, in my mind they are already hypnotised.

I merely step into the future moment, where they are tranced already and take them there into that next moment. It's important that the induction is smooth flowing and quick.

YH: Why did you become a hypnotist?

JC: I was sort of born this way, LOL

I was practicing a form of Self-Hypnosis at the age of three and a half years old. I remember lying in bed and deep breathing, slow and steady breathes, to relax myself.

Somewhere along the line in grammar school I had classmates approaching me who were troubled. Many of them seemed to be unhappy and wanting to run away from home. Let me say here, that I barely even knew most of these kids. They we're just kids ‘off to the side’, someplace in the school that I attended class with, somehow they were drawn to me and felt I could help them. I took the technique I was familiar with, the one I used on myself, and externalised it towards them. I would ask them to close their eyes and deep breathe. I would speak to them in a calm and slow voice and eventually asked them to open their eyes. They felt better and had no desire to run away.

Later on in high school and college I was also approached by people, whom I knew peripherally with other troubling issues and I used the same techniques. So technically I have been doing this sort of work most of my life.

When leaving college, I was using these techniques to inspire and empower people in the corporate world to go out and sell, whilst reducing stress. Eventually I wound up leading empowerment meditation classes in various places outside of the work related situations. It was not uncommon for several hundred people to turn out.

After one such event, an individual approached me and said, "You’re one heck of a hypnotist." I jokingly responded, "a Hypno-what?" It turned out he was running a training school for hypnotists, and that was the first of several dozen certifications that I have. He went on to tell me if I get certified as a hypnotist, I'd be able to help more people. I found that personally very appealing. I then took other classes and obtained more certifications. I now hold through various hypnosis groups and organisations something like 36 or 37 certifications. It's getting hard to keep track of them all. Five are teaching certifications, two are entertainment / stage show hypnosis certifications and the rest are for clinical work.

YH: In the world of hypnotism, who inspires you?

JC: Many of the old time master's that have gone before us. Breakthrough leaders in this profession who had the courage and wisdom to go forward with this stuff and keep it going. Keeping it alive and making it viable. Each of us is standing upon the shoulders of giants.

My late friend, Ormond McGill, was an inspiration to me and encouraged me to go forward. There were many old time stage hypnotists like Pat Collins, and others I've seen on TV as a kid.

As for people who are alive, anyone who is inventive, clever, inspired, thinking outside the box and putting the people they work first. Bold enough and mighty enough to step forward and allow our profession to evolve to the next level. Anyone who loves this profession in all of its forms, as much as I do.

YH: What is your definition of hypnosis?

JC: Hypnosis is a naturally occurring brain wave pattern energy shift, which occurs in the average individual about seven times a day. Somewhere between awake and asleep. A place that is stress-free, relaxing and opens the mind to inspiration and suggestion. It allows the hypnotist to speak to an individual's subconscious mind, a place where 94% of human behavior comes from, inculcate improvement, inspiration, and in some cases to entertain.

I have also noticed coincidentally, in the Aron's scale of hypnotic depth, there are six levels of hypnosis. Complementary to this, the REM states exhibited by an individual also have six levels. In the first three stages of hypnotic depth, it is common to notice the flutter occurring. In the latter three stages of hypnotic depth, eyeball movement from left to right tends to occur. Once an individual is in a hypnotically induced REM state, the hypnotist’s suggestions are in direct communication with their subconscious mind.

A question for many newer hypnotists becomes, how do I know I have induced someone into a trance, or in other words, guided them into their own naturally occurring trance state? I would say keep an eye on their eyes!

YH: Can you remember your first hypnosis show?

JC: My first hypnosis show? Well, first I jumped on my trusty old dinosaur and rode in to town. LOL

I remember at first being nervous about doing everything I had planned. On the morning of the show that all changed. My inner entertainer kicked in and all the energy that activated those feelings of nerves were converted to becoming the necessary energy to bring in a good performance.

I remembered thinking, "a lot more was going on during the course of your show on that stage and in my mind, than almost anyone can describe". For example, even today, it's easy for me not to hear the audience laughing or responding to the routines, unless I stop and listen. I am so absorbed in the entertainment aspect of the show, the safety of the people on stage, and taking their reactions up to the highest response pitch possible. I do hear it when I play back the video of my show.

I do remember being warm and the audience loving the show. I cannot tell you where it was, or much about it. It feels like I've been doing this my entire life. If you're starting out at this, learn as much as you can from everyone and get out there and start enjoying yourself.

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Derren Brown: Were you stuck to your chair?

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:53:00 +0000

Derren Brown controlled the nation and stuck people to chairs. If you did get chance to watch the programme, Friday night on Channel 4 you maybe dissecting how he did it?

This article answers the question, "So how did Derren control the nation?"
http://mindsionline.blogspot.com/2009/09/so-how-did-derren-brown-control-nation.html

Were you convinced?

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How To Do Self Hypnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:09:00 +0000

By Jon Rhodes:

Although it has been used for centuries, hypnotherapy is now rapidly gaining a reputation for being a powerful yet safe tool for therapeutic change. It can help with almost any aspect of our lives. It can help with issues such as fears and phobias, addictions, losing weight, gaining confidence, and even many relationship issues.

Hypnosis can be expensive, and a good hypnotherapist can be difficult to find for people in some areas. However this is not a problem as it is possible to hypnotise yourself. With repeated practice your skills should increase as will your ability to go deeper and deeper into a hypnotic trance. With a little patience and persistence you should soon be able to go into a hypnotic trance quickly and effortlessly.

Here are some tips on how to hypnotise yourself.

It is important to make sure that you will not be disturbed for about an hour. Turn off all phones, and tell family and friends not to bother you. If you don’t do this, then the possibility of you being disturbed may prey on your mind. Find a comfortable place. Subdue the lighting if this helps. You can be seated, or led down, whichever you prefer. Make sure that your legs are not crossed, as you could end up going numb after some time.

Now take your time, and follow these 5 simple steps.

1) Close your eyes and take 10 slow deep breaths – in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Say to yourself the word ‘Relax’ on each out breath.

2) Imagine yourself at the top of 10 steps with a door at the bottom. With every slow step you take down, feel yourself becoming deeper and deeper relaxed, until you finally reach the door.

3) When you get to the bottom open the door to your ideal place of relaxation. It could be a beach, a garden, anywhere you want. It could be somewhere real, or imagined – your own unique special relaxing haven.

4) Use as many of the senses as you can. Take a good look around. Pause and listen to any sounds. Perhaps you can hear the call of a bird, or the breeze gently blowing. Perhaps you can smell the sweet scent of flowers, or the salt in the sea? Touch objects and make the experience as real as you can.

5) Explore your relaxing haven, and enjoy it for as long as you wish.

This is a great technique to aid relaxation, and your ability to relax will improve the more you do this. Most of us do not relax anywhere near enough, and this can damage our health in many ways.

Lack of relaxation can weaken our immune systems, causing us to become more prone to illness. Inadequate relaxation may also increase irritability, anxiety, and unhappiness. These problems can affect our behaviour, increasing our likelihood to overeat, smoke, drink, takes drugs etc. Even if you just do this relaxation work, you will massively improve your overall health in almost every area.

If you are struggling with this technique, persevere. Getting into a hypnotic state is a skill that will improve over time. Don’t expect too much. Hypnosis is not the ‘magical state’ that the media often portrays at as being. You will probably still be aware of what is going on around you, and may well think ‘is this it?’. However you will notice the difference when you wake up. It may be worthwhile visiting a clinical hypnotherapist, or buying a recording at least once, in order to experience the feeling of a trance. When you have experienced a trance a few times, you will be more informed as to what the state of mind is that you are seeking.

You can also take this self hypnosis a little further if you wish. You can learn to give yourself specific therapy as you become more accomplished. Here are a few further techniques you can employ.

What the mind clearly imagines, it believes has really happened. If you imagine something bad happening to you, you will feel the emotions as if it has really happened. Success breeds success, so if you visualise yourself achieving something, then it will help you to do just that. You may wish to visualise yourself slimmer, healthier or wealthier for example. Or you may wish to visualise yourself having achieved something, such as a promotion or a new job, or winning a sporting event. Make the image as real as you can, use as many of your senses as you can, and do this as often as you can.

You are only limited by your imagination. In fact you should notice that your creative powers increase the more that you use self hypnosis, as your mind becomes more accustomed to using its creative abilities. Stick with it. Set a specific time to do self hypnosis, even if it is only once or twice a week. Find what works for you. You may for example discover that you are much more able to relax in the evenings than in the morning. It is quite normal for people may soon start noticing differences in you, and they may even begin to comment. The choice is your. You may wish to tell them your secret of self hypnosis, or keep it to yourself! You will find that your life will improve in almost every area after just a few weeks of regular self hypnosis, so go ahead and give it a try.

Jon Rhodes is one of the UK’s leading clinical hypnotherapists. Click here for more information on his powerful therapeutic online hypnosis sessions.

Free Ways to Learn More About Hypnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:35:00 +0000

OK, the credit crunch has taken hold and every penny is spent before you have earned it. So here are my suggestions on free ways you can learn more about hypnosis.

Join a library. In the UK it's free of charge and borrowing books from the branch is also free.

Don't just join a hypnosis social community like hypnothoughts.com and Tranced Out Free Hypnosis Community, interact with the members. Ask for opinions, recommendations, advice. and share your knowledge. Without realising it you soon build up a support network. From my experience my fellow hypnotist are not too frightening, well they don't bite at least.

Sign-up for free hypnosis courses. I typed into Google "free hypnosis course" and received 2,090,000 results. A few words of advice though, check their privacy policy and that the course is really free. Quality cannot be guaranteed!

Join a hypnosis learning group. You will able share knowledge and practice with people who have a similar interest. Checkout the hypnosis social communities to see if there are any groups in your area. If you can not find one then consider setting one up.

Read hypnosis blogs and hypnosis association websites and subscribe to them. Many blogs are written by hypnotists and hypnotherapists. There is a lot of hypnosis information available in the big web world.

Contact hypnotists and hypnotherapists in your area and "pick their brains" about this fascinating art.

You may think this all sounds like common sense, but I reckon that not many people are doing this. Remember hypnosis is about learning and it doesn't have to cost the earth to learn more about it. If you have any ideas about free ways of learning more about hypnosis and want to share it, leave your suggestion in the comments box.

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True or false? 93% of all communication is non verbal

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:43:00 +0000

I was driving in my car on Sunday listening to BBC Radio 4 and a show called "More or Less", discussing this statement.

93% of all communication is non verbal

During the programme Tim Harford interviews DR Albert Mehrabian, a Californian Psychologist. He discusses how this statement is a misinterpretation of the results he obtained from research completed back in 1968. He also went on to discuss the elements of communication, i.e 7% are words, 38% is Tone and 55% being Body Language and how this was derived from his work.

Absolutely fascinating, click on this link and you can listen to the programme. The interview starts at around 23:11 mins.

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Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT

6 Tips to Encourage Your Readers to Comment
Great Article

Gil Boynes Online Masterclass

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:55:00 +0000

I have just received an email to say that Gil Boyne has decided to slow down on his delivery of his Live Master Classes. I didn't realise that he is now 85 years old.

Fortunately, Gil will still be teaching his approach to Hypnotherapy and will be launching an online Master Class. He is offering to past students a 50% discount if they join his Master Class as a Charter Member.

Gil Boyne has a new website at http://www.gilboyneonline.com/

Memory and senses

noreply@blogger.com (Your Hypnotist) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:06:00 +0000

When walking through a crowd of people a couple of days ago, I recognised a perfume that reminded me of a past relationship. I even got those butterfly sensations in my stomach. The aroma of fresh bread takes me back to eating my Grandma's home cooked food. Smells have a great significance in our past, bringing forward in our minds that real experience.

From Dowdey, Sarah, HowStuffWorks.com, 01 June 2009, "smells would not trigger memories if it weren't for conditioned responses. When you first smell a new scent, you link it to an event, a person, a thing or even a moment". Which is one reason why the smell of a perfume or the baking of bread can create a real emotional experience instantaneously in your mind.

Published in The New York Times, scientist believe there is a link not only between smell and memory, but taste and memory. The taste of Dip Dab sherbet reminds me of spending what seemed like hours trying to acquire as many sweets as possible with 10p as a kid. For anyone who doesn't know what Dip Dabs are. Basically, you get a bag full of sherbet with a lollipop. The aim was to suck the lollipop within an inch of its life until all the sherbet had been liberated from the bag. How the hours flew by!

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Your Hypnotist Blog
Blog about the world of hypnosis.
Andy Mitchell Your Hypnotist
Website about a hypnosis writer and portal to hypnosis articles.