Hypnosis, Etc. Podcast #60: Predictions for the Hypnosis Profession in 2008

Comments

1. Lee Loots says

   January 21, 2008 at 12:25 AM

   Another terrific broadcast. My thanks to you both. Cal's predictions gave me a fuller grasp of the field in general. I'm guessing they also planted seeds in the minds of practitioners, regarding next steps of professional development.

   At the point in the broadcast where Celeste mentioned graduates who never set up their practices, my ears perked up. Actually, I'd just called the center about this very issue! My conundrum was that I wanted to take Cal's class. but I certainly didn't want to repeat my habit of taking a training that I didn't ever use (except for myself). I wondered if it would be advisable to try to overcome this through hypnosis, prior to training, so that it was not lurking in my brain during class.

   I was lucky enough to get to talk to Maureen, who heard me, but didn't see this tendency as an impediment. For one thing, she felt that Seven Path (when faithfully applied) could help me work through whatever was keeping me back. She also assured me that the training includes strong post-graduate support--thus offering an on-going touchstone to new practitioners. (Maureen, I hope I have represented your comments accurately!) Consequently, I felt encouraged enough to enroll before the conversation concluded, and will be arriving for the Feb. training. (Hoorah!)

   I'll confess that my attitude took a temporary dive when this "failure to follow through" issue was broached in the podcast.. Initially, my brain pounded out defeatist remarks like: "Oh no! This is apparently a recurring problem---and I'll probably be one of those statistics!" But another part of my brain urged, "Don't go there!" (Whew! That part had noted Celeste's emphatic remarks about the importance of applying brain knowledge for better functioning). Thus, I chose to write and become part of the conversation.

   First of all, I want you both to know that I respect your honesty in discussing this openly. (Of course, we consumers are generally used the Madison Avenue treatment--where our attention is steered tidily past such issues, so that the blinding spotlight focused on the "shiny parts" can occupy our attention.) That's why your approach is novel. It is real. Your genuine respect for the profession is shown in how you handle issues like this. Prospective students; for initial training. as well as professional development, will find that they cannot help but notice this. I have also noticed the broad intellectual grasp held of the profession--yet another distinctive quality. {FYI, before I called Maureen, I'd spent around half a year on the web looking into hypnosis training in both the US and Canada. Then, I did local "research" by seeing practitioners who simply did not know what they were doing. Through these experiences, I developed somewhat of a sense of the profession.}

   Thank you a million times over for advocating that the banner of ethics be held high. Applying this standard intelligently is imperative for the profession to be taken seriously. Most unfortunately, practitioners who don't get "ethics," don't get life (because ethics is all about taking responsibilty for how we affect one another with our behaviors). With their giant blind spots, they cannot help but give the profession a black eye. Someone who doesn't get ethics is also going to have a hard time being a professional, too. As I see it, a professional commits to the standards of her/his profession as a discipline. When in professional mode, the private self and its self-centered needs simply must be displaced by the professional role. The "discipline" includes continually monitoring (and elevating) one's behavior, to better conform to professional standards. From a client's point of view, I know what a "burn" it is to pay professional rates, but then to get services which hardly meet that standard. The podcasts often helpfully identify lack of professionalism. (And that is how I found out that my former hypnotist's reassurance of it being perfectly fine that I slept through all sessions---was bogus!). I hope the professional trend grows so fast, that within my lifetime, I never hear another hypnotist brag about being able to manipulate others for self-serving ends (as though treating people as objects is somehow clever). But clearly, y'all are different--with refreshing honesty, and the integrity to stay open to new information.. So KEEP IT UP!

   Also, thank you for inviting others to your dialog about how to make the entire practice of hypnosis better. Regarding the issue of creating a practice, I hope practioners will offer up what got them through their initial hurdles. Likewise,I hope that graduates who feel stalled, will volunteer specifics about what's holding them back. Within a supportive community, the whole can become greater than the sum of its parts, and that is where the "magic" lies.

   Celeste, just know that (one woman to another), you have been a great inspiration. I've read all of your articles on this site, and have felt gratitude for your authenticity and courage (honestly). Cal, you are the best. Celeste says that for those who really want to make a difference, this field becomes a calling. Well, I definitely think you have been called to uplift the quality of the entire profession. Not surprisingly, you are the perfect person for that job!
   Lee Loots

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