rigorousintuition.ca

Hypnotist to put nation in a trance using Twitter and Facebook

In a Derren Brown-esque stunt, Chris Hughes says he will cast a spell over the internet and set a world record in the process for the world's largest mass online hypnosis session.

Mr Hughes, 34, will be attempting to stick his followers' hands together, and leave them unable to open their eyes, purely through the sound of his voice.

Hypnosis fans from all over the world have signed up to the online event, which will be happening on January 4 at 8.30pm.

The event, called Socialtrance, will coincide with World Hypnotism Day, and is expected to make it into the Guinness World Records.

"This is the first attempt of its kind to hypnotise people via social networking sites," Mr Hughes said.

"I truly believe that everyone can be hypnotised, and people shouldn't be afraid of it.

"Within a minute of starting the session those listening to me won't be able to see anything, as they'll be put into a deep trance by my voice.

"Social networking sites are a great way to interact with people and I'm hoping that this will open people's eyes to the power of hypnotism.

"It's all about the power of suggestion, and the affect it can have on the unconscious."

He added that there will be a question and answer session at the beginning to answer any sceptics.

Anyone 18 or over can take part in the event with the exception of those who are pregnant, have a mental illness, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or have been diagnosed with a psychotic illness.

Epileptics are advised to seek advice from their doctor before taking part in the hypnosis webcast.

The session will be purely auditory, and followers will not be able to see the hypnotherapist, who is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Facebook and Twitter followers are being told they will only need headphones and a comfy chair to take part in the social experiment.

The session will contain positive suggestions for change and Chris claims that it will benefit everyone taking part. Those curious can sign up to the event at www.Socialtrance.com.

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I say we do it, you guys. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with a project that's fucking named Socialtrance?

Mr Hughes, 34, will be attempting to stick his followers' hands together, and leave them unable to open their eyes, purely through the sound of his voice.

I'm hoping that this will open people's eyes to the power of hypnotism.

Well which is it? I'm reluctant to mention ews as it is an almost irresistible thread derailer, but how can I not?

I clicked the link and got a page saying "Bad request," which seemed rather appropriate.

Delete the period after the "com".

Somebody here should volunteer, you know, in the interest of science and all.

Id rather like an opposite event.
Social wake up call. Cold water by the bucketloads.

If only Mr. Hughes would use his powers for good, instead of evil.

"This is the first attempt of its kind to hypnotise people via social networking sites."

Not really.

Ha, I was about to join using a Facebook account, but it means making all your friends' names available to a special Chris Hughes application. Maybe not, then.

Hypnotist to put nation in a trance using Twitter and Facebook

I'd be impressed if he'd wake them from their existing trance instead.

Eyes closed, hands clasping together is a susceptibility test, once you start shaking you are in.

No doubt, people will believe they were hypnotised

c2w wrote: I mean, what could possibly go wrong with a project that's fucking named Socialtrance?

I confess I am curious, but I'm not going to create a facebook or twitter account to satiate that curiosity. I was taught self hypnosis by a therapist many, many years ago. The distinctions between that mental state and a number of other mental states I enter today, largely with the aid of technology, are subtle and subjective. I was sent to that therapist because I had confided in a lovely ra in my dorm whom I had a horrible crush on that I was under the influence of an hallucinogenic. She sent me to the therapist and though I never got laid I did get to meet this very interesting guy who within the first five minutes of our first session explained that he credited his experiences with mind altering substances with expanding his understanding of himself and the world and in a very fundamental way with becoming the person he became. He advised more discretion and lots of caution. He spoke almost in a whisper, as though he feared his office was bugged. His expertise was in hypnosis and he specialized in sports performance visualization. He had a very impressive list of clients which included professional sports teams. Interesting man.

Anyway, I am curious what you think might go wrong.

Personally I could not find any dirt on the Omni Hypnosis Training Centre or Gerald F. Kein or with the National Guild of Hypnotists, at least not above and beyond the on the face of it psychic snake oil salesmanship of a cure for whatever addiction or mental disorder ails you.

Ummm, I think he's a bit late.

brainpanhandler wrote:Personally I could not find any dirt on the Omni Hypnosis Training Centre or Gerald F. Kein or with the National Guild of Hypnotists, at least not above and beyond the on the face of it psychic snake oil salesmanship of a cure for whatever addiction or mental disorder ails you.

Gerald Kein is a nice guy, a v.skilled therapist, and an excellent trainer. I don't know the hypnotherapist who is running this (which in itself isn't unusual, he is just a regional hypnotherapist) but as a publicity stunt he's gained quite a lot of free publicity...

Hypnosis is a very useful tool for delivering psychotherapy. Some therapeutic techniques are particular to hypnosis, and can be very effective (e.g. regression to cause (significant emotional events) in phobias). Used skillfully, and within a broader psychotherapeutic framework, hypnosis offers a person an extra dimension which can impact on a person's chance of personal, positive change.

Many hypnotherapists are poorly trained and not so very effective, whereas some are very well trained, particularly in contemporary psychotherapy, and are experienced and excellent therapists.

There is growing evidence of a neurochemical correlate for hypnosis. It's not psychic snake oil, but a very useful tool for helping people feel better.

Cheers,

Telexx

I'll take your word that Kein is a nice fellow. He apparetly founded and runs the Omni hypnosis training center where according to Hughes' website he received his training in hypnotherapy. I didn't look very hard, but I couldn't find anything untoward related to the center or kein, like for instance any lawsuits or goverment contracts for services rendered at gitmo or whatever.

I've no doubt hypnotherapy can be an effective way of accessing repressed memories or implanting suggestions into the subconscious. I myself was not susceptible to hypnosis which is why the therapist I mentioned that I was seeing some 23 years ago taught me self hypnosis instead.

I guess when I mentioned snake oil salesmanship I was referring more to the cheezy cure all vibe I got from hughes' website. I mean, obviously the field of hypnotherapy is rife with the opportunity to fleece people looking for a painless and effortless way to solve their problems.

brainpanhandler wrote:I guess when I mentioned snake oil salesmanship I was referring more to the cheezy cure all vibe I got from hughes' website. I mean, obviously the field of hypnotherapy is rife with the opportunity to fleece people looking for a painless and effortless way to solve their problems.

This is certainly true; in my experience a person can overcome all manner of cognitive / emotional / behavioural obstacles, but change is rarely painless or effortless. There are unscrupulous people in all walks of life...

That said, I've found most lay-hypnotists to be well-meaning and often compassionate and skilled; on the whole they are no more dangerous than clinical psychologists (or worse still: psychiatrists) who seem only to come armed with labels, charts, and ultimately a dearth of human feeling...

Anyway, I agree with other sentiments here: I'd be more impressed if he (Hughes) were to wake people up from their slumber...

Cheers,

Telexx