Lasting effects of hypnosis

[Yenno]

Hi

I could really use some advice on a matter regarding hypnosis that is very close to my heart. It's a long story, but please allow me to explain as it seems something has gone very, very awry.

Last week, myself and a group of friends went to see an adult stage hypnotist as part of a friend's birthday bash. Once the show started in earnest, i.e. the talking up the show before anyone is on stage we were chatting about stuff over our table which was positioned just in front of the stage.

The girl who's birthday it was was saying something just as the hypnotist was speaking, and she [the hypnotist] took exception to it. The hypnotist decided that as punishment she should come up on stage as the first 'subject'. We'd been joking before the show that she should go up as it was her birthday, but it was made very clear that the idea of being hypnotised was totally unappealing to her.

She didn't want to go up, but the hypnotist wasn't going to let it go so I suggested she went up on stage but didn't follow any of the insructions (I've been to shows before where up to 25% of participants don't go under). She agreed, reluctantly, and up she went.

I think I need to point out at this stage what sort of girl she (Megan) is. She's very 'prim and proper', speaks the queens English and under no uncertain terms is from the sex only after marriage school of thought. Of course, these values don't really fit very well into an 'adult' show. I'll continue with the story.

The hypnotist got everyone on stage and begin with the induction. I think Megan tried to ignore the suggestions but it wasn't working. Quite clearly, more than anyone else on stage, she was going under and fast too. Her eyelids were closing, and her head was bobbing about. She tried to get up, presumabily because she was aware she was going under but didn't want to. She fell back down in her seat and the hypnotist approached. She held Megan's head, said something to her and with that she just dropped in her seat. A dead wait. Totally motionless. Whilst other people on stage were still quite lively, Megan appeared unconcious and totally still. She was 'under'.

Anyway, the show begain with some regular stuff. Amusing to watch your friend embarrass herself, indeed, but then things got a bit frightening.

Remember that this is an adult show. It moved on to a part where all female participants were invited onto a 'sex chair' where they began to enjoy an orgasm live on stage. Megan was last up, but it appears her values shone through and she refused to take part.

The hypnotist was unhappy with this, and so put her back to sleep and said something similar to the following:

"Oh, you're so cute. Well, you're no cutie anymore. You're a slut. In fact, you're the biggest slut to ever walk the earth. Sex is the only thing that matters to you. When you wake up, the most important thing in the world to you will be to sit in this sex chair and enjoy".

This time, she duly obliged, much to the pleasure of the audience. Things built up from there - Megan became the 'star' of the show with all of the most dodgy suggestions made very explicitly to her. To give some examples, whilst on stage she also got naked with the exception of underwear, passionately kissed another hypnotised girl and even passionately kissed a gentleman in the audience - among other things. All of course, totally, utterly out of character.

Anyway, the show ended and there was a definate change in her personality. She was talking differently, quite definately, but it didn't end there. Over the next few days, everyone noticed she was acting differently, dressing differently. Remember I said she was very much a 'no sex before marriage' kind of girl. In the last week, I am aware she has slept with three different men.

She's not the same person now, no way.

So, what could have happened. I always understood that hypnosis had no lasting effects, but in this case, has totally changed a person's identity. She's a completely different person.

What could have happened? Who's to blame? Are the 'changes' reversable? Who can help?

Any advice, greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Yenno

[pmdigi]

It seems to me some one should(could) stop the stage hypnotist from practicing. And the lady who was so affected might want to see a professional hypnotherapist.

[Don]

Well, Yenno, I'll tell you what I believe. Let me change that...I'll tell you what I know.
1) This is your first post here.
2) You talk about going to a hypnotist show, but do not say where it occured.
3) You talk about a hypnotist, but do not give the hypnotist's name.
4) You present a story about someone not being able to ignore the stage hypnotist's induction.
5) You present a story where the stage hypnotist struggles to get a person to obey suggestions.
6) From your story, the stage hypnotist did not remove all suggestions.

Now I'll respond to the above points.
1) I don't know who you are and you have given no information and hence, I have absolutely no reason to believe you.
2) The fact that you have refused to say where this show took place gives me no reason to believe that such a show ever took place.
3) The fact that you don't name the hypnotist indicates to me that no such person exists.
4) Anyone who doesn't want to be hypnotized can easily resist an induction, so your story does not seem true.
5) No professional stage hypnotists struggles with any person on stage. Either they accept the suggestions or they are asked to leave. There's not enough time to do anything else.
6) No professional stage hypnotist would end a show without removing all suggestions (excluding, perhaps, a few general-purpose, positive ones). So your story does not seem real.

Yenno, we're not idiots or suckers, here. We're professionals. If you thought you could come out of nowhere with your internet-troll post and get us into a furor, you're sadly mistaken. I don't believe your story for a second. Further, albeit without going into details, your attempt to imply you know about stage hypnosis ("I've been to shows before where up to 25% of participants don't go under.") is totally contradicted by some of the comments you have made later in what on the surface seems to be an elaborate fiction with nothing more than having the purpose of being an internet troll.

If you want to give the day, date, time, specific location of the show (venue, city, state), and the name of hypnotist, we'll be glad to check into the veracity of your statement.

However, in answer to a general question, if a person wants to change his or her behavior, any trained and experienced hypnotherapist can help.

[Connie]

I think Don is right on with his comments. I've been to an 'adult' hypnosis stage show, recently, in fact. There was a skit with a 'porno audition" also involving a chair. One lady, still in trance, did say no. She was asked to leave the stage. There are so many people who are willing participants in these type of things, it's extremely unlikely that a hypnotist would "struggle" with one not so inclined.

I also find it difficult to believe that your friend would agree to go on stage at all in the first place.

[Yenno]

Wow. Not the sort of reply I was looking for. I have no reason to come on here and try to 'hoodwink' anyone, what have I to gain by that? Yes, this is my first post but that's because I have no great interest in hypnosis; only since the show have I been looking for answers.

I'll give you some details if you like:


The event took place at the Rock Garden club in London, on Saturday 9th December. The name of the hypnotist, I don't remember, though I could find out relatively easily. Even so, would it not be somewhat libellious to do that?

The rest of your issues I cannot answer. I don't pretend to know anything about hypnosis other than what I've seen at live shows, and that's not much. I have no explanations, can give no reasoning behind what I saw, but ultimately that's it, I saw what I described with my very own eyes.

If you persist that what I've described is impossible, too wreckless or otherwise just a lie, then that's fair enough. I would ask you to take a step back just for a second, and be a little less cynical. I have some genuine questions here, and would appreciate help.

At the very least, thank you for taking the time to read my initial post.

[skip]

Yenno,

There are a number of things about this story that experienced hypnotists are going to find suspect.

So you can expect skeptical responses.

I am going to take a different approach.

Let me accept your story as completely true, as you understand it.

Your premise that she was hypnotized against her will, and that she went along with the suggestions against her will, and that she is now acting 'against her will', is faulty. There is no such thing as 'the manchurian candidate'. So your friend is not still operating under some powerful suggestions that the hypnotist gave her.


BUT she did go to this show with 'one personality', and left, with seemingly 'another'.

Hypnosis IS a powerful tool for personal change.

And for the sake of argument I am going to assume that she experienced remarkable change, as a result of the 'guided imagry' she participated in during the show.

So now, she, as a result of the show, has different values, and her new behavior reflects those new values.

What if everything you describe, and as I have outlined, is accurate?

What if her behavior now, although admittedly risky, is behavior she has always wished she could let herself go, and indulge in, but couldnt, because of her religious, etc convictions?

She wouldnt be the first 'sexually repressed' (as you describe her) person to respond to a 'sexual awakening' with excessive behavior, would she?

We all know people, who are repressed, until they have the excuse of alcohol, to release inhibitions, they normally wouldnt express, dont we?

What if this show represents her 'excuse'?

Fact: She is behaving now, and will continue to behave, as she does, because she wishes to, not because she HAS to.

Nothing you did yesterday behaviorally, forces you to do the same thing today, behaviorally. Nothing you did yesterday behaviorally, prevents you from doing something different today.

She behaves today according to her beliefs and values. If those are radically different, from before then naturally, then her behavior will reflect that.

My suggestion to you would be, as her friend, talk to her, and make sure she is adequately informed about STD's, pregnancy, etc.

You may also be able to get her to reflect a bit on her current behavior. I take it that you arent against her being sexually active, but you do think her actions are imprudent.

I can understand your concern at her rapid, radical, change. Lots of people find the hypnotic experience liberating, in that they can allow themselves to 'profoundly pretend', in a very realistic way, and entirely new existance.

Many of them come away from that experience, wanting, and successfully, living out that new reality. This is the essence of changework, via hypnosis, allowing someone, to uncritically, experience a new reality for themselves. And then adopt it successfully. Many people here have done exactly that.

And you would find that many of us 'providers' have assisted people make rapid, radical, change, at their request, that their friends and family are uncomfortable with.

How do we know this isnt what has happened with your friend, with the exception that she didnt overtly express it as her desire?

Now that is a different light on things isnt it?

I dont know if it is true, for your friend or not, but if your story is accurate, I suspect it is close to the mark.

That said, assuming your story is correct, it represents very sloppy changework, and would be considered unethical.

I hope that clarifies,

skip

[Merlin]

Hypnosis is potentially *forever*
It's like learning 1+1=2 in school.
How long does that last?

Go back to the hypnotist and ask her what to do.
If you get no results, then seek other help.

[Terry (existing)]

Yenno, in spite of your protest, I must agree with Don here. and frankly say "I don't believe a word of your post". If it were true, you would be laying charges against the hypnotist if you had the guts of a gnat, and with so many witnesses it wouldn't be hard to make mental assault charges stick, and have that person banned for ever from practising. Not only that, but as others have said, any stage hypnotist only wants to work with the easily manipulated because of the speed required in an entertainment show. My advice, stop asking here, and lay charges at once, or crawl into your shell and be quiet, your story is too foolish for those of us who are skilled and knowledgeable to swollow. Incidentally, if your story was to have any credence, it would mean that the lady in question really wanted to become a slut, so you are being very insulting to her if you persist. Nobody makes you do anything you choose not to do period.

[Henrik]

I must confess that I really think I probably shouldn't make a comment here, but I just can't help it.

All I have to say is :D. Terry, the heavyweight champion of the world.

[Soren K (existing)]

I must confess that I really think I probably shouldn't make a comment here, but I just can't help it.


What does this tell you about how you are motivated?

[Henrik]

What does this tell you about how you are motivated?

1. I'm not sure about Yenno's story. To my knowlegde it might be true and valid. And I don't like to offend people. Thus my resistance to comment.

2. Sometimes I think members of this forum have a way of saying things straight, with no extra ifs and buts. No hesitation. It wasn't so much what Terry was commenting on. It was the way he did it.

Henrik

[tdiamond]

I have to go with skip on this one..

although I know that one can by influenced by hypnosis and even be unaware its happening .. this wasnt the case.. she went on the stage..

she even as proper as she was went to a "adult " stage show..

I think that this is either a fanciful post or this particular lady was looking for a way out..

either way.. she either wants to get help or not..

if she believes she can not stop doing something she does not want to do..then she should get help.. if you believe that she can not stop.. talk with her and find out.. either way make sure she gets a safety education..

even sluts dont have to be stupid

good luck with it all..

[Don]

I have contacted the Rock Garden Club and am awaiting a response to learn more about the alleged event.

[Steffan_Effenburg]

Seems a little harsh to be labelling somebody a slut, how does the original poster know for sure she has slept with these men and what business is it of his anyway? Yeah I find this story fishier than a meal served up by Captain Birdseye.*






* Well-known range of British seafood products

[Soren K (existing)]

>2. Sometimes I think members of this forum have a way of saying things straight, with no extra ifs and buts. No hesitation. It wasn't so much what Terry was commenting on. It was the way he did it.

Don't sweat it Henrik, I'm the last person you would ever need to explain yourself to.. I was thinking more along the lines of realising what compels you to do the things you do, seemed like an valuable opportunity for reflection there... as it now is for me :)

Cheers,
Soren

[Henrik]

Don't sweat it Henrik, I'm the last person you would ever need to explain yourself to..
Soren

Hi, Soren.

I don't think I tried to justify the first comment, if that's what you had in mind. Just explaining my reasons for making/not making a comment :).


I was thinking more along the lines of realising what compels you to do the things you do, seemed like an valuable opportunity for reflection there... as it now is for me :)


Well, this particular comment from Terry just made me crack up laughing hard. So I just couldn't help it...

On a more serious note... on what compels me to do the things I do... pursuit of happiness maybe, operating within the (strict) rules dictated by my subconscious? It's a massive question. Not easy to answer in a few lines. And what is happiness? Feeling love and acceptance is part of the equation I suspect.

Henrik

[tdiamond]

I was under the impression that her friend gave her that label, after all if she were a man she would be called a super star or a stud...

Sleeping with 3 men does not makes her a slut in my book...

[Simon]

It's about being sexually open. 3, 5, 10 times with different men? I really don't want to make personal judgement except knowing that she is finally enjoying herself.

I even understand this stage hypnotist as her reason of why can she do what she couldn't until now.

[Connie]

"Hypnosis, the great liberator!" Huh, Simon? :)

So, if the story is true, it's a HAPPY story. About someone finally finding the freedom to be who they really want to be.

[Steffan_Effenburg]

I was under the impression that her friend gave her that label, after all if she were a man she would be called a super star or a stud...

Sleeping with 3 men does not makes her a slut in my book...

You are quite right when you say that this would be seen as a positive thing for a male, boys will be boys etc., so it is the social stigma attached to this female behaviour that the poster doesn't like and sees as negative. I'd say that was his problem. Shoes on the other feet and it was a group of men and a particularly straight laced, reserved chap who transformed into Mr. Saturday night fever, they'd all be cheering him on, hooting and patting his back and we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[Poodle]

is that...hypnosis CANNOT make one do anything one does NOT WANT to do. There are two types of persons that go on stage with a stage hypnotist -- easily hypnotized shows offs and they will do it with or without hypnosis - OR THE CASE WE HAVE HERE. THE RESERVED LADY WHO WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND CAN ALWAYS BLAME THE BEHAVIOUR ON THAT EVIIILLLL HYPNOTIST.
That statement is true and it verifies Skip's response, Terry's response and Don is still checking to see if such an event ever occurred at said place and date.

Long live women's lib! The times changed in the '60's so get with the program guys. Signed by one of the EVIIILLLLL HYPNOTISTS, Pood

[Soren K (existing)]

Long live women's lib! The times changed in the '60's so get with the program guys. Signed by one of the EVIIILLLLL HYPNOTISTS, Pood


So, how's about we share a room at the bandler gig then pood...? ;) Cut down on the hotel bill, erhem, and all that...

[Soren K (existing)]

I don't think I tried to justify the first comment, if that's what you had in mind. Just explaining my reasons for making/not making a comment :).


Henrik,

Despite my blistering aptitude for ambiguity and wonder inducing posts (:rolleyes:) I actually did just mean - no need to explain yourself to me my friend. Imagine you could know exactly how the irresitability worked.... what could you do with that?

Regards,
Soren

[jaynebeal]

not meaning to throw a spanner in the works here or go against superior judgement but did anyone catch the outcome of drug/pain hypnosis case against the c.i.a. years back? The people involved won their case. They suffered negative looping whilst under drugged conditions and electric shocks to "force" acceptence of negative and amnesiacal commands......the operaters involved also experimented with splitting up married or emotionally involved couples with forced/shock programming. Can I ask anyone's opinion on that? I don't believe for a second that you can cause harm without coercement of some kind but with it?...how long can a person stand the reapplication of pain until they agree to a command that may harm them? Surely you could change a person's wants from positive to negative to inflict pain or dangerous commands if they were hurt enough? Otherwise why did the plaintiffs win their case? Just a thought. Would love to hear anyone's opinions on this.

[Poodle]

Why don't we save that for NHR?

[Poodle]

Mmmmm, one of my fav albums for a number of reasons. Okay. More than hypnosis was involved. I, among other people here, know how to make a person do the unthinkable but it has little to do with hypnosis and a lot to do with mind control. Two very separate subject matters and no, I am not going to teach anyone how. Pood