As a hypnotist or hypnotherapist, what is our role and obligation to our subjects and clients?

We know that hypnosis is not "mind control" as many might think. Hypnosis is a natural human state that was observed, and then later, labeled as "hypnosis".

The reason why we give "suggestions", even though they may sometimes be phrased as "commands", is because we are working with our clients to gently "guide" their subconscious toward some positive change or benefit. Therefore, our "role" as a hypnotist is that of "field guide" through the subconscious mind of our subject or client.

Our training has helped us to recognize the natural process of hypnosis, so that we may guide our subjects and clients into the hypnotic state "on purpose", as opposed to "by accident", which is what normally occurs. While in the proper state, we are obligated to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Always keep our client/subjects safety and well being as our top most priority.
• Carefully word our suggestions in such a way as to not violate a core belief or principal of our client/subject.
• Provide our client/subject with a rewarding and pleasant experience.
• Provide our client/subject with a "gift", that is some benefit that they can take with them, so that they leave us better off then when they found us.
• Always approach hypnosis with our client/subject with a positive intent, in a way that is "wanting something FOR our client/subject" as opposed to "wanting something FROM our client/subject".

Michael C. White, C.Ht.