Exploring Hypnosis Therapy: Questions and Curiosities

Hey everyone,

I've been intrigued by the concept of hypnosis therapy lately and wanted to delve into it a bit more.

I've heard some fascinating things about how it can help with various issues like anxiety, phobias, and even breaking bad habits.

However, I'm also curious about the science behind it and how it actually works.

For those who have tried hypnosis therapy or know more about it, I'd love to hear about your experiences and insights.

What drew you to hypnosis therapy? How did it impact your life?

And for those who are skeptical, what questions or concerns do you have about its effectiveness?

Welcome to the forum.

As for hypnosis,
It is a metaphysical practice that is sometimes effective. Rather than look at whether or not something produces results, we should look at whether or not a practice is of God or not. As a child, I went through a long program that used technics common to hypnosis.

Stay away from hypnosis. It is of the occult. Those who would be hypnotised have to surrender their will will to be controlled by an external force. That force is demonic. I went to a performance by a hypnotist along with several hundred others. I was one of 30 curious volunteers. The hypnotist could not put me out because I was unwilling to be controlled. I did not realise that at the time. The others were up on the stage carrying on like animals, doing crazy antics and such. All very amusing at the time. I know now what was behind it. And hypnosis for psychological therapy is no different from the "entertainment" variety. The source is the same.

Hypnosis can work, but for all the wrong reasons. And the cure is worse than the disease. There is no science behind it. There is hypnosis in Christian circles, masquerading as the Holy Spirit. Avoid that like the plague also. Lord Jesus warned His followers of signs that could deceive the elect. The fake "Holy" spirit is one such manifestation.

Hypnosis "can help" with mental-emotional issues in the same way that chopping off one's hand "can help" with a hangnail.

If you're a Christian, find a biblically-based counselor to help you (or whomever needs help). If you're not a Christian, start by repenting of your sin and believing in Jesus Christ, then find a biblically-based counselor.

I agree with the other posters. Just because "it works" doesn't make it right. Some stars sell their souls for fame and fortune. They get the fame and fortune, but at what price? Do you really want to solve your problems by potentially invoking demons, or surrendering your God-given free will to another? Find another way.

This is from those who actually promote techniques like hypnosis.

(Source: Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs)
“Hypnosis is a deliberate-induced condition of deep mental relaxation, passivity, or trance in which a person becomes highly suggestible with a state of consciousness capable of dramatic manipulation. In various forms, hypnotism can be found in every culture in every age. Hypnosis has historically been considered an altered state of consciousness, often called a ‘trance.’ The term itself comes from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep. The world cannot say with certainty what hypnosis is nor exactly how it works, but somehow it does. Hypnosis in therapy seeks to deal with current problems by employing hypnotic states to change behavior. In New Age & occult applications, hypnosis is used for a wide variety of psychic purposes, including developing ‘human potential’ and uncovering ‘past lives’ for ‘therapeutic’ and occult purposes. A wide variety of self, or personal growth seminars instruct people in the techniques of self-hypnosis to achieve their desired goals. It has been claimed to develop psychic abilities, calm hyperactive children, lose weight, be better at sports, stop smoking, etc. Historically, it is typically associated with the occultists or psychics, the one who exercises power over things or persons, such as the shaman, magician, witch doctor, medium, or guru. Hypnosis has been known to produce a variety of occult phenomena. For example, ‘past-life’ experiences, multiple personalities, speaking in unknown languages, automatic writing, seizures, spirit possession, astral projection, etc. The (demonic) spirits themselves endorse the use of hypnosis because it frequently serves their purpose to possess or influence individuals. Cases of spirit possession resulting from hypnosis have occurred. Many of the best-known mediums of the 19th century first started their careers as hypnotic subjects. The various hypnotic methods lie within the biblically prohibited practices of ‘charming,’ ‘enchanting,’ and general magic.”

Here's more about hypnosis. The entire video is under 20 minutes and worth the time. The section describing hypnosis is in the later half.

You got some good responses I think..
What do you think about the video and Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs?