Potential dangers for hypnotist & client
Introduction to
Before 1958, neither Dr. Milton Erickson nor Harry Arons were anxious to be included in their three-day
workshops also teach the “dangers”.
In this course, however, we would like to point out that these dangers do exist; You should take note of them and know how you can act if necessary;
Precautions to be taken by the hypnotist
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Transference and countertransference
This is probably the most common problem. Transference is an unconscious psychological process that tends to project onto another person emotions and desires of a romantic nature, sympathy, tenderness or love – often personal emotions influenced by past experiences with key people in one’s own life – (or conversely antipathy, disappointment, disinterest or aggressiveness…).
Countertransference is the term used in psychoanalysis to describe a form of transference in which a therapist reacts to the patient (or rather (or the patient’s actions and statements resulting from transference phenomena) and in turn directs his or her own feelings, prejudices, expectations and wishes towards the patient. The therapist leaves his neutral position – usually temporarily – for various reasons. In the early days of psychoanalysis, countertransference was therefore regarded as a disruptive influence that the therapist had to become aware of and eliminate. Modern psychoanalysis also sees the therapist’s feelings towards the patient as a “sounding board” through which he gains information about the patient.In principle, as with transference, a distinction can be made between positive and negative countertransference, depending on whether pleasant or unpleasant feelings are in the foreground;
The forms of countertransference are very diverse; They range from affection, social or tender wishes to negative feelings, aversion or derogatory thoughts and statements that the therapist may express to the patientDealing with countertransference is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for hypnotists, psychotherapists, doctors, educators, etc. in their work. in their work. It is not uncommon for the patient’s ideas and secret desires that come up in psychotherapeutic sessions to be inappropriate and guided by idealizations or perversions. However, this is an expression of the psychological problems for which the patient is seeking help and which it is the task of therapy to resolve; The therapist is prepared for the situation to occur and does not react with personal concern (like the patient’s social environment), but with friendly neutrality;
- False claims. There is a similar problem to that faced by doctors, dentists, psychologists and psychiatrists. For example, there is the possibility of being sued by unscrupulous people (both men and women) for the purpose of blackmail by claiming,
sexual assaults had occurred. - “Rape fantasies” – a common transference phenomenon in which a confused client complains
and believes that a sexual assault or similar experience has actually happened.
It is important to realize that hypnosis can be erotic; It can happen that under
Hypnosis can arouse sensations that evoke possible male/female arousal
To avoid both of the above problems, it is a good idea to always have a tape recorder
at hand. If any problem is expected, turn it on Meet
possible objections of the client by stating that this is necessary in order to be able to make a later
time to be able to work through the session.
If a more serious problem is expected, it may be necessary to have someone else with you;
at least within earshot. If somehow sexual arousal becomes apparent, it is important to keep the dialog
reassuringly. Say: “Stay calm, peaceful, relaxed, quiet.” Use
no more words that suggest hypnosis or sleep. Do not continue the hypnosis until
calm has returned.
Possible countermeasure
A discussion with the client after the session is preferable in the first instance. Explain that it is quite normal for there to be a close relationship between hypnotist and client This is useful for good cooperation, but has nothing to do with partnership or private ideas; Remain professional and neutral If in doubt, refer your client to a colleague.
Audio recordings, which are useful for recording and testifying but can be easily altered, offer no protection in court.
Video or professional security cameras with date and time on the screen are recommended and accepted as evidence.
Possible risks for the client
- The greatest danger for a client is unqualified therapy
Therapist: has special qualifications and practice in dealing with psychological problems
and to deal with them.
Hypnotist: trained in hypnosis, which does not qualify them to treat psychological problems
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It is important that you only work within the scope of your training and in accordance with the guidelines;
that apply to your own qualifications
The real danger of unqualified therapy lies in the fact that it involves the use of a
necessary therapy. - Failure to comply with medical restrictions or exceeding the accompanying role.
Pain is a detection tool, relieving discomfort through hypnosis can lead to delaying the discovery of a tumor.
The elimination of secondary discomfort through hypnosis can lead to a loss of motivation to seek appropriate medical help. -
Possible physical injuries
Gradually induce catalepsy (limb rigidity) Never weigh down the body of the
Clients with weights to achieve full body rigidity. This is very dangerous and could lead to
ruptures or permanent physical damage.
Anything that is a source of danger when you are awake could also be a source of danger when you are hypnotized;
be such
It is not true that hypnotized clients could resist high heat or flames; Meat
will burn
Hypnosis does not give clients (physical) abilities that they do not possess; -
Uncontrolled abreactions
Not knowing how to deal with an abreaction can make a person “really” relive a trauma. (see the course on regressions and the definition of an abreaction)
Countermeasure: setting up safety measures in advance, such as a safe place and procedure to get the client out of the abreaction.e.g. a Safe Place and procedures to get the client out of the abreaction. -
Visualization or appeal to the imagination without prior security check.
Going to a beach when the person concerned associates it with an accident through their personal experience can provoke a severe abreaction and a return to the surface of a painful, forgotten event. Trance is a receptive state. Although one theory states that hypnosis is self-hypnosis and nothing can be done without the client’s permission (the subconscious is protective), it is important to know that this state is a state of heightened affectability;
General precautions
- Avoid suddenly shocking the client
- Avoid mentioning anything upsetting (such as that someone has died
or seriously injured). - Heart disease
Hypnosis will not cause a heart attack. Nevertheless, use the healthy
Common sense when dealing with a cardiac patient. Do not work with a client,
who is still undergoing medical treatment or has recently undergone heart surgery or a
heart attack, unless the attending physician deems it appropriate to strengthen the healing powers and/or motivation; - Hysterical clients
Signs to look out for:
The client’s head begins a slow rhythmic circular movement in hypnosis, or the
Client suddenly laughs inappropriately or cries uncontrollably. This must be responded to immediately
otherwise this could lead to a full-blown seizure;
How to deal with it:
You can stop the movement of the head by gently stroking and touching the forehead;
Don’t use words like “hypnosis” or “sleep” anymore, but calming, relaxing
Words Do not bring the client out of hypnosis until sedation has been achieved;
When the head movement stops, you can continue with the session; When the movement returns
apply the same procedure. After calming down, get the client out of the
Hypnosis, and discontinue the use of hypnosis.
Sometimes problems can be caused solely by the client’s nervousness about hypnosis
are caused. The nervousness could cause him to hyperventilate. It is important to help the client
not to come out of hypnosis too quickly.
If it gets out of hand, say, “Let the scene fade away, just focus on your breath.” Above all, however, you should always keep calm yourself;