As a practitioner of hypnosis for almost 15 years in a clinical environment,I'm please to see that hypnosis without being a panacea is gaining more and more serious review
hope you article will bring to the attention of the students and anyone interested more information to this field
FITOUSSI GERARD, Medical doctor
France
drgerardfitoussi@yahoo.fr
These statistics are totally off. Everyone is hypnotizable with an IQ above moron and given the fact we speak the same language. There are instant inductions one could do on a subject and when finished with the session remove any CONSCIOUS memory of what was said during the session. This would then give you a double blind study. You may be a big name university but you sure don't know your facts. Did you interview a psychologist with a weekend training in hypnosis? Why not talk to those of us that do?
With over 25 years in the profession, I believe anyone who can go to sleep and wake up can be hypnotized, since they pass through the Alpha State, which is called, among other things, hypnosis. It is also called transcendental meditation, Zen yoga, LaMaze Birthing and daydreaming. It's a matter of choice. If one does not want to go into trance, they can resist, it's that easy. On the other hand, people often go into trance without being aware of it. For instance, going into 'highway hypnosis' when on a long drive. Or, going into trance while sitting through a long, boring presentation done in a monotone, since the trance state is induced through boredom and confusion or relaxation and focused attention.
The article was excellent except for the statistics regarding hypnotizability. I've found that willing subjects who work with a competent therapist will enter into the hypnotic state quite rapidly and easily. The reason is that hypnosis is natural, normal and universal. The expectation that a person who is hypnotized is going to be unconscious, or somewhere "out in left field" or in a "coma-like" or zombie state are all untrue. The more information a client has about hypnosis before the hypnosis is attempted the better the client will do and the higher the rate of hypnotizability.
Having practiced and continued to study hypnotherapy and hypnotic anesthesiology for over 14 years now, I am surprised that there aren't at least 5 staff hypnotherapists in each hospital today. The science and research is now undeniable and profound. We must engage the powerful resources available at the unconscious level to facilitate and enhance the enormous advances we have made elsewhere in medicine and healthcare.
Patricia V. Scott, Board Certified Hypnotherapist
UP Hypnosis Inc., Palm Harbor, FL www.UPHypnosis.com
uphypnosis@yahoo.com
As a hypnotist who works with clients in a non-therapeutic fashion, and by referral from doctors, dentists and mental health professionals, I want to commend Johns Hopkins for doing a controlled study of the hypnotic phenomenon.
The one correction I would like to suggest is the old "statistics" of hypnotizability. The hypnotic state is natural. As noted in other posts, we go into it dozens if not hundreds of times a day. The only barrier for the mentally competent to go into hypnosis on purpose is fear. If a person does not want to go into hypnosis on purpose, they will not go into or stay in hypnosis on purpose.
The use of rapid inductions, such as the Elman induction, or instant inductions makes the process accessible to anyone who wishes to be hypnotized. Other inductions, Ericksonian, Progressive Relaxation, Eye Fixation, and Eye Fatigue can become problematic for various reasons.
As a National Guild of Hypnotists certified instructor, I love teaching these skills, especially to medical, dental and mental health professionals!
In appreciation,
Edward Wunder, CH, CI
A Hypnotic Change
8055 "O" Street, Suite 207
Lincoln, NE 68510
It is tragic that people are told that they are poor hypnotic subjects or are unable to be hypnotized by licensed mental health care providers and/or academic researchers who may not be properly educated or skilled in the use of hypnosis and who tend to overlook
the obvious limitations of studying hypnosis in laboratory conditions.
The fact is that hypnosis can help just about any one feel better, heal faster and generally be more effective.
The public can be assured that Hypnosis Professionals who are trained and certified by credible organizations like the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA.com) and the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH.net) will be able to teach them how hypnotize and help themselves.
Michael Ellner,
Certified Medical Hypnotist
Michael Ellner, Hypnosis Educator & Practitioner
NYC
revdocnyc@aol.com
Spring Break
anonymous932
posted 4/01/06 @ 7:27 AM EST
hope you article will bring to the attention of the students and anyone interested more information to this field
FITOUSSI GERARD, Medical doctor
France
drgerardfitoussi@yahoo.fr