Even though hypnosis has been around officially since
1700s (Franz Anton Mesmer), there are still questions as to its validity and benefits. For most part, these questions stem from fear and ignorance. Regarding this subject, it is generally assumed that what you don’t know can hurt you. People’s viewpoints on hypnosis vary according to what their experiences have been and what they’ve heard. I am a stable, responsible, levelheaded, intelligent person. I am also a licensed hypnotherapist. One of requirements for finishing hypnotherapy training was to go out and practice what you’ve learned; my obvious targets in this endeavor were primarily my family and friends.
My oldest child staunchly refuses to have anything to do with hypnosis, even now (I’ve been a hypnotherapist for 6 years.). She is not a child; she is in her early 30s and is a successful video producer. Still, she says that she’s not going to do something that might get her “lost somewhere and unable to return.”
My second child has volunteered to be hypnotized by me numerous times. He loves experience. He enjoys how relaxed it makes him feel, and he believes that he derives great benefit from it.
My third child is aloof about whole subject. He doesn’t validate or discount it one way or another. He’s just ‘to busy’ to give it a try.
I am curious about people who draw conclusions about hypnosis when they haven’t actually experienced it in some way. It baffles me how a person can discount it when hypnosis has not negatively impacted them or someone they know.
I’ve had people tell me that hypnosis is “the devil’s work”, yet I know of pastors who practice hypnotherapy in their counseling practices. I’ve had professionals say to me, “Yes, but does it actually work?” Well, does dieting actually work? Does imagery actually work? In order for something to “actually work” user has to have a certain amount of belief in it. So, whether or not hypnosis actually works depends on belief of subject and to some degree, skill of hypnotherapist.
