What is "Spirit Releasement Therapy"?

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Permalink Reply by Woodrow on August 27, 2008 at 12:58pm

From Serge:

Personally, I would never read the book you suggest, simply because from my perspectives, the so-called spirits, dead or undead or anything else are the client's own creations, their own aspects of many unresolved issues.

However, my beliefs are my own, and stating that myself or others simply don't believe enough in this actually supports my point that its the client's and the therapist's perceptions at work in a three dimensional arena.

And surprisingly enough I have actually worked on a 'spiritual' platform for over thirty years and that is why I support John Kappas' view. Simply because a belief, which is self fulfilling manifests itself doesn't mean its real either. That's what a perception is.

Cheers

From Woody:

First, I said that it was a possibility that someone could be too skeptical to give it an objective glance. That doesn't mean that's the case. I also offered that he could have simply not encountered it in his work.

Second, since you state at the outset that you won't read the book that tells me that a) you're just not interested or b) you wouldn't accept it even if you were interested. You're already coming from a belief system (according to you) that doesn't allow such things.

Third, if these things are a figment of the person's own imagination how could you explain the knowledge of things unknown to the client, such as modern day dates, places, times, people and events? If a spirit told you that their brother was so and so and that their grandma's pet name for them was so and so, how can you account for the host knowing these things? If they were demonstrably true, how can one deny it?

It doesn't really matter to me what you believe. I respect a person's belief system. But I also expect a person to respect mine. If that doesn't happen, I feel no compulsion to accept yours. But, I would ask you the same question I asked Sheila because you show that you deal with past life regressions. That is, how you can think that past life regressions are valid, but not spirit releasement? Neither can sometimes be validated. You see therapeutic value in PLF, but refuse to see value in SR. I just don't get it.

Either way, I'm not going to cast stones your way. But, don't cast them my way either.

Woody

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Permalink Reply by Robert A Roberts on August 27, 2008 at 2:44pm

While we all have different beliefs.Truth and belief can be two entirely different things. I saw my water drinking client again today. She was able to go for 10 hours without drinking abnormally. In this session I was able to release 3 deceased friends of her's who died of cancer 30 some years before. She left the office feeling good and in control. I will see her again tomorrow. I suggest that you read the two books on this subject by Baldwin and Fiore if for nothing else, your own entertainment if not enlightenment.

Bob Roberts

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Permalink Reply by Feir Johnson on August 27, 2008 at 1:29pm

Hi Bruce
What an interesting and impassioned discussion.

I'm pretty much a meat and potatoes hypnotherapist myself - but I'm open to the though that we don't know everything about the extent of the subconsious.

I have been trained in spirit releasement - I call it energy release becuase I believe there can be negative energy attachments - but I don't believe in demonics.

I have spent an intensive year working with this kind of release - and remotely. So how to understand a person who I've never met healing after a remote energy release?
What to do when in the course of a childhood regression something not the client calls out for help from the client.?

I always explain that this form of hypnosis can be a wonderful healing tool using psychodrama and story set up by the subconsious. I also explain that it 'could' be real. Either way if it helps I'm willing to do it - but it takes a very small part of my regular hypnosis work.. And it is exhausting and really not fun.
I only do it when convinced it will help. And yes, with the tough stuff it can be very dramatic.

There are some knoweldgeable people doing this and training others in it. Look up Albert Marotta [friend of Bill Bladwin's] in California.

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Permalink Reply by Roy Hunter on August 27, 2008 at 2:57pm

This is a VERY controversial topic. Before I provide my response, let me state something that is, in my professional opinion, EXTREMELY important to the credibility of our profession:

We should avoid inappropriate leading...and looking for alleged entities is, in my professional opinion, inappropriate leading. I devoted several pages to this in Chapter 12 of HYPNOSIS FOR INNER CONFLICT RESOLUTION: INTRODUCING PARTS THERAPY (2005, Crown House Publishing).

Does that mean that I have never sent an alleged "entity" into the light? To the surprise of some of you, YES, on numerous occasions I have helped a client release a so-called entity. However, this normally happens when I'm facilitating parts therapy, and one of the following occurs:
1. A part claims to be an entity.
2. One part accuses another part of being an entity.
3. Two parts refuse to come to terms of agreement, and I know that my client believes in a Higher Power.

If any of the above occurs, then I call out that part of the client's inner mind that is most closely connected to God (Higher Power, Holy Spirit, Universal Intelligence, Divine Light, etc.) and simply ask the Higher Power part for instructions.

Sometimes the Higher Power part asks the hostile part to take on a new job. Occasionally the Higher Power part instructs "release" of the negative part or "entity" (earthbound soul, etc.). When this happens, I practice client-centered hypnosis and do what the Higher Power part instructs. However, I have personally witnessed hypnotists (deliberate choice of words) going on entity hunts, assuming that any non-cooperative part is an entity. This is actually similar to diagnosing, and we are not qualified to diagnose.

Over the years I've facilitated hypnotherapy to help clients HEAL from the damage done by a hypnotist or minister who used trance to go looking for alleged entities.

Client-centered hypnosis means that the client's inner mind can discover and identify the cause of a client's problem, provided we do our jobs correctly by asking the right questions in a non-leading way.

Let's avoid projecting our pre-conceived opinions into the client, otherwise we could taint the trance.

Roy Hunter, M.S., FAPHP
www.royhunter.com

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Permalink Reply by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on August 27, 2008 at 7:19pm

Hello Roy,

I agree that leading the client into going after an entity hunts, assuming that any non-cooperative part is an entity is not a good idea.
Like you said, it is similar to diagnosing, and we are not qualified to diagnose any one.
I never project my pre-conceived opinion into the client, I only work with Spirit Released Therapy only if my client blieves ion it and bring the subject up.

After all, what ever they believe is only from their own inner mind... and understanding.

Doreen

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Permalink Reply by Jason Nagle on September 6, 2008 at 9:52pm

Roy,

As always you are full of great advice and the advice you give is always professionali, tactful, and always 'client-centered'. We have talked several times in the past and as you know I am a big fan of your Parts Therapy materials (and all of your other books for that matter). I totally agree that no matter what the therapy we use that we need to make sure it is 'client-centered' and not the hypnotist leading the client to what THEY believe the issue is. The problem started with the client (their perceptions, ect) and should always be fixed with the client. I know of a Past Life hypnotist who said that 95%+ of clients problems are in the past. My question is the same with Spirit Releasement or any other modality..how in the heck would WE know where the problem is? The client is the one who knows and it is our job to help them find out through investigating, but not leading. Again you make great points Roy. Thank you for setting a good example for the rest of us to follow.

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Permalink Reply by Feir Johnson on September 7, 2008 at 5:28am

This is an interesting quandry isn't it? How do we find out what the client thinks is the problem without leading the client?

My technique [as an educator] is to create an informed client]. By this I mean I give a lot of written information about hypnosis and its many techniques in my intitial consult.
And we discuss them at the time and the next session as well. The client tells me about his or her comfort level concerning any of these techniques and I rigidly observe the client's preferences - even if during the session indications about something which would discomfort the client is indicated.

In the first session I use the convincers and ideomotor work. At that time in a very minimal way I ask for an indication if P.L. or energy release is needed. No means no. I don't try to convince otherwise.

Each session I do a check ideomotorally [if there is such a word] about the client's progress and if anything else is needed. No means no.

I do this about parts, regression, P.L and energy release [note I do not call this spirit release. We've moved on from that.].

If there is a yes that is discussed with the client upon the return to consiousness. No still means no.

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Permalink Reply by Woodrow on August 28, 2008 at 6:17am

[QUOTE=Sheila]Well, Woody, (I know you meant this for me, even though it's addressed to "Sherry") I'm actually not too keen on past-life regression either.

The only instructor around these parts teaching it (to my knowledge) is the same instructor that hosted this so-called spirit releasement thing, so you can pretty well bet that if and when I'm ready to pursue working with PLR, I'll find someone else probably in a different part of the country to teach me. Besides, people have enough to deal with in this lifetime. In four years of practice I have yet run into a spontaneous PLR, even though I do quite a bit of age regression with clients. Also, my understanding of so-called Past Lives far outstrips the notions most people doing it are willing to accept.

My answers to some questions in your last paragraph are:

1) The human psyche has not changed for most (but not all) people because we are repeatedly taught the same old garbage over and over - like putting the same pumped up flat tire back on the car and expecting that it will not go flat again. Everyone keeps checking over their shoulder to see if it will fly with the local religious constabulary, and only the few brave who dare to colour outside the lines actually do change and grow.

2) A lot of what I see of people with mental disorders (and even some physical ones) has a lot to do with old belief systems that naturally run contrary to what the higher mind actually does know - resulting in a lot of pressure from "wise" people to change, when in fact, it's the "wise" people that need to "wisen-up already!" What some psychologists want to label "schizoidal", "bi-polar" and so on, are not that at all - my own personal experience with a psychologist brought that home to me. Her world view couldn't accept that someone who could see aura's, sense certain energies, and (god-forbid! ) channel a so-called "dead entity" could be "sane". Perfectly acceptable in my world view! ;)

3) This "murder, steal and behave inappropriately" part - I pretty much go along with Serge's idea that as long as people can take "the Devil made me do it" attitude, claiming some evil influence came over them, society will be stuck with the product of it's own failure to start teaching personal responsibility early and often, so that the lesson is learned before they're old enough to go out and buy a handgun. Parents abdicate that responsibility to over-worked teachers at age five or six, because the parents are too busy, caught up in their own drama's, etc. and didn't learn the lessons themselves. And the wheel goes 'round!

As to something being "unseeable" - that is only a limit most people accept because science has yet to come up with a way to explain it. Funny that - because science at one time claimed the world was flat, too!
[/quote]

Sorry Sheila for getting your name mixed up. It's rather rude for me to do that and I apologize.

Like you, I'm not too big on PLR. I don't see the therapeutic value in it. It just seems to satisfy the curiosity of the client.

As a reply to point#1:

We are all taught different kinds of garbage growing up. I can attest to the fact that if you move outside your comfort zone and learn new things your mind does grow. I studied Buddhism, practiced it for years and am now back to Christianity. I cherish the time I spent in that, but I'm really at home as a Christian.

I guess it depends on what our perception of that garbage is. To me - religion isn't garbage. What IS garbage are things that are told to us - like that we aren't smart enough, not good enough, we're bad people, we're crazy, we're "X". These are the things that I see destroy us and it's been this way for a very long time. These are the most destructive beliefs I think we can encounter. It is this type of conditioning that I see people struggle with all their lives.

As for #2:

I sense an antagonism towards belief systems. I don't know. That's just what I get. I see this quite a bit and goes back to the fact that we think we need to get out of the dark ages. We have advances in technology, science, individual rights and health - things not apparent in the dark ages. Are we as a society any better now because of this? No, not really. We still have obsessions, compulsions, self-esteem issues and a host of other problems. We don't think we need religion in our lives because it's just holding us back. In my experience, growing secularism and the lack of spiritual interests in individuals is the problem. Just two different worldviews I guess.

As for #3:

It's rare that someone nowadays says the Devil made them do it. It's rather common for them to not take responsibility for their actions. I don't in any way think that spirits possessing someone make them do things immoral. The person has a will that still is in control. No one is ever off the hook in my book for immoral behavior. They are responsible. And I tell people this.

But if a client is experiencing exhaustion or physical maladies that are not medical and it is because of a spirit attachment, how can we say they are responsible for them? That's blaming the victim - a gross error that consists of the same garbage you speak of before - guilt. Do we want to guilt a person for something they didn't do (cause physical illnesses)? The people I've worked with don't blame the spirit attachment for their problems. They just think it's their own bad and crazy selves causing the problems. So, I totally deny that spirit releasement gives people the right to shrug off their responsibilities and be responsible for their behavior. I've actually never, ever had a person blame it on the Devil. Many of them don't even believe in him.

Woody


Sheila

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Permalink Reply by Jill Semonin on August 28, 2008 at 9:32am

Funny how Kappas was brought up as anti-spiritual type, when in fact, it was HMI who also teaches Past Life Regression Therapy and Dream Therapy and AHA gives certification in it. They teach that PLR is actually "SAFER" than age regression, as HMI presents themselves as extremely cautious about using age regression as only last resort. They have stated that they prefer retro-gression instead, so the client doesn't have to revivify experiences, with many different safer modalities than straight age regression. Just a safer way to use regression.

PLR can be used many different ways, whether it be REAL or METAPHOR for the mind to be able to make sense of the problem. But the reason PLR works is because it dissassociates the problem being caused from this life, so it cannot hurt the client again. I personally have had several cases where the clients problems went away, after knowing the cause from a past life trauma. So even if it's metaphorically sending a message, it works.

Now, The bottom line to doing anything like spirit releasement would totally depend on one's religious belief system. If a client believes in such, then work with what they believe in. But if they do not, then use something else metaphorically or imagery, hypno-drama, etc. I think we have many ways to do the same thing.

I have watched moods change, just by being around other people, imagine if they were around negative energy and didn't know it. They would feel crazy because they didn't understand the possible cause. Perhaps at one point in the "dark ages" one would be put away into a mental home for this mood change. Thankfully the ages have lightened up, because now we do understand that more than our own physical realm can indeed change and effect our moods. Knowing this, can indeed help a client take charge and say, it's not going to effect me, because now they know. So, whether it be a metaphor, or real thing.... we still put the CHOICE into the clients mind that they ARE in charge. Get it? Doesn't matter now what the cause is..... Once the client has a choice, regardless where the negative originated metaphorically or real. We are only explaining to our clients that the choice was theirs to begin with and we remind them to use that choice.

Me personally: I have witnessed many things, I have also had psychic abilities all my life and know beyond a shadow of doubt that life exists after death, and YES, it is very possible that a person will not release a loved one emotionally, even if it's in the mind, our emotions are strong and it is our emotions that create all that their is IMHP. I saw what I saw, crazy or not, it's part of my own reality, which may differ from someone else's.

I have used PLR plenty but I personally have never used Spirit Release in hypnotherapy sessions, because I am called out more in the paranormal field, which has nothing to do with hypnosis. I feel the two can be kept separate, but can also benefit one another as well. Since I have done paranormal investigating for the last 16 years and I an author of a healing course for a university, for healing left over energy. I am a Reiki master teacher, but would never use Reiki to cleanse, because that is a healing tool, not a cleansing tool, at least that is how I view it. Others may feel differently.

Unfortunately, science, physics and metaphysics will always have problems, because obviously META means it's beyond physics. Meaning we cannot possibly calculate it scientifically. In 16 years of trying to prove hauntings..... I have very little evidence to back up any claims, but I along with many of my organization members have witnessed many incredible things, that have locked in my own faith and theirs.

I guess when it all comes down to it, as a hypnotist, we are to help them have more will power to override such control, regardless where it's coming from. If we do it metaphorically, imagery, spiritually, etc. Does it matter? as long as it works, we have happy clients.

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Permalink Reply by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on August 28, 2008 at 2:57pm

Hi Jill,

This is only from my personal opinion, so we all are clear here :)
I have seen many people on here using Dr. Kappas name as anti-spiritual type, and I don't know where all this information are coming from?
All I know is, that HMI is one of the places who teaches Past Life Regression Therapy, Dream Therapy, Reiki Energy Healing, Huna and many others with AHA certification.
HMI never ruled any therapy out, they may choose to stay away from some aspect of therapy just to be safer as to any unwanted law suite and also to protect their students as well, since it is the student who gets excited and want to use other modality at times without any investigation or education....

I remember Dr. Kappas had a case history study with a person who's life was affected by a voodoo ritual, and he was able to help him with hypnosis... I am sure if I look hard I can find the info about this subject...
Basically, I don't like the idea that Dr. Kappas name is used inaccoretly..

Again I agree with you Jill, that spirit releasement would totally depend on one's religious belief system. If a client believes in such, then as a therapist we should be able to work with what they believe in. But if they do not, then use something else metaphorically or imagery, hypno-drama, etc. I think we have many ways to do the same thing.

I have clients who come to me believing they were voodooed, or they have the evil eyes or a curse, I work with them, I never go against them, 100% of my cases with such clients are resolved with success.

I think sometimes personal opinion that varies from others can create a huge misunderstanding that can be misinforming and confusing to others...
My opinion again, don't do what you don't believe, but in other hand, don't control other peoples ability to help, we all are gifted to heal, hypnosis or energy touch and by simply being a good caring Person like myself lol.

Thank you and my blessing to all.
Doreen Cohanim C.Ht
www.enteryourmind.com
www.hypnocruise.com

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Permalink Reply by bruce on August 28, 2008 at 11:27pm

Wow. It's going to take me awhile to assimilate this all. Thanks to everybody for replying. Looks like I hit a hot button!

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Permalink Reply by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on August 29, 2008 at 12:29am

LOL... I believe if you got what you wanted from this forum, It is best to end the subject :)
So you can review all you've got.
and yet, you did hit a really hot button :)

Doreen

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