Therapeutic Uses and Benefits.

Review of Rick Collingwood Seminar at CCH May 6th, 2007

By Jenet Kirby

Rick Collingwood

Rick is a very knowledgeable man and as he spoke of his journey through hypnosis, it soon became apparent that his research of hypnosis and hypnotic techniques has been extensive.Rick’s original training had been in Ericksonian Hypnosis but his approach to learning and teaching have led him to make use of a broad range of knowledge and skills and his own research has led him to develop a strong focus on the importance of depth of trance and the predominance of theta brain wave activity for optimum effectiveness of hypnotherapeutic interventions. His insights into some hypnotic techniques were shared and he was keen to illustrate the need for specificity, for example, an open-ended instruction to a client to simply “go deeper and deeper” may in fact be disruptive as the client may wonder “how deep do you want me to go?” or “how deep can I go?” His detailed presentation of some of the ways in which he uses ideomotor responses brought about a new awareness to some who attended.

Rick is a frequent user of rapid induction methods and presented a fascinating demonstration of his expertise in this area with a willing volunteer from those present. It was an enthralling demonstration and his technique is fast, strong and direct.  Rick was asked if his technique would be suitable for use by a female hypnotherapist and it occurred to some attendees that this technique may not suit everyone’s style of working.  He was careful to point out that this powerful technique needs to be employed with extreme confidence to be carried off effectively and Rick also stressed the part that client expectations have to play: many clients “expect” a slower progressive induction and we need to be aware of and ensure that we manage those expectations in a synergistic way.

Rick’s references to the work of cellular biologist Bruce Lipton and Dr Ryke Hamer served to highlight his ardent belief in the very definite mind and body connection and attendees were keen to hear about his experiences and clinical trials with clients who have cancer.  It was certainly gladdening to hear that Rick is working with a number of medical practitioners who appreciate the science of hypnosis.  He suggested that we google medical hypnosis:  I did this and there are about 1,830,000 hits! Rick also discussed some case histories, which are always fascinating.

This presentation was insightful and well received, and the techniques presented engendered many questions and lively discussion.

from the CCH Newsletter, 'Perspectives'   Vol 1 Issue 3 (July 2007)