The Principlesand Practice

of Hypnotherapy

L. MAX BAKER F.A.S.C.H. (emeritus)

The Principlesand Practice

of Hypnotherapy

L. MAX BAKER F.A.S.C.H. (emeritus)

Edited & Designed by Ian Hayward

DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT NOTICEAlthough hypnosis is completely safe, many physical and

mental symptoms described here within this text may have serious consequences if not treated correctly. For this reason the book or the information contained within, should not be seen as a replacement for seeking the advice of a qualifed health professional.A qualifed health professional must be consulted if there is any doubt about the nature or cause of symptoms.

The author has taken every care to provide accurate information for proper use of hypnosis but cannot take any responsibility for health problems of those using this book or the information contained within. Your use of this material means you accept these terms and conditions.

COPYRIGHT 2007 BY SYLVIAN PRODUCTIONSAll rights reserved. L. Max Baker Author of The Principles and

Practice of Hypnotherapy. No part of this material may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without permission of the author.

About The Author

L. Max Baker has over twenty ve years experience as a hypnotherapist and more than a decade lecturing at the government accredited Academy of Hypnotic Science. He is a now retired clinical member of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association and a registered member of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists. The latter awarded him a Fellowship for services to the Society and to hypnotherapy.

He gained a Post-Grad Diploma at The Australian Academy of Hypnotic Science and was awarded a Fellowship for his thesis on The Evolution of Hypnotherapy.

He has produced many CDs on guided meditation and developed a program to Stop Smoking. Sylvian Productions recently completed a DVD about him and his career as a hypnotherapist. The DVD also demonstrates a number of techniques.

On the occasion of his retirement from the Academy of Hypnotic Science he was created the First Life Member of The Academy and Master of the Academy in perpetuity. Max has also lectured in the Business Studies Dept of Swinburne University for many years and has an early background in engineering, sales and Human Resources.

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Foreword

Once every so often, now and then, a person comes along capable of inuencing a great many people in a very deep and profound way. L. Max Baker is such a person. For over twenty ve years Max has inuenced the lives of many people assisting them to discover the skills and resources within themselves for improving the quality of their lives. To many Max is a hypnotherapist, a teacher and trainer, a mentor and a friend. He is held in high esteem and regard by all that know him. And so it is an honour for me to be asked to write this foreword for The Principles and Practice of Hypnotherapy.

The book is the result of Maxs dedication to the art and science of hypnosis and a willingness to share his accumulated knowledge and experience with others in the eld. The methods and techniques in this book describe the many clinical applications of hypnosis and provide an in depth understanding of the minds workings and its response to the power of suggestion. It is written in plain easy to understand language with detailed explanations and many script examples.

The Principles and Practice of Hypnotherapy is a guidebook, a reference manual, and a practical resource for therapists, students, and lay persons alike serving to increase a greater mastery of the science of hypnosis on these many levels.

Ian Hayward N.D., B. Health Sc. Nat.; Dip. Clin. Hyp.

Melbourne, March 2007

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About The Book

This book is a response to the urgings of students I have taught or worked with for many years. It will interest anyone contemplating consulting a hypnotherapist. Primarily it will encourage practitioners and students of hypnotherapy to rely less on the conservative practices of age regression, past lives and abreaction. Guidelines show the practitioner how to stimulate the subconscious to do its own healing and how to create harmony amongst the often conicting ego-states.The teacher /lecturer will see it as the why, what and how of hypnotherapy. Numerous demonstrations and scripts are included, accompanied by the relevant theory.

The cloak of mumbo-jumbo is pushed aside and hypnotherapy is shown to be a safe and effective health modality worthy of its place alongside other professional health practices.

Key Concepts Covered In This Book

A. The Nature Of Mind1. Mind functions at different levels2. Selective thinking3. Hypnosis a normal human function4. Our beliefs determine our life5. Our hidden protector

B. Inductions1. Various techniques (a) Lengthy, (b) rapid, (c) confusion2. Recognising trance states3. Restoring full awareness

C. Deepening1 .Use visual images 2. Use audio suggestions3. Use tactile suggestions4. Use stories and metaphors

D. The Therapeutic Process1. Soliciting the help and cooperation of the subconscious2. Locating and uncovering repressed information3. Accessing subjects internal resources4. Enabling the assimilation of the information along with moral, physical and emotional adjustment involved

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E. Therapeutic Techniques1. Establishing and using ideo-motor signals (Finger signals).2. Selecting and using appropriate induction technique.3. Establishing the deepest level of trance that the subject can

achieve that is comfortable.F. Therapy

1. Use of authoritarian direct suggestions.2. Use of permissive suggestions.3. Use of Metaphors. Subconscious ability to relate to cultural,

childhood metaphors and archetypes.4. Age regression. When appropriate. Procedure to access past

sensitising event.5. Past Life regression. Appropriate use. Procedure to access

previous incarnation.6. Importance of ego-strengthening for all subjects in therapy.7. Dual Mind Concept. The mature and the sensitive mind

occupying left and right hemispheres. Procedure to change dominant role of the hurting mind. Enable mature mind to dominate. Enhance support each gives the other.

8. Healing below conscious level. Procedure to heal through dialogue between the conscious and sub-conscious. Occurs in privacy of subjects own mind. Subject is not required to talk whilst in trance state.

9. Phobias (a) Desensitisation. (b) Projection to safe outcome.10. Habits and Addictions11. Physical Conditions. (a) Distress, (b) Improve wellbeing, (c) Procedure to encourage breast enlargement.

G. Quantum Consciousness The importance of understanding the nature of our being.

About The Book

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ContentsAbout The Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

About The Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Chapter One - The Conscious and the Subconscious . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter Two - As We Think - So We Become . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter Three - Beyond the Critical Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter Four - In and Out of Trance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter Five - Rapidly Boosting Egos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter Six - Private Subconscious Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter Seven - Age Regression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Chapter Eight - Past Life Regression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chapter Nine - Dual Mind Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Chapter Ten - We Are A Conditioned People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter Eleven - Dealing With Physical Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Chapter Twelve - Dealing with Phobias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Chapter Thirteen - Dealing with Common Addictions . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter Fourteen - The Language of Hypnotherapy . . . . . . . . . . 77

Chapter Fofteen - Whats It All About? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

viii

Introduction

Most people are ill-informed about hypnosis and they are unaware of the enormous contribution it makes to the well being of many of its adherents. Available information is misleading. The word hypnosis comes from the Greek hypnos meaning sleep. Most denitions of hypnosis refer to induced sleep or sleep like states, so most people think it is sleep. Hypnosis is not sleep. It is very different to sleep. A hypnotised subject may appear to be asleep, but is not asleep. It is of course possible for a subject to fall asleep during hypnosis. Every writer, author and lawyer has a denition of hypnosis they vary widely.

There is a need to remove the blanket of mystery that surrounds hypnotherapy. It changes dull, anxious and ailing lives. It can be a valuable power for good in a troubled society. Hypnosis has fascinated people for years, particularly since the late nineteenth century. This is probably due to the writers, novelists, movie makers and television presenters. They emphasise anything that appears fantastic, weird or frightening, with little regard for the truth.

In 1894 George Du Maurier wrote the novel Trilby. The main character Svengali was a hypnotist who supposedly took control of another persons mind to cause them to do whatever he suggested.

People still have images of swinging watches, hypnotic gestures and characters with mystical powers. Negative aspects are exaggerated whilst little is said or written about the benets. Regardless of the pain relief provided by hypnotherapists to chronic sufferers many medical practitioners are dubious or prejudiced towards hypnosis. Some psychologists and psychiatrists are strangely ignorant of the

Franz Mesmer in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries became interested in a widespread belief that all disease was caused by a disturbance in the magnetic eld surrounding the human body. He called it animal magnetism.

Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practice it resembles him who ploughs his

land and leaves it unsown. - James RossGulistan (1258)

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the subject and it is missing from the training and education of most healthcare practitioners. Happily there has been a growing recognition of the link between the mind and physical health.

Hypnosis has been practiced for centuries. It was known in ancient Egypt and in Roman times. It came in to prominence due to the activities of Franz Mesmer in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He became interested in a widespread belief that all disease was caused by a disturbance in the magnetic eld surrounding the human body. Mesmer called it animal magnetism. He claimed that by using powerful magnets he could correct any imbalance in the distribution of the uid around the body. He is reputed to have had much success with a variety of ailments and gained a large following of patients.

In 1784 a special commission was appointed to investigate his activities. They reported unfavourably. Despite this, the practice of mesmerism continued. It is thought that much of Mesmers success could be due to the power of suggestion and the expectation and belief of his followers. Modern Hypnotherapy has learned much from Mesmer and his work.

In France, Jean-Martin Charcot an investigator into hypnosis decided it was an articially induced neurosis when used therapeutically could cure certain symptoms. In Nancy, a group inuenced by A. A. Liebault determined that hypnosis was a normal psychological phenomenon to which virtually everyone was susceptible. This view became known as the animist position. In 1895 Freud and Breuer theorised that symptoms of hysteria resulted from repressed emotions from a traumatic event. As these emotions had not been properly or fully expressed they caused the distressing symptoms. Repression was the basis on which Freud developed psychoanalysis and hypno- analysis. Fundamental to the idea was the existence of a subconscious mind in which all memories are stored. Therapy involved the release and resolution of these repressed memories and the associated emotions. Abreaction was encouraged i.e. the release of emotional feelings during the reliving of the original sensitising event.

British Doctor James Braid was the rst to use the term hypnosis and to identify the difference between sleep and hypnosis. Doctor James Esdaile, whilst in India, used hypnosis to anaesthetise patients for surgical operations including amputations. Hateld and Brown concluded that essential to recovery was a re-experiencing of the original event rather than a simple recollection. However it is no longer considered to be so. During World War 1, hypnosis was used to treat combat neuroses and to uncover the memory of traumatic battleeld experiences. After World War 2 regression was the means of bringing to consciousness previously unconscious impulses.

In 1951, B. Gindes in his work New Concepts of Hypnosis described two essential stages in hypno-analytical procedure.

Introduction

Repression was the basis on which Freud developed psychoanalysis and hypno- analysis. Fundamental to the idea was the existence of a subconscious mind in which all memories are stored.

x

1. The location of the repressed information.2. Its assimilation along with the moral, physical, mental, and

emotional adjustment involved.

The study of hypnosis would be incomplete without mention of Milton H. Erickson whose creativity and ingenuity developed the means for the mind to use internal resources to resolve conict. He had a skill with difcult subjects, using fascinating ways and is reputed to have induced hypnosis with a handshake. He was brilliant in the way he adapted stories, metaphors and commands to each patient. Born in 1901, he suffered polio in his adolescence and spent much of his life in a wheel chair. He was in pain throughout his life which he overcame in remarkable ways. His condition meant that he spent a lot of time watching how people behave and became skilful at reading body language. He had a clear understanding of non-verbal communication. He only achieved public recognition late in life and died on March 25th, 1980.

Bandler and Grinder in the U.S.A perpetuated the techniques of Erickson and developed Neuro Linguistic Programming, which claims that we have within us all the resources we need to make any changes we wish. A signicant contribution was made to hypnotherapy by Dave Elman. His father had been stricken with cancer and Elman was greatly impressed when his father was give relief by a stage hypnotist. Later he worked briey as a stage hypnotist himself and developed his rapid induction techniques. Later still he became a teacher of hypnosis. He had no formal qualications, yet became the most well known teacher of hypnosis in U.S.A.

To really appreciate hypnosis I believe we need to understand that all life is energy. Consequently, our brain is energy, our mind is energy and there is continuous vibration occurring at all levels of mind. When the slower energy frequencies of the brain dominate, the primitive mind dominates. A state of atavism exists. In this state the limbic system, which is the seat of the emotions is subdued and the analytical function of the neo cortex is negated.

In early childhood this primitive mind is mostly unaffected by environmental or sociological inuences. It exists to experience pleasure and to avoid pain or discomfort. It does not know fear. To be contented, a small child needs food and to experience pleasurable oral and bodily sensations. Typically it knows what it wants and when it wants it, which is usually NOW.

As development takes place the restrictions imposed by society are felt causing a struggle to occur between the primitive forces on the one hand and of society on the other. Later, there is increased inuence from the emotions and the child learns to experience fear, anger, hate and love. The struggle between the conicting forces continues as a mediator in the form of the ego or personality is developed. What we believe and how we deal with the events in our life is affected by what has formed at the deeper level of mind.

Introduction

Milton H. Erickson developed the means for the mind to use internal resources to resolve conict. He had a clear understanding of non-verbal communication.

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This is the source of much that ails us and is the part of us that requires therapy to improve the quality of life.

In Australia, hypnosis has been viewed suspiciously and acceptance is still slow. For a time hypnosis was illegal in some states unless practiced by a doctor, dentist or psychologist.In recent times the law was reviewed and changed. Today, trained and qualied hypnotherapists with professional accreditation have been accepted. In Victoria, the Academy of Hypnotic Science is accredited by The Government of Victoria as a provider of comprehensive training. Until recently it was the only accredited provider in Victoria and one of only two in Australia. No doubt this will change as hypnotherapy becomes more acceptable to the wider community.

The characteristics that we associate with hypnosis are really quite normal and occur in all of us at differing times and in differing situations. The very simplicity of hypnosis may have contributed to the skepticism of many people. Having witnessed seemingly miraculous events they attribute them to spiritual interventions, mystical powers, or black magic. It is to be hoped that the material in this book will help to remove some of the mystery that has surrounded this most valuable therapeutic modality.

As a 10 year old boy, my father told me about the work of the great Emile Cou the creator of those words I learned by heart, Each and every day, in every way I get better and better. I was also given a valuable and lasting few words of advice, Son, stand on the threshold of your brow, and monitor the thoughts that you allow in to your mind and if any are unhelpful silently reject them. I practiced it in my life for forty years before I realised that it was hypnosis.

Introduction

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The Conscious andthe Subconscious

CHAPTER

1

When I was a youth I did not believe in miracles. As I have grown older I have realised that I am a miracle. I live inside this amazing body which has so many characteristics that it must be considered a miracle of creation. It keeps renewing itself endlessly which makes it a self perpetuating organism, that when created was programmed to last forever. However, it also has the ability to defeat itself and to even self-destruct.

I shall explore what we can do to protect the self-perpetuating qualities our bodies have and how we can avoid or overcome those things that stimulate thoughts and behaviours which precipitate the self defeating mechanisms.

It is important that we realise that we are not alone inside this body. There is more than one I inside this body. There are conversations going on inside our heads, discussions, arguments and at times a constant chatter of seemingly meaningless thoughts. Some of these messages are positive in nature and support and strengthen us. Unfortunately, for many of us the majorities of these messages are negative and sabotage the very nature of our being. They spoil the quality of our lives. There is an overriding inuence that dominates our thinking and determines the way we behave. We nd ourselves acting in ways that are not the way we want to, but persist despite our intention to behave differently. It is an inuence that is not consistent in its intent, it may get us into trouble whilst at other times ensures that we avoid trouble.

Of all the organs of the body the brain is the master. All the activities of the other organs are controlled by the brain. The brain is like an overcrowded conference hall during a break when everybody is expressing an opinion. Background noise prevents us from receiving messages we can properly understand. It is not surprising that the wrong messages are received or the correct action is not implemented. Disastrous mechanisms could be set in motion.

Life is energy; matter is energy; you are energy and our brains are energy. Energy is alive. It is a force, it is not static. The physical body including the brain is a complex system of structures and processes which vibrate with independent wave formations.

It is important that we realise that we are not alone inside this body. There is more than one I inside this body.

The brain is the master organ within the body.

1

Brain wave frequencies change as we experience changes in our state of consciousness. With guidance changes can be made in the brain wave frequencies. When we are in a normal wide awake alert state of mind we experience Beta brain waves (14-28 cycles per second). The brain wave frequency declines as we become more and more physically and/or mentally relaxed. We move into an Alpha state (8-13 cycles per second) and our eyes gently close. As we progress to deeper states of relaxation we enter a Theta state (3-7 cycles per second), a dreamy kind of state. Extreme relaxation enables us to experience Delta brain waves (1-3 cycles per second). These latter states can be experienced during sleep as well as when in a hypnotic trance. Whilst certain physical characteristics are evident as someone experiences these states, (eye closure, uttering eyelids, slow breathing and paleness of the skin), they may be measured by

a device called an electro-encephalograph. This may not always be practical during a therapeutic consultation. The physical characteristics shown by the patient can be a useful guide to the level of consciousness that they are experiencing. It is important to know that as our brain wave frequency changes from a Beta state to an Alpha state; our deeper mind becomes more receptive to suggestion.

The mind functions at least at two levels. There is a conscious mind. lt makes us aware of ourselves and aware of our surroundings. There is also a deeper mind which we call the subconscious (often referred to as the unconscious) mind, in which there is cognitive activity taking place that we are normally unaware of. These two minds communicate with each other and the exchange of information between the two minds inuences the way we behave.

The Conscious and the Subconscious // 1

Brain wave frequencies change as we experience changes in our state of consciousness. The brain wave frequency declines as we become more and more physically and/or mentally relaxed.

2

Whatever is accepted and believed at a conscious level is passed to the subconscious mind and becomes part of our belief system. This process is called auto-suggestion. The deeper the state of consciousness we experience, the more likely we are to accept and let through the suggestions we are exposed to. The surface or conscious mind is a rational, analytical mind. It is the decision maker, it makes choices. It is an intelligent mind which receives numerous suggestions or stimuli and decides what to accept or reject. Once the choice is made, the accepted information goes through to the subconscious mind. it is accepted unreservedly, blindly, without question and stored in our memory bank.

Every experience, every piece of information, every suggestion accepted at a conscious level is conveyed to the subconscious and is stored in the memory. Information may date back to the time of birth. There is evidence to suggest that even memories in utero may be retained. We have a perfect memory. In terms of storage, our brain more than matches the most sophisticated of computers. A computer, however, is more efcient in retrieving information.

The brain is often compared to a computer and there are some similarities. They both perform complex calculations rapidly and solve difcult problems. The brain takes in information and stores it. It processes information according to instructions. Information is received, processed and stored as symbols, words, visual images, or sounds. Like a computer the brain can be programmed or conditioned to assemble information to make sense of it.

The human brain is remarkably compact, it weighs about 1.4 Kilos and requires 1/10 volt of electricity to perform effectively. It functions electrochemically unlike a computer and has tens of billions of nerve cells, (neurons), which gives it a truly staggering capacity. The interconnections, (synapses), give it the potential to process up to 2 x 10 to the power of 13 bits of information. Most of this capacity

is unused, as much as 98% in some estimates. Imagine what our lives could be like if we doubled our use of this idle capacity.

We receive information from our environment via our senses, (sight, sound, smell touch and taste). Once received by our sense organs the information is relayed in the form of nerve impulses to the brain. The brain receives the information and sends information by means of nerve impulses throughout the body. The nerve impulses reach the brain via specialized cells that form the Reticular Activating System, (RAS). The Reticular Activating System is about 10 centimeters long and the thickness of a small nger. It connects with every other part of the brain and underlies our awareness of the world and our ability to think, learn and act. Conscious sensation is only experienced when nerve impulses arrive at the brain. For example, pain

The Conscious and the Subconscious // 1

The Reticular Activating System connects with every other part of the brain and underlies our awareness of the world and our ability to think, learn and act.

3

associated with an area of the body can only experienced when the pain impulse arrives at the brain. This applies to all sensory experiences. The brain is stimulated in normal activity by a constant ow of nerve impulses carrying information. The Reticular Activating System acts as a kind of lter or sentry. It interprets information that is passed through to the brain. If the amount of stimulation is reduced, the sentry, (the RAS), goes to sleep. It closes down, although never completely. The individual goes into a state of deep relaxation or sleep.

The role of the RAS is to create an awareness of our environment, to be analytical, critical and to accept or reject the conditions of our environment. It activates thoughts relative to the conditions of this environment stimulating the mechanisms of our imagination and our will power. When we are hypnotised and go into a trance state, our brain wave frequency slows down to an alpha level or lower, an indication that the function of the RAS has been inhibited or negated.

The Reticular Activating System analyses the information recieved from our senses and either lets it pass through to the brain or rejects it. The part of the brain at the unconscious level does not have this ability to reject information. Changes are established in our program. Conditioning has taken place. Through the power of hypnosis, the analytical function of the Reticular Activating System can be deactivated, allowing direct access to our mind, (Bio-computer), ensuring the best possible program.

During a hypnotic induction, the hypnotherapist uses words and images to create an increasingly relaxed state in the subject. Soon the subjects RAS begins to attach more importance to the voice of the hypnotist than to any other stimuli. As the therapy progresses, the RAS allows the therapists suggestions to pass to the subconscious. The brain further inuences the activity of the RAS. The mind becomes conditioned to accept the suggestions and/or implement any suggested action. For the client there is a new perception of reality.

Later I will describe various methods of inducing hypnosis and give suggestions for the relief of some human conditions. For now, understand what is happening for the client is not visible to a casual observer, but an experienced practitioner will observe clues to what is happening at both the conscious and subconscious levels of the mind.

During induction the subject gradually changes his/her state of consciousness, going deeper and deeper into the realms of the unconscious mind. A number of physical manifestations appear, indicating the depth of trance being experienced. The act alone of closing the eyes brings about a changed state. The level of relaxation increases and the subject moves into a deeper trance state. At rst, the state is light. It is called a hypnoidal state. It is recognised by the relaxed state of the physical body, the eye closure. There may be uttering of the eyelids. More suggestions to deepen the

The Conscious and the Subconscious // 1

The RAS allows the therapists suggestions to pass to the subconscious. For the client there is a new perception of reality.

4

state bring about a medium trance known as the cataleptic state. Catalepsy is indicated when suggestions bring about a locking of the eyes. Limbs too, can be locked in position. The subject is unable to unlock them despite much effort. This is a valuable state which can be used to bring about pain relief, anesthesia and implant post-hypnotic suggestions. Post hypnotic suggestions are used to implement behavioral change that continues on after the subject returns to a state of normal awareness.

Further deepening may induce somnambulism, in which state the subject remains in a trance but with the eyes open continues to see the images experienced in trance. Suggestions that are given in this state, that they will see a scene that is not present or that they will fail to see something that is present will, if successful indicate positive or negative hallucination. For example, if whilst in trance the subject is told that someone has left the room, they will not be aware of that person, even though the eyes are open. That is negative hallucination. Post-hypnotic amnesia may also be suggested successfully in this state.Somnambulism is associated with sleep walking, but the state of somnambulism referred to here is a hypnotic state which is induced when a subjects brain wave frequency drops to between 1 and 3 cycles per second, the Delta level. It needs to be restated that hypnosis is not a sleep state, even though a hypnotized subject may appear to be asleep. In fact the mind may be even more active than in normal wakefulness.

On occasion a hypnotised subject may fall asleep whilst in a hypnotic trance. This does not interfere with the suggestions being presented, as the subconscious mind remains aware of what is happening. If verbal responses are needed from the subject then the therapist can awaken the subject while retaining the trance state. We will deal with this in more detail later. It is sufcient to say that tests show there is no similarity between sleep and the hypnotic trance. Patterns from an electro-encephalograph differ for sleeping subjects compared to those of a hypnotised subject. In our ordinary awake state, when we are given a suggestion, the receptors of the mind are in a widely scattered state or coping with many diverse stimuli. Consequently, the power of the suggestion is weak. It is also subjected to analytical assessment. If the suggestion is contrary to our existing beliefs or feelings, the suggestion has only a slight chance of reaching the subconscious mind. When we go into a hypnotic trance the mind becomes more focused. It is as if the minds receptors are concentrated on the suggestion and are less distracted by other stimuli or nerve impulses. Messages from the sensory systems may be ignored. When the subject comes out of the trance state, the subconscious mind retains the suggestions.

Because we constantly experience suggestions and our consciousness is changing during the day, it is important to be alert to the self-talk going on inside our heads. We receive numerous negative messages from our environment, but we give negative messages to

The Conscious and the Subconscious // 1

5

ourselves inside our head, which reinforces any existing negativity we already harbor. We must ensure that only positive messages are allowed to change our behavior and quality of our life, with amazing results. Through the power of positive suggestions delivered in a hypnotic state, subjects are empowered to overcome many mental, physical and emotional disorders. Habits such as smoking and nail biting are overcome. Stress and anxiety can be relieved. Pain is reduced, changed and if appropriate eliminated.

Physical disorders are often caused by underlying emotional distress. These include afictions such as migraine headaches, and skin irritations. The emotions may also affect or interfere with the normal function of a number of important systems. The most common of these are the digestive, reproductive and circulatory systems.

Many physical conditions have been cured or alleviated by the power of the mind aided by hypnotherapy. However, hypnosis is not a magic wand. Hypnotherapists are not miracle workers, although seemingly miraculous effects have been known to occur. Therapy is rarely an instant x. Professional expertise is required to ensure lasting benets are provided. A professional hypnotherapist has the skill to induce a state which is conducive to the healing process. Ideal conditions include establishing a strong focus of attention on the idea being presented to the mind, and in a way that ensures it sinks down into the subconscious. It is important to have the focus of attention upon an idea with all the images and mental pictures associated with it. The mind can then be left to do its work.

When the mind accepts the idea, a process commences which brings about a change of behavior in the subject. The subconscious mind knows all the events and experiences in our lives and knows the solution to all the problems that ail us. The subconscious works out a solution to the problem which is in the best interests of the subject. Then it passes it back into the conscious mind where it can be put into action. The action may not always be visible or obvious but may occur covertly to change our perception, or the way we feel and think about something. When the conscious and subconscious minds are in harmony with each other the results can be dramatic.

The Conscious and the Subconscious // 1

Many physical conditions have been cured or alleviated by the power of the mind aided by hypnotherapy.

6

As We Think -So We Become

CHAPTER

2

Hypnosis has been practiced for a long time. It was We all use hypnosis, in different ways, in our normal daily lives. We do it often without realising we are doing it. Mothers, for example, are excellent hypnotists...

Hypnosis has been practiced down throughout the ages by most cultures including the Egyptians.

part of the religious ceremonies of people in ancient times. Egyptian priests are known to have practiced a ceremony known as temple sleep, during which, whilst in a trance state, (self induced), they gave followers advice presumed to have come from the gods to relieve physical problems and personal problems.

By contrast many Christian believers feared that people who were hypnotised were being subjected to satanic powers. It was likened to black magic. Even today superstition prevails. In the late 20th Century, in the state of Victoria, Australia, as a result of public pressure, the activities of an organisation known as Scientology were banned. There was a widespread belief in the community that the scientologists used hypnosis to inuence people to become members or make donations. Hypnosis was also banned unless practiced by a medical practitioner or a registered psychologist.

Scientologists later declared themselves to be a religious organisation and using the freedom of religion policy, had the ban on scientology rescinded. The ban on hypnotherapy remained for many years. Meanwhile much skepticism has continued. Few doctors have studied or used hypnosis. Some psychologists have taken it up as an extra curricula activity and acquired sufcient prociency to use it as a major therapeutic modality.

The way in which hypnotherapy is practiced has continued to develop and has gradually gained recognition. There are skeptics and even people who think that hypnotists can take control of their minds. The activities of stage hypnotists have been unhelpful and encouraged this perception. Similarly, there have been the activities of some unprofessional and probably unqualied practitioners who attribute ALL emotional disorders to childhood sexual abuse. This has raised controversy and a practice known as Repressed Memory Therapy has been banned or outlawed by many reputable and professional hypnotherapy organisations world wide.

It is accepted that many disorders, particularly of an emotional nature, may be the result of earlier traumas, and that hypnotherapy could uncover the trauma. The subject, whilst in hypnosis, would re-

7

experience an event, with the arousal and expression of the emotions that had been involved, the objective being to enable the patient to uncover, review with fresh mature eyes, and resolve the underlying issue. In the past, the subject in this state, would often experience physical or emotional abreaction and become distressed. Now it is generally agreed that abreaction is not a necessary part of the process. Resolution can be obtained in a more comfortable way. Hypnotherapy when practiced by a well-trained and qualied practitioner that is a member of a professional body such as the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapist or The Australian Hypnotherapists Association is probably one of the safest forms of therapy for treating a wide range of disorders.

We all use hypnosis in different ways in our normal daily lives. We do it often without realising we are doing it. Mothers are excellent hypnotists. My mother, when I was a child, could soothe away many ordinary hurts that children experience during play. I can recall times when I may have a fallen and started to cry, mother would say, Come to me, and let me kiss it better. Once the kiss was delivered, the pain was gone as if by magic. When it was a lesser pain, I was advised to rub it better, with the same result.

People who use positive language,when making requests, are more effective than those who use negative words. Others will be more co-operative when you tell them what to do rather than what not to do. It is important to be watchful of our own self talk. Those who use afrmations can often perpetuate their problems by giving themselves wrong messages.

Emile Cou, who made auto-suggestion a household word in the second decade of the 20th century, coined the words, Day by day in every way I am getting better and better. This is a positive powerful afrmation. Saying to yourself, I am not going to get sick is counter-productive and better replaced by I am in perfect health. I am not afraid can be replaced by I can do it or I have all the resources to meet this situation.

Any positive statement that is expressed in positive terms and present tense produces a better outcome than a negative one. Remember, I will is projecting to an indenite future. When? Well, sometime, but who knows when? Use I am, it is a powerful instruction to the subconscious mind to act in the NOW.

Unless we change our beliefs we are stuck. What we believe, what we put our faith in, is vital. We are part of an energy system. As living human beings we are a force which we call the Life Force. There are many forces in and around us. Some lie dormant within us. Few of us know what force is directing our behavior at any time or what ability we have for success until something happens. There is a ash of inspiration, an intuitive moment that energises us. We become aroused, our condence is elevated. How does this happen? It may be a spoken word, a thought, a sensation, a visual image or a suggestion

As We Think - So We Become // 2

Kirlian photography displaying the energy eld of a leaf. We are part of an energy system. As living human beings we are a force which we call the Life Force.

8

picked up. There is a power you can learn to trust and believe in. A power you have access to and you can allow to work through you to solve seemingly impossible problems. You can feel in harmony with the Innite, the Absolute. The Innite or Absolute is the source of all creation. We are part of creation and the Life Force with which we are endowed with has this creative faculty. We are instruments of creation. Everything on this earth created by mankind began as a thought or an idea in someones mind.

A thought arises and the thought creates a need. The need generates ideas. Images form in the mind. We are able to visualise that which arises, we see it in clear detail. It becomes real for us. It is part of our inner world, where to all intents and purposes, it is real. Desire appears and wants to bring it in to the outer physical world. Another energising force becomes active. It is alert to the physical environment, it inuences our behavior to seek out and nd the most conducive conditions and circumstances for our creation.

The behavior is intensied, working, seeking and intent on manifesting that which is desired. All of this takes place below conscious level. When the original thought, the suggestion is accepted, the subconscious acts upon it. In fact any suggestion once accepted, whether true or not, is acted upon without analysis, without rationality, in an impersonal way.

Suggestions that are received and accepted, remain in the subconscious memory bank, are held there and can affect us at any time for the rest of our lives. The subconscious does not form beliefs itself, but is conditioned by whatever is held as truth at a conscious level of mind. In effect we are the programmers of our own internal Bio-computer. Under normal conditions the mind is never still. It is alert and responding to all the stimuli that it is subjected to. It is storing information, analysing information, making choices, formulating plans for action and creating possibilities out of probabilities.

The subconscious mind always has the intention to protect the welfare of the whole person. From early childhood it learns behaviours often by experience or by observation. The behaviors are many and diverse. They can be physical actions or verbal responses. They are usually automatic responses to particular stimuli. They can be responses that are happening at a subconscious level. They may be stimulating internal reactions, rapid heart beat, increased hormonal activity, ow of adrenaline, or arousing emotional feelings. The ght or ight response may be triggered. All is enacted with the intention of protecting the whole person.

There is a catch! The learned behavior may have passed its useful date. The learned behavior may have worked very well when it was rst implemented, but what was a useful response during childhood may be totally inappropriate for an adult. If the subconscious is still initiating the same response, then a problem exists. A habit, such as smoking, acquired during adolescence, may enable us to feel

As We Think - So We Become // 2

9

accepted by our peers. We feel grown up and sophisticated, may feel sexy or attractive to the opposite sex. The habit is reinforced when we come to believe that it works. In later life, even though we realise that smoking is harmful and antisocial, there is a part of us, at a subconscious level that is still holding on to the habit. It still believes that it is benecial to do so. We try to convince ourselves to quit the habit, but we try to quit at a conscious level of mind. The power to inuence the part that tenaciously holds on to the habit, evades us.

What we once accepted and believed at a conscious level of mind has become xed at a subconscious level. By accessing the subconscious mind we can implement positive suggestions that enable it to release its hold on the undesirable behaviours level. Through hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind can be accessed in order to change the conditioning; to change the program. Nothing happens to your body that does not rst happen in your mind. When you get sick, the sickness started in your mind. It happened because you had accepted a belief at a conscious level or it had got stuck in your subconscious mind through thinking negatively at some previous time.

We have a perception of our body as being of a physical nature. We need to stop thinking of ourselves as physical beings. We are a life force; we are thinking stuff in a eld of energy, a non-material world, which is also thinking stuff. The thoughts we think inuence the way the body that we occupy responds. It is affected by the force of our own thinking, and may also be affected by the thoughts of those around us. We have a body but we are not our body. We are the custodians, as it were, of this remarkable creation.

The body constantly renews itself. Without realising it we are the architects of reconstruction. We are also the builders of our bodies. The conditions of our lives are the consequence of the thoughts, emotions and feelings that we have entertained. To a degree the thoughts and feelings of those to whom we relate have also contributed. Unless we change our beliefs, we are stuck. In order to change we must let go the past and start afresh. Fear, anxiety, and all that holds us back, must be overcome. All our fears; fear we will get sick, fear that we will lose our job, fear that our house will burn down, fear that our investments will fail, must be let go. We must refuse to let criticism, jealousy, judgment or condemnation by others possess us. If we fail to do this, we may nd ourselves in a sea of negativity. It is time to swim not drown.

As We Think - So We Become // 2

The thoughts we think inuence the way the body that we occupy responds.

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Beyond the Critical Mind

CHAPTER

3

To be capable of taking control of our lives, or to

From this massive bombardment we select the messages to give our attention to. Having selected the messages, we organise them to give meaning to the world. At the same time we interpret them. We create an image of a world which is uniquely ours. Each one of us has our own world, a world that has little resemblance to the real world - if there is a real world.

This view that we have of the world, determines how we relate to our environment, and how we relate to other people. Information is processed, and allowed to pass to the subconscious mind, easily, if it agrees with our existing beliefs and feelings. Once accepted, it merges with a lifetime of information and becomes part of our belief system.

The subconscious mind is a vast storehouse of data on every person, place, condition, and experience over our whole lifetime. Here, there is great wisdom and understanding. It knows what ails us. It knows how to resolve all the bothers, worries, anxieties, fears, and guilt that trouble us.

The subconscious has other close companions. They are the instincts; the instinct for self-preservation, and the instinct for self satisfaction. The instinct for self satisfaction

is often referred to as the pleasure principle. It causes us to act to avoid pain, seek reward or gain pleasure. The subconscious does not decide for itself. It acts according to its belief system, whether it is good or bad, positive or negative. It has another important attribute, and that is its ability to recreate thoughts, feelings, and

The sub-conscious mind is a vast storehouse of data on every person, place, condition, and experience over our whole lifetime.

Millions of stimuli are inuencing us, constantly, every day and all day.

help others take control of theirs, we must have an understanding of how the mind works. The Life Force is the intelligent energy in human form. It manifests itself by the expression of conscious awareness. It is self-conscious so that we are aware of ourselves and of our surroundings. The environment is all around us and impacts upon us. Millions of stimuli are inuencing us, constantly, every day and all day.

11

reactions associated with its belief system. These may be benecial or destructive to the human organism. This ability to recreate experiences may be triggered by a memory, a casual thought, or some stimulus from the environment. It might be a song, or piece of music associated with a happy moment in the past. It could be a sight or sound, images start to form in the mind.

There are times when this recreation process is taking place below conscious level of mind, so we do not recollect the original event. The emotions or feelings aroused by the event however, do come up to conscious awareness and are experienced as if the event had just occurred, We experience all the anxiety, the feelings, panic, guilt, associated with an event that took place years before. It may be an event long forgotten, it may be a trauma that was so distressing at the time that it was suppressed and has remained hidden from conscious awareness ever since. We experience the feelings and emotions of this initial sensitising event with no realisation at a conscious level of the cause or source of our discomfort.

In order to relieve this suffering, the original event can be uncovered with hypnotherapy and resolved so that the associated feelings are let go or reprogrammed. It is important that there should be no preconceived assumptions as to the nature of the sensitising event, but that it is left to the subconscious to uncover it.

Age regression has long been the means used by hypnotherapists to uncover past traumas and other distressing events. It should not be confused with Repressed Memory Syndrome, whereby a practitioner makes an assumption, before any form of trance induction has been used that the problem was sexual abuse in childhood. It is sufcient to say that not all emotional problems or untoward feelings are the consequence of childhood sexual abuse.

My experience suggests that problems could have their origins in much more trivial events than sexual or physical abuse. All children experience what is to their immature minds, a trauma or some form of distressing event. Some are more dramatic than others. Typical examples are; break up of parents marriage; serious accidental injury; perceived or real rejection by one or both parents; witnessing a dramatic event; an unhappy home life; an unhappy school life.

Not all emotional problems originate in childhood. Adults can carry unconscious burdens without realising it. Typical examples of these are; broken relationships; suppressed anger; guilt over some perceived action or failure to act; unhappy work environment; and any source of unbearable stress. Whilst some people are aware of the source of their discomfort, others are oblivious to the cause of their misery. It is the latter that are often most severely affected. The hidden or suppressed emotions or feelings will manifest in physical ailments, such as migraine headaches, skin rashes, and even more serious psychosomatic illnesses. They may have lowered immune system protection, and become vulnerable to life threatening diseases.

Beyond The Critical Mind // 3

Not all emotional problems originate in childhood. Adults can carry unconscious burdens without realising it. Whilst some people are aware of the source of their discomfort, others are oblivious to the cause of their misery.

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Every painful experience we have had is safely guarded by the subconscious mind. It is held there with many hidden thoughts, deep convictions, beliefs, prejudices and rst impressions, stored together with the reactions that were experienced at the time. When memories are aroused at either or both conscious and subconscious levels, then we can experience similar reactions to those triggered by the original event.

When we experience constant repetitions of these reactions without recalling a memory of their source, the impact on the physical body can be severe. The mind becomes the director of the physiology and of chemical and hormonal processes. The connection between mind and body is sure, constant, and alert. The mind is without doubt the ruler of the body. The mind is like a fertile eld ready to accept every seed of grain or weed that falls upon it.

If our mind is always concerned about disease, sickness or threats to our physical well being, It attracts to itself that which it is focused upon. The healthy body is inuenced by a mind that is permanently focused on good health, vigor and vitality. If our behavior, even if it is apparently benecial, is prompted by fear of illness or disease, then it loses most of its power to protect us. We have been the builders of our bodies and we get a new body approximately once a year.

The thoughts and feelings we have been allowing to dominate our lives, have determined the conditions of our lives. In addition, we attract to us the circumstances of our lives. If we are in the midst of poverty, greed, accidents and misadventure, then we need to change our thinking. In order to x our life we must rst x our thoughts.

All of us have the power to access our internal resources in order to turn failure in to success, sickness in to health, anger in to peace and hate in to love. We fail to use this power, because we are distracted by the materialism all around us and the pressures to compete with one another for material wealth. If we just turn our attention inwards away from attempts to justify our self worth by the value of our possessions, the size of our house or our position on the executive ladder. We will nd a new sense of self worth and those other things will be added to us.

The ability to re-experience events that we have been discussing relies on the capacity of the brain to store information and is called experiential storage. There are two other forms of storage that we should concern ourselves with. They are word storage and conceptual storage. Word storage gives us the ability to make connections between words and images. If we see or hear the word tree, we are able to generate an image in the mind of a tree. We may not all have the same image of course. The tree that I create in my mind may be that of a huge oak tree, another person may visualise a rose tree, whilst someone else imagines a shoe-tree, assuming of course that shoe-tree is in their stored vocabulary.

Beyond The Critical Mind // 3

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Conceptual storage gives us the ability to conceive ideas and make some sense of things using our stored up knowledge. So that if I should say to you: I saw a small creature with wings last Christmas in the snow perched on a holly tree, its red breast contrasting with the holly berries... many of you might make the connection with the Robin, a red breasted bird commonly seen at winter time in thenorthern hemisphere. This is, providing of course, that the necessary information was in you store of knowledge. Just like a computer the brain has input, (information in), and it has programs, (the way the information is assembled), and it has output, (the sense that we make of things). The programs are interrelated to the three kinds of storage; experiential, word and conceptual. Thus we are able to think thoughts. It also means we can think in words and we can think in images.

If I ask you to put the book down and cast your mind back over the events of your day so far, you may think back over the day silently talking to yourself using normal language. Others may see the events of the day as a kind of video recording, whilst others may experience a combination of both. So you see, some of us think predominantly with words others think in visual images. The way people think, is reected in the way they talk. People who think internally, with words, say things like I know what you mean or I understand what your saying. Visual people say things like, I see what you mean, It looks very clear to me. There are others too. There are the auditory thinkers. It sounds really good; I like the sound of your project. Then there are the kinesthetic types, the touchy feely people who say, Feels good to me; Yes, I can get a handle on that. If you listen carefully to peoples conversations and the language they use, you can identify the different kinds of thinking, going on in their minds. If you use similar language to theirs it will be much easier to relate and harmonise with them.

A hypnotherapist will be alert to the way a subject expresses thoughts and take it in to account when assisting a subject to get in to a trance state. During the induction it is helpful to utilise and focus attention on those systems that are the most dominant in the subjects thinking process. One might say:

As you walk through the woods, you see the trees and the colours of nature The green the brown the rust the gold.

You are using the subjects visual faculty. To continue, you could say:You can hear the sounds of leaves rustling in the breeze and the sound of birds chattering and singing. You can feel the warmth of the sun and the ground beneath your feet is soft from recent rain. In this way you work to the subjects sense of sound and touch.

In the course of a fairly lengthy induction one may continue to focus the subject to turn his or her thoughts inward to create an imaginary world, removed from the reality of the external environment. Once the subjects attention is removed from their immediate

Beyond The Critical Mind // 3

A hypnotherapist is alert to the way that subjects express thoughts, and so use similar language to best relate and harmonise with them.

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environment a trance state can be assumed to be present. This is a changed state of consciousness. As the induction continues, brain wave frequency changes can occur, bringing about deeper states of consciousness. Suggestions, which are then delivered, can get past the critical analytical function of the Reticular Activating System. The subject will, more and more, appear to be asleep, but despite exhibiting the physical characteristics of a sleeping person, the subject is in trance. In this trance state the subject is able to hear what is being said, will be aware of any extraneous sounds or noises and could even have a heightened state of awareness. The important point is that the critical analytical function has been negated.

The conscious mind of the subject will occupy itself in any one of a number of different ways, and could in fact go to sleep. Some hypnotised subjects on being aroused have doubted whether they have been hypnotised and said, I heard everything you said. Others may say, I found it hard to concentrate on what you were saying and found myself thinking about something all together different.

What is experienced by the conscious mind is of no importance, providing it is not being obstructive or critically analytical. The subconscious mind does not sleep and must accept any suggestion that is allowed to reach it. Hypnotherapy relies on this receptiveness of the subconscious mind.

All the functions of the human body are inuenced by the beliefs that are held in the subconscious mind and how they affect the nervous system. In addition to our beliefs, emotions and feelings have an impact on the physical body. Another key to success is the self-talk that is going on inside your head. The conversations going on inside your head can boost condence or undermine it. The condence that you have in your ability to accomplish your goals through the power of your own mind is one of the greatest powers at your command. Just remember that what you tell yourself has the greatest power over your life. It determines how you feel. It determines whether you are happy, contented or miserable and anxious. The way you feel inuences to a great degree the health and wellbeing of your physical body. The body does not function well if you are miserable or anxious. The messages that you give to yourself will determine what you can or cannot do.

Now that we have discussed some of the important aspects of how the mind works and how the instrument of the mind is played, (we are referring to the brain as the instrument of mind), we can start to explore the conditions and practices that ensure the induction of trance states and the factors that make for suggestions that are effective.

Beyond The Critical Mind // 3

15

In and Out of TranceCHAPTER

4

In formulating hypnotic suggestions and techniques

Clients often present with little knowledge or understanding of hypnotherapy. The stage hypnotist, some novelists, theatrical producers, television programs and others, have conspired to present hypnosis in a variety of dramatic, threatening or demeaning ways. Consequently with nothing else to rely on, a subject seeking hypnotherapy will invariably experience a decree of apprehension and defensiveness.

Remember that whatever change in patient behavior is necessary; it is the patient that will ultimately make the change. The therapist is a facilitator who enables a subject to access resources and abilities they have hitherto neglected or may not even have been aware of. The extent to which the therapist exudes a warm, understanding and caring manner will do much to develop a cooperative relationship.

In addition to creating a welcoming warm approach, the extent to which the therapist displays condence, professionalism in both appearance and speech will be conducive to a successful induction. The way we present ourselves is the prime inuence upon peoples rst and usually lasting, impression of us.

I have long believed that successful inductions are determined well before the formal procedures commence. Many years ago I went to purchase tickets for a musical show at one of the large theatres in the town where I lived. There was a hypnotist appearing in the theatre at the time. His name was Peter Casson. The name Casson was famous in theatrical circles. Peter Cassons parents, Lewis Casson and his wife Sybil Thorndyke were famous Shakespearean actors. The local press had devoted much space to the performance of Peter Casson, highlighting incidents in his show, proclaiming his

Many hypnotists use a variety of devices for the subject to focus their attention on. Amongst these are spirals, candle ames, a nger or thumb, a swinging pendulum and gurines or small statues.

for use as a therapist, there are some fundamental principles that apply. Some are equally valuable if used when practicing self-hypnosis or as auto-suggestions. In a clinical setting the relationship between the therapist and the subject is paramount. I cannot lay too much importance on the need to establish rapport with the subject before attempting to induce a hypnotic trance.

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professionalism and some of the amazing feats of hypnosis he had apparently performed. His stage performance was in the true family tradition His prestige was well and truly established. When I entered the foyer of the theatre I was immediately aware of many posters, large framed pictorials, images of Peter Casson in action with subjects drawn from the audience. Some of these images showed subjects in sleep-like states, others showed subjects in a variety of antics performed under hypnosis. Wherever one turned or looked these images confronted every one that walked in to the foyer of the theatre. The effect was to create anticipation in the minds of people attending that show of what to expect. Prospective volunteer subjects were being preconditioned and made receptive to the hypnotic inductions of Peter Casson even before they took their seats in the auditorium. His prestige and their anticipation made a powerful pre-hypnotic state of expectation that subjects WOULD be hypnotised. Successful inductions had already commenced.

Whilst hypnotherapists operate in a vastly different way to the stage hypnotist, we can learn something from them by building our prestige, our image and creating an expectation that a successful induction and outcome will occur. Efforts will be further enhanced by creating a relaxed, safe, caring environment The decor and ambiance of a hypnotherapy clinic is also an important factor in the therapeutic process. Many practitioners nd that relaxing background music can be helpful. My personal preference is for a quiet serene environment. We are not all alike, and do not all appreciate the same type of music. What can be calming for one person may be distracting or irritating for another. If music is to be used, I suggest it be played softly and just prior to the commencement of the formal induction. The music that I consider most helpful in assisting the induction process is Baroque Music. The characteristics of which are: there is no identiable melody; it has no accompanying words or song; you are unlikely to hum or whistle the tune whilst listening to it; the listener does not verbalise any words or accompany it internally. This music was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. Music that is sometimes called New Age Music may also have these characteristics.

When working with a subject that has not been previously hypnotised, I favour a lengthy induction comprising, progressive relaxation from the feet to the head. This is followed by visual Imagery of calm, placid scenery that the subject can easily relate to. Some subjects respond well to an imaginary walk in the countryside including sights, sounds and sensations to be found there. Another subject may relate more easily to images of the beach, or a ight in an air balloon, or a snow capped mountain. The possibilities are endless. Talking with the subject and discussing the things they like to do as well as identifying any phobias, is the best way to go. The aim is to create the most propitious state of relaxation. Some subjects happily and spontaneously close their eyes when the induction commences, others are, at rst, reluctant. These latter

In and Out of Trance // 4

Visual Imagery of calm, placid scenery that the subject can easily relate to such as the beach, is used as part of the induction process.

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subjects should be asked to x their gaze on a suitable object until their eyes tire and gently close over. Many hypnotists use a variety of devices for the subject to focus their attention on. Amongst these are spirals, candle ames, a nger or thumb, a swinging pendulum and gurines or small statues. The swinging watches and the hypnotic stare are probably best left to the stage hypnotist. I usually let the client choose their own focus of attention, but most elect to simply close their eyes. By having the subject focus attention on a specic visual stimulus, their eyes will begin to tire and may close. As this begins to happen, the hypnotists voice becomes the more dominant stimulus and the mind starts to accept the suggestions that are put to it. A state of atavism is affecting the subject, enabling the by-passing of the critical analytical faculty. The Reticular Activating Faculty of the subject is in repose.

The induction process can be further encouraged by the use of dissociation. Dissociation is used to create a perceived separation between body and mind. It can he used most effectively during progressive relaxation. The parts of the subjects body are depersonalised and are referred to as objects. We might say, Let those eyes close over, instead of Let your eyes close over, or As I lift this hand, this body relaxes twice as relaxed as it is now, instead of, As I lift your hand, your body relaxes twice as relaxed as it is now. Another example could be, Allow these feet to relax; or This body is becoming more and more relaxed or This arm is becoming stiff and rigid, stiff and rigid like an iron bar.

It is as well to remember that as a subject goes deeper into hypnosis, certain physiological changes are taking place as well as the psychological changes. The subjects blood pressure is likely to lower and the heart beat become slower. Catalepsy of eyes and limbs may be present. The circulatory system may be affected causing some subjects to become quite pale. To ensure the wellbeing of the subject, establish before commencing any hypnotic induction that the subject does not suffer from low blood pressure or any circulatory condition that may be adversely affected. As a precaution all subjects should be aroused slowly and asked to remain sitting for a while to allow normal functions of the body return. Many therapists use a count of ve to bring a client back to full conscious awareness. I have always used a count of ten, believing it to be better for the subject. The words I favour are as follows:

In a moment I shall count from one to ten. On completion of the count of ten your eyes will open and you will be wide awake, refreshed and feeling very, very well. One the energy returns to your feet and hands. Two the energy returns to your arms and legs. Three all your bodily functions return to a healthy normal state. Four... Your blood pressure returns to a healthy normal state. Five your breathing returns to normal. Six Seven Eight Coming up slowly now in your own time... very soon your eyes will open you will be wide awake and feeling so very good.

In and Out of Trance // 4

As a subject goes deeper into hypnosis certain physiological changes are taking place. Blood pressure is likely to lower, the heart beat becomes slower and catalepsy of eyes and limbs may be present.

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Ten when youre ready eyes open wide awake feeling ne.

This procedure returns the subject to full awareness comfortably and gradually. It reduces the possibility of light-headedness or vertigo which is unusual in any event. Importantly it ensures that the subject is restored to full awareness and no longer in a trance.

New and inexperienced hypnotherapists have two concerns. Will I be able to hypnotise this person? and If I am successful, will I be able to awaken this person? Subjects have similar concerns about their own ability to be hypnotised and the therapists ability to restore them back to normality. Clients can be assured that almost everyone that wants to he hypnotised, can be hypnotised. Persons suffering from psychoses, schizophrenia or epilepsy are the noted exceptions. If a subject expresses concern about waking up, just say: Do not worry. We have a very pleasant room in which we store all the subjects that do not wake up. This usually attracts a smile and a sense of reality.

There are some occasions when subjects are slow or even reluctant to return to full wakefulness after experiencing the trance state. A snap of the ngers or hand clap will usually arouse a sleepy subject. I am not aware of any recorded instance of a subject that could not be aroused from a hypnotic state. Some instances have been reported of clients being left to sleep and awaken naturally later. I have not experienced this situation in over 25 years involvement with the profession. A subject that is very resistant will usually revive quickly if told the consultation fee is doubled whilst they continue to remain in trance. Now that we know how to arouse the subject, we can feel very comfortable about putting the subject in to a hypnotic state. It is so much easier than most people would imagine. Hypnosis in reality is a very normal condition in which all of us spend most of our so-called waking hours.

We are a conditioned people. We are programmed to behave in a certain way in different situations. Repetition is a great conditioner. So many things in our lives we repeat over and over until they are ingrained in us and we manifest the behaviour automatically without conscious thought. This behaviour is being implemented from the subconscious level of mind. Before we can change the program that has been established in the subconscious mind we need to make contact with the subconscious. We achieve this with the hypnotic induction. The client or subject that has not experienced hypnosis previously, almost invariably responds to a lengthy induction, made up of progressive relaxation and visual imagery. The ways of doing this are numerous.

What follows is an example that can be varied to match the clients and the therapists experience. The therapist that describes images that he or she is visualising will be more effective than one quoting

In and Out of Trance // 4

A subject new to hypnosis almost invariably responds to a lengthy induction made up of progressive relaxation and visual imagery.

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or reading from a book. It creates a feeling in the subject that the therapist is nearby. This can be reassuring for the nervous subject.

Settle back in your chair or couch, make yourself comfortable and when youre ready let your eyes close over. To begin take three deep breaths and as you let out the breath, release the breath just like a sigh. Thats very good. So now put your attention on your feet. As you put your attention on your feet and allow your feet to relax think of relaxation as something tangible like treacle or honey and that the relaxation is going to ow very slowly from your feet through to the rest of your body. So now as your feet relax allow that relaxation to ow from your feet past your ankles through to your calf muscles As your calf muscles relax let the relaxation ow from your calf muscles through to your thighs and let your thighs relax As your thighs relax let the relaxation ow from your thighs through to our lower torso starting with your lower back muscles and allow your lower back muscles to relax just by thinking about them.

As those lower back muscles relax allow the relaxation to ow through to the stomach muscles and allow the stomach muscles to relax. (Dissociation has commenced.) As those stomach muscles relax.... Allow the relaxation to ow all around the pelvic area as the whole body relaxes deeper and deeper Now put your attention on the upper back muscles and allow them to relax As those upper back muscles relax deeper and deeper, allow the relaxation to ow around to the chest muscles and allow the chest muscles to relax As those chest muscles relax, you become more aware of your breathing and the rhythm of your breathing And now you realise that every breath you take helps you to relax deeper and deeper relaxed And now the legs are relaxed, the lower torso is relaxed, the upper back muscles are relaxed and you are more aware of your breathing the rhythm of your breathing and every breath is helping you to relax deeper and deeper. Now put your attention on the shoulder muscles, these are usually the rst muscles to experience tension when you become stressed so give them your full attention allow them to relax.

As those shoulder muscles relax allow the relaxation to ow from the shoulder muscles down through the upper arms, past the elbows, down through the forearms, past the wrists through to the hands so that even the nger tips are relaxing now and you are relaxing deeper and deeper. And now the relaxation ows on through the neck muscles through to the jaw muscles. Allow the jaw muscles to relax and then relax all those muscles around the chin and the mouth and the cheeks Now put your attention on those eyes and the tiny muscles of those eyes these are some of the smallest in the whole of the body. Let them relax until they are so relaxed that they just want to stay closed. As you continue relaxing just imagine

In and Out of Trance // 4

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yourself in a place that you like to be doing something that you like doing And when you are in a place that you like to be doing something you like doing, just nod your head to let me know. By now the subject will have become deeply relaxed and may

already be in a trance state. What follows will continue the induction phase and take the subject in to a deeper trance.

The purpose of this stage is to remove the subjects perception of being in the real world to an internal reality which is a product of their own imagination facilitated by the hypnotherapist. It is of little consequence whether the subject is visualising precisely what is being described. The client is having an experience which is removed from the reality of a therapists clinic or room.

As you relax, listening to my voice imagine yourself outdoors on a beautiful day standing on high ground looking down on to a lovely beach. The sun is shining the sky is blue there is an occasional cloud just drifting by the air is fresh and clear and a gentle breeze blows through your hair and cools your brow. You look out to the sea which is fairly calm the waves are strong and you hear them break and watch the breeze greet them and blow a stream of spray across the crest back out to sea. Nearby is a stairway leading down to the beach so go across to the stairs look down there are ten steps leading down to the beach and there is a hand rail on one side.

In a moment I shall ask you to go down the steps you can use the hand rail. When you go down the steps as I count from ten down to one each time you take a step you double your relaxation so that by the time you get down to the beach you will be more relaxed more relaxed than you have been in a long, long time.

So make your way down from the tenth step to the ninth and you relax continue on down from the ninth to the eighth doubling your relaxation from the eighth to the seventh deeper relaxed sixth to the fth, more and more relaxed fth to the fourth, still relaxing deeper and deeper... fourth to the third third to the second second to the rst, so relaxed now as you step off and onto the beach just pause there and allow the stairway to fade away.

Allow the scene to change so that as you look to one side you will now see a lovely garden lled with owers. There are blossoms with so many colours there are reds, pinks, greens, blues so many colours. You can smell the fragrance of the owers and hear the humming of insects as they search for pollen. Now look to the other side there is a couch on a soft green lawn

Make your way over to the couch feel the turf beneath your feet see the shadows of trees. As you reach the couch you can see the cushions and rugs on the couch. Arrange them to your liking and then settle your self down on the couch. As you sink down into the couch you know that tonight when you

In and Out of Trance // 4

Each time you take a step you double your relaxation so that by the time you get down to the beach you will be more relaxed more relaxed than you have been in a long, long time.

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go to bed and lay your head down to go to sleep you will go into a deep restful sleep that will last through the night unless you have any reason to awake. So when you awake in the morning you will awake refreshed and invigorated looking forward to the new day with the realisation that each new day is the rst day of the rest of your life and that nothing in the past can harm you or hurt you unless you allow it do so. Consequently you are more condent than ever before so be at peace.

The foregoing script delivered slowly, rmly and quietly should ensure a sound medium trance in any receptive subject. However, a professional hypnotherapist will have numerous ways of inducing a trance state. We shall now explore other options, some of which produce the hypnotic state in seconds rather than minutes.

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Rapidly Boosting EgosCHAPTER

5

One of my favourite entertainers, Ms Shirley McLaine

Imagine that you have walked into the kitchen of your home, (or a friends), and on the kitchen bench, before you is a bowl of beautiful fresh, luscious cherries. You pick up one of the cherries and bite into it. You feel your teeth against the smooth, shining, brilliant red skin. As your teeth break through the skin you feel the ow of sweet cherry juice on to your tongue. It is a truly lovely avour and you reach for another cherry. Imagine that as you reach out for the second cherry, that magically the bowl of cherries, with its contents, doubles in size. So now, the cherry you pick up to eat is the size of a large plum. You again enjoy the great taste of cherry, a larger cherry! You

decide you will have another one. This time, as you reach for the cherry, it grows in size to that of a large grapefruit. The avour is still wonderful and you feel compelled to have another, wondering how big these cherries might become. Your desire seems to be pushing you now to go on eating the cherries. Before long, you are in a large bowl moving in amongst giant cherries taking a bite here and there. You do not really taste the cherries anymore, just biting off pieces at random. Suddenly, you realise that the cherries are so huge and many times your size. Now you are just another grub crawling around in a large bowl of cherries that have lost their attraction and lost their avour. Life can be overwhelming. We all need to grow and develop ourselves as time passes. If we spend all our time tasting the fruit life has to offer, but neglect our own growth. Sooner or later we lose our identity, we are dwarfed.

Many people that come to my clinic in order to bring about change in their lives have lost their identity. They have lost their sense of self-worth. They have no appreciation of their inherent value as human beings. Many have been trying to get their happiness from life, from their environment, from their friends and from loved ones. Happiness and contentment is not out there. It is not something to be grabbed and briey savoured. It is not the accumulation of wealth and material

We are what we think we are! In order to change your life, you need to change your thinking. By changing your perception of your self, you discover an inner reality.

used to sing a song called Life is just a bowl of cherries. It has set my mind thinking along a path I shall share with you.

Is life really a bowl of cherries ... and just who decides?

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goods. It is to be found within, it is a state of mind. We are what we think we are! In order to change your life, you just change your thinking. You change your perception of your self, you discover an inner reality.

Hypnotherapy is the most effective means we have to enable us to access our inner world and change the program. In order to access this inner world and make the changes necessary to achieve a state of inner peace for the clients who seek our help, we must master rstly the ability to induce a hypnotic trance.

In the previous chapter we outlined a rather lengthy process of progressive relaxation, combined with visualisation and deepening techniques. This method is very effective but is also time consuming. If you reach the stage where you are running a busy practice then you will want to induce hypnosis fairly rapidly, in order to commence therapeutic suggestions. The following methods may be applied individually or in combination. You could experiment, in order to nd the inductions that you nd most effective or that you as practitioner are most comfortable with.

One thing you may discover early in your experience is that many of your clients will slip easily into hypnosis whilst you are doing the progressive relaxation. A further number of subjects will achieve a trance state during the visual imagery stage. So when working with an experienced subject, progressive relaxation or visual imagery on its own can produce a trance state. If you endeavour to use as many of the senses as possible in your descriptions, you enhance the process. That means using expressions such as, you see, you hear you can feel, and if appropriate, you can smell you can taste. These suggestions all assist in creating a seemingly real inner world, far removed from the reality of your consulting room.

During the induction stage I frequently use a technique that was taught by the man who learned the techniques of hypnotic induction from his father, a stage hypnotist and who for a while was a stage hypnotist himself. He was one of the great teachers of hypnosis during the 20th century. I refer, of course to Dave Elman. His book, Hypnotherapy, is a classic volume that deserves to be on the bookshelves of any aspiring hypnotherapist.

Elman would say to a subject: Close your eyes and pretend you cant open them. And when the subject responds he would then say, So long as you keep pretending that you cant open your eyes you will feel nothing. Nothing will bother you no matter what happens.

When the client responded to his suggestions, selective thinking was established and the critical analytical faculty bypassed. A similar condition is induced when a subject is asked to close eyes and visualise his or her self performing an activity that they are familiar with. This concept can be adapted and used to achieve a trance state with

Rapidly Boosting Egos // 5

Dave Elman was one of the great teachers of hypnosis during the 20th century.

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great rapidity. I may say to a client: Let your eyes close over and allow them to relax. Let them

relax until they are so relaxed that they want to stay closed and do not want to open. When they are so relaxed that they want to stay closed and do not want to open, relax them even more until they are so relaxed that they want to stay closed and they just do not work. When you are sure that they are so relaxed that they just do not work... Test them to be sure that they are so relaxed that they do not work and when you have made your test and are satised that they do not work, allow that relaxation to ow over the whole of your head and right down through you all through you right to the very tips of your toes. Then continue to relax deeper and deeper with every breath you take. In my experience the subject will invariably go in to a deep trance

state when responding to the method as described. Eye catalepsy has been achieved. In the event that the subject does in fact open the eyes, it is indicative that the critical analytical mind has interfered in the process. If this happens, reassure the client with the following words.

Thats all right... you are just making sure that your eyes do work. I want you to relax them to the point where they do not work, try again, you will get it right in a moment. Close your eyes tightly, relax and let them relax until they are so relaxed they do not work. When you are sure, when you are quite sure that they are so relaxed they do not work, again test them to be sure that they do not work. Now let that relaxation ow over the whole of your head and right down through you.

This is usually sufcient to x the problem and it would be very unusual for one to need to repeat it. As I have said, the method enables the induction of trance state very quickly. A professional hypnotherapist will of course have a range of techniques at ones disposal. We have, so far, considered the use of progressive relaxation, visual imagery and eye catalepsy. I shall now outline a quite different approach which may enable subjects that nd trance difcult to achieve a deep trance. This is the confusion technique. It creates a state of mental confusion which tires the mind. The mind as a consequence seeks solace in the trance state.

Allow yourself to begin to relax, with your eyes closed, getting ready to go into a trance, wondering what it feels like, what kinds of thoughts, emotions, sensations may arise. Sowing the seeds of an idea as the farmer sows hi