Hypnosis in Counseling, a Christian Perspective
Hypnosis in Healthcare: A Christian Perspective
Christopher S. Baker
Oral Roberts University
Abstract
Steven Lafevers, a certified counselor and hypnotherapist, presents the reader with an array of methods and techniques associated with hypnotherapy. The reading offers detailed step by step methods of induction and foundational principles with little to no jargon or erroneous claims. A full spectrum of life challenges are identified, with respective hypnotic prescriptions presented as cathartic tools of hope and healing. The founding fathers of hypnotherapy are identified herein, as are the concept of suggestion and self-hypnosis as a constant state. The Christian perspective is discussed, albeit briefly, leaving the reader oddly comfortable with the idea of incorporating said techniques in one’s toolbox of therapeutic techniques. Although thorough in its description of methods and foundations of hypnotherapy, formal training and practice is well advised. Any and all therapists may benefit from the emphasis upon the therapeutic relationship, agreeably an essential component in counseling even from the most conservative Christian perspective.
Hypnosis and Suggestion The premise of hypnosis is a simple one, one of suggestion. The overwhelming theme presented by Lafevers is that of the power of suggestion, which is said to begin within the subconscious and subsequently affecting conscious cognition; furthermore his premise contends that we are already hypnotized, but unaware of it. The theoretical foundation is synonymous with the phenomenon of catharsis explored by Freud, however hypnosis is accredited to Franz Mesmer, an eighteenth century physician, and Dr. Milton Erickson is accredited as the father of modern Hypnosis. Freud chose to use free association as a sort of induction, whereas Erickson used telling stories, visualization techniques to initiate the process of hypnosis. Further, the concept of suggestion itself pre-dates
Christopher S. Baker
Oral Roberts University
Abstract
Steven Lafevers, a certified counselor and hypnotherapist, presents the reader with an array of methods and techniques associated with hypnotherapy. The reading offers detailed step by step methods of induction and foundational principles with little to no jargon or erroneous claims. A full spectrum of life challenges are identified, with respective hypnotic prescriptions presented as cathartic tools of hope and healing. The founding fathers of hypnotherapy are identified herein, as are the concept of suggestion and self-hypnosis as a constant state. The Christian perspective is discussed, albeit briefly, leaving the reader oddly comfortable with the idea of incorporating said techniques in one’s toolbox of therapeutic techniques. Although thorough in its description of methods and foundations of hypnotherapy, formal training and practice is well advised. Any and all therapists may benefit from the emphasis upon the therapeutic relationship, agreeably an essential component in counseling even from the most conservative Christian perspective.
Hypnosis and Suggestion The premise of hypnosis is a simple one, one of suggestion. The overwhelming theme presented by Lafevers is that of the power of suggestion, which is said to begin within the subconscious and subsequently affecting conscious cognition; furthermore his premise contends that we are already hypnotized, but unaware of it. The theoretical foundation is synonymous with the phenomenon of catharsis explored by Freud, however hypnosis is accredited to Franz Mesmer, an eighteenth century physician, and Dr. Milton Erickson is accredited as the father of modern Hypnosis. Freud chose to use free association as a sort of induction, whereas Erickson used telling stories, visualization techniques to initiate the process of hypnosis. Further, the concept of suggestion itself pre-dates
References: Kazdin, Alan. (2000). Encyclopedia of Psychology. USA: Oxford University Press. LaFevers, Stephen. (2006). Hypnosis in Healthcare. Casper, WY : Whiskey Creek Press. Smith, Brendan. (2011, January). Hypnosis Today: Hypnosis continues to show promise. (1) 42,50. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/hypnosis.aspx