A lot of people walk into the world of hypnosis from different directions, what is your story?
“I got involved with hypnosis whilst singing in a band circa 1977. The drummer told this woman that I was a hypnotist and she asked me to hypnotise her. So I pretended to and watched as…. she went into hypnosis. Quite scary for me!”
What would you describe as the main influences in your style of working?
“There are many but today I find conversation hypnosis fascinating. To be able to talk with a part that will tell you that it is the subconscious, whilst the next art will insist it’s a guide. Another part will claim to be a spirit and yet another simply a part that controls a part. I’m comfortable with all of them. That includes reincarnated spirits and indeed: possession.”
What are the three most important tools/techniques in your Changework Toolbox?
“I know that the word ‘changework’ is the Zeitgeist of the day, but I never use it.
In hypnosis I need to care, have well-honed hypnotic skills and a good sense of humour. The rest is narrative ”
Is there any type of client issue you have run into that you have not yet been able to resolve?
“Only mortality”
If you were to start learning changework from zero today, where would you begin?
“If we can call this learning about hypnosis and how to build a practice: I teach all my students
1)Inspiration to Action
2)Know-How
3)Activity Knowledge
And assure them that if they develop those three things well they will have a career with purpose.”
What is your biggest concern about the way hypnotherapy is conducted nowadays?
“a) Too many are egocentric based
b) Too many are limited in their beliefs about what hypnosis is and how it works.
c) Too many are totally lost in the premise of their belief which stops them from learning.
d) They look up to the wrong people
(I’m aware I’m in dangerous waters here, but it’s true)”
The subconscious, the unconscious, the collective consciousness – the debate goes on, what is your take?
“Absolutely everything. And that’s not just my take. That’s my experience. Again I get concerned when someone steps forward to tell the rest how wrong they are and how it’s THIS or THAT. What if there is a SC and A GUIDE and A SPIRIT and SPIRIT POSSESSION and A PAST LIFE ENTITY? I think we have to work with what we are presented with… always.”
There is a technique you have refined, the Swan – can you describe it in short?
“Probably not , but I wanted something that I could use with every single person that walks through the door immediately. In a way that I might be able to connect with their SC without going anywhere near hypnosis. The Swan for me fits the bill perfectly. I use it in every opening. I simply tell the SC that I have no expectation in any way, shape or form that anything is going to happen, but just for the hell of it, do you think you might want to try this? The success rate is around 80% on an average day I’d say. And we haven’t even begun hypnosis yet, so it augurs for a great session to ensue. My main reason for loving it was simple. I never considered myself a great hypnotee but this works for ME”
Milton was once given the question to describe what was most important in his work with one word…. what would your word be?
“Ah I thought you’d keep the hardest question for last, but you chose the easiest. I’m fully aware of the temptation to put in love or healing or people etc but it simply has to be, for me…. CONTACT.”
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ABOUT BOB BURNS
Bob Burns hypnotised his first subject back in 1978. He now teaches hypnosis and has a highly successful hypnotherapy practice in Montrose, Scotland, where he mentors students from around Europe.
He also runs workshops where he teaches his own brand of hypnosis, specialising in anything from:
- The initial consultations and ‘how to properly hypnotise’
- How to talk to the subconscious prior to hypnosis
- How to treat the patient that does NOT go into hypnosis
- What to do when the subconscious (and other parts) says “No”
- Pain control
- Past life regression
- Spirit Possession
- Group Hypnosis
- How to attract clients and build a professional practice
Bob is also a much sought after professional mentalist and uses hypnosis in stage, impromptu and in his close-up work of magic and mentalism.
Having worked in both stage and impromptu Bob teaches in both his private mentoring and in his hypnosis workshops ‘how to put the magic into hypnosis’ and reveals how you (the hypnotist) can step out from the crowd.
http://lifelinehypnotherapy.com/About-Us(2012576).htm
https://www.facebook.com/
I was born in 1977 Bob!