Question 1

What is somnambulism/a somnambulist?

Accepted Answer

**Somnambulism**
> A deep state of hypnosis, where the client may respond with amnesia, anesthesia, negative and positive hallucinations, and complete control of the senses. It is characterized by the eyes rolling up underneath the eyelids.

**Somnambulist**
> A person capable of reaching a profound state of hypnotic trance or somnambulism.
> 
**Natural Somnambulist**
> A somnambulist who is capable of reaching that level of hypnotic trance known and somnambulism without training or practice, generally during their first experience with hypnosis. In Kappasinian terms, this is most likely with a person who responds equally well to all suggestions, both direct and indirect, affecting both the body and emotions. This person would have a near 50/50 Suggestibility (50% Physical Suggestible and 50% Emotional Suggestible).

Want to know if you are a somnambulist? Take the test here: [Kappasinian E&P Suggestibility Assessment](https://hypnotechs.com/resources/kappasinian-suggestibility/)

Question 2

Okay, "Non sum qualis eram", what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

"Non sum qualis eram", it has become sort of a tag line for Hypnotechs. It's taken from [Horace's Odes, Book 4, 1](http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/horace/carm4.shtml):
> Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae

Which means: "I am not as I was in the reign of good Cinara."

Shortened to "Non sum qualis eram", it translates to "I am not what I once was."

It's fitting on several levels, I am not who I used to be, I've changed a lot over the years. But it also applies to anyone seeking to use hypnosis for change. Once you try hypnosis to change something you have been wanting to change, you will no longer be who you used to be either.

Question 3

In your Kappasinian Suggestibility and Sexuality assessments, why do you ask me to predict where I am on the scale?

Accepted Answer

For both the [Kappasinian Suggestibility Assessment](https://hypnotechs.com/resources/kappasinian-suggestibility/) and the [Sexuality Assessment](https://hypnotechs.com/resources/kappasinian-sexuality/), I ask users to take a guess about where they fall on the scale before taking the quiz.

Your answer for that question has no effect on the assessment results.

I ask that question out of curiosity alone. It's interesting to see how well people understand the scale and then how well they apply the descriptions to themselves. In general, the responses are roughly correct, though they are often off in the level chosen. (A person predicts they are a Strong Analytical, and they are on the analytical scale, but not as strong as they thought)

When the results are way off, opposite ends of the scale even, I am always curious whether the person didn't understand the exercise or whether their self-image is that different from what the test indicates. For Hypnotechs clients with that sort of incongruence, I always explore that in our first session.

Question 4

Why do you use a link shortener when posting online? (hypnotechs.me)

Accepted Answer

I was asked about why I post links that start with "hypnotechs.me" or sometimes "link.hypnotechs.com" that then redirect to the original URL. Fair enough.

Because the world works on different platforms, sometimes people need to type in a link instead of just clicking it. If you are on a small screen, the link can be hard to read, wrap lines or contain characters that require three layers of keyboard changes to get at.

For example, here is one of my short links:

***https://hypnotechs.me/2EeY***

In reality, that link goes here:

***https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201711/10-reasons-teens-have-so-much-anxiety-today***

Which would you rather type in?

I am not trying to obscure the source or original URL, you will see that the full path is displayed and it takes you to the original source when you click my link. I also don't get anything in the way of any sort of payment when you click my links. It's just a way for my to share links more conveniently. The only data I even see in my control panel is the number of clicks the link has received and some analytics about how many people clicked on a phone, tablet or PC. I don't see anything personally identifiable.

![shortern.jpg](https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/spfA9tNOws/resources/gV93IffefR/shortern.jpg)

If you see "hypnotechs.me" or "link.hypnotechs.com", you know it's probably a much longer URL and I have personally curated the content you are about to see because I think you might find it interesting. At least I did.

Question 5

What do you mean by "Presentations & Training"?

Accepted Answer

As I described in the ["Stage Hypnosis" FAQ](https://faq.hypnotechs.com/faqs/what-do-you-mean-by-stage-hypnosis), there are three types of stage hypnosis.  I have done all three, but for the purposes of this site, I am referring to the final two mentioned there:

> Another type of stage hypnosis is the hypnosis demonstration. In this type of performance, the purpose is to educate, rather than to entertain. Hypnotic phenomenon takes front stage and the comedy takes a back seat. In this type of show, the purpose is for you to walk out with a better understanding of what hypnosis is and more importantly, what it is not.
> 
> The final category is the seminar presentation. The purpose of this type of performance is once again educational, but in this case, hypnosis is only used to prove a point about some other topic. A classic example is a performance given before a group of salespeople, where hypnosis is used to show illustrate how a mindset can have a large impact on the success or failure of a sale.

I enjoy working on stage, so if you have something in mind, let's talk. I bet we can come up with something that suits your audience and fits your budget."	Presentations & Training

Question 6

Is it okay for a Christian to be Hypnotized?

Accepted Answer

I hear this question frequently and I cannot answer for you. It depends on your own beliefs and the teachings of the church you belong to. My best advice is for you to talk it over with your spiritual advisor.

I know of no prohibition against hypnosis in the Bible. Deuteronomy is commonly cited, but it refers to sorcery, witchcraft, and spells, none of which have anything to do with hypnosis. I do know that there are many examples of trances being described in the Bible and they always seem to involve greater spiritual awareness.

Here's a version of the Deuteronomy passage:

[Deuteronomy 18:9-13 ESV](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+18%3A9-13&version=ESV)
> When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.

I will state with no ambiguity that there are no dark forces at work in anything I do. Hypnosis is a force for good. Hypnosis has no burnt offerings, is not divination, fortune telling, interpretation of omens, sorcery or charming. Hypnotists are not psychic and don't commune with or raise the dead.

This passage seems to encourage exploring your mind:

[Romans 12:2 ESV](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=ESV)
> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The best summary I have found, by someone far, far, more qualified to speak on this subject is from Dr. Roger Barrier of ""Preach It, Teach It"" fame. It is quoted below and you can find the article in its entirety: [HERE](http://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/ask-roger/is-it-okay-for-a-christian-to-be-hypnotized.html)

***Is it Okay for a Christian to be Hypnotized? by Dr. Roger Barrier - Preach It, Teach It***

In many ways hypnosis is simply deeply-focused meditation where good things can take place. The Bible is filled with injunctions for Christians to meditate upon the word of God. Twice Peter entered into meditative states and the Bible approved his trances both times. Isaiah, Daniel, Paul and Jeremiah all experienced times of hypnotic trance and heightened awareness inspired by God to give them deep insights into his person and character.

**Is there any passage in the Bible that forbids hypnosis?**
No. Opponents of hypnosis turn to Deuteronomy 18:9-13. As the Israelites are entering into the Promised Land God gives them a warning not to enter into the practices in the pagan lands ahead. God said: let there be found no wanted sacrifices his child in the fire; stay away from those who practice divination and sorcery, engaging witchcraft; cast spells.

Opponents focus on the Hebrew term cast spells as being the same as hypnosis. Their interpretation is really a stretch.

**What Christian groups approve the use of hypnosis? Are there any Christians groups that expressly forbid it?**
Roman Catholics, the Anglican Church and Lutherans actively support and utilize hypnosis in helping people. On the other hand, the Church of Christ, the Seventh-day Adventists, the evangelical church, fundamentalists and charismatics tend to preach and teach against it. Most churches and groups are in the middle where hypnosis is really not an issue.

**What are the benefits of hypnosis?**
Since hypnosis is all about intense focus which removes peripheral distractions, we may use it as a tool for Christian meditation which is helpful in allowing us to experience the person and character of Christ. I suppose that this state is best produced through the process of self-hypnosis as opposed to the other kinds.

Let me recommend to you the book "Experiencing The Depths Of Jesus Christ", by a 15th century, fourteen-year-old French girl named Madam Guyon. Catholic Leaders of her time demanded that she recant the teachings of the book because her basic premise was that anyone, at any time, could come into contact with the living God, without having to go through a Catholic priest. She teaches us how to quiet our minds and move into deep meditation focusing on a Bible story, event, person, verse or phrase. What she's really doing is teaching us how we can experience Christ through the art of deep meditation, or what might be described as self-hypnosis.

**Can hypnosis open the door of my mind to a satanic attack?**
In spiritual warfare it's important to remember that every area of our lives not under the direct care and influence of the Holy Spirit is open to control by a demonic spirit. Notice the difference between control and influence. God intends for us to be free to make our own decisions. He will never take control of our minds. However he influences us by the Spirit who lives within us.

On the other hand, Satan desires to take control of our minds. That's why Paul warns us to take every thought captive: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Paul says that we must be careful to guard what goes into our minds lest we open up an unprotected area where Satan can gain control.

So the question is, Can hypnosis open my mind in any way that might allow Satan to get control of my thinking?

**Unexpectedly for many of us, the truth is that during hypnosis, we often have more control over our minds than ever before. Just because we may be more susceptible to suggestions in no way means that we lose control of our minds and do things that we never intended to do.**

**-- Dr. Roger Barrier**, A retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care.

Additionally,

In 1847, the Roman Catholic Church recognized hypnosis as a natural part of our own ability, and NOT the work of the devil! The decree from the Sacred Congregation of The Holy Office states;

> Having removed all misconceptions, foretelling of the future, explicit or implicit invocation of the devil, the use hypnosis is indeed merely an act of making use of physical media that are otherwise licit and hence it is not morally forbidden provided it does not tend toward an illicit end or toward anything depraved.

Question 7

Where can I experience "street" hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

In person, it's like running across a musician or a street magician. Fairs and festivals, boardwalks, events, beaches, malls and other public places are becoming regular haunts for street hypnotists.

Barring running across a street hypnotist in person, [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=street+hypnosis) has a lot of videos. As with anything on YouTube, some are great, some are interesting, some are fake and some are completely inexplicable.

Question 8

Do you utilize any "personality typing" in your work?

Accepted Answer

Actually, I do.

I really like the mechanism provided by the [Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers%E2%80%93Briggs_Type_Indicator). It's made up of four designators, with two possibilities for each, for a total of 16 different personality types possible. To use MBTI, you only need to answer four questions about someone to estimate their "type". It's easy enough to use and once you have a good idea of how typing works, a lot about tendencies to expect for a person can be known. Of course, that is just to estimate what someone else may be, the actual self-test is A LOT more questions.

I am an MBTI ""ENTJ"".

I am not as big a fan of the [Enneagram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram_of_Personality), but many people like it as much or more than MBTI and use it to compliment MBTI.

I am an Enneagram "8w7".

Finally, in a work environment, it would be so much easier if everyone just walked around with a [FIRO-B](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interpersonal_relations_orientation) sign indicating their type. I LOVE this instrument and if I have to recommend just one to a business, this is it.

Here's my FIRO-B:
![firob.jpg](https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/spfA9tNOws/resources/1RfOhqaD54/firob.jpg)

Question 9

Does everyone respond to hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with even average intelligence and a bit of imagination can be hypnotized to one degree or another. Once hypnotized, if the therapist knows what they are doing, therapy can be conducted in a way that works best for the client.

There is a range of susceptibility to both hypnosis and hypnotherapy, but in general, "yes", virtually everyone will respond. In some cases, a person may be only capable of only light levels of hypnotic trance, but the good news is that most therapies can be conducted at even Stage 1 on [Arons Scale of Hypnotic Depth](https://hypnotechs.com/resources/arons-scale/).

Hypnosis almost always requires a willing participant. If you actively resist or work to prevent trance, then you would be the exception to this. You can actively resist being hypnotized and there is virtually nothing I could do about it.

Question 10

How can I reach/contact you?

Accepted Answer

Your best bet is email. I try to respond to email messages within 24 hours. [info@hypnotechs.com](mailto:info@hypnotechs.com)

I do not recommend phone calls. Because schedules are often tight, phone calls normally go to voicemail, where they wait until I get a chance to check them. Then, I need to find dedicated time in a quiet place to return the call, so there if often a signifcant delay. I want to hear from you and email works best.

Full contact details are on the Hypnotechs.com [Contact Page](https://hypnotechs.com/contact/).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first session going to be like?

I'm too _______ to be hypnotized. Right?