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 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*.
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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. |
