Just a little frusterated rant.

I've been doing alot of thinking lately about hypnosis. (lol I always do alot of thinking about hypnosis. it's an obsessive passion.) Well I do what I can to share my love of hypnosis.. ussually it involves the words.. "Hypnosis can help with that..." whenever I hear someone complain about something or other. That's when most times they freak out "OH NO.. I would NEVER let someone mess with my mind like that." "I like to be in control way too much... I couldn't let someone hypnotize me.." Well you know the list goes on.
Well so then I explain from my knowledge of hypnosis what it is, how it works, and that they are the one in control. They can't do anything against their moral code.. and they won't do anything they don't want to do. Even still there is hesitation and refusal because there is disbelief...or at least there is alot of "ooh.. ummm... well...." I had a potential subject of a girl at work. Was going to help her with relaxation and a few other things. Another coworker got to her.... and before I knew it... her decision had changed because someone caused her missunderstanding. So the frusteration builds. I guess alot of it deals with myself as well though. I have found a passion with hypnosis. That passion could easilly right now be completely gone.
I have seen both very good... and very bad with hypnosis from first hand experience. I know and understand why the bad happened, and how it happened. I often say hypnosis saved my life. Which almost literally it did thanks to the hypnotist I am working with. And because of that that is where I found my passion for it and decided to learn and become a hypnotherapist myself. I have seen how powerful and wonderful hypnosis can be. I can at the same time say it almost destroyed my life and me. Anyhow that is not what this blog is about. I just wish more people would understand and open their eyes to the truths and the wonders of hypnosis. It isn't mind control, it isn't brain washing... it isn't anything they think it is! ok I know you all know this...
Well I guess I will end this blog here before I rant on too long. Just needed to get my frusterations out especially since I almost had a subject and it was ruined by someone who had no clue what they were talking about with hypnosis. I guess thankfully though I do have one or two that believe in me and hypnosis and aren't scared away.. So that's a good thing. I will keep working with them, and keep looking. I will succeed in my dreams and passions!

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Comment by Robert Farago on November 6, 2009 at 9:32am: I'm with James. Best way to address this issue is head-on. Just agree with them.

Why try and counter the idea that hypnosis is mind control? Personally, I believe that it's true. But even if you think it's all hearts and flowers with a built-in moral protector, again, go with it. The thing of it is, anyone who believes that hypnosis is mind control believes it works. And works powerfully. (It would be FAR more discouraging if they simply said "that's a bunch of nonsense".)

In fact, what's they're really saying is that hypnosis is extremely powerful but they don't trust you to use it on them. Earn their trust (i.e. make them beg), and you're away.

Comment by James Hazlerig - HypnosisAustin on October 29, 2009 at 8:22am: Karena--welcome to being a hypnotist!

There was a really great hypnotist two thousand years ago who has some great advice on this topic. He said, "Don't cast your pearls before swine." :-) Enough people thought he was evil that they killed him for it.

There are many angles to address those typical (and ignorant) comments. Head-on is rarely the right angle to use. One of my favorite ways to handle the people who say they won't give up control or that their minds are "too strong" for hypnosis is to say, "Wow, I wonder if your mind is strong enough that you can hypnotize yourself. That's the only way to truly be in control of your own thoughts."

Likewise, if someone says, "I bet you can't hypnotize me," I respond, "You're absolutely right. I wonder if you can hypnotize yourself?"

It's important to make the discussion fun. Humor is a powerful tool. Once when someone was debating about giving me permission to do a hypnosis demo for his club, he said, "How do I know you won't take over all our minds?" I replied, "If I could do that, would I really be working to convince you to give me permission? Wouldn't I just order you to let me do what I want?"

Another fun game is say, "You know, if you've been hypnotized before, then I could just make a sound and control your thoughts with it. That's impossible, right?" Then I tap or whistle "Shave and a Haircut." Inevitably, everyone thinks the final two notes, and a lot of people make the sound. (For people of my generation, singing, "Oh, I wish I was an Oscar--" has a similar effect.)

Though you didn't mention the whole Christian thing, several others here have. Realize that you're not going to persuade some die-hards, but that's no reason not to have good answers when they approach you. My reply is that God created our minds and wants us to be happy, so hypnosis is a way of using the gifts God gave us to improve our lives and live in His glory.

(Please note--I'm not a Christian.)

Hang in there, Karena. You're a real hypnotist now.

Comment by Ricky Strode on October 28, 2009 at 8:00pm: Don't worry about it. The hardest thing to change is change itself. All you can really say it is what it is. Why try and change someone if they don't want to change, but just smile and remember it was their stupidity in not learning the gifts that knowledge and understanding brings. But anyways, even though I make sence most of the time don't listen to me because after all "I am evil". *as spoken by many

Comment by Hugh Cole on October 28, 2009 at 2:11pm: Donna,
I dated a girl who was in Cahoots with satin. We broke up because of the high dry cleaning bill.
Seriously... There are Christian sects that have some rather misguided scriptural referances who might consider Hypnosis as the work of the devil (satan). Usually it's based on a theory of "spiritual possesion". Its interesting that many others recognize ts value.and we have some fine Christian Pastors here on Hypnothoughts.

Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet

Comment by Donna Carter on October 28, 2009 at 12:44pm: My circle where I live is made up of Christians. Many of whom...about three years ago, pretty much told me I was in cahoots with Satin, straight to my face.
Personally, I have taken, I believe it was Michelle Guzy's (?) advice (in one of her seminars - I LOVE to watch Michelle Guzy! - go check her out if you can), ...this advice is: if someone says,
"Oh...I could never do that." or if they say "that is voo doo woo woo stuff" or...whatever negative they say,
I say, (as if I am closing the door on the conversation, no loss to me)
"oh...okay"
- and I move onto a different topic. I have the energy that...guess what, I have a great secret, that I'm willing to share...but.... if you don't want to know it, fine.
If they continue talking (most do), "no...really, you are in line with Satin....how can you do a job like that?"
I will just say... "no really...I don't mind respecting your wishes and not talking about it... to me, hypnosis is a tool to help people, if it is a tool you think might work for you...great, if not...that's fine too. It's all good."

and I move on...just as if, I was discussing the weather.... it doesn't bother me AT ALL! Actually...these people, actually excite me. They can't STAND IT...that I don't want to defend or try to convince them.

I have had people...on the spot, change their stance and say..."okay, tell me why you believe hypnosis will work for me." and I have had others call me later....to ask about the benefits of hypnosis.

Now that I think of it... I haven't had any negative things said to me about hypnosis in a long time...(a year?...two?)
ahhh progress!

I love it.
~D.

Comment by Kelley Woods on October 28, 2009 at 12:22pm: Hi Karena,

Instead of thinking how you are explaining the wonders of hypnosis to people, think of it more as planting a seed for the possibility of change. People in general are frightened of change and it takes a while for that seed to take root and grow...that's when they may pick up the phone and call you.

When the subject of my occupation arises, I usually just smile and explain that the mind is a powerful tool and hand them my card. If people are really ready, they ask me more and I am happy to help. Otherwise, I am patient.

Best wishes,

Kelley

Comment by Karena Stone on October 28, 2009 at 10:41am: I appreciate the comments. perhaps I should clarify a bit. I am not really chasing after them... and I do speak with more people than just coworkers. lol alot of times it's whoever I can when the subject comes up. I don't ever push it, my main frusteration is I just want people to understand it whether they choose to be hypnotized or not. whether it be someone close to me or not. I am always searching for the oppertunity and though I have a good base of knowledge for a beginner I definately stay within my skill level and try to build it further... as always I study as much as I can. I will continue to be patient.

Comment by Hugh Cole on October 28, 2009 at 10:19am: Karena.
I feel for you. You have an evangelist's zeal for hypnosis and want to share the Joy that is in your heart with everyone. It just won't happen that way, I am sorry. First your world, your personal reality knows you as Karena Stone,person, not Karena Stone, Hypnotist. That's why it is not usually a good idea to work with friends and family or even coworkers when you are just starting out. Second John is right. work on your skills and your knowledge base, Don't chase after people who are "scared" (translate "not ready yet"), The right opportunities will come along easily as you learn to value your gift properly.

Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet

Comment by John Cleesattel on October 28, 2009 at 9:50am: Karena,
Resist the temptation to chase after people with your hypnosis. Most of your friends, family, and co-workers will not want you to hypnotize them just because you know them so well and they fear that.

A philosophy that works well is: Don't chase after someone to give them a gift. It ruins your credibility, and cheapens the value of the gift. As a hypnotist, you have the power to not only help people, but to improve their lives on a magnitude that cannot be achieved in any other manner. If they don't want it...who is the loser?

There are plenty of people out there that will want the gift you have to give, those are the ones who will reap the blessings.

I hope this helps you
John

Comment by Alex in England on October 28, 2009 at 9:38am: I found your post interesting, speaking from the perspective of a client I can well understand how one would be hindered by the ‘fear control factor’ of hypno therapy egotistically one could consider any form of therapy a weakness in mental stability. I’ve since come around to the ideal that this fear of giving over of control is unfounded – reality is subjective and we are always in some form of hypnotic state, a kind of freedom under burden – every time we watch the news or view the latest add campaign. From a sociological view point I would much rather open my mind to someone that is trained to aid rather than hinder if you catch my drift.
Guess I felt like having a rant too.