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Explaining Hypnosis to a Christian Client
Hello All,
I had client who was christian and she was wary of hypnosis, although she was there in my office, which in itself was interesting. I explained all the things that a hypnotherapist usually explains about hypnosis, but she wasn't getting it and was still afraid. Then I asked her when you to go church what does your pastor do to get everybody excited. She then stated the pastor is really outgoing and friendly and gets everybody hyped up really fast with his enthusiasm. His words are very positive and put her into a good frame of mind. I then asked her when you are hyped up, how would you say you perceive what he is saying to you. She went onto say with an open mind (and goes home and always gets something done). I said that's what hypnosis is like except you are in more relaxed state and you become hyped up or rather hyper suggestible and receive positive suggestions (most likely in the same way as you would in church). After this it was almost like a light bulb moment and she was into a relaxed state of hypnosis very quickly.
I had client who was christian and she was wary of hypnosis, although she was there in my office, which in itself was interesting. I explained all the things that a hypnotherapist usually explains about hypnosis, but she wasn't getting it and was still afraid. Then I asked her when you to go church what does your pastor do to get everybody excited. She then stated the pastor is really outgoing and friendly and gets everybody hyped up really fast with his enthusiasm. His words are very positive and put her into a good frame of mind. I then asked her when you are hyped up, how would you say you perceive what he is saying to you. She went onto say with an open mind (and goes home and always gets something done). I said that's what hypnosis is like except you are in more relaxed state and you become hyped up or rather hyper suggestible and receive positive suggestions (most likely in the same way as you would in church). After this it was almost like a light bulb moment and she was into a relaxed state of hypnosis very quickly.
What do you think of my explanation. If you have any more suggestions, I'm very open to them. I live in Abbotsford, British Columbia. As BCers say Abbotsford is the bible belt of BC, so I do get these types of clients often.
Jagi
Jagi
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by tc_Burt on -
I think you did very well to allay her fears by giving her something she was able to positively identify with. The fact she appeared in your office seems to reveal she had expectation, but also fear of the unknown
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Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on -
Hi Jagi,
I like your explanation to your client about how religious leaders utilize the same process to engage the imagination and raise the spirit of their audience as you do!
A wonderful source for further information about the compatibility of hypnosis and Christianity is Paul Durbin. I have often referred to his teachings to assuage Christian client's worries regarding using hypnosis
This is the first of 2 articles on this subject: http://www.durbinhypnosis.com/hypnosisreligion.htm
Best wishes,
Kelley
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Permalink Reply by Antoine Pruyssers on -
Great anecdote. Your mind realy reacted quick on that one. Nice!
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Permalink Reply by Roger Moore on -
jagi - here are a couple other resources for you to look at: A Christian Understanding of Hypnosis and Show #37: Christianity and Hypnosis – May 4, 2009.
Roger
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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on -
Paul Durbin Is very good. Most christians have a problem understanding the differance between demon possesion and hypnosis. There are several scriptures which deal with necromancy that are often misquoted as being about hypnotic demon possession. I have had that debate with a priest and suffice it to say it is more about thier misunderstanding of what the scripture says than anything else. Once you can explain that hypnosis is how God designed our body to function and is actually a gift from God. It is usually pretty easy to get past the initial uneasiness.
Read Paul Durbin and design a pretalk around that.
Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet.
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Permalink Reply by Roy Hunter on
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Over the years I've had several Christian clients voice similar concerns. I explain the four states of mind: beta (waking state), alpha (hypnosis and/or meditation), theta (dream state), and delta (deep sleep).
I then continue to explain that we have to pass through alpha on the way to and from sleep...so God created us to experience the hypnotic state of mind at least twice daily. After describing the characteristics of hypnosis AND using at least one suggestibility test (an opportunity to discover the power of your imagination), I inform my client that IMAGINATION is the language of the subconscious. Also, the most common hypnotist in the world is TELEVISION.
This has worked almost every time, with only a few exceptions. Once, during a group stress management workshop, one woman still stood up exclaiming: "I still don't believe you, because a hypnotist does the devil's work."
My response to her was: "Well, Jesus was accused of doing the devil's work as well, so I'm in good company." She had no comeback, and stayed for the rest of the workshop...even thanking me after my presentation ended.
Roy
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Permalink Reply by Jagi Egnell on -
Thank you all for your great replies and I will look into Paul Durbin as well.
Jagi
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Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on
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lol, Roy...Nice rejoinder! You ARE good company!
Roy Hunter said:Over the years I've had several Christian clients voice similar concerns. I explain the four states of mind: beta (waking state), alpha (hypnosis and/or meditation), theta (dream state), and delta (deep sleep).
I then continue to explain that we have to pass through alpha on the way to and from sleep...so God created us to experience the hypnotic state of mind at least twice daily. After describing the characteristics of hypnosis AND using at least one suggestibility test (an opportunity to discover the power of your imagination), I inform my client that IMAGINATION is the language of the subconscious. Also, the most common hypnotist in the world is TELEVISION.
This has worked almost every time, with only a few exceptions. Once, during a group stress management workshop, one woman still stood up exclaiming: "I still don't believe you, because a hypnotist does the devil's work."
My response to her was: "Well, Jesus was accused of doing the devil's work as well, so I'm in good company." She had no comeback, and stayed for the rest of the workshop...even thanking me after my presentation ended.
Roy
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