Christianity and Hypnosis

 

Janet Field, CHt, HCHI

A significant percentage of my Hypnobabies students are Christian – as am I!  The way many of my Christian students choose to use hypnosis is to add to the more general birth-related suggestions given in class by using the scripture verses which mean the most to them and are deeply encouraging for them.  During pregnancy and birth both partners find this extremely comforting and a very valuable assistance to a peaceful birth.

Because of the nature of hypnosis, women are in a deeply relaxed state when their partners read the scriptures to them.  In this relaxed state, the subconscious mind imprints those words of scripture deeply and directly and responds to and acts on the encouragement – even in the face of possibly difficult circumstances. 

For my Christian students, prayer usually becomes an integral part of the birth process, just as prayer is an integral part of their lives.  The only difference is that, with the relaxation of hypnosis, prayers are taken in much, much more deeply and the heart responds to them that much more deeply.

Occasionally someone has expressed concern to me that hypnosis would leave them open to “evil” forces.  Let me assure you – when you are using hypnosis, you are the one in control.  You are simply relaxed.  I say “when you are using hypnosis” because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  Nobody does it “to you”.  You are always in full control of your own thoughts and actions.  In fact, I let people know at the beginning of a hypnosis/relaxation session that, at any time, they can bring themselves back to their full awareness – much the way you would open your eyes and discontinue a prayer or meditation if you needed your attention on a suddenly pressing matter at hand.

Dr. Larry Nims, a PhD psychologist with over 30 years’ clinical experience, works with clients using hypnosis.  Dr. Nims’ works and articles about forgiveness are for a general audience, yet one can see the Lord’s hand in Dr. Nims’ work.   Following is a paragraph from Dr. Nims.  Through his words, I find one very positive description of the way some Christians use hypnosis for themselves.

“At the end of each hypnosis counseling session with all of my Christian clients, I ask them to say a prayer.  The prayer focuses on the negative attitudes and actions that were involved in each of the problems that were treated in the session, and it invites the Lord to occupy these places and be the Lord of them.  I always encourage Christians to use this prayer every time they use hypnosis on their own or in my office.”

Before and during my own work with students and clients, I like to stop and call on God in prayer, asking that I be used as an instrument of His healing love. 

A simple search of the web will provide an abundance of additional information on Christianity and hypnosis.