by Jerry Valley
My office in Methuen, Massachusetts is busy as a result of several sources. One, of course, is from referrals of satisfied clients. The second source is from the “Yellow Pages.” It seems that if you are in the “Yellow Pages,” the general public assumes two things: 1. You are good at what you do. 2. That you are ethical and reliable. Then there is advertising in the newspapers, magazines, flyers etc.
However, in the last 10 years and particularly in the last 2 years, one of the driving forces in attracting new clients has been the stage shows. People have been attending stage hypnosis shows in greater numbers than ever before. Right now, there are many very good stage hypnotists, “One on Every Corner,” who do promote the clinical opportunities at each and every show. At first glimpse, it appears that having so many stage hypnotists will flood the market. Let me tell you that we, and many stage hypnotists, are busier now than we have been in the past. Why? Because when hypnosis is getting public exposure, it whets the public’s appetite to see more and many will also seek out a good, certified hypnotist. Even when there is a “raunchy” show, people are prone to go and see anther hypnotists performing in the area. Whether it be curiosity or just to compare, they go.
Stage shows today are generating more discussion and interest amongst people than ever before. It is a catalyst for the acceptance of hypnosis when done in an ethical manner.
Yes, yes, we do have some idiots running around doing horrendous stage show, but that is what you will find in just about any profession. This is America with free enterprise.
So why is stage hypnosis so popular today? Because people want to try it, and where can they do it so easily that with a professional stage hypnotist. Then they become curious.
What’s happening now in the year 2003 is that the exposure of hypnosis via the stage is, more than ever, calling the public’s attention to a viable and powerful source within a person that can be tapped for greater achievements. Of course, we have fun on stage, but we also we also endeavor to treat subjects with courtesy and respect yet, at the same time, unleash their innermost, subdued talents.
There are more stage hypnotists performing now than in any time in history…and why is that?
The hypnosis show has charm, wide appeal and lets the audience in on what is going to happen. The audiences love it! Nothing is funnier than audience participation. Art Linkletter had a television show called “People Are Funny.” He would put people into funny skits, like we do, and just give them some room to become someone who they normally are not. He literally gave them a license to perform.
When people volunteer for a show, they put into the stage hypnotist’s hands their most prized possession…their minds. If the hypnotist is ethical and professional, he/she does everything to ensure that the subjects, as well as the audience, have a great time.
Therefore, we as stage hypnotists have the duty to perform and enthrall those audiences that seek enjoyment, and if in the process we are able to convince a few skeptics, then we get a bonus.
These are some of the great hypnotists that have influenced me in developing the show that I had the pleasure of performing on the award-winning television show “20/20.”
Sam Vine, who passed away in 1992, was perhaps the finest stage hypnotist that I have ever had the pleasure to observe, follow and borrow routines from. Sam was my friend and my mentor. He had a unique quality in that he never presented any magic or jokes, just pure and simple hypnosis. He had the ability to put subjects more deeply into hypnosis than I have ever seen in any other stage show. He was a gentleman.
Harry Arons, founder and leader of AAEH, the Association to Advance Ethical Hypnosis was my first classroom teacher and he really got the ball rolling. He was a fine man and had many, many years of invaluable experience which he shared with many.
Ormond McGill, the “Dean of American Hypnotists,” traveled the world more than any other stage hypnotist and authored over 32 books on hypnosis. It was my distinct pleasure to teach with this “Giant.” Also, he was such a great humanitarian.
In summation, may I suggest to those hypnotists who have not utilized any stage shows, to consider doing lecture/demonstrations that are appropriate for smaller groups like Kiwanis, Lions, K of C, Exchange Clubs, Sons of Italy and many other groups that are always seeking speakers.
When you show them just some very simple experiments, you will motivate them to seek self-improvement through your clinical programs. Try it, it works!
