What do you think about hypnotizing for sexual abuse victims in adulthood? Is it ok for Christians?

Answer 1

There is one essential question to ask oneself before doing such a thing. For what purpose would one subject oneself to this handing over ones MIND to another?

To ascertain whether or not one was abused sexually in early childhood, right? What purpose is served by doing this? Will it change anything in ones life... save a possible sense of guilt deeply repressed within ones own MIND?

Given you include the term "Christian" in your post, the following may or may not fit. Whether or not one believes in "as ye sow, so shall ye reap", or Karma, the fact is it does exist, and is the reason one would be sexually abused in early childhood. That is, the experience was due one. If one believes that this is the only time one has lived [a silly misinterpretation of a misunderstood phrase in the Bible] then the reality of Karma is disbelieved to support ones belief in a misinterpretation. In this case, one might as well seek to punish someone for something someone might have done... because this would be the only reason for subjecting oneself to hypnotism.

To discover an event occurred is not to deal with it emotionally from within ones MIND. The emotional structure that needs to be dealt with is not addressed by hypnotism... nor are most hypnotists qualified to deal with the emotional trauma within ones MIND.

Depending upon the unique situation one experiences, ones MIND draws certain assumptions regarding ones relationship to the event. Usually, especially in early childhood, the misperception revolves around ones being responsible for the event because of how "bad" one is. This is a misperceived trauma and it is deeply buried within ones MIND at the time of the event. To the degree this adds to ones basic Negative Self-Image, it is harmful to one, and can impact and influence ones life. It is most useful to seek to discover this deeply buried trauma... however, finding a therapist capable of facilitating this is not an easy task.

Hypnotism uncovers the cognitive details of the event, and some emotions.... but not those that are necessary for the elimination of the misperceptions associated with the event. That is why I say that to engage in hypnotism is essentially to gather evidence to seek vengeance against someone who may, or may not have done what a child believed happened many years ago.

For a person who lives as a Christian, as opposed to one who thinks one is, I would imagine that to seek vengeance is not what the Bible teaches, and if not, then why engage in hypnosis? Better to seek to deal with ones own MIND and its perceptions... if one believes ones life can be enhanced by doing so.

Peace

Answer 2

There are organizations that drew heavy criticism for group therapy involving "repressed memories" of sexual abuse back in the 90s.

They were scams that got insurance/health care money and federal grants by running operations where groups of people would collectively "meditate" and hypnotize one another in order to retrieve repressed memories of sexually abusive friends and family members.

It was all fake, but like a religious cult, some people couldn't give it up, and managed to ruin the lives of close family members whom they had accused of satanic ritual sexual abuse (among other things).

If you're going to try hypnosis, I recommend you go to a licensed and reputable psychotherapist or psychologist who specializes in such therapy.

As for whether or not hypnosis is Christian, the Bible is critical of people who claim to be mystics, but hypnosis is really a form of relaxation therapy. You cannot be hypnotized against your will, or given suggestions that go against your nature.

A state of hypnosis is akin to that relaxed fuzzy feeling you have when you wake up after a good night's sleep. It allows the therapist to get you talking about things that your waking self has a difficult time dealing with in a conscious way. It might be good for you. Good luck.

Answer 3

You need to talk to a person with a good background before you agree to hypnosis. Some people (usually mentally ill people prone to delusions and/or hallucinations) have been known to get what is called, "False Memory Syndrome" which brings up "memories" of things that didn't take place. My second cousin got that once and her "memories" nearly ruined my great uncle's reputation. So you need to make absolutely sure that you're approved as a candidate for hypnosis by a professional before you go under.

As for religion, I would say don't let your religious beliefs get in the way of your well-being. I've heard people tell me that instead of taking my medication, I should let Jesus take care of it. But remember the story of the minister who refused to get on the rescue boats and helicopter during a flood because he said God would save him, and when the minister drowned he asked God why he didn't save him, and God said, "Why do you think I sent the rescue boats and the helicopter?" Well, God sends doctors, too.

Answer 4

Speak to a specialist but I do not see why not. It has nothing to do with religion. It is a very simple, non threathening not dangerous way to help people in some circumstances and has nothing to do with what you see on tv shows.
It is absolutely ok for christians... I can't imagine otherwise!

Answer 5

I'm an atheist so I do not understand...should Christians NOT be hypnotized?

Answer 6

What does hypnosis have to do with Christianity?? It's just a method to treat an ailment or condition. It has nothing to do with religion!

Answer 7

What has religion got to do with it? I do not know what kind of success rate it has, though. I think not great.

Answer 8

i agree completely with what Claire says...

Answer 9

no problem