Who can become a Hypnotist?
Nothing could be further from the truth than the popular idea that the hypnotist must possess some mysterious “gift” or “hypnotic power”. Actually, any “power” there is lies within the patient and is, as will be seen later, merely the patient’s own imagination. All that is required of the hypnotist to induce a trance is the technical knowledge of how to manipulate this potent force. The technique of hypnotism is so simple that practically anybody can master it with ease, but mere induction of the hypnotic trance is not sufficient for the practice of hypnotherapy. It is suggestion which cures, not hypnotism, for the trance state merely enables the patient to absorb the suggestion in concentrated form. The medical hypnotist will therefore require a thorough knowledge of the technique and laws of suggestion, a good practical working knowledge of psychology, unbounded enthusiasm, infinite patience and considerable confidence in his (p 17) own ability, in addition to a good all-round medica
