Kris Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Has anyone tried hypnotism? I am seriously considering as an option to deal fully with my religious OCD issues. I have been doing better than I was a few years back-- but still tend to slip back into obsessive thoughts. And if something scares me, it takes a while to work through. I never thought of myself as someone who could be hypnotized, but I would be open to it if it gave me any kind of peace from my obsessive behavior. If anyone has any experience with this, please let me know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilentLoner Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Anyone can be hypnotized. Its about allowing yourself to be - if you're resistant to it, it won't work. I had a professor in undergrad who did hypnosis, and he explained it to us and demonstrated. He even used it on his wife when she was in labor - according to her she felt nothing at all. He also hypnotized himself during tooth extractions to feel little to no pain. Its worth a try. Make sure you find a reputable practitioner though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 Wow-- that is awesome!! I really don't want to go on meds, so I thought this might be a good option for me. Thanks for the input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Margee Posted July 8, 2013 Moderator Share Posted July 8, 2013 Kris, I know many, many people over the years who have definitely benefited from hypnosis. I would do a good search to find the very best one in your area. And I would also make sure that he or she is not a fundamentalist Christian. I would try to find a 'secular' hypnosis doctor if it were me. OCD in any 'issue' is hell on earth!! I suffer myself in a different way. I do think the main thing to remember in all this is that it is OCD. Becoming aware of it is the first step. What have you got to lose hon?? Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!! *Hug* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrotherJosh Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Find an actual medical professional and therapist to help you deal with OCD. Not a hypnotist or whatever other quack is out there. Meds and therapy are far better than pseudoscience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Yes, I have experience with hypnotism. As said, it works if you want it to, if you go with it. If you're skeptical, or second-guessing, it probably won't stick. Josh is right, work with a professional. In high school I learned to do self-hypnosis, but found limitations on how far I could go with it, I couldn't accomplish much in terms of self awareness expansion or personal growth, so I stopped doing it. I went to a hypnotist to quit smoking. That was 2004-5, and I still don't smoke. Self-training helped here. I prepped for a month then stayed fixed for a month after in a sort of self-induced smoke-stoppers zone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 Thanks all for your feedback. I am really trying to find a balance-- trying to get to where I want to be-- at peace!! My brain is my worst enemy at times!! But I think that is a part of human nature! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel15 Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I was unlucky and had a bad experience with a hypnotist - who decided to try and alter the way I felt about my husband whilst I was under (our marriage was in trouble and we were separating) after I related to him what was happening - even though I was going to him for something completely different. Within a few days of seeing him I had a breakdown with psychosis and found that I kept responding as if I was still being hypnotised. Because of that I've been very wary of going anywhere near hypnotherapy since, and would say to check the credentials and testimonials of someone if you decide to go ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midniterider Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 You could try hypnosis. I have a relative who stopped smoking this way (anecdotal evidence, I know). Though I think there are different reasons for the obsession in OCD and the obsession in addiction. Read up on what hypnosis is, how it works and then decide whether or not it can help you with OCD. You may not want to "just ask" a professional hypnotist as they might think it can solve every problem. Get some knowledge first. Medication can be good and bad. Doctors seem to like prescribing anti-depressants for a variety of disorders including OCD. Some of the side effects suck. Therapy can be good...though can also be expensive. What about meditation? I have a mild case of OCD which I can bust up by becoming aware that A) it's only an anxious thought, not actual reality. destroy the repetitive behavior by refusing to do it. Sometimes I'm successful. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I was unlucky and had a bad experience with a hypnotist - who decided to try and alter the way I felt about my husband whilst I was under (our marriage was in trouble and we were separating) after I related to him what was happening - even though I was going to him for something completely different. Within a few days of seeing him I had a breakdown with psychosis and found that I kept responding as if I was still being hypnotised. Because of that I've been very wary of going anywhere near hypnotherapy since, and would say to check the credentials and testimonials of someone if you decide to go ahead. rachel, that's serious. Did you learn if there are any hypnosis recovery options? I would think a good hypnotist could counter the work of another. What about meditation? Yes, meditation, make yourself obsessive about it. Some obsessions are good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel15 Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I was unlucky and had a bad experience with a hypnotist - who decided to try and alter the way I felt about my husband whilst I was under (our marriage was in trouble and we were separating) after I related to him what was happening - even though I was going to him for something completely different. Within a few days of seeing him I had a breakdown with psychosis and found that I kept responding as if I was still being hypnotised. Because of that I've been very wary of going anywhere near hypnotherapy since, and would say to check the credentials and testimonials of someone if you decide to go ahead. rachel, that's serious. Did you learn if there are any hypnosis recovery options? I would think a good hypnotist could counter the work of another. I never got proper recovery for it - instead I got put on psych meds and basically told off for going to see a hypnotist by the psychiatrist - because I had been seeing a counsellor and he said that I ought not to have mixed therapies (!) - I was too ill to think straight and was so scared off it that I didn't think to see consult another hypnotist. I have been thinking quite a lot about the subject after I read this thread though because it brought it all back. I read somewhere - it might even have been here -that sermons at church can be hypnotic, as well as worship. In addition, a therapist used the word again when she talked about the fact that a person will basically hypnotise themselves to believe certain things about themselves or others in order to cope with or survive dysfunctional experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midniterider Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I was unlucky and had a bad experience with a hypnotist - who decided to try and alter the way I felt about my husband whilst I was under (our marriage was in trouble and we were separating) after I related to him what was happening - even though I was going to him for something completely different. Within a few days of seeing him I had a breakdown with psychosis and found that I kept responding as if I was still being hypnotised. Because of that I've been very wary of going anywhere near hypnotherapy since, and would say to check the credentials and testimonials of someone if you decide to go ahead. rachel, that's serious. Did you learn if there are any hypnosis recovery options? I would think a good hypnotist could counter the work of another. I never got proper recovery for it - instead I got put on psych meds and basically told off for going to see a hypnotist by the psychiatrist - because I had been seeing a counsellor and he said that I ought not to have mixed therapies (!) - I was too ill to think straight and was so scared off it that I didn't think to see consult another hypnotist. I have been thinking quite a lot about the subject after I read this thread though because it brought it all back. I read somewhere - it might even have been here -that sermons at church can be hypnotic, as well as worship. In addition, a therapist used the word again when she talked about the fact that a person will basically hypnotise themselves to believe certain things about themselves or others in order to cope with or survive dysfunctional experiences. My pastor could be hypnotic in some of his sermons. I think it was intentional. :-) Worship music is a hypnotic mantra. It always put me in to the Jesus Zone. Take whatever advice you feel is useful from the professionals and judge for yourself the merit of their prejudices against their 'competitors.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 I heard somewhere that L Ron Hubbard's book (his manual) would hypnotize readers to "sleep" any time they watched or read science fiction. To what end I didn't hear. He did write what became the film Battlefield Earth, which could tie into some ulterior scheme. I have no idea if the allegations are true. I only gave the book an overview. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 Well I made an appointment for this Friday and am pretty excited. I am really hoping it will work for me-- I really need it to!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceWoman Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 My experience with hypnotism was with hypno-birthing. It was a complete success, as I had absolutely no pain during a drug-free, natural childbirth. (I know it was working because every hour or so the midwife came in to check vitals, and that snapped me out of it for a minute -- then the pain was oh so very real! But I was able to get back and all was pain-free again. I was warned in class and in the book to practice being interrupted, but I never got around to that part.) This process took a lot of work on my part. I took a small group class with my husband for several sessions, read the book, and practiced practiced practiced with the audio CDs. (There were maybe 6 with the set, each using a different approach -- numbers, colors, other visualizations... and I picked the one that worked best for me.) I played the same CD over and over during labor, helping to keep me in my proper mental state. So I would say that yes, hypnotism can work! I obviously would not be able to sustain this level of concentration outside of childbirth (for other applications like you are describing), because this was intended to be very specific and contained to this period of time. So in that sense, my experience does not translate to what you are going to be doing. As a funny (or not?) tidbit... after my baby was born and I was out of my "trance", I needed a couple of stitches. (My baby came out with her hand next to her head, and her fingernails made a tear.) Oh... I should have gotten back into the trance for those stitches. But at least I was drug-free, and went home 4 hours later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceWoman Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Kris, is today the day? I'd love to hear what you have learned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kolaida Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My experience with hypnotism was with hypno-birthing. It was a complete success, as I had absolutely no pain during a drug-free, natural childbirth. (I know it was working because every hour or so the midwife came in to check vitals, and that snapped me out of it for a minute -- then the pain was oh so very real! But I was able to get back and all was pain-free again. I was warned in class and in the book to practice being interrupted, but I never got around to that part.) This process took a lot of work on my part. I took a small group class with my husband for several sessions, read the book, and practiced practiced practiced with the audio CDs. (There were maybe 6 with the set, each using a different approach -- numbers, colors, other visualizations... and I picked the one that worked best for me.) I played the same CD over and over during labor, helping to keep me in my proper mental state. So I would say that yes, hypnotism can work! I obviously would not be able to sustain this level of concentration outside of childbirth (for other applications like you are describing), because this was intended to be very specific and contained to this period of time. So in that sense, my experience does not translate to what you are going to be doing. As a funny (or not?) tidbit... after my baby was born and I was out of my "trance", I needed a couple of stitches. (My baby came out with her hand next to her head, and her fingernails made a tear.) Oh... I should have gotten back into the trance for those stitches. But at least I was drug-free, and went home 4 hours later. Oh wow!! I'd never thought of hypnosis for child birth. That's a neat idea! Not that I'm in any danger of having a child but definitely filing this one into my "Just in case" memory files. I've heard so much good and bad stuff about hypnotism. I would definitely be interested to know if your OCD gets treated this way, Kris. Having had a pretty severe case of OCD myself, I do wonder about it. I wound up doing the exposure therapy without really realizing it and it helped a lot with my compulsions but even today, I still have trouble not obsessing over things (currently in therapy for that, actually). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 12, 2013 Author Share Posted July 12, 2013 Well, I had to have my appointment resceduled to tomorrow-- so it was a disappointing day. I was so looking forward to finding a way to control my OCD thoughts and fears-- but hopefully, tomorrow, I can begin a road to recovery. I really don't know what that means-- but I am wondering if I will even know if I am hynotized, or if I will just stop dwelling on religious thoughts, or if they come along, I will passively dismiss them without fixating and dwelling on them-- and then going to the computer to research (or waste hours of my life!!) on. I really just want to forget EVERYTHING about religion, but I am not sure that will happen. I guess we will see. I saw in a few other threads mention of a term called "scrupulocity"-- I think that this describes me very well. Today, I have been worried that the hypno-therapist that I will be seeing will turn out to be a jesus-freak and will manipulate my thoughts while I am under-- or will refuse to help me altoghther because he doesnt want me to go to hell. That would be awful! But that is the point that my anxiety level has gotten to-- now I worry about worrying! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Stay in the zone. It's the same today, tomorrow. Be in the zone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 13, 2013 Author Share Posted July 13, 2013 Thanks Voice!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceWoman Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Bummer you had to wait. Please keep us posted. I am interested in your story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 Did you make it in to see someone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share Posted July 15, 2013 I did make it in this weekend-- and I have to say, it was a pretty awesome experience. The hypno-therapist and I spent a lot of time talking about the crux of my anxiety with religion and one thing that he said was that I was likely hypnotized during some of my scary church experiences-- because pastors often use their tones, etc. to lull a crowd into an experience. He also said that most people are open to powers of suggestion when they are most relaxed, and most afraid (which was often where I was at). That made a lot of sense to me, because I struggled in my mind with understanding something, but being conflicted by other thoughts that lingered in my mind. We then completed the hypnosis process-- I did not think I could be hypnotized, but I was desperate, so I was open to the process. I did close my eyes when instructed, and listened to what was being said in speaker phones, with secondary voice in the back. My subconcious mind was instructed to help with anxiety reduction and using reason to address my religious fears. At a few points, i remember tears streaking my face-- but couldn't stop them. I am a fairly unemotional person in real life, so I found this surprising. I did feel quite relaxed and happy when the session ended. It has been a few days, and I dont find myself dwelling on thoughts as much, and when I have them, I am rationally thinking things through without second-guessing everything. I may go back to get some further help with some OCD thoughts that I have(wanting to go to the internet to validate things, etc.) but I feel like I am on a path to some peace. I told the therapist that my brain was fighting me at every turn-- I embraced my athiestic thoughts but fought against them due to preconditioning. Then, if I tried to research something religious-- anytime there was an arguement in favor of "religious fact", I had a hard time shaking it off (probably due to some of the church-related hypnosis). I was really releived that he was willing to work with me, and even said that he had others that came to him for the very same reason-- that made me feel good. Like I said, I may go back at least one more time to strengthen my resolve on things, as he said some people feel the need to do-- but for fun, I would also like to have a past life regression-- just to see what would happen!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Margee Posted July 15, 2013 Moderator Share Posted July 15, 2013 I did make it in this weekend-- and I have to say, it was a pretty awesome experience. The hypno-therapist and I spent a lot of time talking about the crux of my anxiety with religion and one thing that he said was that I was likely hypnotized during some of my scary church experiences-- because pastors often use their tones, etc. to lull a crowd into an experience. He also said that most people are open to powers of suggestion when they are most relaxed, and most afraid (which was often where I was at). That made a lot of sense to me, because I struggled in my mind with understanding something, but being conflicted by other thoughts that lingered in my mind. We then completed the hypnosis process-- I did not think I could be hypnotized, but I was desperate, so I was open to the process. I did close my eyes when instructed, and listened to what was being said in speaker phones, with secondary voice in the back. My subconcious mind was instructed to help with anxiety reduction and using reason to address my religious fears. At a few points, i remember tears streaking my face-- but couldn't stop them. I am a fairly unemotional person in real life, so I found this surprising. I did feel quite relaxed and happy when the session ended. It has been a few days, and I dont find myself dwelling on thoughts as much, and when I have them, I am rationally thinking things through without second-guessing everything. I may go back to get some further help with some OCD thoughts that I have(wanting to go to the internet to validate things, etc.) but I feel like I am on a path to some peace. I told the therapist that my brain was fighting me at every turn-- I embraced my athiestic thoughts but fought against them due to preconditioning. Then, if I tried to research something religious-- anytime there was an arguement in favor of "religious fact", I had a hard time shaking it off (probably due to some of the church-related hypnosis). I was really releived that he was willing to work with me, and even said that he had others that came to him for the very same reason-- that made me feel good. Like I said, I may go back at least one more time to strengthen my resolve on things, as he said some people feel the need to do-- but for fun, I would also like to have a past life regression-- just to see what would happen!! I'm so glad it went well Kris!! Right on girl!! I really do hope this helps you. And what that doctor says about the power of suggestion is very true. In the next 30 seconds you will see in your imagination a pink elephant!! Close your eyes for a sec. See!!! I just did a power of suggestion! That's how easy it is for us to ALL hypnotise each other. Why do you think they put out all the advertisements that do? Power of suggestion!!! Damn!! We have to be VERY careful when we listen to people. I want to try past life regression too!!!!! I think I was a salvation army, high class woman bitch in my last life who got murdered!!!! Lol *hug* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Margee Posted July 15, 2013 Moderator Share Posted July 15, 2013 Kris, I just wanted to add that when my obsessive thoughts enter in my brain to torture me, I do these affirmations everyday under this music I have posted below. In a way, I am trying to hypnotise or self suggest to my own sub-conscious mind. It is really helping me. Try it sometime..... 1. I want to be free of this problem. 2. I am willing to be free of this problem. 3. I am willing to be free of this problem from now on. 4. I give myself permission to be free of this problem. 5. It is OK for me to be free of this problem. 6. I am willing to receive all the benefits of being free of this problem. 7. I will do everything in my power that is necessary to stay free from this problem. 8. I DESERVE TO BE FREE OF THIS PROBLEM. Hope it helps a little!! The music starts off kinda weird, but it get real pretty and is soooooo good for relaxing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YExLyZKoA0g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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