Hypnotism

[Deus_tecum]

I’ve studied hypnotism a bit in the past, but since I started learning about contemplation, I feel that hypnotism is a method for reprogramming the ego, and that Scripture calls for us to die to our worldly ego. I am not talking about stage hypnotism of course. I’m talking about the therapeutic kind. What are everyone’s thoughts on this?

 

[Evania]

I’m interested to hear thoughts on this as well. What does the Church say about hypnosis?

 

[bzkoss236]

ewtn.com/library/DOCTRINE/HYPNOTSM.TXT

 

[dconklin]

I have been to a hypnotherapist in the past and can attest to how well it works. The EWTN gave a general definition of hypnosis but did not do a good job of describing it. A patient of hypnotherapy does not simply walk into an office, get hypnotized and then go home.

Since this was posted in the Spirituality forum, I’ll add that a lot of what I was taught in my hypnotherapy sessions has helped me in my spirituality. I am trained in Ignatian Spirituality direction.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I have been to a hypnotherapist in the past and can attest to how well it works. The EWTN gave a general definition of hypnosis but did not do a good job of describing it. A patient of hypnotherapy does not simply walk into an office, get hypnotized and then go home.

Since this was posted in the Spirituality forum, I’ll add that a lot of what I was taught in my hypnotherapy sessions has helped me in my spirituality. I am trained in Ignatian Spirituality direction.

Well, what does happen then?

 

[dconklin]

I went to the hypnotherapist to cure me of anxiety and sleeplessness. I was taking meds for both and did not like how they made me feel. The therapist spent a few appointments getting my background and giving me simple tools begin to cope like breathing techniques. Finally, at the final appointment I was “hypnotized” (though never totally out of it) and placed into a state of being open to suggestion. I was “coached” into being a better person and feeling better. The final session was recorded and I was given a CD to use if I ever needed it.

As I think back on it, it is difficult for me to fully explain it - other than to say it worked for me. Spiritually speaking, it has helped me enrich my prayer life by giving me good centering techniques.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I went to the hypnotherapist to cure me of anxiety and sleeplessness. I was taking meds for both and did not like how they made me feel. The therapist spent a few appointments getting my background and giving me simple tools begin to cope like breathing techniques. Finally, at the final appointment I was “hypnotized” (though never totally out of it) and placed into a state of being open to suggestion. I was “coached” into being a better person and feeling better. The final session was recorded and I was given a CD to use if I ever needed it.

As I think back on it, it is difficult for me to fully explain it - other than to say it worked for me. Spiritually speaking, it has helped me enrich my prayer life by giving me good centering techniques.

Thanks. I was close to dismissing it, but I should not be so hasty.