Learn Hypnosis and Mesmerism. The practice of clinical hypnosis and hypnotherapy has burgeoned significantly during the past 25 years. For those who have a new interest or a rudimentary understanding of hypnosis, it can seem a very confusing or even overwhelming subject. Science and medicine have researched and established hypnosis as valid and factual to the point of boredom. A quick search of Google will reveal plentiful correctly conducted research and clinical trial studies. We have been involved in that research and teaching our proven methods for almost 30 years.

Healing with ritualistic trance states have been a part of almost every civilisation for thousands of years. In the modern era the two primary states are clinical hypnotherapy and, to a lessor extent, mesmerism. Although each method is quite different in both the trance inducing techniques and efficacy. However not all trance states could rightly be considered as hypnosis. The many various opinions about exactly what hypnosis is remain diverse and varied, from ‘it doesn’t exist’, ‘it’s all in the imagination’, ‘it’s satanic’, ‘it can heal everything’, ‘it can heal nothing’, ‘it’s mind control’, ‘it’s energetic transference’, ‘it’s just the placebo effect’ etc etc? Despite diverse opinions, it can’t be logically argued that correctly applied hypnosis can be very helpful to assist with many physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

The hypnotic condition is subjected to many various opinions. Some believe it to be a naturally occurring state, others an externally induced state. Some believe that a hypnosis induction is simply a ritual, while others say it is entirely necessary. Because actual science is inconsistant and rather limited, whatever the various opinions may be either way, they can only be opinions if not supported by knowledge and practical skills. Often that presumed knowledge is second-hand news, or somebody else’s opinion gleaned off the internet. The internet offers volumes of information but information isn’t necessarily knowledge. At Hypno-University our combined knowledge and real world experience will give you practical skills and accurate information.

Many Hypnosis Training Institutions teach theory or hypnosis hybrids such as NLP or so-called Conversational Hypnosis than actual practical hypnosis skills. Others have a significantly academic approach within their training curriculum, offering either none, or little, practical training in hypnosis inductions.

Hypno-University is the online training division The Australian Academy of Hypnosis™ We have trained more than 3500 students nationally and internationally; many of whom became very successful professional hypnotherapists. What the academy and Hypno-University brings to the training arena are real and practical hypnosis and mesmerism techniques that work on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. These techniques have taken Rick to the top of the profession.

There are two primary uses for hypnosis, entertainment and therapy. Both uses need a good teacher and both require practice and persistence to master. There are various other hypnotic modalities such as Conversational Hypnosis -Autogenic Training – Parts Therapy – Private Subconscious Healing – Psych K and Street Hypnosis to name just a few. None are actually new at all; many are renamed hybrids of something that already was. There is no fast and easy way to learn hypnosis, so don’t be fooled by snappy names and snazzy marketing.

A proficient hypnotist needs to know how to induce the hypnotic condition, a hypnotherapist needs to know how to use the hypnotic condition to facilitate therapy. Mastering hypnosis is a lifetime endeavour and the only way to really learn what it is, or isn’t, and can or cannot do, is to gain practical real world skills. Before you embark on that journey be sure that you’re learning from an institution that can teach you what you want to learn.

When you study Hypnosis or Mesmerism at Hypno-University. After the completion of your training you’ll retain the opportunity to access the online training and resource centre here at Hypno University.

Ericksonian Hypnosis: This is a therapeutic model of hypnosis created by the American Psychiatrist Milton Erickson. Ericksonian Hypnosis is most effectively utilised by a skilled and experienced Psychotherapist. It is contentious as to whether Erickson’s model is hypnosis as it is traditionally understood. The method is commonly used during therapy but doesn’t usually require or deep trance states. Direct suggestion is replaced by ambiguity and metaphor is often used during the therapy sessions; which will usually be 5 to 10 sessions.

Traditional Hypnosis: Traditional hypnosis is direct hypnosis. It is genuine hypnosis, the type of hypnosis that despite academic opinion can make many individuals do things that are against their moral patterning or usual personality. Traditional hypnosis can be blended with Mesmerism, NLP and Ericksonian techniques to create a very powerful therapeutic modality.

NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming: NLP IS NOT HYPNOSIS. It is supposedly the study of excellence and it does have some interesting and no doubt effective strategies. NLP also offers some insight into human communication behaviour and the mind stratagies. However, NLP is a communication skill and not hypnosis as frequently claimed by many of its proponents. After more than a decade of clinical trials and studies at respectable academic institutions; little evidence could be found to back up the many claims made about the power and effectiveness of NLP. If you’re learning NLP, you’re not learning hypnosis.

The Differences between Hypnosis and Mesmerism? Hypnosis relies primarily on words to induce a state of trance, whilst Mesmerism uses very few words and can quickly promote a profound state of trance. The Magnetic/Mesmeric trance state is different from the verbally induced trance state of hypnosis. Mesmerism is helpful for Psycho Somatic conditions, whereas verbal hypnosis seems more effective for habits and behavioral changes. The combination of both in the possession of a skilled therapist is a very powerful change tool. Modern Hypnosis makes use of direct spoken suggestions, or in the case of Ericksonian Hypnosis metaphor and indirect suggestion is often employed. Both traditional hypnosis and Ericksonian hypnosis methods aim to change subconscious patterns while Mesmerism makes use of the magnetic Gaze and Mesmeric passes known as a stroking, through the clients energy (resonating electric) field. Magnetic passes often induce an almost catatonic state. Mesmerism/Magnetism was evolved to verbal hypnosis by the Manchester surgeon Dr. James Braid. Many others followed in Braids footsteps offering insights and some improvements in therapy techniques until eventually Ericksonian hypnosis gained favour.

Mesmerism/Magnetism: Mesmerism derives it name from the German doctor, Franz Anton Mesmer (1734 1815). Dr. Mesmer put the methods of Magnetic Healing (magnetism) into a unified theory. However the terminology used in the 18th century is often in stark contrast to modern language, therefore the explanations of methods employed by the Magnetists of the past can seem rather strange when taken literally in a past context. Mesmerism/Magnetism is not verbal hypnosis. Verbal hypnosis (hypnotism) was fashioned by the Scottish Doctor James Braid. Mesmerism is probably more accurately described as energetic hypnosis, very few words are used to induce a mesmeric state. The Mesmeric trance isn’t magical or mystical as some might presume or claim, it’s induced by Hypnotic Fascination (the eyes) followed by passes or stroking that effects the enteric (gut) brain via a connection between the electrons of atoms at a subatomic level between the magnetist and the subject via Sine Waves. Mesmerism offers a variety of applications that can provide a vital role during therapy. It can also be a useful tool that you can apply in your personal life. With proper Mesmerism training you can learn how to reconcile the Psycho Somatic causes of emotional issues and initiate physical and healing changes. It can also boost the boundaries of your body and mind connection. The awareness of Presence and practising the various exercises are the key to applying Mesmerism for effective healing. If you want to learn Mesmerism  Hypno-University can teach it to you in an easy to understand and practical manner.

The Transition of Mesmerism/Magnetism To Hypnosis: Mesmerism (also known as Magnetism) is not the same as hypnosis; instead of using the commonly accepted methods of verbal hypnotic induction, the Mesmeric trance (Mesmerising) is induced by stroking and passes, gazing (hypnotic fascination), and concentration. Dr Mesmer created a unified theory of animal magnetism, which then became known as Mesmerism, but Mesmer spoke very few if any words when inducing the magnetic state. It was one of Mesmers pupils the Marquis de Puysegur who first began to use speech and suggestion in combination with Mesmerism and coined the term “Somnambulism” which is to this day used in reference to sleepwalking and deep trance states. Puysegur was termed a “Somnambule” by Mesmer. Mesmer was a Magnetist, and he was somewhat embittered that Puysegur had adapted, and, in Mesmer’s belief, polluted animal magnetism. Regardless of Mesmer’s apparent annoyance and disapproval of his new method Puygesur still respected and remained a faithful admirer of Mesmer.

Mesmerism and hypnotism are not the same thing. Traditional hypnosis gained favour over magnetism/mesmerism by the addition of words by the British Doctor James Braid who came up with the term hypnosis. Braid was the first to bring the eye fixation method into vogue and it has remained a mainstay of therapeutic hypnosis ever since. What is often overlooked and misunderstood is that verbal hypnosis and magnetism/mesmerism are entirely different in application and use. It is uncommonly known that Braid spent 10 days with the Swiss Magnetist Charles La Fontaine after attending one of La Fontane’s healing shows in Manchester England with the intention of discrediting him. However, he witnessed enough to arouse his desire to know more. It is unsure exactly what methods LaFontaine taught him, but at the time that the medical establishment was almost hell bent on hounding Magnetism out of existence. This could be why Braid denounced Magnetism, added words and changed the name. He did say before he passed away that he could never quite achieve the cures that the magnetist’s could and perhaps if he had had the fortitude to more employ their methods, he may have cured many more of his patients.

At the time, despite the tremendous amount of cures bought about by the use of Mesmerism, the medical establishment remained relentless trying to stamp it out in favour of their more scientific methods of bloodletting and sulphur and mercury tonics. This has led to a modern day misunderstanding that abandons Mesmerism/Magnetism into the realm of quackery and nonsense, although most who make those claims are just parroting the unqualified opinions of what they read or what some equally unqualified person has told told them. If somebody offers an opinion, it is not a fact it is an opinion. A deeper evaluation of Memserism reveals a much different truth about the efficacy of the practice.

Therapeutic effectiveness aside, not all externally induced trance states are the same. Traditional Hypnosis, Mesmerism, and Somnambulism are three quite different types of trance states. The conditions are as dis-similar to each other as what summer is to winter is to spring or autumn. Each different state, once induced, will also be more or less effective than one of the others in treating various conditions. If it is an issue of the mind such as a habit, hypnosis will be most effective. If it is a psycho-somatic issue resuting in constant undiagnosable pain, various skin conditions, and various other psycho-somatic conditions. Mesmerism involves the use of the Gaze (hypnotic fascination) and the utilisation of stroking or passes on or a few centimetres away from the subject’s body. This method often induces a deep and often cathartic trance. Traditional Hypnosis involves suggestion and visualisation to relax the subject into trance. True somnambulism begins with Mesmerism and can transition to verbal instruction and metaphor to inspire the higher (subconscious) mind. If you want to learn Mesmerism you can begin right now. Rick Collingwood is one of the worlds most renowned and effective mesmerism trainers.

Mesmers method became known as Mesmerism and resulted from his unified theory of Magnetism:

The Marquis de Puysegur bought us Somnambulism (Puysegurism) by using words with those in the Mesmeric state:

Dr James Braid dismissed any fluidic or energetic connection and bought us Hypnosis by adding words to the gaze the gaze technique of mesmerism and magnetism:

“Mesmerism was, from a philosophical standpoint the most pregnant of all discoveries, even though from the moment it appeared mesmerism propounded more riddles than it solved.” – Schopenhauer

“There arose uproar amidst the wise assembly, whose learning was not equal to the comprehension of Mesmer’s discovery, and they declared it, in spite of whatever might be urged in its favour, to be the ‘product of an excited imagination, as the learned academicians have equally pronounced previously and subsequently many more other natural truths. It must now be remembered that the same Academy rejected Franklin’s discovery of the lightning-conductor, and Jenner’s discovery of the cow-pox. It is also known that when the first model of a steam vessel was presented to the Emperor Napoleon, and he desired the Academy to examine and test this discovery, and pronounce a favourable opinion upon it, the wisdom of the academicians declared it to be an entirely untenable invention. Napoleon is known to have exclaimed at a later period, “How foolish was I, not to have relied upon my own simple understanding, rather than upon the wisdom of the Academy!” – Justinus Kerner