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Changing Definitions: Psychology and Hypnotherapy Heresy

Date: 15 Feb 2010
Member: Skyelar Pollack


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In this post I will highlight the differences in perspective between Trance-ology and opposing current related dogma.
The word Distinction: is to highlight a difference in perspective from current related dogma.

Distinction: All hypnosis IS NOT self hypnosis.

All hypnosis isnt self hypnosis because people phase through trance constantly and often get guided into the thoughts that other people express. If someone tells you to relax, stop or breath and you do, you have just experienced guided trance. Unguided trance is called many other things, trance, meditation relaxation, focus, concentration, distraction, attention, the zone, etc.

Hypnosis is verbally guided trance and any form of trance that is not verbally guided should not be called hypnosis. Self hypnosis can still be used to describe someone making a recording of their own voice, and then subsequently listening to it, and following along with it.

Distinction: Change IS NOT state dependent.

The power of hypnosis is not the hypnotic state itself, but in the many mental abilities that can be accessed during verbally guided trance. The state of hypnosis is not defined by the phenomena achieved, it is defined by the clarity of communication (verbal to thought connection) between guide and listener. The phenomena achieved is defined by the trance state (the juxtaposition of awareness points).

There is actually no way to validate any participants hypnosis experience because all evidence is anecdotal and subjective to the observer. A good idea offered outside of hypnosis may have more impact than one offered to someone in a guided trance.

Distinction: You CAN be convinced to do things that are out of character while in hypnosis

Explore the idea of, Cant make you do something that you wouldnt normally do or thats outside of your character. If you are afraid of water and the hypnotist suggests that you love to swim, or that you will really enjoy it, would it not be outside of your character to go swimming the next day. Is it not out of character for a smoker to not want a smoke? If smoking is part of your routine and lifestyle it is likely a part of your character. Hypnotists are very good at getting people to do all kinds of thing that they normally wouldnt. People go to stage hypnotists specifically to get them to do things that are out of character, thats the whole point. Hopefully a hypnotist would not try to influence someone to hurt others or themselves, but pretending that it isnt possible is nave.

Last Updated on 15 Feb 2010

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