Therapists bust hypnotism myths

Close your eyes. You're getting very sleepy. You're completely under my command.

Sound like hypnotism? It isn't, said Chrysta Anderson, a Lacey-based hypnotherapist.

"That's the biggest myth," she said. "That's what people's fear is. And in fact, you're in a conversation ... You're talking back and forth."

Anderson led a celebration of World Hypnotism Day at the Olympia Center on Friday to an audience that trickled in during the six-hour meeting — about 15 were there at 5 p.m. The organizers also are participating in a newly formed local chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotherapists, which includes interested people from Tacoma to Chehalis.

It's the time of year when many people are making resolutions about losing weight or stopping smoking, and hypnotism is a method some use.

But it's about a lot more, Anderson said. Hypnotism can be used in improving relationships, controlling pain and taking charge of one's life, she said.

She said hypnotism is misunderstood. It's not about taking people into a trance they can't control, but rather guiding them through their subconscious, letting them make the decisions and get in touch with themselves, she said.

Friday's event was full of demonstrations. In one, Elma-based hypnotherapist and attorney Ray Dudenbostel hypnotized Barbara Miklos of Thurston County. Miklos said she had a personal problem and needed to make a tough decision. Dudenbostel directed her to think of an image and ask the image what was best.

Miklos said it really worked.

"I think it's a tool to get in touch with yourself," she said.