Have you had any experience with behavior modification using hypnosis?

Question

Is this considered a legitimate tool for promoting self growth? And what is the usual cost for a session?

Answer 1

Only with trying to quit smoking...total bust and waste of money.

Answer 2

Although I have not experienced hypnosis myself, but a lot of studies have shown that hypnosis does not really work. It is one of those outdated, magical techniques that people tried before the science has developed the empirical ways of checking for what works and what does not. The best way to change behavior is with help of legitimate professionals. In this case, it would be a help of a certified clinical psychologist, preferably with a PhD.
A session would cost about 80-100 dollars, but some of it might be reimbursed by your insurance.

Answer 3

Penn and Teller busted the idea that behavior modification through hypnosis really works. Apparently it's something of a scam.

If you get a chance, you may want to look into their Showtime series, called "Penn & Teller's Bullshit". It's a fascinating show that basically does for commonly-held beliefs what Mythbusters does for myths.

Answer 4

I do think that it can be effective in issues of stopping smoking, eating disorders, etc. I worked as a therapist for 21 yrs with very troubled adolescents--the last 6 yrs of which was with guys aged 14 - 19 yrs of age. They'd been banned from the campus of the HS and attended the special Sp. Ed classroom where I worked with two terrific teachers. The class was limited to 8 students and we were in a self-contained classroom for 6 hrs/day. We found that we could not turn over the class to subs or take breaks, as the students' bhr deteriorated so quickly. This one student was very isolated, never talked but drew very disturbing drawings of war and killing. For our individual sessions, he would come into my office and promptly fall asleep--for all intents and purposes. I decided to start deep relaxation techniques and to draw him back into his early life--what I knew of it, it had been very frightening. I reinforced his strength and goodness to have survived his childhood and to never have hurt anyone. He never showed any response to our sessions over the months, but his school work did improve as well as his bhr in class, to a point that he was able to attend a few classes in reg. HS. Together, he and we chose an art class. I had discovered that he always carried a 4" fixed knife in his black leather jacket, but had pursuaded him to turn it in to the man teacher each a.m. and retrieve it the end of the day. As his art class continued to go well, one day he brought in his art work that he'd done in the HS class. It was a BEAUTIFUL pen and ink drawing of an ornate glass holder, holding a glass full of water and inside was a beautiful fish with flowing fins and tail. It was so lovely and peaceful and I asked him if we could have a copy for the classroom. He said, yes and that remained until I left for another job. Several years later, I met him on the street. He had his two little girls with him. He introduced them to me and we talked for some time! He was SO GOOD with his daughters!! He was working steadily and I asked him if he'd kept up his art. I don't remember what answer he gave; he still wore his blk leather jacket, pants and boots, but his love for his children was very evident and his demeanor was kind and not the old look that had always warded off people from talking with him. I can't say that any one thing had made the difference. He had developed a trust in the three of us in the classroom; had developed confidence and obtained a GED. The classroom did operate using bhv modification; trustworthy relationships with the adults and he developed marginal friendships with the students.