Is Hypnotherapy licit for Catholics?

[JamalChristophr]

I was wondering if there are any definite teachings officially from the church on the use of hypnosis. I have ADD and depression and will soon be seeing a mental health professional who has some experience with addressing the unconscious mind.

Is this acceptable for a Catholic? And other things like EMDR? Just need to know what is fair game and what’s off limits.

Thanks.

 

[MaryT777]

Interesting question…looking forward to the answers.

 

[smichhertz]

Hi JamalChristophr,

Simply put - there’s nothing wrong with hypnotism in and of itself. If it’s needed for therapy or medical reasons, that’s a good reason to do it. You are surrendering your intellect and will to another person, so I wouldn’t do so lightly (for instance, if it’s an entertainment hypnotist show, I’d at least ask ahead of time what the hypnotist would have you do before volunteering), but hypnotism is licit in and of itself.

Here’s an old article I dug up that you might find helpful. It lays out some good guidelines: ewtn.com/library/DOCTRINE/HYPNOTSM.TXT

Hope that helps!

 

[Rob_Arnzen]

I was wondering if there are any definite teachings officially from the church on the use of hypnosis. I have ADD and depression and will soon be seeing a mental health professional who has some experience with addressing the unconscious mind.

Is this acceptable for a Catholic? And other things like EMDR? Just need to know what is fair game and what’s off limits.

The moral issue of hypnotism is the partial loss of control to the hypnotist which could, under some circumstances, lead to the revelation of secret knowledge, the implantation of unwholesome suggestions, or the perpetuation of immoral actions.

Submission to hypnotism is licitl if there is a grave reason, the consent of the subject, and exercise of due precautions.

Grave Reason: the need to cure or to curtail an evil habit, use as an anesthetic, or other morally permissible good.

Consent of the Subject: forcibly imposing a hypnotic state on another violate his rights. This consent may be implicit in circumstances when explicit consent cannot be obtained.

Due Precautions: the hypnotist must be medically qualified and there should be present an authorized witness as a protection both to the physician and to the patient.

.

 

[flower_lady]

The moral issue of hypnotism is the partial loss of control to the hypnotist which could, under some circumstances, lead to the revelation of secret knowledge, the implantation of unwholesome suggestions, or the perpetuation of immoral actions.

Submission to hypnotism is licitl if there is a grave reason, the consent of the subject, and exercise of due precautions.

Grave Reason: the need to cure or to curtail an evil habit, use as an anesthetic, or other morally permissible good.

Consent of the Subject: forcibly imposing a hypnotic state on another violate his rights. This consent may be implicit in circumstances when explicit consent cannot be obtained.

Due Precautions: the hypnotist must be medically qualified and there should be present an authorized witness as a protection both to the physician and to the patient.

.

I would never trust the person performing hypnotist. His intentions could be wrong and he might do something without my consent. How would I know? I could never do it myself.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Thanks everyone, for helping with my question.

I’m not sure if these kind of things can be much help for me, but maybe I’ll keep them open as a possibility to consider.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I’m not sure if these kind of things can be much help for me, but maybe I’ll keep them open as a possibility to consider.

If it helps, think of it as the neuro-psychological version of needing surgery. You should only consult a professional with a proper license and good reputation.