Heidi goes under a spell on World Hypnotism Day

Heidi goes under a spell

A friend of mine forwarded this to me from a social media source, It was a TV appearance by a US Hypnotist on a St. Louis, Mo. TV show for World Hypnotism Day. The Hypnotists name is Joel Harrison and you'll have to go to the link to see the two videos generated by the appearance as well as to read the little blurb they wrote. Joel does a simple progressve induction (seven minutes + off camera, Whew) and when he finally gets to demo phenomena after the induction, he does a "balloon hand" using patter that stage guys might recognize as Marshall Sylver's. I at least would characterize the entire flow of events, including his answers to the reporters questions on hypnosis. as gentle, non-authoriarian and highly permissive, .
I thought it was however somewhat interesting to listen to the media people use words like under a spell and under his control etc. in thier patter about Hypnosis, while Joel did nothing to foster those remarks. After reading the viewers comments I also got the impression that they were less than impressed with the "reality" of hypnosis, although Joel was succesful in everything he showed in about 5 minutes of prime airtime exposure.. Since we have had some lively discussions of the use of authoritarian hypnosis in public demonstrations lately, I though it might be interesting to open it up a bit and ask what everyone else thought. Was an appearance like this good, bad or indifferant for the image of hypnosis,,,, Was it Joel or the media that was trying to sensationalize it.?? Hmmm.

Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet!

Tags: Hypnosis, TV., World Hypnotism Day

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Permalink Reply by Chris Witherspoon on January 5, 2010 at 3:48pm

I live in St Louis. I missed that presentation. Two years ago I tried to get on the local media with no luck. I got a Proclamation from the county Exec. and contacted all the media but to no avail so I am glad someone was able to stir interest, perhaps next year WHD will expand here in St Louis.

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Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on January 5, 2010 at 5:57pm

Thanks, Hugh, for posting this. It was interesting to view not only Joel's hypnosis work, but the interview preceeding it. I felt his explanation about the hypnotic process was a bit confusing. As far as the demonstration went, it seemed pretty good to me (I'm no stage hypnotist) although people commenting stated they held disbelief because he "prompted" movement of her hand upwards. Anyone knowledgable about trance movement, tho, would notice the jerky movements and, in fact, the swaying motion of her hand, as if it were held up by balloons.

Joel was obviously not sensationalizing hypnosis. In fact, I think he was being overly cautious and lost a bit of wow factor because of it. The media was trying to add that with their comments and you can't blame them, that's their job! I think an opportunity was lost because possibly the hypnotist was ill prepared. Even if he had only 5 minutes, he should have been able to do a snazzier presentation while still giving credibility to our vocation.

Just my opinion!

Kelley

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Permalink Reply by Saul Rosenfeld on January 5, 2010 at 6:59pm

Hugh,

I agree- Joel's non-authoritarian shtik did nothing to foster the remark "under his control"- that was obviously a result of the interviewer's prior expectation. After all that's what MOST people tend to believe, and that's why we must assure them ALL when they come for hypnotherapy that they WON'T be "under our control", and WON'T be "compelled" to "obey all our commands".

As for her crack about being "under a spell", well, that is a perfect example of why such public demonstrations give people the wrong (or at the very least a skewed) impression of the whole process. On the one hand there are those who look at her laying there like Snow White who's just bitten off a piece of the witch's poison apple and is "under a spell", while others (like some of those wags in the "comments" section) believe that it's all just an "act" and that she's merely playing along either to humor Joel or to put one over on US.
Either way, you can't really blame them for thinking this because they know nothing about the phenomenon; but one thing's for sure- it's definitely not doing the cause of "hypnosis" much good!
I understand why such "convincers" may be quite useful in a one-on-one setting with a therapist, but the...weird...image they create in the unknowing/ignorant eyes of the beholder (e.g., the cynical public, or jaded reporters) will ALWAYS cast doubt on what's actually taking place...

One more thing, Joel's "awakening" procedure was a CLASSIC example of AMATEUR-HOUR at its very worst.
To expect someone who's been in a deep state of trance to come out of it JUST because the operator says (or rather, "commands"): "when I count back from 3 and snap my fingers you'll be completely awake and feeling great!" is quite ludicrous to say the least.
SOME folks "might" be able or willing to awaken at HIS pace (which takes about 4 seconds from start to finish!!); but many (most?) others will NOT; and the result will be that they'll either remain disoriented to a greater or lesser degree, or perhaps even remain in a state of somnambulism with their eyes open, or "hyperemperic" trance, for a while.
Pathetic. Amateur hour. Hypnosis 101.
FAIL!

Saul

www.HistoryOfHypnotism.com

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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on January 5, 2010 at 7:20pm

Pretty much where I'm coming from Kelley. Even in clinical sessions folks need to experience an "OMG I'm hypnotized moment".Those kind of demo's can be done tastefully and humerously without the Now I have you in my power overtones. I think he missed a great shot to do a playful educational bit with an intelligent attractive and articulate woman who could have gotten him a lot of good press.

Hugh Cole

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on January 7, 2010 at 6:24am

Hi Hugh, et al,

There was so little charge to the segment -- I doubt if it will have any effect on the image of hypnosis -- If Joel simply used the introduction to his segment to make it clear that those silly misconceptions about putting people under a spell are not helpful and explained that hypnosis was about helping people learn how to take control instead losing control -- His appearance would be a cause for celebration -

In terms of his presentational skills - there is lots of room for improvement.

Michael E.

Hugh Cole said:

Pretty much where I'm coming from Kelley. Even in clinical sessions folks need to experience an "OMG I'm hypnotized moment".Those kind of demo's can be done tastefully and humerously without the Now I have you in my power overtones. I think he missed a great shot to do a playful educational bit with an intelligent attractive and articulate woman who could have gotten him a lot of good press.

Hugh Cole

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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on January 7, 2010 at 7:03am

I Think he was a bit nervous and the segment a bit unorganized which threw him off. My guess is that he wound up doing what they wanted him to do rather then coming in and doing what he wanted to do. It was an unmemorable experience, one that will pass away quickly and leave him with something great to put on a five second demo clip. I agree that he missed a great opportubity to really explain the nature of Hypnosis in the beginning.
As a sort of a post script, I have had a chance to talk with Joel. He is a great guy and feels pretty much the same way. It was a learning moment for him and he will do better next time. I have exrended an invitation to become part of our community should he desire.

Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet