From: erc@unislc.uucp (Ed Carp)
Subject: Re: Suggestions on hypnosis (long)
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Organization: Unisys Corporation SLC
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1992 04:17:44 GMT


Q:	I think I've been abused, but I don't remember anything.  Should
	I try hypnosis?  What will it do for me?  What can I expect?

A:	Hypnosis is a way to quiet the conscious mind enough for the
	sub-conscious mind to come through.  In this way, a skilled hypnotist
	can gain access to information that has been forgotten or suppressed.
	It's a common fallacy that "you can't lie under hypnosis"; if your
	self thinks it's important enough to keep hidden, it will. Usually,
	though, there are very good reasons why you haven't allowed yourself
	to remember childhood memories.  A lot of times, memories of abuse are
	very painful (though there are exceptions) and you might be in a place
	where you couldn't handle remembering, so the conscious mind blocks the
	recall.  If you are considering seeking a hypnotist to help you
	uncover childhood memories, remember, "be careful what you wish for--
	you might get it!"  Talk it over with your regular therapist (if any);
	you want to make *sure* that you are in a place emotionally where you
	can handle those kinds of memories.

	It's also another fallacy that you can be made to do "anything" while
	under hypnosis.  You don't lose consciousness, and you can't be made
	to do anything that is against your ego or against your principles.

	A skilled hypnotist can extract an amazing amount of information
	from your subconscious under the right circumstances, but you want
	to make sure the one you choose is reputable, accredited, and has
	regressed sexual abuse survivors before, because the memories that
	can come up can be *very* emotionally charged, and you don't want
	someone regressing you unless they *know* what they are doing.
	Hypnotic regression isn't a parlor game, and it's not for amateurs;
	every now and then someone gets seriously freaked out under hypnosis,
	and it takes a skilled professional to bring them out of it safely.
	When done by someone who knows what they're doing, hypnosis is 100%
	safe.

	A typical hypnosis session will run like this: the hypnotist will
	either have you lying down or in a comfortable chair (the key here
	is your comfort), perhaps have some soothing music playing in the
	background to help you relax, and will talk to you for a few
	minutes, explaining what he/she will be doing, and making sure you
	understand hypnosis and what it can and cannot do.  It *can* help
	you uncover childhood memories, possible of abuse - it *cannot*
	tell you what to do with those memories once they're uncovered.
	Hypnosis isn't a "cure-all", nor is it for everyone.  It isn't
	"black magic" or "satanic" - it's a process whereby you gain access
	to other parts of your mind.

	When you are comfortable and relaxed, the hypnotist will then
	start to relax you, either by verbally talking you "down", or
	using taped instructions.  You may go through a "white light"
	protection ritual (this assures you that you are safe and in control)
	then you will be instructed to visualize you body relaxing, part
	by part (usually starting at the feet and working up), muscle
	group by muscle group.  You may be instructed to visualize numbers,
	counting down from 10, to 1, and this may happen several times.
	This is to focus your concentration and to help you ease into the
	hypnotic state.  You may also be given suggestions that you are at
	peace, you are relaxed, and at ease.

	After you are totally relaxed and are into the hypnotic state, the
	hypnotist will usually give you instructions that "you will remember
	everything that happens during this session".  You may also be
	instructed that you will be emotionally detached from any scenes
	or images that you may see or feel; you will be as an observer in
	what you are about to see.  This, of course, is for your protection.

	At this point, the hypnotist will start to regress you, or may ask
	your subconscious mind to show you a memory or scene from your
	childhood that is relevent, then ask you to describe what you are
	seeing.  This exploration may go on for some time, as the hypnotist
	sees fit or as time permits.

	At the end of the session, the hypnotist will bring you back up to
	full consciousness, possibly with suggestions that "you feel good,
	you are relaxed and at peace", etc.

	The session may be taped.  If not, you might want to ask permission
	to tape it yourself - if this is refused, you might want to consider
	looking for another hypnotist.

	Remember that the memories you uncover may change from session to
	session, especially in the minor details.  This does *not* mean that
	your memories are invalid!  The mind is a very tricky thing to deal
	with, and has very sophisticated protection mechanisms.  What is
	real and true and set in concrete from one perspective might be
	seen differently at another point in time.  The mind at times forms
	associative memories in unusual ways - say, for example, that your
	SO and you are having problems.  You are regressed, and a memory
	fragment comes up that has your SO molesting you as a child.  This
	is obviously impossible!  What happened?  Well, your mind associated
	the sexual abuse with what you may feel is emotional abuse with your
	SO, and put the two together.  What *is* important is the pattern of
	memories, not the specific details, even though you may have strong
	reactions to specific details of abuse memories.  The more emotionally
	charged a memory is, the more likely your mind will try and protect
	you from the specific details.  That's why it's very important for
	you to get your therapist's OK before starting in on regressive
	hypnosis.
-- 
Ed Carp, N7EKG                  erc@apple.com                     801/538-0177
"This is the final task I will ever give you, and it  goes  on  forever.   Act
happy, feel happy, be happy, without a reason in the world. Then you can love,
and do what you will."           -- Dan Millman, "Way Of The Peaceful Warrior"