(Close Window) Topic: Good DVD/Book for a Beginning Hypnotist?
Message: Posted by: Vinnie Laraway (Oct 17, 2005 9:41pm)
Hey guys... I was just wondering what would be a good DVD/Book for a Beginnin Hypnotist... Thanks!

-Vinnie
Message: Posted by: Gede Nibo (Oct 17, 2005 10:11pm)
Go for the gold and just get ENCYCLOPEDIA OF STAGE HYPNOTISM, by Ormond Mcgill. in fact he has a number of books out.

although this says Stage hypnosis, it covers many general areas on the other angles of the art.

all you need to do is get all the misconceptions out of the way, read many different sources, and then experiment. Experience is the best teacher with this and all things in life. its NOT dangerous like they want you to believe, and they can bash me all they want...

oh, and you also need Balls of Steel.
Message: Posted by: howdoidisconnect (Oct 18, 2005 12:02am)
To follow on from gede nibo,

I bought this book about a weeks or so ago and spend the next few days reading it non stop. This book is excellant. The balls of steel part is right. But give it a go. My first try with the basic examples were 100% sucessful. Luck I am sure.

Its pretty expensive if you get it new, but belive me its worth it. Very easy to understand and just great advise and suggestions.

regards

steve
Message: Posted by: Lee Darrow (Oct 18, 2005 3:03am)
Be aware, however, that is is an Encyclopedia and that SOME routines and inductions are in there ONLY for historical completeness' sake. If I hear of you trying the induction with the chloroform, I will personally come and beat you about the head and shoulders with the book itself!

One of the big problems with the Encyclopedia, in my professional opinion, is that the historical bits are NOT delineated clearly as such and a beginner could seriously trip themselves up on tem. Take the swarm of bees routine as a good example:

The volunteers are told they are at a picnic and are being buzzed by a swarm of bees which are stinging them. Chaos and hilarity ensues - right?

How about the guy or lady who has a DEADLY ALLERGY TO BEE STINGS? At that point, it's "Houston, we have a problem," time for the hypnotist. Even if they don't go into anaphylactic shock (a remote possibility, but a possibility, nonetheless), you still run the risk of them jumping off the stage and injuring themselves or others in their panic, a stress-induced heart attack or just a full-blown hysterical seizure, right on stage.

I have seen several of these things happen (not in MY act, as I'm not stupid enough to do this bit), more than once.

This is whay I wrote an ebook on safety for stage hypnotists, the only one that I am aware of. PM me if you are interested.

Honestly, if you are going to pursue hypnosis, GET A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION - and not from a weekend wonder course, either, but from a recognized program, such as the National Guild of Hypnotists (www.ngh.net). This way, you will have the training to handle abreactions, know how to structure your suggestions to minimize unintentional triggering of posthypnotic triggers, how to deal with spontaneous hysterical reactions and, most importantly, be able to get professional liability insurance to cover your shows!

I hope this helps.

Lee Darrow, C.H.
Message: Posted by: Ed Hutchison (Oct 18, 2005 8:12pm)
I have written a text on the clinical, social, and theatrical uses of hypnosis.

Several excerpts are available online. See http://erh3.homestead.com/hypexc.html

Edward Hutchison
Message: Posted by: howdoidisconnect (Oct 19, 2005 1:19am)
To follow on from lee Darrow's statements,

I think if the reader doesn't have enough common sence to see some routines are just plain stupid in this day and age , he shouldn't be doing this anyway.

Although your post does make a lot of sence, it does seem over board and little scare mongering. I think the poeple you has heard of doing such stupid routines as to let their subject think they get stung by bees. don't end up with much of career in this line of work. I think the book that was recommended is a good start and that's all he was asking for. I developed an interst in it, but will certainly not be paying out for some course for a certificate. Espically as this is not an exact science (cue onslaught of full belivers in hypnosis). And the book clearly mentions time after time about being safe and to be careful what you do with a subject.

I think when someone is at a stage where he can induce bee stings on suject, he is a lot further advanced than a beginer, and as such has studied more.

Point of reference in the UK recently was a certified hypnotist who was abusing his patiences. A paid course to become certified certain does not help stop (predisposition) people from being naughty.

End of my first rant!
However, the fact you have written some guideles on safty in hynposis is an excellant one. And I would be most interest in getting one from you. (information is always a good thing)

regards

steve