I just returned yesterday from attending the class mentioned previously in this discussion taught by Ormond McGill and Jerry Valley. It's a great program for those seriously interested in learning these skills. Over a four day period you'll learn not only the skills and techniques that are needed to perform hypnotism, but marketing, public speaking, scripting, microphone use, etc.

I am a strong believer in mentorship. Whether that mentorship comes at a price or not isn't as important as what the seeker does with the mentor's time and information. (Associate and enter the zone … don’t duplicate and become a clone).

Yes I know, I know. Some things such as technique can and often should be duplicated but I'm talking about the real essence of entertainment; which is what the client wants in the end.

I believe in the strength of books and videos produced by successful “practicing” professionals. Why don't we issue certifications to people who have read a good book or watched an informative video?

Attending courses and workshops are viable source of educating oneself. I only dispute the validity of “selling” the certifications handed out by these courses to the public as proof of safety or entertainment value.

Shrink, I hope our paths will cross some day. I enjoy your postings.

Best regards,
BlackSalt