Christianity and Hypnotherapy

As both a psychotherapist who utilises hypnotherapy and a Christian, I often come across queries on whether hypnotherapy goes against biblical principles.

I find that the question arises due to misunderstanding of what hypnotherapy is and what it entails.

Before we delve further into the topic, it is important to understand that there is a difference between stage hypnosis—performed for entertainment in a club or at a party—and hypnotherapy—induced in a private office setting for therapeutic benefit (a more in-depth examination of hypnotherapy can be read here).

A popular argument revolves around control; that hypnosis requires us to yield to a fellow human being rather than to God (See Romans 6:12-13; Romans 6:16-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-12; and James 4:6-7).

This issue of control is not helped by stage hypnotists; while somewhat entertaining, their performances give rise to grave misconceptions regarding trance states and hypnotism.

Why would anyone in their right mind want to cluck like a chicken in front of a crowd?

The answer is pretty simple: for entertainment purposes. While a seemingly respectable person would resist doing so under normal circumstances, their permission allows certain suggestions (e.g. bark like a dog) to bypass their ego defences.

Assuming that the suggestion is not removed, will the volunteer spend the rest of his life behaving like a chicken or a dog?

Direct suggestions that do not align with a person’s value and belief systems will not stick; the unconscious mind has defence mechanisms that will reject disagreeable suggestions, especially those that are detrimental to our well-being (e.g. you will not jump off a building under suggestion).

That being said, I have to highlight that there have been cases during stage hypnotism where volunteers have experienced physical and/or psychological harm. In the interest of the public good, I would not advise anyone to volunteer for such performances.

On the other hand, a hypnotherapist has no desire to have power over you, and intends the best for your total well-being, using the safest possible methods, tested as far as possible.

Ethical therapists have to respect the free will of our clients; we not only seek to protect but also enhance your autonomy. Our job is not just to implant direct suggestions (which will be rejected by the unconscious mind anyway), but to help uncover and address past traumatic experiences.

In the course of my work, I’ve come across people who cannot fathom the love of our Heavenly Father due to issues with their earthly ones, or comprehend a loving relationship with Mother Mary in some instances with Catholics.

Such blockages can often be traced back to negative childhood experiences; perhaps relationships with abusive or emotionally distant parents. Hypnotherapy is powerful tool that can help people heal from such trauma and enable them to develop healthy relationships, both heavenly and earthly.

But as with any tool, there is also the potential for misuse; if you’re keen to explore hypnotherapy, I would recommend that you choose a therapist that is certified and belongs to a professional body.

I leave you with this quote from an article by Norman Vaughton (1987), a Christian who lectured and practised privately in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy:

As a Christian … I use my mind with all its strange and wonderful potential, in all its different states of consciousness, and with all its different functions, hopefully for good – and that includes the whole fascinating, mysterious and wonderful area of hypnotic effects. They are as much God created and open to use and abuse as any other function of creation. I also know that frequently during hypnotic sessions I will suddenly be filled with an awareness that what I am doing is something of therapy, something of hypnosis, and something of prayer, and they are all so much entwined and the same that I do not really believe any separation would be possible; and of the presence of God I am utterly certain.

Reference List

Vaughton, N. (1987) On Hypnosis. Nucleus, January 1987, p18.