Hypnotists should always be learning. We should always be exploring and adapting and challenging assumptions. There are always new insights to understand and techniques to be applied. The moment you decide as a hypnotist that you know it all, you’ve failed. You’ve failed yourself and your potential clients.
The same can apply when you become too comfortable with assumed norms. For example, one all too common assumption that I often come across is that analytical people make inherently bad subjects. As this is something that is often taught to new hypnotists (often without a solid basis, just something that is “commonly known” and/or because analytical people don’t typically respond well to common/traditional inductions) it has become more or less an accepted norm.
Oftentimes if we are accustomed to uncritically accepting information passed to us, especially if that information has come from a trusted source, or is considered to be “generally well known”, but in doing so we are selling ourselves short, and by extension our clients.
How could we ever hope to learn anything new if we don’t open our minds to different possibilities? I’m not suggesting we have to critically evaluate every single piece of information that comes our way – that would be ridiculous. Instead, I’m suggesting we should allow ourselves to be curious and open to challenging traditionally accepted ideas. The outcome of which doesn’t have to yield brand new results or information. But it will allow you to be secure in your views and to potentially learn new things.
If I had accepted the standard line that analytical people make bad hypnosis subjects then I never would have discovered how wrong this actually is. Nor would I have had the pleasure of successfully hypnotising hundreds of different analytical subjects and being able to professionally specialise in working with analytical subjects and those who have previously struggled to trance.
It can feel scary sometimes, especially as a new hypnotist, to step away from the well trod path of accepted assumptions. To even consider challenging what you have been taught. But it’s worth it. Absolute worst case scenario you’re able to confirm that what you have been taught or told is correct. Best case though – that’s much more exciting. Best case gives you the opportunity to learn new things, to become a better hypnotist and a better advocate and source of support and expertise for your subjects. Who wouldn’t want that?
I personally have learned so much by taking my own path and not being afraid to explore and experiment. Every day, each time I trance someone new (or even trance regular clients again) I am learning new things. I learn new techniques (and have become adept at creating and adapting my own techniques “on the fly” as it were), I gain new insights into my clients/subjects and their needs.
Learning that things don’t always go to plan and more importantly how to effectively respond to that is invaluable. If you never step out of your comfort zone, how are you ever going to realise your potential?
