Hypnosis: Myths vs Truths

I like reading what other hypnotherapists are doing in their communities, so I set up a Google alert which keeps me up-to-date.  Earlier this month, I enjoyed reading an article written about a hypnotherapist who, considering the scope of the world wide web, is practically a neighbor to me here in Richmond, Virginia.

David Grinstead is a hypnotherapist based near Burlington, North Carolina, about 3 hours south of Richmond.  The article that appeared in Burlington’s New Times newspaper definitely grabbed my attention — Community College Classes Unlocks the Power of Hypnotism.

David teaches two non-credit classes at the local community college down there.  One is on using hypnosis for weight control.  Like the program I offer, it is designed to help people who are already motivated make the right choices to lose weight. The other class David teaches is about using hypnosis to stop smoking. What a progressive community college to offer two such innovative courses!

Reading about David’s philosophy of hypnosis and his experiences with clients was heartening.  His viewpoint corroborated my own feelings about the the power of hypnosis for healing as well as the many myths and misunderstood areas of hypnosis, particularly stage hypnosis.

Reading his thoughts about stage hypnosis reminded me of something that happened just last month at a Christmas party my wife and I attended. Introducing me to a couple who had recently moved into our neighborhood, the hostess said “this is the hypnotist who helped my son overcome his fear of needles.”  Right away, the husband said, “Well maybe you can put on a show for us.”

With my best party manners intact, I was quick to tell him that hypnosis isn’t about making people act foolish or do anything against their will.  Actually, in hypnosis a person cannot be made to do anything illegal, immoral or anything against their will, ethics or values.  I don’t do any form of stage hypnosis and I admit that it gets my dander up whenever I hear misinformed people automatically associate hypnosis with a bizarre form of entertainment where perfectly nice people wander around a stage quacking like chickens with their heads cut off — or worse.  Seriously!

Hypnosis is about helping people learn how to overcome problems so they can have a healthier, happier life.  I have been a hypnotherapist in 35 years and I yet to find a more satisfying feeling than the one that comes from knowing I have helped hundreds of people overcome problems and obstacles like smoking, losing weight, relieving chronic pain, anxiety or irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and stress.

What makes me even happier is knowing that all these changes happen naturally, without putting harmful chemicals into your body.  On my main website, I’ve written about the different ways hypnosis works, so I won’t get on my soapbox here. 

I invite you to check out the good information on the Clinic for Creating Change website or, if you live in the central Virginia area, feel free to call me with questions about how hypnosis can be used to address a problem in your life – (804) 464-2315.

Like the wise hypnotherapist profiled in the newspaper article, it is my profound desire that everyone may live happy, healthy lives. Hypnosis is too often underestimated as a power tool that can help in so many ways.

I hope one of these days David and I get to meet in person.  Since our philosophies on the subject are so similar, I suspect we could fill many hours sharing our experiences on the wonders of hypnosis!  If you’d like to read the article about David, here is the link:  http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/hypnosis-30989-unlocks-movies.html

Until next time,

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