Jacquin Hypnosis Academy Blog
"There is really no such thing as a hypnotist." Dave Elman. Findings in hypnosis. 1964
Dave Elman (May 6, 1900 – 5 December 1967) was a noted American radio host, comedian, and songwriter, and important figure in the field of hypnosis. He is most known today as the author of Findings in Hypnosis (1964).
On page one of his famous book he states, "There is really no such thing as a hypnotist."
But what did he mean?
It strikes me that this notion was an important one to Elman, given that it is stated so early on. Yet, when I have discussed it's meaning with other hypnotists, there is little consensus about what it means.
Some suggest it means 'all hypnosis is self-hypnosis', that the subject essentially hypnotises themselves, even if a hypnotist is present. Other's have suggested that it means 'everyone is a hypnotist', that the skill is already in our hands.
While both points have some merit, if we consider the quote in the context of other comments on the page, it becomes clear that Elman sees the hypnotist as more of a guide, or what he...
UK Hypnosis Convention - Keynote Address
UK Hypnosis Convention 2019 - Last night I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at the gala dinner to 230 guests.
It was a go deep or go home situation. In what was a lovely surprise my friend and chief howler Tim A. Cummins wrote an introduction to my work which Adam Eason read out.
In summary my message was encouragement..
- To assist those in our community, who wish to assist people in theirs.
- To create a practice, that is accepting enough that it can say 'yes to everything' that your client brings into it. Spacious enough to accommodate their pain, their discomfort, their self-doubt, and do so without judgement.
- To study. Not because we seek certainty. But because you wish to be in service to deeper levels of human flourishing.
- To be bold. Engage in self-hypnosis every day.
- To be curious. Test your assertions in the laboratory of your own life.
- To be hypnosis. Reveal your will to act and to shine a light on the possibility of a better future for...
UK Hypnosis Convention - Phenomenological Control
Day 2 of the UK Hypnosis Convention was incredible.
It kicked of with Gary 'Smiler' Turner giving a high-octane lecture about dealing with 'anger.' Great structure, packed with info and a fun delivery.
I spent the rest of the day in the main room with the academics. It was so much more dynamic than I imagined it might be. Absolutely professional, informative talks, all day long.
My old business partner Kev Sheldrake gave a whistlestop history tour of Head Hacking. Using it as a vehicle to illustrate the hacker mindset, the importance of branding, and of course the appliance of science.
Ben Parras shared a fascinating look at the concepts of involuntariness and effortfulness, bringingup some of the most interesting studies into hypnosis.
Dr. Michael Heap, gave a rare and excellent overview of his work as an expert witness in court cases involving hypnosis.
The day however, was utterly stolen by Prof. Zoltan Dienes. He suggested we rebrand hypnosis as 'phenomenological control.'...
