Stage hypnosis vs hypnotherapy

Pardon me if you who read this have other opinions but I've always thought that even though stage hypnosis is quite entertaining and in most cases profitable, It scares the h--L out of many people and quite honestly makes it more difficult for the therapist who uses it to make a decent living. Fear is a great motivator and I've had to relocate in order to earn a decent income. My books and CDs plus my seminars and trainings have kept me afloat yet if I was dependent on my Hypnosis practice alone, I would have to take a job. What are some thoughts? I call myself a Hypnotherapist and the ones who do stage work Hypnotists. Hypnos is a Greek word for sleep.

Any thoughts?

Bob

Favorite

0 members favorited this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - NLPBoard.com on October 4, 2008 at 9:23am

My thoughts, although you may disagree....

There is no relationship between other people performing stage hypnosis, and your inability to succeed in the business of hypnotherapy practice. Stage hypnosis is not as scary as the publics craving and acceptance of violent movies like Saw. Relocating to earn a living is what Americans do, its how the west was settled. I call those without a license to practice therapy hypnotists, no matter what kind of work they do, and do so proudly and with respect. Kyno is the Greek word for dog.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Conrad D. Colbrandt, C.Ht. on October 4, 2008 at 10:45am

Hi Bob,

I am not a stage hypnotist and I do disagree with your assessment of stage hypnosis. I have found that stage hypnotists actually improve my business!

1. They advertise and promote the field of hypnosis.

2. They excite the imagination of the public.

3. If it weren't for stage hypnotists there would be very little to barely any knowledge in the general public that hypnosis exits.

4. The topic of stage hypnosis is a great conversation starter and a common ground for a basis of discussion.

5. By using the stage hypnosis examples that the public bring to me; it is easier for me to convert those examples into benefits. Example: "If the power of suggestion at a stage show can get the subject to do__________, then you now can easily see how with the power of suggestion you will reprogram your subconscious mind and remove your limiting beliefs so that you will now achieve your goal of ____________."

I believe that good, well trained, safe and ethical Stage Hypnotists are definetly a benefit to all of us. Sure, it may be scary for some and some may feel based upon religious reasons it is not for them. It us up to us to "piggy back" off of their work and finish building the bridge that the stage hypnotist starts to build OR become a stage hypnotist and create your own segway into your hypnotherapy business. To some extent isn't that what we do when we give talks to civic groups, women's clubs, etc.?

If you have trouble converting clients based upon religious beliefs google PAUL DURBIN and go to his website. As best as I recall it's trinityhypnotherapy.com and you will get all of the amunition you need free of charge!

All the best always,

Conrad D. Colbrandt, C.Ht.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by chris john on October 6, 2008 at 2:31am

im a stage hypnotist,your a hypnotherapist,
i hypnotise on stage, you hypnotise in an office.
stage,street,office,wherever...hypnosis is hypnosis.

tell us...why does stage hypnosis scare you?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Burns on October 6, 2008 at 2:43am

I wish to thank all of you who have replied to my discussion on stage hypnotists. Mesmer was under, as well as gave the impression that the hypnotist had the power when in reality, all hypnosis is self hypnosis and the hypnotist has the words to guide the client into an altered state of being. The less informed are frightened of hypnosis. To quote Dick Sutphen, "small minds fear that which they do not understand" and I've found that very very true in most areas that I've practiced in. I personally have found that people feel safe in groups and so I've given many intros to inform the uninformed and hopfully either eliminate or reduce the apprehensions/fears that most live with. Any feedback?

Respectfully,

Robert Burns

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Burns on October 6, 2008 at 2:53am

Hello Richard, I do not disagree with anyone as we all are of different opinions. I would also state in contrast to your inference of my inability to be successful that the opposite is true as I'm very successful in both the utilization of hypnosis and NLP. My comment was nothing more than what I've had to reframe in some of my discussions with potential clients. As you are most likely aware, words when used in the correct context are a very powerful tool. As I stated in another response, all hypnosis is self hypnosis.

With great respect,

Robert Burns

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Burns on October 6, 2008 at 3:06am

Once when sittind at a counter in a diner, a quite large, tough looking man sat next to me with piercing eyes and a red bandana around his head. He was taller and broader at the shoulders than I am and was staring at me. When I told him I was a hypnotist he quickly removed himself from my presence as suddenly he was frightened. I have found that a large majority of the population are of similar thoughts and feelings. Depending where you live will largely depend on your success in getting clients. Those who practice in California have far less trouble getting clients than those in the smokey mountains. Proper use of words is key to attracting clients. I am fortunate in learning words and the impact they have on our emotions. I've made it a habit to continue learning words as well as inflection and that has helped me through hard times as well as not so hard times. Some say it's luck and I say luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.

Respectfully yours,

Robert Burns

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Henxy on October 6, 2008 at 3:16am

Right there with you!
This is my perspective on things too.

Especially with those who are either scared of hypnosis, or, the dissent I hear more commonly 'don't believe in it' (WOT?!). They're too busy trying to figure out what I'm going to do, too busy occupying themselves with paranoid thoughts that they effectively do themselves a confusion induction, and make my life so much easier!

(Not that there's any such thing as hypnosis! ;-P)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Burns on October 6, 2008 at 3:20am

Hello Chris. Where did you get the impression that stage hypnosis scares me? Nothing could be further from the truth.I personally enjoy stage hypnosis as an entertainment medium. I've found, as I stated that the majority of people fear it as they are under the mistaken impression that the hypnotist is in control. I totally agree with you that hypnosis is hypnosis however my thoughts are from a different mindset than the average person who is not familiar with hypnosis. Read some of my other replies. Words can be a major influence and are in hypnosis as it's all about how words impact the emotional mind. I've said it before and it bears repeating, all hypnosis is self hypnosis.

Respectfully yours,

Robert Burns

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Burns on October 6, 2008 at 3:37am

Hello again Jonathon, In response to your comment concerninf\g fear, fear is an emotion and many years ago when I began doing hypnosis for a living (I'm full time and have been for almost 20 years)
I realized when a person is experiencing an emotion, yes they are easier to work with. Having a client go against their values? I have serious doubts and yet beliefs can be changed as is evident with weight management and other modalities etc. In my opinion Dr. Milton Erickson was one of the greatest hypnotherapist who ever lived and did many inductions to second and third parties. I've done the same by talking to one person and placing another in state. Hypnosis is the clients integration of the words and tone a sklled hypnotherapist uses which tells me, all hypnosis is self hypnosis. Really Jonathon, isn't everything nothing more than perception?

Respectfully
RJB

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ian Read on October 6, 2008 at 6:39am

Some leading professional bodies for Hypnotherapists ban members from practising stage hypnosis and that is certainly interesting.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by chris john on October 6, 2008 at 7:23am

ok..yup, i did mis-read your main post.
yes, people still worry based on skits done back in the day,
that no self respecting hypnotist would ever do now (ie turning people into chickens etc).

i think that as long as a great pre-talk is used at a show (or even therapy)
the worry of 'mind control' as such will fade.

but i disagree that all hypnosis is self hypnosis.
i quote from a tutor of mine, he said once,
'i have never seen anyone go into somnambulism on their own'.
and i would agree with that.