Getting started with hypnotherapy

[dmitri]

Hello. I've recently become interested in hypnotism and hypnotherapy, and I'd like to know the best resources for get started, I guess mainly for self-hypnosis. So if you guys could recommend any books or ebooks, or if there is any fairly comprehensive material on this site for someone looking to become involved in hypnotherapy/self-hypnosis that you could point me to, I'd really appreciate it.

[Unregistered]

Hello, there are several ways to use/learn self hypnosis.

First thing you could do is purchase 'the complete idiots guide to hypnosis' by roberta temes, ph.d. - dont laugh until youve at least had a look at the glossery. To start with, for intrest, it is very comprehensive. Covers self hypnosis and scripts to create/learn or simple take to a therapist as a suggestion of what you want to get from a session.
Second, Ill advise you to go to a therapist, state that you want to learn self hypnosis. He/she will induce you into hypnosis and give you the suggestions you need to carry out the task yourself. That way, self hypnosis will have a more deepening effect and you could benifit greatly, using what ever suggestions you so desire (gained from your therapist).
A once off session is sufficient and will be worth the cost. Check your local yellow pages to find a therapist.
I hope this is of some help,
Regards R.

[Frog420]

instead of starting a new thread i thought i'd use this one, http://www.sachinternational.com/courses/

anyone know of them? they seem reputable, and i was thinking of sitting their foundation course in hypnotherapy, afterall if i don't start training i may never get the sacred letters after my name :p

[Don]

While mail order courses can give you information and knowledge, actual classes that you attend tend to give you practice, experience, and wisdom. I would say a thorough in-person training is great. So is mail order, but I don't think they are enough.

[Will Williams]

If you are wanting to learn more about hypnosis, simply begin to become far more receptive to the environment, and observational about human behaviour. I believe that the best hypnotherapists and hypnotists (including Erickson) gained most of their knowledge themselves by recognising certain patterns in behaviour and attention. After that, you can simply fill in the blanks and embellish your awareness through reading and research, and obviously practising also.

[Frog420]

Don the course i'll be sitting is based on 4 weekends over 4 months, 12 hours with a tutor on each weekend, it seems like a good first step for me, and its going to be held at my local uni,

be afraid, i shall soon be emporer with my newly found powers of persuasion MU'HAHAHA :p

on another note, am seeing a hypnotherapist on saturday for help with my self-hypnosis, this will be the first time i will have been hypnotised by a pro, am looking foward to it

Chris

[DrMattJames]

Hi Dmitri,

I would always recommend hands on training so that you have the understanding, plus that ability to ask questions and practice in front of an instructor. And, a great book to start with is titled Self Hypnosis: The Complete Manual For Health and Self-Change by Alman and Lambrou.

Best regards,
Matt

[Merlin]

While it is true Erickson was known for observation, do not discount that he also was a psychiatrist and had a great deal of education, including having studied hypnosis.
Erickson had a good starting point for his observations.