|  Ordering
Info
Questions:
1. What kind of system do I need to order
and download your mp3s?
2. Can I download my order?
3. How soon will I receive my download?
4. How do I download my mp3?
5. How do I download my mp3 using AOL?
6. What if my computer isn't working and/or
I can't figure out how to order online—can I order
by phone?
7. What if I don't have a credit or debit
card—can I order by check?
8. Can I order your audio programs on
cd?
9. How do I order by mail?
10. How much is shipping and handling?
11. How long will it take to ship my
order?
12. Will my order be sent discreetly?
13. What is your refund policy?
1.
What kind of system do I need to order and download your
mp3s?
These mp3 files are
quite large and are recommended for *high speed internet
users* only. (That means cable or dsl and not a 56k phone
modem.) If you are using a telephone modem and/or if your
ISP has a tendency to periodically disconnect your service,
you will likely experience difficulty in downloading these
mp3s. Once again, the files are quite large (that's why
the file size is listed in every file description) and
are recommended for high speed internet users only. Lady
Hypnotist will not and cannot provide tech support for
ISP related issues. She does not use or recommend AOL.
If you are in the UK and you use one of the (free) ISP's
that tends to disconnect its users every few hours, then
you will likely be unable to download these mp3s successfully.
Please note that, in the event that *your internet connection*
prevents a successful download, your download info may
be reissued manually—*one time*—but we will
*not* refund your payment, mail you a cd or provide the
mp3 through some other means. Downloadable mp3s are the
product being offered and the only one that will be delivered—so
please DO NOT write and ask for something else.
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2.
Can I download my order?
Yes! In fact, all programs are now available as mp3 downloads—and
your download link is delivered instantly. To order an
MP3 download, just use the PayPal MP3 order button for
the program you wish to purchase. You will be redirected
to a secure order page where you may make your payment.
Upon successful completion of your order, you will be
presented with a button that takes you to a download page.
On that page there will be a link (or links) to the file/s
you have purchased. In addition, you will be sent two
emails: one is your PayPal receipt and the other is a
download email with a link to the download page. This
way, you have two options for reaching the download page.
(Please note that we do track downloads by IP and other
identifying info so that downloads are not shared or redistributed.)
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3.
How soon will I receive my download?
Instantly! Once your PayPal transaction is completed,
you will automatically be redirected to the download page
*and* emailed the download link and instructions. Please
note that your download link will remain active for 48
hours (from that time) only. After that, it will automatically
expire and we cannot reactivate it for you. Wait to
place your order until a time when you will be able to
download it within 48 hours of its arrival. If you
order and do not download before your link expires, then
you must write to us and wait for us to process a new
link manually (this could take 3-14 days). Note:
in a perfect world, errors never happen; however, in the
real world, they sometimes do. If you have not received
your download info within several hours after ordering
(it's usually sent immediately), please email us within
a day or two (don't wait weeks) and request a manual resend.
(IMPORTANT: Before contacting us, be sure you are checking
the correct email address—your download link gets
sent to the email address you use to log in to your PayPal
account! Messages sent to Yahoo accounts often land in
the bulk mail folder.) This process relies on lots of
things working at once—the payment processor, your
mail server, our mail server, and so on—occasionally
there's a glitch. If that happens, we're happy to manually
resend your original order, as soon as time permits—however,
we do not provide refunds for mp3 purchases.
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4.
How do I download my mp3?
Once your Paypal payment has processed, you will be redirected
to a download page (follow the button at the bottom of
the Paypal page). You will also be sent your download
information and instructions via email (this will go the
email address used when you logged in to PayPal to make
your payment). You may download your file directly from
the download page. *OR*, when using the link in the email
message: follow the link in the message to the download
page, which will have a link or links to your file/s on
it. In order to save the mp3 onto your computer, you must
*right-click* the link (if you "regular click"
on the download link, the mp3 will probably start *playing*
instead of downloading,) and choose "save target
as". Choose a location on your harddrive that you
will be able to find later and save your mp3 file. Downloads
are limited to no more than 4 attempts and every click
counts (whether the program gets downloaded or not), so
don't listen to the program before downloading it. *Right-click*,
choose "save target as..." and save the full
mp3 to your harddrive before playing it. Avoid needless
clicking on the download links or you will use up your
4 attempts. Once your download attempts have been exceeded,
the option to save your file as an mp3 disappears, and
you will have to contact us to manually issue you a brand
new one (this could take 3-14 days), so go slowly until
you've learned this process. Remember to download your
mp3 immediately, as all links automatically expire in
4 days from issue.
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5.
How do I download my mp3 using AOL?
Unfortunately, AOL has its own system for doing almost
everything and we cannot provide tech support for a program
we do not use and do not recommend. If your tech support
issue pertains to AOL, you should contact the AOL tech
support for guidance on using their product. As stated
in your email instructions, the way to download your mp3
is to follow the link in your message to the validation
page, enter your email address and then, once you are
on the actual download page, right-click on the program
link and choose "save target as". Save the mp3
to a place on your computer that you can return to later.
If, after reading those instructions, you still cannot
download your file, we suggest you immediately contact
AOL tech support for further help.
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6.
What if my computer isn't working and/or I can't figure
out how to order online—can I order by phone?
No. We're sorry, but we can't process your order by phone.
Use a friend's computer. Go to the library, Kinko's or
an internet cafe. Ask a tech savvy friend to help you.
It's a very easy process and lots of people order via
our system all the time. We know you can do it, too. After
all, you got to this site in the first place, right?
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7.
What if I don't have a PayPal account—can I mail
you cash or a check?
We're sorry, but at this time we are not set up to process
orders by phone or mail. Please do not mail us orders
as they will be returned to you. All orders must be placed
online, via PayPal, or they will not be processed. Note
that you do *not* need a PayPal account in order to process
your payment with them. (Try it and see!)
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8.
Can I order your audio programs on cd?
Yes. All audio programs on this site are available via
mp3 or cd. The majority of our buyers have been purchasing
programs in mp3 format for some time and we've found this
process to be extremely popular (after all, you get your
download link instantly and don't have to wait for the
program to be delivered by "snail mail"). However,
if you are unable to download mp3s for some reason, you
may order your audio program on cd. Just be sure you use
the *cd* button for that program, and not the mp3 button.
CDs take 3 to 5 business days to ship (plus delivery time,
which depends on the shipping method you choose) and are
shipped within the United States only. (Sorry, but we
are not shipping cd orders outside the U.S. at this time.)
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9.
How do I order by mail?
We're sorry, but orders by mail require special handling
and have slowed down the regular order processing. For
that reason, ordering by mail has been discontinued.
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10.
How much is shipping/handling?
Currently, standard shipping on cd orders is *free*! CDs
are shipped within the U.S. only and "standard shipping"
is U.S. first class postal mail. Adding priority shipping
is available for an optional charge (select the "Add
Priority Shipping" button when you are checking out,
if you'd like this option).
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11.
How long will it take you to ship my order?
If you order an mp3, you'll get the link almost instantly
and will be able to download it immediately. If you order
your program on cd, it takes 3 to 5 business days for
us to ship it, plus delivery time (standard U.S. mail
or optional priority mail from Las Vegas, NV).
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12.
Will my order be sent discreetly?
Your receipt and download info will be emailed to the
address you use to place your order. We cannot change
that for you after you place your order. All mp3 orders
are processed automatically. The emails you are sent
may contain the word/s "hypnosis", "Lady
Hypnotist" and/or "Hyp Shop". (If you are
concerned about this, sign up for an alternative email
address and update your PayPal preferences before placing
your order.) CD orders sent by postal delivery will be
labeled discreetly, with only a return address and no
mention of hypnosis.
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13.
What is your refund policy?
Hypnotic mp3s are not refundable. Only you know
the capabilities of your computer and your ISP, and only
you know how much experience and internet knowledge you
have. If you are a complete novice and/or if you cannot
understand the directions provided on this site, please
do not order these mp3s. Sorry, but we cannot provide
email tech support for internet newbies. In addition,
please note that refunds will *not* be provided on mp3
purchases for any of the following reasons: user error,
repeated ISP disconnects, ordering the wrong mp3, ordering
the same mp3 twice in a row, losing the mp3, pc or system
crashes or failures, inability to figure out how to use
mp3s, lack of a cd burner, changing one's mind after purchase
or any other responsibility of the buyer. If there is
a problem with our system, we will manually reissue you
your download link (for the same product), one time, to
the email address used to place your order. (We will
do this as soon as possible after receiving your email,
but please realize that we do not offer 24/7 tech support.)
Please place your orders *carefully*. |
| Hypnosis
FAQs
Questions:
1. What exactly is hypnosis?
2. Will I know what's going on around
me while I'm hypnotized?
3. How do you put people into hypnosis?
4. You're holding a pocket watch in
some of your photos. Do you use it on stage?
5. What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
6. Can everyone be hypnotized?
7. I volunteered in a show once, but
"it didn't work on me"—why not?
8. How does someone wake up after hypnosis?
What if the hypnotist leaves while they're still in trance?
9. Can hypnosis be used for...?
10. Can I really go into hypnosis with
cds or mp3s? Do they really "work"?
11. Do you offer telephone hypnosis
sessions? Do they really "work"?
12. Can you recommend a good hypnotherapist
for me? How do I find one in my area?
13. Why don't more people use self-hypnosis
or get hypnotherapy sessions?
14. What's the difference between self-hypnosis,
"guided imagery", "creative visualization"
or meditation?
15. How quickly will I experience results
from hypnosis?
16. How can I learn more about hypnosis?
Can you suggest some books?
17. How can I learn to hypnotize others?
18. I want to become a professional
hypnotherapist. How can I do that?
19. How do I find a good hypnotherapy
school?
20. I want to become a professional
stage hypnotist. How do I start?
21. Will you be my mentor and teach
me stage hypnosis?
22. Can I try hypnosis on my girl/boy
friend without professional training?
1.
What exactly is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of deep, physical relaxation,
in which the mind remains clear, alert and focused. Hypnosis
is not mind-control, brainwashing or in any way harmful
or dangerous. We all naturally enter in and out of the
hypnotic state, on a daily basis, often without being
aware of it.
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2.
Will I know what's going on around me while I'm hypnotized?
Yes. You will hear every word that the hypnotist says.
Your body will be very relaxed, but your mind will remain
conscious and aware the entire time. Think about it:
your subconscious mind uses the same set of ears that
your conscious mind hears with! How effective would it
be if, once you entered the trance state, you suddenly
lost all ability to hear the hypnotist's words?
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3.
How do you put people into hypnosis?
With a big watch, of course! Actually, today's hypnotists
generally use words, a soothing tone, mental imagery and
various exercises (such as deep breathing) to induce a
pleasant, lethargic state.
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4.
You're holding a pocket watch in some of your photos.
Do you use it on stage?
No, I don't. In the past, hypnotists often used a "focus"
item for their subjects to stare at. This could be a pendulum,
a candle flame, a spiral drawn on a piece of paper, or,
because they often carried them, a pocket watch swung
to-and-fro. While some hypnotists today still use a focus
in their acts, such as a bright light, I do not. No reason
for or against either method, simply a different style
of induction. My primary tool is my voice, as in the answer
above. However, because people still associate hypnotists
with pocket watches, I use one in my publicity photos.
It tells you instantly what I do, without your having
to read a caption.
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5.
What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
It feels great! Hypnosis is a natural state that feels
similar to that blissful feeling you get right before
you fall asleep at night. It’s extremely relaxing.
When you awaken, you feel refreshed and revitalized. Everyone
who volunteers in a hypnosis show has a blast! Experiencing
a live hypnotherapy session or listening to a hypnosis
recording is also very enjoyable and profoundly rejuvenating.
Participants often awaken feeling pleasantly “buzzed”
and the peaceful contentment can last for days afterward.
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6.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Anyone of at least average intelligence can be hypnotized.
However, the subject must first be willing. Hypnosis
is not something that the hypnotist does to you. Hypnotists
are guides. It is up to you, the subject, to allow yourself
to enter the trance state.
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7.
I volunteered in a show once, but "it didn't work on me"—why
not?
If you volunteered in a hypnosis show once and were asked
to step down, don't let that stop you from volunteering
again. There are lots of factors that will affect your
success as a show volunteer. Some people are too excited
at the time to relax. Maybe the audience size is overwhelming
or the event is very emotional, such as a Grad Night.
Some people feel more comfortable around strangers. (It
works for them at a comedy club, when they're on vacation,
but not at the company Christmas party, for example.)
Others feel more comfortable around friends. (Vice-versa.)
I find that the level of "team spirit" at a particular
corporation or school has a lot to do with whether its
members feel comfortable "letting go" in front of each
other. Another important factor is EXPECTATION. If you
have never been formally hypnotized before, you may be
expecting "fireworks." When that doesn't happen, you think,
"Oh, it's not working on me," and you STOP PARTICIPATING,
open your eyes and sit there waiting to be let off the
stage. The people who will do well as volunteers are the
people who do not expect to be transported to another
realm. They understand that they will still "know what's
going on" and still "hear everything the hypnotist says."
They stay with it and follow the hypnotist's instructions,
even when they're not sure if it's working. You cannot
simultaneously BE the show and SEE the show! You have
to pick one and stick with it!
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8.
How does someone wake up after hypnosis? What if the hypnotist
leaves while they're still in trance?
How do you awaken from hypnosis…? Open your eyes!
After hypnosis, the participant awakens naturally, just
as they do after sleep. It is impossible for someone to
be "left in hypnosis." If the hypnotist were
to leave before counting them awake, the subject would
eventually realize that the session had ended and would
awaken on their own. During a show or hypnotherapy session,
if there were an emergency, or the subject no longer wished
to participate, they could easily awaken themselves at
any time and simply walk off the stage.
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9.
Can hypnosis be used for...?
"Improving my golf game?" "Helping me relax during exams?"
"Curing my insomnia?" "Helping me get past my fear of
public speaking?" Etc. Let's put it this way: think for
a moment about any issue in your life that you'd like
to improve and ask yourself, "Does my mind interact with
this issue/activity in any way? Do my thoughts/beliefs
affect my performance? Do my feelings contribute to my
experiences in this area? Have I had past experiences
that are reinforcing my beliefs/thoughts/emotions in a
negative way? Is it my expectation that I will NOT get
the results I desire?" Are you getting the picture? The
mind, body and emotions are all connected. Therefore,
I'm not aware of ANY issue that can not be at least significantly
improved/relieved through the regular use of hypnosis.
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10.
Can I really go into hypnosis with cds or mp3s? Do they
really "work"?
Of course—why wouldn't they work? Hypnosis
is not about something that gets done *to you*—it's
about something that you allow yourself to experience.
The hypnotist is a *guide*, not a puppeteer. This means
that you really have about the same chance of going into
hypnosis in almost any situation that you're reasonably
comfortable in—be it on stage, in a hypnotherapist's
office, or while relaxing in your easy chair at home.
Most hypnotists use their voice and their spoken patter
to lead their subjects into trance. Using a recorded audio
program to enter trance is virtually the same as sitting
next to a hypnotist and listening to them speak, especially
once your eyes are closed (plus, with my mp3s, you also
get some nice music). Yes, a live session would be more
interactive, more custom to your specific issues, and
potentially better paced to your individual responses.
However, you'd spend more money for an in-person session,
would have to go somewhere else to experience it, and
wouldn't have the privacy and convenience that you enjoy
in the comfort of your own home. Use in-person sessions
when you have an issue that requires interactive work
with a qualified hypnotherapist and use audio programs
(tapes, cds or mp3s) for repetitive programming and conditioning,
relaxation, entertainment, and for simpler, less interactive
hypnosis sessions. It's like the difference between meeting
with a private exercise trainer and using store-bought
workout videos at home. Why not make the best use
of both? Use hypnotherapy on those occasions when
it's called for, but also take advantage of the convenience
and lower expense of prerecorded hypnosis audio programs
on a more regular basis.
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11.
Do you offer telephone hypnosis sessions? Do they really
"work"?
First, see my answer to question #9 above (do hypnotic
recordings really work?). Telephone sessions certainly
"work" and, yes, I offer these. The dynamic
behind these is about the same as that of prerecorded
hypnosis audio: you don't have to be in the same room
as the hypnotist in order to enter trance, you simply
need to be able to hear their voice and follow their instructions.
The upside of telephone sessions is that you get a more
personalized and interactive experience (than in a recording),
yet you're still able to enjoy them in the privacy and
comfort of your home (as opposed to going to a hypnotherapist's
office). A couple of tips for phone sessions: do some
conditioning with recordings (mp3s) first, and get yourself
a telephone headset. (You'll have a much easier time relaxing
if you don't have to hold a phone to your ear).
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12.
Can you recommend a good hypnotherapist for me? How do
I find one in my area?
Please do not write to me and ask me to suggest a hypnotherapist
in your area—I do not keep a worldwide directory
of hypnotherapists. There is no possible way for me to
read an email and know where you are, what your issues
are and who is a "good" hypnotherapist in your
area to recommend. How you find a good hypnotherapist
is *you look for one*. First, start with your local yellow
pages. If there aren't any listed, go to the YP of the
nearest large city. When you find some that interest you,
see if they list web sites that you can visit for more
information. Call them on the phone and chat with them
for a few minutes, if possible. (Don't waste their time
with idle chitchat—ask specific questions about
their training, experience, methods and specialties.)
It may benefit you to find a hypnotherapist who specializes
in the issue you want to work with. Theoretically, this
gives them more experience and a few more "tools
in their toolbox." (Scripts, techniques, etc.) Ask
them if they will be willing to make you a recording (tape
or cd) of the session/s to listen to for reinforcement.
Plan on at least several sessions for most issues. While
speaking to the hypnotherapist, ask if they offer an initial
*consultation*. (Many will speak with you for free—but
don't expect to be *hypnotized* without a charge.) The
main point of speaking to them beforehand is to determine
if they are someone that you feel comfortable working
with. (If you don't like or respect them, what they say
will have no impact for you.) If you meet with the hypnotherapist
and feel uncomfortable with him/her, keep looking until
you find someone you do like. (Remember, a good hypnotherapist
will probably help you uncover a "home truth"
or two, so don't expect the whole process to be totally
comfortable. The issue is whether or not you feel
safe and whether or not you respect the skill and expertise
of the person you're working with.) Finally, if the hypnotherapist
gives you any "homework," such as self-hypnosis
training or listening to self-hypnosis recordings, DO
IT. There is no point in paying for sessions if you are
unwilling to do the work.
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13.
Why don't more people use self-hypnosis or get hypnotherapy
sessions?
Why don't more people floss or exercise? We KNOW what's
good for us but that doesn't mean we'll do it. We're busy.
Most of us barely keep up with all the stuff we feel we
HAVE to do, let alone all that stuff that seems "optional."
The other reason, I believe, is that hypnosis appears
very simple. So simple, that when people first try it,
they think it's too easy to do any good. So they stop,
thinking either it doesn't work or they're not doing it
right. The truth is, an activity does not need to be complex
in order to be beneficial. (Consider sit-ups and flossing
and tossing down those vitamin pills!) Our society
is very geared toward DOING. Most of us are not comfortable
with just BEING. Practice sitting quietly on a daily basis
for even 5 minutes. You'll be surprised how challenging
this is!
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14.
What's the difference between self-hypnosis, "guided imagery,"
"creative visualization" or meditation?
Truthfully, there's not much difference at all. I believe
that the prevailing misconceptions about hypnosis have
made people afraid to call the process by its rightful
name—especially in a business environment. "Guided
Imagery" or "Previewing" perhaps sound a little less mystical
than "Self-Hypnosis." All of these processes are simply
exercises to relax the body and focus the mind. The state
you attain can feel the same for each—no matter what
you choose to call it.
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15.
How quickly will I experience results from hypnosis?
How quickly do you WANT to see results? There's
a lot of factors at work here. First, and foremost, there's
your motivation level. If you're "trying" to
quit smoking because your spouse has put you up to it,
you're not really all that motivated yourself, now are
you? My advice there: just quit wasting your time and
money and be honest. There's no such thing as "trying
to quit." You're either ready to be a nonsmoker or
you're not. Same is true with just about anything. If
your motivation level is HIGH, you'll likely experience
results very quickly. If it's low, you may quit going
to the hypnotherapist or stop listening to that new recording
long before you see any results. Other factors that determine
your success can include your comfort-level and respect
for the hypnotherapist you're working with, as well as
the regularity of your hypnosis sessions. Hypnosis is
NOT a magic pill. Sorry. You will actually have to do
some WORK along the way, such as attending your hypnotherapy
sessions or listening to your self-hypnosis program on
a daily basis. If you are expecting to be "put to
sleep" and awaken "never wanting to eat chocolate
again," you're probably destined for disappointment.
It just doesn't happen that way. On the other hand, I've
encountered a fair number of nonsmokers who tell me that
they stopped smoking as a result of "just one hypnosis
session many years ago." I'd say that, when they
had that session, "many years ago," they were
what I'd call HIGHLY MOTIVATED. Are you?
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16.
How can I learn more about hypnosis? Can you suggest some
books?
Depends. What exactly do you want to learn? If
you're just curious about hypnosis, try reading a book
on the subject or buying a self-hypnosis recording that
will guide you through the process. An excellent place
to start is my HypnoBooks.com
site, which is an online store featuring every current
book on the subject and lots of audio programs, too. You
can also try some of my own guided hypnosis mp3s, available
on this site. For more in-depth learning, see below.
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17.
How can I learn to hypnotize others?
I get this question often and, because of its vagueness,
I am unable to give a complete answer to it. First of
all, are you wanting to become a hypnotherapist, a stage
hypnotist, or both, or are you just wanting to hypnotize
your partner for fun? If you want to become a professional,
what country are you writing from...? The pertinent laws
are different in various countries and I am only familiar
with the laws here in the US. See what I mean? So let's
take this bit by bit... (See the following questions.)
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18.
I want to become a professional hypnotherapist. How can
I do that?
Assuming you are in the US, (specifically in California,)
you do not need a license in order to practice as a hypnotherapist.
Hypnotherapy is technically "lay-counseling." It is a
self-regulating field that does not require practitioners
to have a particular degree or to obtain a license. HOWEVER,
thorough training in the field is an absolute necessity.
Don't shortchange yourself or your clients by thinking
you can read a book and become a hypnotherapist overnight.
Attend a reputable school of hypnotherapy (in person,
not on video) and get your certification. After training,
continue your education by reading current books on the
areas you work in and by attending additional classes
and workshops regularly.
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19.
How do I find a good hypnotherapy school?
If you are in a major city, chances are, you have at least
one hypnotherapy school near you. Look in your local Yellow
Pages. Also search the internet. I particularly like the
techniques of Mr. Gil Boyne, and tend to prefer schools
that are licensed to teach his materials. (Transforming
Therapy.) Find a school that requires at least 200 hours
of training to certify as a "Clinical Hypnotherapist."
TAKE THE WHOLE COURSE. "Schools" that offer "weekend certifications"
or "at-home study by video" are not worth your money,
in my opinion. Because of the nature of hypnosis, you
need lots of hands-on experience, both to cement your
skills AND to build your confidence. Lots of people who
complete hypnotherapy training NEVER PRACTICE IT after
graduating. Why? They don't have enough confidence.
Hypnosis is something you must learn by doing (and, btw,
by experiencing it yourself—it amazes me how many
so-called "hypnotists" there are out there who
have never been able to go into trance themselves—would
you take sex advice from a virgin?).
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20.
I want to become a professional stage hypnotist. How do
I start?
I'll admit, this is a sore subject with me—primarily
because I've heard so many horror stories over the years
from clients and agencies who have hired inexpensive "newbies"
who then turned in horribly unprofessional performances
and disappointed everyone (thus hurting the reputations
of *all* stage hypnotists). Just because you're an experienced
DJ who has watched a couple of hypnosis shows doesn't
mean you can do just as good of a job as a pro—
even after reading a book or watching a video or two.
Yes, I know, "it looks so easy", but that's
probably because you're watching a trained professional
with years of experience; they’re so good that they
make it look easy. (Does owning a couple
of cds qualify me to be a professional dj...?) "In
the old days", many stage hypnotists got no professional
training at all; they learned their craft from other hypnotists,
books and videos. While it's still possible to do this,
be aware that this approach takes *lots of practice and
study* and, unless you are interning with a highly experienced
professional stage hypnotist (not another dj-turned-hypnotist-overnight),
you will miss out on a lot of important information. (Remember,
every show is unique and *experience* is what helps a
pro to deal with the unexpected challenges in a way that
makes the performance *look easy*.) I tend toward recommending
lots of training. My suggestion is that you follow my
guidelines for hypnotherapy, AND THEN apply that training
to stage work. (That's what I did.) While, as
a stage hypnotist, you may never use all the hypnotherapy
techniques you will learn during training, (and you
will also require some skills you won't get in a hypnotherapy
course,) it's never a bad idea to have more "tools
in your toolbox" than you think will be necessary.
In addition, if you're any good on stage, you'll find
you often get asked afterwards about hypnotherapy sessions
and you'll probably want to make these part of your business.
If you will be conducting hypnotherapy sessions, I STRONGLY
ENCOURAGE you to invest in professional training. I cannot
overemphasize how important it is to represent yourself
well as a stage hypnotist. The fact that it looks easy
does not mean it is. Currently, the field is over-saturated
with under qualified newbies who have little or no experience
(I know, because my clients always come back to me the
following year, kicking themselves for ever trying somebody
cheaper and less qualified). Do us all a favor and treat
this craft with the reverence it deserves: get well trained,
study hard, practice more than you think you need to,
memorize those notes, learn what to do when something
unexpected happens, never drink alcohol on the job or
show up drunk (a shame I even have to mention *that one*),
dress professionally, work hard to put on the best possible
performance, charge what you're worth, and be willing
to turn down any show that exceeds your qualifications
or at which, logistically, you know you would be unable
to turn in a first-rate performance. Pay your dues and
strive to make your every show better than the previous
one. *That's* how you become a professional stage hypnotist
worthy of "the big bucks"—*not* by buying
a couple of our videos and attempting to imitate us.
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21.
Will you be my mentor and teach me stage hypnosis?
Absolutely not. I run a for-profit business—and maintain
multiple web sites. This keeps me way too busy to "be
a mentor" (read: provide free training) for a potential
competitor. Besides, stage hypnosis is not something that
I believe can be taught in a couple of emails or over
the phone. Once you're actually practicing the craft,
if you have a specific question, I'll try to find time
to answer it. In the meantime, get some training, *practice*,
and start paying your dues by actually *performing hypnosis
shows* (I started out doing lots of free shows for schools
and charities). Whatever you do, please do not buy a bunch
of stage hypnotist's videos and copy their acts—respect
their hard work enough to come up with *your own* routine
and promo material.
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22.
Can I try hypnosis on my girl/boy friend without professional
training?
Good hypnosis is part natural intuition, part learned
techniques, and part experience. Sometimes feeling safe
and trusting enough to allow oneself to relax is half
the battle. If you and your partner feel comfortable trying
some hypnotic techniques with each other, I say, "Why
not?!" In a nonprofessional environment,
there is certainly no danger in doing so. Read a book,
watch a video, listen to some tapes, take a class—something—to
learn the basics. Provided you are not delving into deep
psychological issues, hypnotizing each other—or
going into trance together—can be a very relaxing,
very bonding experience. However, I am not suggesting
that you start advertising yourself as a "hypnotist"
and/or lie about your experience or training. (Think
of this like the difference between giving your lover
a backrub and declaring yourself a "professional
massage practitioner" without getting any training
or experience.) If you are going to be hypnotizing
others on a regular basis, please get professional training.
Poorly skilled amateurs give us experienced professionals
a bad rep, and nobody appreciates that.
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PLEASE NOTE:
The above information represents Christine Michele's
beliefs based on her professional training and experience.
Readers use all techniques at their own risk. Christine
Michele assumes no liability for any activity entered
into as a result of reading this page. |
