A question about the "down side" of hypnosis, why it is not used as much as it should be and how to find a hypnotist.

Answered by Calvin D. Banyan, MA, CI, BCH

Question:

Dear Mr. Banyan,

I am very interested in hypnosis. In fact, I am making plans to attend your school during the November session.

My question is this: Since hypnosis is such a wonderful tool for helping others, why isn't the profession more widely available? I live in the low country of South Carolina and to date I have not been able to find a hypnotist anywhere in S.C. I am sure there must be one, but I have yet to find one.

Also, can you tell me the biggest drawback of Hypnosis; especially as a career. Is it peoples general perception of hypnosis?

I sincerely appreciate any feedback. See you in November.
Don Rhoad

Answer:

Hello Don,

Thanks for the email and your questions.

One of the best ways to locate a hypnotist near you is to contact the National Guild of Hypnotists. They have over 6000 members. I'm sure they can refer you to a qualified practitioner in your area. (Click here for a link to the NGH.) We also have a directory of 5-PATH® and 7th Path™ Certified Hypnotists on our web site. Check it out and see if you can find one near you. Click here.

There a few reasons that hypnosis is not as wide spread as it will be in the future (I believe).

Here are some that come to mind:

1. Most hypnotists are using outdated and unreliable hypnotic techniques and are not as effective as they can and should be. For example, only using progressive relaxation inductions, not testing for depth of hypnosis and relying too heavily on visualization techniques.

2. Most training programs do not give their students enough time to practice and gain some experience with the techniques during the program and so upon completion they not confident enough to practice and usually never get started.

3. Mainstream medical and mental health practitioners are not aware of the usefulness of hypnosis so they don't use hypnosis in their practices and are unaware that they can make referrals to professionals in the field.

The main down side to the field of hypnosis is that it is relatively new and has all of the difficulties that I listed above (1 to 3). As a result the facilities that can really use hypnotists are not employing them in significant numbers (yet), such as hospitals, mental health and counseling centers. So the individual hypnotist, unless he or she is already connected to such an organization must either build his or her own practice or educate existing facilities in the usefulness of hypnosis.

The up side is that the individuals who are getting into the field of hypnosis now are really the ground breakers for the future and in some very practical ways, are "getting in on the ground floor," so to speak. The people who establish themselves now will be the supervisors, consultants and trainers of the future.

Thanks again,
Cal Banyan, MA

Response:

Dear Cal,

Thanks so much for your prompt response to my questions. Your answers and information regarding hypnosis (and it's future) have made me even more determined to become a practicing hypnotist. And yes, you may certainly use my questions and name on your site. I also took the time to randomly contact graduates listed on your site for a reference. I basically asked for their (prior students) opinion on the Banyan Hypnosis Center, the school, and hypnosis in general. The responses I have received so far have been extremely positive and complimentary toward your school.

Again, I looked foward to meeting you and your staff in November.
Sincerely,
Don Rhoad