Playing with Fire

"If you use hypnosis, you are playing with fire!" That was the advice my client got from her minister.

When she told me this, my heart sank. I am still surprised when doctors, therapists and ministers, warn people NOT to use hypnosis. I feel so bad, that they are getting more and more discouragement, especially when they need encouragement and motivation to make changes they desperately need and want.

So here is what I say to that advice:

Yes! Using hypnosis can be compared to playing with fire. What happens when humans play with fire? or should I say "employ" fire?

Fire lights the darkness. Fire cooks our food. Fire warms the cold. Fire keeps the carnivores away at night.

Without fire, human beings would not have become civilized. They probably wouldn't have survived at all. So I am going with this metaphor:

Using hypnosis is like playing with fire, only it is not "playing" if you find an ethical educated certified hypnotist. So use it for motivation, optimism, healing, and behavior modification! Use it for developing confidence and eliminating fears. Use it! Just be careful that you use the fire with the proper supervision.

My client used hypnosis to reduce fear and anxiety. She is now able to take showers and leave her house, 2 things she was afraid to do for the past 4 years. She still has fears, but they no longer control her life the way they used to. Her confidence has soared, too. She decided to go ahead with hypnosis, even after she received this caveat from her minister. She decided to use prayer to protect her from any danger.

BTW, there is very low risk of negative side effects from using hypnosis. The hypnotee can always reject a suggestion from the hypnotist; he cannot be made to do something he considers immoral or unethical. The hypnotee is always in control.

What TMI has done for me

I joined ToastMasters International in July 2009.

I have completed 8 speeches so far in the first manual, The Competant Communicator.

When I joined I just wanted to learn to be a more dynamic speaker. I wanted to engage my audience, and be able to think on my feet. I have done presentations for a long time and had mixed reviews. Sometimes I'm up and it goes wonderfully, sometimes I'm mediocre. So I wanted to learn how to make sure I am always at my best in the spotlight.

I think this is the best way to increase confidence as you also improve the effectiveness of your communication skills. I am very encouraged, since after the last 3 speeches, I have been told by different members that I improve each time and this is "the best one yet!"

I love to hear it! The feedback is wonderful. I never enjoyed "evaluations' until ToastMasters. You see, no one is allowed to say anything negative UNLESS they have a suggestion for improvement. And they come up with great suggestions. My second speech was given at a center for Advanced Speakers. I was offered the opportunity to speak before my scheduled workshop at the National Guild of Hypnotists in August 2009. At first I declined in sheer fright, but then realized what a great opportunity it would be. I'm glad I went.