Life of Brian

EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS . . . ACT Now!

Just so folks know . . .

If you haven't signup for the EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS course with Brian David Phillips set for July 14-18 - http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com - NOW is the best time to do so.

This really is going to be a very unique event that you just won't want to miss.

This is not only a complete comprehensive course in hypnosis and hypnotherapy, it is the premiere of an outstanding new approach to trance sessions, an experiential approach that has never been taught in this dynamic way in the United States before.

Not only does this full course lead to certification with the SOCIETY OF EXPERIENTIAL TRANCE - http://www.trancesociety.org - it goes well beyond simple certification or hypnosis basics, those with no previous experience will become fully prepared to guide trance partners through experiential changework while those with previous experience will find they have a new approach to sessions that will greatly enhance their effectiveness. We will be covering all of the basics that any solid hypnotherapy training should cover AND we go even further and present a whole slew of advanced techniques that no one else covers AND we do it all within an experiential orientation that takes it all to the nth level AND we run through exercises and processes that train you to create new dynamic and effective processes of your own on the fly and condition you toward greater effectiveness and success.

To celebrate the first North American offering of this dynamic new orientation and the inauguration of the full certification program of the Society of Experiential Trance in the

Western Hemisphere

, we have decided to pull out all the stops and offer the full program at an amazing price point. Go to http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com/2008/03/experiential-hypnosis.html and take a look at all of the exciting skills and information that will be covered in this incredibly comprehensive program and note the course fee. Compare the material being covered and the price point to other five-day courses and you're just not going to find another course with that sort of information at such an incredible low cost. You will NOT have the opportunity to take in this much material at this price again. This special inaugural offering is a special opportunity that you really won't want to miss.

Contact Richard Clark and SIGN UP NOW so you don't lose your chance to participate in this dynamic and exciting experiential hypnosis event. You won't want to be reading about this course after it's done and wishing you had been there for this very special and unique event.

Go to http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com/2008/03/experiential-hypnosis.html and see just how comprehensive this program is and sign up NOW to join us for a truly unique and exciting event.

In addition to the Experiential Hypnosis course, I will also be teaching other programs during this upcoming mini-tour that you also won't want to miss.

Those of you with a metaphysical bent will not want to miss an incredibly special weekend getaway of PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS on July 26-27 that takes a number of ancient esoteric processes and streamline them into wonderfully powerful changework processes appropriate to the contemporary hypnotist's office. See the full course description at http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com/2008/03/practical-approaches-to-metaphysical.html and join us for a powerful weekend.

Don't just take our word for us, take a look at what some folks are saying about BRIAN DAVID PHILLIPS and the Society of Experiential Trance . . .

WENDI FRIESEN (Wendi.com): "Brian, you are one of the most well known and most highly respected hypnotists in the world, and I was thrilled to be at your recent Walkabout Trance workshop. It was great fun, but more than that it was enlightening for me and the others that attended. Taking it to the streets was a challenge for me, I have to admit. But putting it in practice gave me an additional skill that really makes hypnosis more interesting. I created a Hawaii Retreat in April and while I was there with my members having dinner, I hypnotized the waiter using your techniques and he had a straw stuck in his hands and the entire place was amazed. You are a solid instructor and a great pleasure to learn from. It is true, you can teach this old dog some new tricks... and I thank you for that."

PHILIP H. FARBER, author of Meta-Magick: The Book of Atem: Achieving New States of Consciousness through NLP, Neuroscience and Ritual (www.hawkridgeproductions.com and www.meta-magick.com): "Society of Experiential Trance is a fresh alternative, an organization in which hypnotists of every variety, from traditional to experimental and from beginner to advanced, will surely feel at home. I look forward to the much-needed cross-pollination and evolution that SET will undoubtedly engender in the coming years."

HUGH COLE (Texas Tranceman): "Wow what an experience! Brian was a great teacher and a lot of fun, He brings a truly great academic mind to the table, then teaches with all the fun and vitality of the great stage hypnotist he truly is. His playful style engenders confidence and he cajoles the best out of each participant He is caring, supportive and keen to see that each student "gets it" in a way that can be immediately put it to practical use. I particularly enjoyed the trance games that assured that we practiced and observed with new partners several times in each exercise. The walk about trance experience was really a lot of fun and generated a wonderful camaraderie. A worthwhile learning experience and a perfect hypnotist's mini-vacation… Kudos to Brian and Richard Clark for the organizational skills. Brian.. I'll see you on the next American tour .... for sure."

SETH-DEBORAH ROTH (www.hypnotherapyforhealth.com): "Brian is a GIFTED master of hypnosis. He makes everything appear so easy and effortless that you know you are learning from a master. His classes are not only filled with learning but also with kindness, and fun. What a wonderful way to spend your time. If you are looking for a class or workshop to hone your skills, make the decision to learn from Brian David Phillips. Awesome skills, awesome fun and a person full of integrity, which is hard to find ! Don't miss an opportunity to study with him."

SYLVIA BRALLIER, Author of Dancing in the Eye of Transformation and Director of the Tantric Shamanism Institute (www.tantricshamanism.com): "I attended Brian David Phillips's Experiential Trance Walkabout event not too long ago, and I've got nothing but positive things to say about it. Brian covered a vast amount of really useful material in a small period of time. The workshop gave lots of opportunities to not only learn the material, but practice it as well. All the risk taking opportunities given really helped me to get over inhibitions regarding spontaneously offering hypnosis experiences to both strangers and colleagues. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. If you really want to be at the top of your game as a hypnotherapist of stage performer, I highly recommend this work."

STEPHANIE ROTHMAN (www.lets-talk.com): "Hi Folks, I just got home from Brian David Phillip's Walkabout for Speedy Trance Inductions and I'd like to say a few words about Dr. Phillips and his workshop. I really didn't know what to expect. From reading his posts, my sense of his personality was that he was incredibly intelligent, energetic, and had a copious knowledge of hypnosis, hypnotherapy and it's attending arts . . . . Well, my stars (who says that in the 21st Century?). Besides the fact that he teased me mercilessly (I think we are at a count of 47 zingers in one day), I thought he was delightful, generous, and funny. Dr. Brian David Phillips funny? Oh, yes. Very. He has outstanding comedic timing. And the thing that was most surprising? Incredibly loving. The big teddy-bear of a man is just a gooey marshmallow of love. Who knew? And I loved, just loved, every second of his workshop. It ended way, way, way too quickly. A case of time distortion at it's finest. I met incredibly wonderful people (as is always true at a hypnosis convention), ate great food, had perfect weather (as if ordered from God), and the hotel was magnificent. Everything was perfectly executed. You know that it's a great workshop when you have a bunch of stage hypnotists there, and Wendi herself. That tells you something. I was so pleased with this workshop I wish I could do it again next weekend, now that I know what to expect from Dr. BDP."

UJJWAL DHARMARAJ: "Brian's class was very engaging and involved a hands on approach which allowed all the participants to learn through creative exploration. He made learning fun and provided a safe and nurturing environment for practice. The techniques taught by him were useful and readily applicable, be it in the field of entertainment or changework. I have personally benefited greatly from his counsel. If you are curious about the incredible power of the mind and like to expand your comfort zone, I'd highly recommend you get in touch with Brian."

TAYLOR SHERMAN (www.trancedout.com): "I attended one of Brian's trainings in February, and have been a long-time reader of his blog. As an experienced hypnotist, I can attest that he is exceptionally competent and sets the bar by which others are measured. He is well-versed in both hypnotic theory and practical application, and gives professional and exciting demonstrations of the skills needed to become a hypnotist. Brian's creativity also shines through in his work - one of the most challenging parts of his training was being given the task of creating new techniques on-the-fly. You don't get out of his class without proving that you can do it. I highly recommend his training to anyone who is serious about learning hypnosis, and I am eager to see what Brian creates in the future."

Notice what other people are saying about Brian David Phillips and the Society of Experiential Trance at http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-people-are-saying-about.html and then be sure to JOIN US . . . because . . . Now . . . it's YOUR TURN . . . see the full set of programs at http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com and take advantage of the special pricing while you can . . . you won't want to miss your chance to join us . . . NOW.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!:TAROT TRANCE
Taipei, Taiwan (25 May 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)
EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)
TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)
SPEED HYPNOSIS TECHNIQUES
India (August 30-31, Sept. 3-4, 6-7 2008):Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [brian@briandavidphillips.com]
Hypnotist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Trance Wizard
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

Inspiring Creativity in the Classroom

On 26 December 2008, I presented a workshop on "Inspiring Creativity in the Classroom" to senior studetns in an elite English program at Taipei First Girls High School, the top girls high school in Taiwan.

The program is an adaptation of one I have presented elsewhere to teachers and is comprised of improvisational language structures (which I have adapted from improvisational theatre games), guided imagery, and a demonstration of hypnosis for stress reduction and study skills enhancement (the students had signed parental consent forms for the hypnosis demonstration - the teacher tells me that every single student received parental permission, most enthusastically).

The three-hour workshop was a resounding success.  The teacher (a former university student of mine) tells me the kids got a LOT out of it and couldn't stop talking about the experience for days.

Here's a short video clip:

And . . . some photos . . .

More photos can be found here.

For other educators in Taiwan, I am happy to present this or similar programs by special arrangement for your students or events.  See http://www.briandavidphillips.com for contact details and more information.  If you don't see a specific program that fits your needs, email me and we will design something perfect for you.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!:TAROT TRANCE
Taipei, Taiwan (25 May 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)
EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)
TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)
SPEED HYPNOSIS TECHNIQUES
India (August 30-31, Sept. 3-4, 6-7 2008):Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [brian@briandavidphillips.com]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

Higher Self Hypnosis Processes

One of my favorite "practical" metaphysical hypnosis processes is the Higher Self process which guides a trance partner into a sense of unconditional universal love for healing and introspective guidance.

There are a slew of different approaches to similar results.  In the variation that I have developed, I guide the trance partner into physical relaxation and imaginative involvement then intensify that involvement through mental relaxation and guided imagery.  So . . . we're relaxed the body, we've relaxed the mind, and then the spirit in the equation.

The video above is from my hypnocast and has an explanation and a couple examples of me running the process with trance partners.

This is one of the processes that I teach in my Metaphysical Hypnosis courses (see here for the Taipei course June 21-22 and here for the Los Angeles course July 26-27).  Of course, that particular course covers a whole LOT more than this as well as ways to adapt the process to ANY context and ANY emotional construct.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!:TAROT TRANCE
Taipei, Taiwan (25 May 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)
EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)
TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)
SPEED HYPNOSIS TECHNIQUES
India (August 30-31, Sept. 3-4, 6-7 2008):Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [brian@briandavidphillips.com]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

TAROT TRANCE . . .. . . with Brian David Phillips . . .. . . May 25, Taipei

On May 25, I will be conducting a three-hour workshop on TAROT TRANCE in Taipei (actually on the Keelung side of Shijr, very convenient to the Shijr train station).

The Tarot Trance workshop will teach participants a number of processes for directly accessing the archetypes of the Tarot within the subconsious for introspective mediative learning through a form of experiential trance.

Anyone is welcome.  Participants are encouraged to bring your own decks (three, if you have them) but I will have a few decks on hand for those who do not have their own.

This is a hands-on workshop.  I will demonstrate the processes and then participants will practice with one another so come prepared to learn by doing.

Previous knowledge of Tarot or experiential trance is not required.

One thing I love using Tarot for is introspective meditation and I have developed a number of processes using hypnosis or focused trance where I guide others through the gates of Tarot into a special world of the unconsious where the archetypes of Tarot become very vivid within an experiential hypnosis context that is very worthwhile for the trance partner as they discover hidden lessons for self-benefit.

Within the Tarot Trance workshop, we will explore a number of these experiential trance techniques, including variations of a few that I have previously taught and a number of new ones more recently developed.

• Single Card Journey Technique
• Three Card Foundation Spread
• Five Card Reading
• Tarot Reading without Cards
• and much more!

Those familiar with my periodic Hypnocasts know that I have covered a couple Tarot Trance processes before (I've noticed that more professional hypnotists have begun offerring readings based upon these processes).  The Through the Gate into Tarot mp3 hypnocast is still receiving positive comments and feedback.  Of course the video episode with Tarot Trance demonstrations has garnered even more positive comments:

In addition to my full day workshop on advanced techniques of hypnosis, I also taught a seminar on Tarot Trance at Hypnoticon last February.

This upcoming Tarot Trance workshop is an indepth preview of one of the processes that will be taught in my upcoming Metaphysical Hypnosis courses (June 21-22 in Taipei [here], July 26-27 in Los Angeles [here]).  Of course, the Metaphysical Hypnosis course covers a great many more processes, many used by trance wizards and more.

Many of you know that I love Tarot, I collect various decks for their artistic and historical value, have a hobbyist interest in their history, am the list owner of one of the oldest and more respected email lists related to the subject (TarotL), and even occassionally do readings, albeit usually not of a divinatory nature (see the Metaphysical Trance Services section of my webpages at Brian David Phillips Waking Dreams Hypnosis for my various Trance Wizard activities).

The Tarot Trance workshop on May 25 begins at 2:00pm and ends at 5:00pm.

This workshop is part of my work with the Taipei Experiential Trancework Workshop and is open to anyone.  The workshop is presented in English (Chinese interpretation is available - contact Lorraine Phillips here for details).  Because this is a special event presentation we have a special pricing structure for the event.  The workshop fee is NT$1000 (NT$800 for those who register before May 11, sorry, no refunds after May 11).  Contact Lorraine Phillips to register via email at yuklan.law@msa.hinet.net and she will provide you with further details and instructions.

See http://www.briandavidphillips.com/workshops/tarottrance.html for details.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!SPEED HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (12-13 April 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

Taking Trance Training to the Next Level

A recent post in a forum on Hypnothoughts http://www.hypnothoughts.com asks the question of what does one do when you've already taken basic hypnosis training and even taken advanced courses from the likes of Gil Boyne.  Where do you go if you still want advanced training but don't want to get stuck in a class with basic material being repackaged.  The querant lives in Los Angeles, to put some of my answer in context . . .

I can certainly understand where you are coming from.  Your background has given you a nice solid foundation but it seems true that most courses are focused on the beginner.  The bulk of hypnosis training is indeed in the basic courses which means the folks who already have that background have difficulty finding something new.  The bulk of the courses and workshops I offer on this side of the pond are intended for folks who have previous experience (or, if previous experience is not required, it certainly is encouraged) but when I look around at other courses in the local market, they tend to stay focused at more elementary or entry-level material.  This is because most folks see new certifications as the bottomless pit of students. This is not true - and becomes obvioius more readily in the smaller markets - as eventually the market becomes oversaturated.  Most basic courses are focused on hypnotherapy but not everyone interested in hypnosis wants to be a therapist.  Many organizations only focus on the basic courses so don't have advanced training or specialization options for those who wish to actually move forward in their work.  It is the exceptional individual who does continue to learn more and the particularly exceptional individual who moves on in a way that empowers them to create new processes for others to learn.

Of course, taking a basic course from different sources isn't always a complete waste.  I read a LOT of material and even read books I know to be trash just to mine perspectives and get the odd tidbit that might be useful.  Devour anything and everything.

However, you can only really justify paying someone money to teach you the progressive relaxation or Elman inductions so many times.  You need advanced fodder.  Every once in awhile, an advanced trainer will indeed offer a truly Advanced course but they are few and far between.  The last time I taught my Advanced Techniques course I just made it an open forum so that the students (most of them were professional trainers and some of them were the top trainers in the country) could ask me about any subject and I would play with it and we'd dissect it and get to techniques appropriate to them and it worked beautifully.  My wife has been encouraging me to offer that course again as it's been awhile since I've put it on the schedule.

For your purposes, look for trainings that offer new perspectives, models, or skillsets.  Extra points for new orientations to approaching hypnosis and even more points for courses that encourage you to synthesize multiple models and create your own techniques and processes.  Improvisationa and spontaneity are essential at this point for you, your already well past the basic rote learning, so it's important to find material that you can jump in and play with.

Go to the TED lectures site and similar sites and listen to anything and everything having to do with the brain, the mind, and . . . well, pretty much anything and everything else . . . and as you do so, don't just watch.  Recently one of the TED lectures has been making the rounds of the hypnosis groups . . . as well it should as it's fascinating . . . but most folks just watch it and set it aside, at your stage of development, you want to be asking yourself after you watch something like that (or any and all other materials) is "how can I play with this and use this in my work either as an impetus for a wholly process or as a means to enhance the techniques I already use?"  Then answer that question, preferably withing a spirit of playful curiousity and wonder.

Going to the ACHE convention is probably very worthwhile.  Consider going to other conventions as well.  The HYPNOTICON open community convention probably has some topics you have no previous exposure to and as such might be very worthwhile for you to explore (folks, contact David Fontenot regarding that convention, I am no longer involved with the administration for that convention).

I don't get to the US very often (while I was "just" in Atlanta and LA in February, that was my first trip to the US in seven years and only my third since 1989), but will be in Los Angeles in July and as you live in that area, I have a couple courses coming up which might be appropriate for your needs - the Experiential Hypnosis course explores indepth an orientation to trancework that many folks are unfamiliar with and while some of the skillsets are familiar the orientation and session model changes it (there are a number of processes explored in that course that are not explored anywhere else) - the experiential trance model is one that I have written about for years but have only actually taught formally very rarely, Richard Clark talked me into bringing my full course to the US and so this will be the first time we've taught the full material in the US . . . while the Metaphysical Hypnosis course is definately material most folks are unfamiliar with but presented in a way that makes them useful techniques for more practical contexts beyond their esoteric origins.  See http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com for the information and contact Richard Clark in LA to signup.

Speaking of Richard and his organizations, the LA Hypnosis Network is worth joining to check for local practice groups . . . http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LA-Hypnosis-Network . . . a number of very good people who also happen to be exremely good hypnotists meet up for exchanging techniques and live practice sessions, if you are not a member, check into the California Hypnosis Network (David Snyder is the Director) through that group.

Of course, participating in online forums like Hypnothoughts http://www.hypnothoughts.com and the Hypnosis Technique Exchange http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hypnosistechniqueexchange is very helpful as well . . . particularly as you read posts from folks who are also trainers.  If their information tends to be resonant with you then they might be appropriate as folks whose courses you might wish to take.  If their posts are less resonant with you and lack valuable information then that might also indicate they're less appropriate for you to seek further training or guidance from them.

I hope this has been helpful.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!SPEED HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (12-13 April 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS Twofer in July . . .. . . Brian David Phillips in Los Angeles

Well . . . here we go again . . . the cat is out of the bag and it's a happy camper . . .

Many of you already know that I will be returning to Los Angeles this Summer. The event details are now online.

I have two courses on deck for July in  Los Angeles of interest to Hypnotists . . .

EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
A Unique Course in Enhanced Sensory Hypnosis
Hypnotist Certification Course
with Hypnotherapist Specialization Certificate
July 14-18, 2008, Los Angeles, California

Don't dream it, be it . . . taking the trance and enhancing the imagination into a fully realized sensory experience . . . experiential hypnosis. Welcome to a full course in experiential hypnosis leading to hypnotist member certification in the Society of Experiential Trance with specialist certificate in Hypnotherapy. This is the only comprehensive course in the experiential approach to hypnosis.

Practical Approaches to
METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
A Course in What the Mystics Do, How to Do It, and How to Use It for Positive Change
July 26-27, 2008, Los Angeles, California

Step into the magickal world of esoteric processes made practical, of hidden concepts made clear, of introspective meditation and powerful changework. Here we remove the veil and examine the underlying operators of techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years in secrecy so that they can be applied in new contexts as powerful tools for change and transformation in our contemporary world. Welcome to a full course in experiential metaphysical hypnosis leading to specialist certificate in Metaphysical Hypnosis with the Society of Experiential Trance. This is a comprehensive practical course in the metaphysical hypnosis with a hands-on critical perspective.

The full week course in "Experiential Hypnosis" includes the core skillsets for membership certification in the Society of Experiential Trance (SET) and much more. The Experiential Hypnosis orientation is a unique perspective on trancework that adds sensory enhancement to any hypnotist's toolbox while the course also includes advanced clinical applications material in hypnotherapy that goes well beyond the core material.

The course in "Practical Approaches to Metaphysical Hypnosis" is appropriate for anyone with an interest in adapting powerful age old mystical processes into contemporary contexts - with or without metaphysical belief sets. This is a practical course in techniques that work.

Both of these courses offer a unique and innovative approach to the practice of hypnosis and will serve to enhance the skills of all students. New as well as established Hypnotists are welcome.

As this is the first time this material has been offered in  North America, we are offering a Deep Discount for the for the first FIVE students to enroll in both courses.

Find out more at:

• http://experientialtrance.blogspot.com

I have once again been working with Richard Clark on bringing our programs to the "other" side of the big blue pond. Many of you know that he did such an amazing job organizing our last Los Angeles event which was truly amazing so be sure to email Richard for registration for this series of events soon.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!SPEED HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (12-13 April 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Taipei, Taiwan (21-22 June 2008)EXPERIENTIAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (14-18 July 2008)METAPHYSICAL HYPNOSIS
Los Angeles, California (26-27 July 2008)TRANCE-ACTING
Los Angeles, California (2 August 2008)Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

Hypnosis Comes of Age . . .. . . the legacy of GH Estabrooks

George H. Estabrooks is an interesting item in the history of hypnosis . . . he was a prominent psychologist who farmed out his work to the Central Intelligence Agency (prior to that, working with intelligence during more than one war).  In the 1940's he wrote:

“I can hypnotize a man — without his knowledge or consent — into committing treason against the United States."

His theory of how to build a super spy was tested in World War Two and was part of a trail of hypnotic inquiry that we try to pretend never happened but most definately did, beginning as early as 1905 and continuing through to MK Ultra into the 1970s and even later.  Most reputable hypnotists dismiss the claims of many in this stream of research - certainly far less effective than claimed and much more expensive and troublesome than simple money and sex have turned out to be when it comes to gaining double agents or creating so-called super spys.

However, there is strong documentation that Estabrooks did indeed have a program for "hypnotic couriers" in place with volunteers who were highly suggestible.  Folks who were hypnotized to deliver oral messages and then given suggestions to forget their mission with the consicous mind only to deliver the message on the hearing of a key phrase at the other end ot the loop.

In his 1943 book, Estabrooks freely admitted that he had a keen interest in military applications of hypnosis.  Later, during the Cold War, he opted for more invasive methods:

"everyone could be thrown into the deepest state of hypnotism by the use of what [I] termed the Russian method - no holds barred, deliberate disintegration of the personality by psychic torture ... The subject might easily be left a mental wreck but war is a grim business." Also noted is that children make especially good subjects, given that they "are notoriously easy to hypnotize." Which is to say, children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and have more of a tendency to dissociate traumatic experiences, thereby creating alter identities that can be later exploited and controlled.

The following essay, Hypnosis Comes of Age, is an excerpt in which Estabrooks described some of his early work with military applications of hypnosis.  The essay appeared in Science Digest, April 1971, pp. 44-50, and is an indication of an early manifestation of what will become MK Ultra and more.

Abstract:

This psychologist reminisces about his long career as a hypnotist: how he "programmed" American spies with hypnosis: how he helped businessmen and students with his skills.  Dr. Estabrooks is a Rhodes Scholar. He took his Doctorate at Harvard ('26), and has authored many articles and books on clinical hypnosis and human behavior. This excerpt details Dr. Estabrooks work with Military intelligence during and after WWII.

One of the most fascinating but dangerous applications of hypnosis is its use in military intelligence. This is a field with which I am familiar though formulating guide lines for the techniques used by the United States in two world wars.

Communication in war is always a headache. Codes can be broken. A professional spy may or may not stay bought. Your own man may have unquestionable loyalty, but his judgment is always open to question.

The "hypnotic courier," on the other hand, provides a unique solution. I was involved in preparing many subjects for this work during World War II. One successful case involved an Army Service Corps Captain whom we''l call George Smith.

Captain Smith had undergone months of training. He was an excellent subject but did not realize it. I had removed from him, by post-hypnotic suggestion, all recollection of ever having been hypnotized.
First I had the Service Corps call the captain to Washington and tell him they needed a report of the mechanical equipment of Division X headquartered in Tokyo. Smith was ordered to leave by jet next morning, pick up the report and return at once. Consciously, that was all he knew, and it was the story he gave to his wife and friends.

Then I put him under deep hypnosis, and gave him -- orally -- a vital message to be delivered directly on his arrival in Japan to a certain colonel -- let's say his name was Brown -- of military intelligence. Outside of myself, Colonel Brown was the only person who could hypnotize Captain Smith. This is "locking." I performed it by saying to the hypnotized Captain: "Until further orders from me, only Colonel Brown and I can hypnotize you. We will use a signal phrase 'the moon is clear.' Whenever you hear this phrase from Brown or myself you will pass instantly into deep hypnosis." When Captain Smith re-awakened, he had no conscious memory or what happened in trance. All that he was aware of was that he must head for Tokyo to pick up a division report.

On arrival there, Smith reported to Brown, who hypnotized him with the signal phrase. Under hypnosis, Smith delivered my message and received one to bring back. Awakened, he was given the division report and returned home by jet. There I hypnotized him once more with the signal phrase, and he spieled off Brown's answer that had been dutifully tucked away in his unconscious mind.
The system is virtually foolproof. As exemplified by this case, the information was "locked" in Smith's unconscious for retrieval by the only two people who knew the combination. The subject had no conscious memory of what happened, so could not spill the beans. No one else could hypnotize him even iv they might know the signal phrase.

Not all applications of hypnotism to military intelligence are a tidy as that. Perhaps you have read _The Three Faces of Eve.__ The book was based on a case reported in 1905 by Dr. Morton Prince of Massachusetts general Hospital and Harvard. he startled everyone in the field by announcing that he had cured a woman named Beauchamp of a split personality problem. Using post-hypnotic suggestion to submerge an incompatible, childlike facet of the patient, he'd been able to make two other sides of Mrs. Beauchamp compatible, and lump them together in a single cohesive personality. Clinical hypnotists throughout the world jumped on the multiple personality bandwagon as a fascinating frontier. By the 1920's, not only had they learned to apply post-hypnotic suggestion to deal with this weird problem, but also had learned how to split certain complex individuals into multiple personalities like Jeckyl-Hydes.
The potential for military intelligence has been nightmarish. During World War II, I worked this technique with a vulnerable Marine lieutenant I'll call Jones. Under the watchful eye of Marine Intelligence I spilt his personality into Jones A and Jones B. Jones A, once a "normal" working Marine, became entirely different. He talked communist doctrine and meant it. He was welcomed enthusiastically by communist cells, was deliberately given a dishonorable discharge by the Corps (which was in on the plot) and became a car-carrying party member.

The joker was Jones B, the second personality, formerly apparent in the conscious Marine. Under hypnosis, this Jones had been carefully coached by suggestion. Jones B was the deeper personality, knew all the thoughts of Jones A, was a loyal American, and was "imprinted" to say nothing during conscious phases.

All I had to do was hypnotize the whole man, get in touch with Jones B, the loyal American, and I had a pipeline straight into the Communist camp. It worked beautifully for months with this subject, but the technique backfired. While there was no way for an enemy to expose Jones' dual personality, they suspected it and played the same trick on us later.

The use of "waking hypnosis" in counter intelligence during World War II occasionally became so involved that it taxed even my credulity. Among the most complicated ploys used was the practice of sending perfectly normal, wide awake agent into enemy camp, after he'd been carefully coached in waking hypnosis to _act_ the part of a potential hypnotism subject. Trained in auto-suggestion, or self-hypnosis, such a subject can pass every test used to spot a hypnotized person. Using it, he can control the rate of his heartbeat, anesthetize himself to a degree against pain of electric shock or torture.
In the case of an officer we'll call Cox, this carefully prepared counterspy was given a title to indicate he had access to top priority information. He was planted in an international cafe in a border country where it was certain there would be enemy agents. He talked too much, drank a lot, made friends with local girls, and pretended a childish interest in hypnotism. The hope was that he would blunder into a situation where enemy agents would kidnap him and try to hypnotize him, in order to extract information from him.

Cox worked so well that they fell for the trick. he never allowed himself to be hypnotized during seances. While pretending to be a hypnotized subject of the foe, he was gathering and feeding back information.

Eventually, Cox did get caught, when he was followed to an information "drop." And this international group plays rough. The enemy offered him a "ride" at gunpoint. There were four men in the vehicle. Cox watched for a chance, and found it when the car skirted a ravine. he leaped for the wheel, twisted it, and over the edge they went. Two of his guards were killed in the crash. In the ensuing scramble, he got hold of another man's gun, liquidated the remaining two, then hobbled across the border with nothing worse than a broken leg.

So much for the dark side.....

When is a Walkabout Trance just a Trance?

I saw a couple discussions on street hypnosis and walkabouts and the like and the got me thinking . . .

When is a Walkabout Trance just a trance?  It isn't.

There are just different experiences of context.

As most of you know, we had an absolutely wonderful time at the WALKABOUT TRANCE BEACH RESORT GETAWAY in beautiful Hermosa Beach at the beginning of the month . . . I mean WONDERFUL.

However, since that event was pitched as a context frame for my SPEED HYPNOSIS course where I taught my variation of instant and rapid hypnosis with a big ol' dollop of creative inductions and improvisizational adaptation to context and setting, there is a misimpression by some that Walkabout Trance or Street Hypnosis must inherently rely upon speed hypnosis.

This could not be further from the truth.

Nor is Walkabout merely about doing cold walkups or the like.

Speed Hypnosis is simple, straightforward, and fun but it is not the only model out there.  While I am all for folks experimenting with their comfort zones, I would not suggest that if your comfort zone is not the same as mine that you are somehow doing anything "wrong" . . . far from it.  As you experiment with new ideas and concepts, play with them and make them your own.  Let your comfort zone expand to encompass new truths you begin to experience related to your experiments and exposure to new concepts but keep that comfort zone your own.

In one of the reviews of the Walkabout posted to one of serveral blogs out there, there is a comment about how wonderful it was for the reviewer to discover how supporting the event environment was in that folks were encouraged to stretch their minds and comfort levels comfortably . . . but that when they discovered that where they might feel uncomfortable in one context others were downright at home and rather audacious and that folks were welcome to be inspired by others but never to feel less for their own experience.

Some folks are nervous about "speed hypnosis" techniques because they seem so shocking and intrusive to them . . . however, as I hoped I was able to demonstrate in some way . . . they don't need to be.  They can be gentle and very maternal if that's how you prefer to frame them.  Take whatever the trance partner's context is and frame the experience appropriately for that person and for yourself and all will be well.

Some folks are actually more comfortable in a bit of a slow take in . . . attendees at the Walkabout will recall the young woman who was brought in from outside as a demo subject who I ended up switching to a dial deepener for a whole slew of reasons.  :-)  Others will remember the wonderful opportunity presented during the Ideomotor Finger Signals demonstration (that was a great example of a beautiful opportunity for context-sensitive shift).  If the trance partner isn't quite ready for a slam-bam-thank-you-ma'am trance experience then slow down and let 'em smell those hypnotic roses and have a different sort of experience, one appropriate to their context and to your own.

It's not all stuck hands and unbendable arms . . . me, I tend to create as many Fairy Dragon experiences as happy fingers and name amnesias but I'll throw in a nice little chakra color visualization here and there and if there's time, play a bit with one person rather than steamrolling through ten . . . but, you . . . maybe your experience will lead you to something else . . . something congruent with your comfort zone and whatever you think a Walkabout Trance might imply.  I use the term Walkabout Trance so that it's a bit more inclusive than the impression many folks have from the term Street Hypnosis so feel free to define the experience within your own expectations, context, and the like then go out and play . . . really play . . . and let the context you find yourself in redefine it and yourself as you adapt and play and play at adapting.

BTW, the folks in this neck of the woods can sign up for the Speed Hypnosis course for April 12-13 here in Taipei . . . and . . . wait for it . . . we are working out the details . . . and topics have not yet been set . . . but . . . it looks like we're going to be going Stateside to Los Angeles in July and we will have at least two events within that timeframe.  Further details to come as soon as we've got 'em pinned down.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!SPEED HYPNOSIS
(Instant and Rapid Hypnosis Techniques)Taipei, Taiwan (two days, fifteen hours + out-of-class assignments).Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

SPEED HYPNOSIS COURSE: Date Changed to April 12-13

Folks, we have talked to every person who has registered and have moved the SPEED HYPNOSIS course to April 12-13.

This means the course will now be on the weekend rather than spread out over five days.  The new schedule makes it a lot easier on me to shift some other events around so we apologize for the inconvenience (however, it also turns into an opportunity for the folks who could not make it to the weeklong evening event).

So . . . you still have a chance to register!  Email Lorraine NOW to find out how you can get your spot on the new date.

Course info on the webpages at http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com so check it out.

All the best,
Brian

Hypnosis Comedy Shows . . .
  Feb. 22, Hypno Hot, Comedy Club, Taipei
  Feb. 24, Hypno Kool, Comedy Club, Taipei

SPEED HYPNOSIS, April 12-13, two days in Taipei

            Sign Up for Hypnosis Courses
      Enjoy Great Entertainment! Hypnosis Shows
    http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!
           . . . and Much Much More!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH          [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Performance Hypnotist, Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, English Dept., NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com

Walkabout Trance Videos from Hermosa Beach!

As most of my readers know, last weekend was my Walkabout Trance Street Hypnosis Beach Resort Getaway seminar in Los Angeles wherein I taught a course to fifty+plus eager hypnotists on speed hypnosis techniques for going out into the world and playing playing playing.

A number of folks have posted very positive reviews of their experiences at the Walkabout as well as of my intensive course at Hypnoticon (quite a few folks said that after taking my single day intensive they felt like they had already gotten their money's worth for the convention as a whole, albeit the entire experience was very very very worthwhile with a whole lot of folks saying it was the best hypnosis convention experience they had every had and more than a few told me privately they had positive life-changing experiences at the convention proper).

One very nice aspect of both events was that we had both very experienced hypnotists and raw beginners - folks who have been around the block a whole slew of times playing with those who were still starry-eyed and bushy-tailed (the Walkabout had a veritable Hypnotic Hall of Fame of attendees there to play alongside novice hypnotists there for their very first experience hypnotizing or being hypnotized). The range of experience and background was also wonderful with professional stage hypnotists right up alongside fulltime clinical hypnotherapists and recreational hypnotists with Elmanian and Ericksonian hypnotists and old timers ranging from our octogenarian who learned directly from LeCron and Cheek to young folks just getting into this wild and crazy world.

Well . . . at both the Walkabout and Hypnoticon, I had folks go through a few of my creative hypnosis exercises which really hit home with the concept that anything and everything can be a hypnosis induction. At the Walkabout, I had folks going through an advanced variation of this exercise in which they do callouts of a suggestibility test and a creative concept which must immediately be incorporated into a genuine hypnosis induction that is improvised on the spot. Here are a few of the videos popping up on the web of some folks going through that very exercise:

Richard Rumble: Tea Cup Induction

Joshua Johnston: Flower-Pencil Drop Induction

Joshua Johnston: Arm Catalepsy Induction

Of course, the real fun of the Walkabout was actually going out on the boardwalk and doing cold approaches to complete strangers and hypnotizing them on the spot. Here are a few videos of folks in the seminar doing just that:

Richard Rumble: Walkabout Trance Street Hypnosis

Sean Michael Andrews: Extreme Street Hypnosis

Doreen Cohanim: Walkabout Trance
(Joshua Johnston in background, also walkabout trancing)

Participants in the seminar should feel free to post more URLs of your own videos in the comments here.

All in all, our Mini-US Tour turned out great. We certainly found that there are a whole lot of very wonderful hypnotists out there who resonate well with us. We made some new friends and took some old friendships to new levels. We will certainly be doing more Stateside events and even have some dates for other countries being arranged.  Regardless of what happens in the future, we will definately be doing events of this type and more.

Thank you to all the folks who participated in the Walkabout and in our Hypnoticon intensive (and my Tarot Trance talk there as well). We are very happy to have had the opportunity to play with all of you and look forward to more.

All the best,
Brian

Sign Up NOW!SPEED HYPNOSIS
(Instant and Rapid Hypnosis Techniques)Taipei, Taiwan (five evenings, fifteen hours + out-of-class assignments).Hypnosis Shows, Sessions, Training . . . and MORE!
See http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com for details!

Brian David Phillips, PhD, CH [phillips@nccu.edu.tw]
Certified Hypnotherapist
President, Society of Experiential Trance
Associate Professor, NCCU, Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.BrianDavidPhillips.com