Vertigo sufferers on a high after mass hypnosis

November 6, 2007

AILEEN COWDEN

http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1681652007

A GROUP of acrophobics conquered their fear of heights yesterday by taking part in a session of mass hypnosis.

Around 50 people, who all also suffer from vertigo, were hypnotised before taking part in an aerial assault course about 100ft off the ground.

The event, at the Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena yesterday, saw the participants, whose ages ranged from 11 to 56, put into a trance to help them come to terms with their fears before attempting the aerial course.

They each underwent a 30-minute session involving a combination of hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming and thought fields therapy.

Each participant was told to imagine a picture of themselves being afraid, and to focus on the fear they felt.

They were told to chant "sit and float" under their breath, to remind them to stay calm throughout the course.

They were then woken up before being led to the top of the course, where they were strapped into a harness and cheered as they set off, one at a time.

Only three of the volunteers failed to attempt the challenge, including a 11-year-old boy.

Fundo Mhura, 24, one of Britain's leading amateur boxers, was the first to complete the course. He said: "I am petrified of heights and before today I would never have managed to complete the course. I get really dizzy and nauseous.

"The hypnosis was amazing and, although I was still scared, I managed to keep going through it all."

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This article: http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1681652007

Last updated: 22-Oct-07 00:04 GMT

Comments

1. Spiderweb, Edinburgh / 1:16pm 22 Oct 2007

Strange that. I was part of the group of volunteers (or did I dream it?) but was never in any trance at any point and certainly not hypnosed, maybe a wee bit more relaxed before going up (although my yoga class does a far better job!), which did not prevent me from having a panic attack at the top of the stairs! Anyway I did the assault and it was fun in the end but I would not say it cured my phobia!Report as unsuitable

2. Psibermage, Glasgow / 7:26pm 22 Oct 2007

As a practicing hypnotherapist of 12 years, I'd like to point out that hypnosis is just a deeply relaxed state of focussed attention. The things you see on stage and tv are little more than audience participation in comedy routines.Report as unsuitable

3. PAHypnotist, Pennsylvania, United States / 7:55pm 22 Oct 2007

Congratulations to all who overcame that obstacle. It takes a lot of courage to face your fears, with or without the use of hypnosis, and you should be very proud of yourselves.

As a practicing therapist for over 15 years, I can tell you that many of my clients think they never were in hypnosis...they think they were just really relaxed and that's it. Not true. As Psibermage pointed out, things you see on tv and stage are not always as it is.

Hypnosis is a great tool when used properly. Congrats again to all of you who overcame their fears and had this excellent and exciting experience!