Why is hypnosis sinful?

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michellebuga

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Y’all were so helpful with my scapular questions, I thought I might try another…

Why is hypnosis sinful? I’ve seen it listed in those little examination of conscience cheat sheets (usually under the first commandment, grouped with practices of the occult). I’ve never been hypnotized, nor have any desire to be. I’m just wondering if it is sinful in all circumstances, like hypnobirthing?

Thanks and God bless!
Michelle
 
Hi Michelle,

I haven’t seen anything in the Catechism on hypnosis specifically, but I can tell you that the SPCDC has encountered people harmed spiritually by hypnosis. I think it could be classified as occult activity which is a violation of the first commandment.

A major problem is that in hypnosis, a person enters an altered state of consciousness and can open themselves to demonic influence. Participating in those hypnosis comedy shows seems to be particularly harmful.
 
Today’s episode of EWTN’s Abundant Life was about New Age stuff. The host specifically mentioned hypnosis as OKAY with the Church as long as it’s done by a licensed (not just certified) hypnotist that is helping a problem like weight loss or smoking. No “past life regressions” whacko stuff.
 
Ray Guarendi, the psychologist on The Doctor is In on Catholic radio says it’s okay for things like stopping smoking. I suppose one would have to trust the practitioner.
 
scriabin said:
Today’s episode of EWTN’s Abundant Life was about New Age stuff. The host specifically mentioned hypnosis as OKAY with the Church as long as it’s done by a licensed (not just certified) hypnotist that is helping a problem like weight loss or smoking. No “past life regressions” whacko stuff.
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See, that makes sense to me. Using hypnosis in a medical setting to treat a specific condition seems reasonable. I think what gives people pause is that another person can influence you, without your knowledge, in a undesirable manner leading you do do things or engage in behavior you would not normally choose to do. Post hypnotic suggestions, (e.g. eat less, skip that next cigarette, don’t stop at the liquor store on the way home, etc.) can be very positive or helpful. But others, which may encourage or at least lower your defenses against immoral behavior (e.g. "nothing wrong with a Playboy magazine, a little porn can spice up your marriage, everybody cheats on their taxes, etc.) can be very harmful. A professional is certainly going to do the former and be careful to avoid the later.

On a side note, I have heard it said that it is impossible for a hynotist to get someone to do something they would never do. For example, a person who would never do violence cannot be coaxed (coerced?) into murder via post-hypnotic suggestion. I believe this is true, it not please let me know.
 
The first thing that pops in my mind is the term, “false memory syndrome (sp?)” Memories can be “planted” into the open mind, and being taken for fact when the person comes out of hypnosis. That alone is enough to scare me away from the practice.
 
I have considered hypno-therepy for weight loss (I need to shed about 50-60 pounds and, since the FDA pulled ephedra from the market, have been unable to.) So I have given this some thought. I think the only way I would do it is if the session were video-tapped and I was peritted to review the tape afterwards. That does not seem too unreasonable in my opinion. Or maybe I am just a paranoid nut. 🤷
 
michellebuga said:
Y’all were so helpful with my scapular questions, I thought I might try another…

Why is hypnosis sinful? I’ve seen it listed in those little examination of conscience cheat sheets (usually under the first commandment, grouped with practices of the occult). I’ve never been hypnotized, nor have any desire to be. I’m just wondering if it is sinful in all circumstances, like hypnobirthing?

Thanks and God bless!
Michelle
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For proportionately grave reasons, it is allowed. As explained by OPs. :cool:​

 
Before I saw this topic, I never thought it was sinful. I can see how it can lead to problems.

A few years ago, we went to see a hypnotist comedy show. It was a riot and it was amazing what he could get folks to do. There was nothing malicious in the presentation, but it seemed like he could get folks to do just about anything.

And there were things that folks if they were aware of what they were doing would definitely not do them. Some things were pretty wild and embarassing. I don’t know about doing something truly evil, but it would not surprise me if it were possible.

Not all folks can be hypnotized and you have to be willing to allow yourself to be hypnotized. I’m not sure what it takes, but if you are not in the right frame of mind, you won’t get hypnotized even if you wanted to be.
 
Hypnotism is okay for gaining confidence, losing weight, quitting smoking, and anxiety. The hypnotist must be a licensed professional therapist and not associated with any New Age Religious practices that could be planted in your subconscious mind.

I have a sister who is easily hypnotized. When she was ten, my older cousins hypnotized her. They didn’t believe they had really hypnotized her so they asked her to eat laundry detergent. She started eating it. They thought she was being silly so they told her to go stand in the road and get hit by a car. One of my younger cousins ran to get my aunt. My aunt out of the house to see my sister standing in the middle of the street with a car heading toward her with its brakes locked up trying avoid hitting her. My aunt said she didn’t even flinch. She was like a zombie.

Later, when she was 17, she and a group of her friends went to an amusement park. There was a hypnotist who was doing a show there and they went to see it. The show ended up getting cut short because my sister, who was extremely shy, became hypnotized while sitting in the audience and started doing what he told the people on the stage to do. It freaked out the hypnotist. He brought her out of it after everyone left. He told her that had only happened to him one time before. He said that she should never be hypnotized again, because it could cause permanent mental damage. He said that some people are more suggestable than others. Some people can’t be hypnotized, because they wont allow themselves to be. He said that others can be hypnotized, but they would never do anything they didn’t really want to do. He said then there were people like my sister who should never be hypnotized, because they just leave their mind wide open for anyone to mess with. He said the suggestions made would not have to come from the hypnotist. He said anyone who got close to her in this state could say the wrong thing and totally mess up her mind.
I would personally be afraid to give someone that power over me.
Getting hypnotized at a stage show is wrong. You could be transferring your free will to somebody else.
 
I am a member of the FCH - Fellowship of Christian hypnotists and it is neither wrong nor sinful to be hypnotized at a stage show, all stage hypnotists follow the hypnotists code of ethics which I will post It is also not giving you’r free will to anyone I will not go into depth on that here but will give you a link. You can read more on the subject at my website carterhypnosis.weebly.com/ or at the FCH website fchypnotists.com/ .
  • In Christ
    Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
 
The Hypnotist’s code of ethics

The Hypnotist Code of Ethics
  1. A hypnotist has a unique bond of trust with the hypnotic subject therefore a hypnotist must always maintain a concern for their subject’s welfare, respect their personal rights and dignity, practice social responsibility, and maintain their own professional integrity.
  2. A hypnotist must always obtain consent of the subject before attempting to hypnotize them.
  3. The well being of the subject must be the prime concern of the hypnotist.
  4. A hypnotist must not attempt to treat medical disorders, unless they are a trained medical professional. Any subject with a medical problem must be urged to seek proper professional medical treatment.
  5. A hypnotist must become familiar with, and obey all laws and regulations regarding the performance of hypnosis in the jurisdictions in which they practice.
  6. Because of the unique relationship and emotional rapport between hypnotist and subject, a hypnotist specifically will not use hypnosis as an advantage to engage in business dealings or in relationships of a sexual nature with any subject.
  7. A hypnotist will always make post hypnotic suggestions of positive well being to hypnotized subjects.
  8. A hypnotist will never intentionally cause strong or frightening emotions, obscene or sexual hallucinations, or degrading suggestions without the prior non-hypnotized consent of the subject.
I understand hypnosis is a powerful and valuable technique that is not to be employed without careful and thoughtful intent, and that I must complete this course using these guidelines by agreeing to this pledge. I agree with the spirit and specifics of the above Code of Ethics. I will always place the welfare of my subjects as my utmost priority.

Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
 
I think a general problem with hypnosis is that it involves opening up your mind to influence, which is dangerous
 
beckycmarie said:
Hi Michelle,

I haven’t seen anything in the Catechism on hypnosis specifically, but I can tell you that the SPCDC has encountered people harmed spiritually by hypnosis. I think it could be classified as occult activity which is a violation of the first commandment.

A major problem is that in hypnosis, a person enters an altered state of consciousness and can open themselves to demonic influence. Participating in those hypnosis comedy shows seems to be particularly harmful.
Click to expand...
Please be warned that the Saint Mike’s website is not a good site to visit. The founder of this site is a sex offender who has been convicted as recently as 2005. See this review:

catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=144&repos=2&subrepos=0&searchid=646759
 
I went to a licensed hypnotherapist and I was not a canidate for deep hypnosis. They said that I would relive the trauma I wanted to document and that would be bad. I agree. This dr. used different types of manipulation, but I was too hard headed and aware of the body language, hand gestures, eye movemnet. After 3 times, I got out of it thinking, why would I want to be manipulated by someone I barely know on that deep a level.
 
Future Priest 21 said:
The Hypnotist’s code of ethics

The Hypnotist Code of Ethics
  1. A hypnotist has a unique bond of trust with the hypnotic subject therefore a hypnotist must always maintain a concern for their subject’s welfare, respect their personal rights and dignity, practice social responsibility, and maintain their own professional integrity.
  2. A hypnotist must always obtain consent of the subject before attempting to hypnotize them.
  3. The well being of the subject must be the prime concern of the hypnotist.
  4. A hypnotist must not attempt to treat medical disorders, unless they are a trained medical professional. Any subject with a medical problem must be urged to seek proper professional medical treatment.
  5. A hypnotist must become familiar with, and obey all laws and regulations regarding the performance of hypnosis in the jurisdictions in which they practice.
  6. Because of the unique relationship and emotional rapport between hypnotist and subject, a hypnotist specifically will not use hypnosis as an advantage to engage in business dealings or in relationships of a sexual nature with any subject.
  7. A hypnotist will always make post hypnotic suggestions of positive well being to hypnotized subjects.
  8. A hypnotist will never intentionally cause strong or frightening emotions, obscene or sexual hallucinations, or degrading suggestions without the prior non-hypnotized consent of the subject.
I understand hypnosis is a powerful and valuable technique that is not to be employed without careful and thoughtful intent, and that I must complete this course using these guidelines by agreeing to this pledge. I agree with the spirit and specifics of the above Code of Ethics. I will always place the welfare of my subjects as my utmost priority.

Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
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That Code of Ethics might sit very well with a number of professional Hypnotists, most whom are Psychiatrists and Psychologists.

However; given the adulterated sinful nature of mankind, it all comes down to trust.
Trust is earned, not given. Bad enough a Shrink getting in your head, but a Hypnotists?
I’d rethink this one. My advice is to seek a professionally trained Catholic/Christian Spiritual Adviser.
 
Hypnosis is perfectly safe a hypnotist cannot (even if he/she tries) make you do anything against your will or morals it just cannot happen if they suggested it the subject would sit, unresponsive to the suggestion or bring themselves out of the hypnotic state. I along with another catholic hypnotist have talked to Bishop’s, Priest’s, Deacons, Lay Religion Teachers and most recently a major in Cannon law and they have all approved of hypnosis both stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The cannon law major said the Church has no official possition on hypnosis and the only place it is talked about is a 1952 Chatechism which is out of print and has been updated. btw. The “CCH.” at the End of my name stands for Certified Christian Hypnotist. and on the official website of the fellowship of Chrisitain hypnotists if you have not already seen it should answer some of your other questions/concerns.
  • In Christ
    Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
 
Futurepriest21 said:
Hypnosis is perfectly safe a hypnotist cannot (even if he/she tries) make you do anything against your will or morals it just cannot happen if they suggested it the subject would sit, unresponsive to the suggestion or bring themselves out of the hypnotic state. I along with another catholic hypnotist have talked to Bishop’s, Priest’s, Deacons, Lay Religion Teachers and most recently a major in Cannon law and they have all approved of hypnosis both stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The cannon law major said the Church has no official possition on hypnosis and the only place it is talked about is a 1952 Chatechism which is out of print and has been updated. btw. The “CCH.” at the End of my name stands for Certified Christian Hypnotist. and on the official website of the fellowship of Chrisitain hypnotists if you have not already seen it should answer some of your other questions/concerns.
  • In Christ
    Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
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I would give you a shot if you were close by, but is it true that a deep hypnosis of trauma is like reliving it? I just want an outline of events, not feel the trauma…Thanks for the info.
 
Hello Samson, I am not sure what you’re asking exactly in your first question but the basic outline of events in hypnosis is this- 1. Gaining rapport (getting to know the subject and building a connection with them.) 2. pre-talk (getting rid of any fears or misconceptions about hypnosis and being hypnotized also prpares the subject to be hypnotized) 3. The Induction ( The process that hypnotizes the subject it is really just a vehicle to carry the intent of the hypnotist.) 4. Changework ( getting rid of the problem and changing things for the subject also giving them suggestions to feel good about themselves and to help them relax.) 5. Ex-duction (bringing them out of their hypnotic state) If by trauma you meant what is called a “Abreaction”, which is where a subject who has never been hypnotized before becomes so relaxed that all of their emotions and feelings just flow out or they remeber a past experience from when they were younger (this usually results in crying,screaming, becoming angry or sad etc… ) An abreaction can be taken care of with the simple suggestion “Just tend to your breathing as the scene fades” so trauma can be quickley and easily taken care of. I hope that answers your question if not please private message me with your question again. Also please check out my website - carterhypnosis.weebly.com/
  • In Christ
    Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
 
Futurepriest21 said:
Hypnosis is perfectly safe a hypnotist cannot (even if he/she tries) make you do anything against your will or morals it just cannot happen if they suggested it the subject would sit, unresponsive to the suggestion or bring themselves out of the hypnotic state. I along with another catholic hypnotist have talked to Bishop’s, Priest’s, Deacons, Lay Religion Teachers and most recently a major in Cannon law and they have all approved of hypnosis both stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The cannon law major said the Church has no official possition on hypnosis and the only place it is talked about is a 1952 Chatechism which is out of print and has been updated. btw. The “CCH.” at the End of my name stands for Certified Christian Hypnotist. and on the official website of the fellowship of Chrisitain hypnotists if you have not already seen it should answer some of your other questions/concerns.
  • In Christ
    Tyler Carter C.H, CCH.
Click to expand...
I along with another catholic hypnotist have talked to Bishop’s, Priest’s, Deacons, Lay Religion Teachers and most recently a major in Cannon law and they have all approved of hypnosis both stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
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Priests do take courses in psychology and human behavior while in a seminary.
However; rarely does one even read in the Catholic media or official approval of the Catholic Church where priests use hypnosis on Catholic lay people.
A Priests role after saying Mass is to visit the sick and teach and give spiritual direction to lay Catholics, not hypnosis.
 
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