Hypnotism is a serious art and profession. Many times, people treat it as if they were learning magic tricks. But this is life-changing information that you learn — both for you and others (if you plan to hypnotize other people).

So, I contacted Robert Shields who is probably a very sincere and wonderful person. The people on his site just love him (those who post on his forum), and they sincerely do want to learn how to hypnotize people (or themselves).

So, I get a link to download an .exe (Windows) file which means that this can only be viewed on a PC. And, it’s password-protected, etc. etc. Personally, I hate that.

Anyway, Robert has created an amazingly long and thorough “Hypnotherapy Diploma Course” for $198. (There’s a $4.95 trial, however.)

Okay, so think about this. For about 200 bucks, you are going to buy a course in Hypnotherapy and receive a diploma. Does anyone see anything wrong with this?

It always pains me in this hypnosis business when people expect to learn this profession through a book or DVD and then call themselves a hypnotist or hypnotherapist and put a diploma up on the wall. Anyone thinking “lawsuit”?

On his web site says, “Think of my Clinical Hypnotherapy Training Diploma Course at the low, low price you can obtain it as being the Budget Airline of the Hypnotherapy World!”

Well, I couldn’t have expressed it better. So, you will have a “real career” as a “real hypnotist” for under $200?! *sigh*

From Robert’s web site:

My Diploma is an acceptable qualification by the following leading Hypnotherapy Organization in Canada. There are also many organizations that accept my graduates for membership but you must check them out prior to enrolment if you wish to join them as I do not affiliate myself to any of them as it is simply not necessary and many of them are just out to take your money and have no real value.

That isn’t an accreditation. If you start claiming you have a “diploma” from and “accredited college of Hypnotherapy”… at least in the United States, you’d better have a good lawyer.

Just because some hypnosis organizations “accept [his] graduates for membership” doesn’t mean anything. It means they will take your money to join. Period.

That said, this does not mean that Robert’s course is bad or worthless; it means that you cannot call yourself a graduate of any hypnosis college with an accredited degree. Ever.

What you get:

This is a downloadable Windows .exe ebook file that will open on your PC. This will not work on a Mac unless you can run Windows on it.

Course titles:

• Lesson 1. Hypnosis: Hypnotisability, Susceptibility Tests and Induction Techniques
• Lesson 2. Hypnosis: Deepening Techniques
• Lesson 3. Hypnosis: Termination of Hypnosis
• Lesson 4. Hypnosis: Principles of Suggestion/Post Hypnotic Suggestions
• Lesson 5. Hypnosis: Practical – Basic Hypnosis (Progressive Relaxation)
• Lesson 6. Psychology: Freud (Infantile Development and Defense Mechanisms)
• Lesson 7. Psychology: The Seven Keys to Psychosomatic Illnesses
• Lesson 8. Hypnosis: Practical – Induction, Deepening and Ideo-motor Response
• Lesson 9. Psychology: Anxiety and Stress
• Lesson 10. Hypnosis: Practical – Ego-strengthening Technique
• Lesson 11. Hypnosis: Practical – Smoker’s Therapy
• Lesson 12. Psychology: The Psychology of Overweight
• Lesson 13. Hypnosis: Practical – Slimmer’s Therapy
• Lesson 14. Psychology: Carl Gustav Jung – Analytical Psychology
• Lesson 15. Psychology: Behaviorism
• Lesson 16. Psychology: Phobias – Theory only
• Lesson 17. Imagery: Practical – Guided Imagery
• Lesson 18. Hypnosis: Uncovering Technique: Diagnostic Scanning
• Lesson 19. Hypnosis: Regression Technique – Free-floating Regression
• Lesson 20. N.L.P. Neuro-linguistic Programming – Anchoring
• Lesson 21. Hypnosis: Uncovering Technique: Practical – Dream Analysis
• Lesson 22. Psychology: Recognition of Resistances
• Lesson 23. Psychology: Psychological Questionnaires (Isolating Conflict Areas)
• Lesson 24. Psychology. Body Language
• Lesson 25. Hypnosis. Self-Hypnosis for Course Members and Clients
• Lesson 26. Psychology. Client Centered Therapy – Carl Rogers
• Lesson 27. Hypnosis. Uncovering Technique – Psycho-Imagination Therapy
• Lesson 28. Psychology. Intimate Relationship Dysfunctioning
• Lesson 29. Psychology. Gestalt Therapy
• Lesson 30. Hypnosis. Past Life Regression for Course Members and Clients
• Lesson 31. Setting up a practice – (Advice and tips )

Notice all of the psychological terms? Just a piece of advice (especially if you live in the US) — do not use any psychological terms. Ever.

Note: Robert has over 200 testimonials of people who do like his product on his web site. (What must be understood is that testimonials must be from people who have used a product or service for a time and received viable results from it. Opinions aren’t testimonials.) However, these people do like Robert’s product. Maybe you will, too.

What I would have liked in this course:

If this course came with some good videos and audios of how to hypnotize, this would be pretty good (without the “diploma” thing). Learning hypnotism from text is like learning to sing from a book. You need real-life examples.

Bonus:

You get one “free” attempt to take a multiple choice open-book test. Can it get any easier than that? Then, you can submit your “qualifications” to the various hypnosis organizations that will take your money for a “reciprocal certification”. And, then, you will be “permitted to use the initials DipHyp or DHyp” after your name. (Can you hear me screaming?)

Guarantee:

Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

My Recommendation:

Look, if you want to learn hypnotism, to get some information, to just explore it somewhat, the Robert Shields Hypnotherapy Course may be well worth it for $198.

However, if you are looking to do this as a career or even as an amateur hypnotist, do not fool yourself by getting any “diploma” from any “accredited hypnotherapy college”.

Why?

Because they do not exist anywhere on earth.

Instead, learn first-hand from a real hypnotist. Do the training. Do the internship. Spend the money. And, you could have a real career.

• 102-page spiral-bound book
• Accompanying DVD (Bonus)*

This is an amazingly wonderful little book. Reality is Plastic is about learning hypnotism in a quick and pragmatic way that will get you your results quite quickly. It’s the art of impromptu hypnosis.

One of the ways you can learn hypnosis is to go through a certification class. It is the suggestion of this writer that one does so — even if you just want to “dabble” in hypnotism. (You really do need qualified training.)

On that note, here is a wonderful little book that explains how to do hypnotism easily. The author, Anthony Jacquin, is a British hypnotist who boils down the necessary steps so you can just get to it. You won’t find a lot of blather in this book; he gets down to the business of hypnotism immediately.

While not a book on stage or clinical hypnosis, you will learn the correct way to master the hypnotic state in your subjects, perform some neat inductions, deepeners and suggestions/routines. And, you’ll really be able to do it with some practice.

Initially, Anthony teaches the basics like what hypnosis is, some history of hypnosis — which you really do need to read. But, he makes it easy to digest and then gets on with the purpose of the book.

Anthony talks about being The Hypnotist — a term that I have personally used for years and I agree with why he uses it. (Instead of you being a hypnotist, you are THE Hypnotist. It’s a minor detail, but in your head and in the reality of your subject’s experiences, it does make a difference.)

Now, here’s where I learned a few things from Jacquin.

While most hypnotists do a pre-talk, Anthony does what he calls the Set Piece. These are small routines — waking hypnosis — that get them into the state/belief that they can and will be hypnotized. Now, while I do believe that you need to do a pre-talk before a stage show and in a clinical setting, these Set Pieces are perfect for small groups and showing off for friends. I liked the Set Piece idea.

The Inductions

Now, while many hypnotists love their inductions, I personally do two: an Elman and a Progressive Relaxation. It’s all I need and that’s that. (Yes, I do a few “rapid inductions” for some specific reasons, too.)

Here, you will learn some nice rapid inductions are are perfect for showing off and entertaining your friends. I don’t like rapid inductions for the clinical setting because the client needs the “show” (click on that link in the last sentence for more). But the rapid inductions in Reality is Plastic are wonderful and very practical and they will work well in impromptu settings!

You will learn deepeners, loops, chains and more. And then there’s the Super Suggestion. It’s worth the price of this book. It’s a great idea and I love it.

The Routines

Then, there are the cool routines. You’ll learn some nifty bits like how to walk into a shop and leave with items without paying, becoming “invisible”, paying with blanks bits of paper instead of cash, get free drinks, etc.

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and not to learn how to steal or shoplift . Use these routines and techniques from this book at your discretion and use common sense. We take no responsibility if you use any of these routines or skills for wrongful purposes.

I really like this book. And, if you mention this review, *you will also receive a BONUS accompanying DVD showing the Set Piece and the Inductions. It’s this “extra mile” that makes this book an even better value for your money. You’ll get the explanations on video and you’ll see some “on the street” demonstrations that really show Anthony in action. One hours, thirteen minutes. Very nice.

(However, this will eventually be another product, sold separately and will not come with this book. But, put in the comments at PayPal that you read this review and you’ll get it for free!)

How to get Reality is Plastic

Unfortunately, the only way (as of this writing) to get Reality is Plastic is through Anthony’s web site. You pay through PayPal, which is nice because it is safe, but it’s mailed from the UK and it may take a short while to arrive.

The price is 22.50 British Pounds (GBP) which is (currently) about 44.50 US Dollars. A little steep, but I do think it’s definitely worth the money. (Shipping outside the UK is an additional 3.50 GBP or about 7.00 US Dollars.

My advice to Anthony would be to additionally offer this on Amazon.com. I would also add a US Dollars option on his site (and on PayPal) for his American customers.

Steven Hall give you a lot in this program. First, you get the main book, How to Hypnotize, which is a wonderful primer in hypnotism. While it could use a table of contents, the book is laid out in linear form going from “What is Hypnosis” to how to put on a hypnosis stage show.

In this 43-page book, you will learn the basic of hypnotism. Looking through Steve’s book, I can say that, after you read and practice the techniques in this book, you will be able to hypnotize almost anyone. (That’s what you want, right?)

You will learn everything from the dangers of hypnosis, who can (and cannot) be hypnotized, who you shouldn’t ever hypnotize, hypnosis tests, inductions and a whole lot more.

Once you learn how to hypnotize someone, you can eventually progress onto stage hypnosis. I have to say, however, that stage hypnosis is very difficult to master (I’ve been performing stage hypnosis for years, so believe me when I say this) and one should really take some live training classes on this area of hypnotism.

Don’t let that stop you, though, as How to Hypnotize is a wonder beginning to your journey to hypnotism!

How to Hypnotize also comes with two companion ebooks that you’ll want to read:

Hypnosis Made Simple (55 pages) — At first, I thought this was going to be just another “what is hypnosis?” book. Instead, it’s a information that you’ll want to have to understand hypnosis, trace states, rapport, and the beginnings of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). You will also learn a lot about the actual induction process, the vital “pre-talk”, how to deepen the trance state and hypnosis for therapy. This is a good book to have for reference and it’s a good idea to read it a few times, too.

Also included in the above package are two videos in .wmv format:

• The Complete Hypnotherapy Session, where you witness a real hypnosis session performed for Stephen’s client. This is extremely useful if you are thinking of going into this as a profession. It’s also fascinating to watch! You also get written notes with this video.

• How to Do a Rapid Induction — Learn the secrets of hypnotizing a person in seconds! Really. This video also comes with written notes.

Whew! That’s a lot of information and it’s just $67. It’s guaranteed, too.

Stephen also asks you to decide on some additional information for the “Deluxe Program” which, for an additional $30 you receive three more videos: Three Stunning Rapid Inductions. If you’re into the secrets of rapid inductions, get these videos. If not, stay with the Basic Program.

I have to say, you do get a lot for your money.

All wrapped-up in a neat package. Fast and easy.

What is NLP?

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is the science of how the brain codes learning and experience. This coding affects all communication and behavior. It affects how you learn and how you experience the world around you. It is a key to reaching goals and achieving excellence.

NLP is the easiest way to get the results you want in life easy and quickly.

On the personal side, NLP will enable you to:

You can enjoy a greater control over your state of mind and how you respond or react to others. You can create the “state” you want, i.e., if you are sad, NLP gives you the tools you need to “snap out of” that state into a more resourceful one.

You can enhance communication and rapport with others, allowing better results in your personal and business life. You can persuade and sell at a higher level, too.

However, many resources that teach you NLP are hard to get through. Yes, the books like, The Structure of Magic, Frogs into Princes, Reframing, etc. are astounding… but reading them and “digesting” the material is excruciating. (Many of these books are transcripts of a seminar.)

NLP training courses are great, but unless you have an amazing teacher, and you have the ability to practice and use the techniques, most people can’t “get” the skills of NLP.

And, some courses only teach basic rapport skills (matching, mirroring, etc.

So… here comes a wonderful ebook, The NLP Toolbox that I found about 6 months ago. It’s so amazing that I actually use this as a reference tool in my office when I see clients.

What you get:

This is a 110-page ebook that you can download immediately to your computer.

Colin Smith, the author, also includes some very useful bonuses:

Now, none of this is truly original. You can find much of this information elsewhere. However, the reason I like this resource is that, like a toolbox, you can just “reach in” and grab the tool you need — when you need it.

Colin also sends out updates and new ideas on a regular basis. I am very impressed with this ebook.

The Cons —

Okay, not everything in this ebook is perfect. For instance, it is a bit hard to find exactly what you need. The Table of Contents just lists headings. The Compulsion Blowout (page 74), for instance is in the heading, “Health & Healing Techniques”. Who would really look there?

So, I needed to go through the entire book and create an index. Hopefully, Colin will fix this in a later edition.

Guarantee: Comes with a 60-day guarantee.

Wow. I saw this new product and contacted the author, Clifford Mee, because — just reading the web site for The Power of Conversational Hypnosis, I had to see it.

Clifford collaborated with Igor Ledochowski, a lawyer and hypnotist, and created a gigantic program — an amazing home-study course — for you to learn hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). After you buy this program, you will have the tools you need to succeed in many areas of your life.

You will discover:

Influence people to do what you want when you want!

Have others obey covert commands without their knowledge!

Persuade more clients and customers to buy your products and services!

Negotiate in your favor with confidence and ease!

Compel family, friends and co-workers to accept your suggestions and  advice!

Command respect and admiration even from perfect strangers!

Easily get a “yes” response without the usual stress and struggle!

Convince your kids to listen even when they’d rather not!

And get anything out of life you really desire!

And, truthfully, that’s just a tiny little bit of what is in this course!

I am so impressed with this program that I am giving it my highest recommendation.

You will learn the material through MP3 recordings and a manual. What I really love about the manual is that they give you the location on the MP3′s where the material is. For instance, if you were learning “The Language of Confusion”, you will see a notation of “Track 12 1m:59s” on MP3 6.

The only downside that I see with The Power of Conversational Hypnosis is that it is really a huge program. I would think that many people would just become so overwhelmed with the information and do nothing with it.

That said, when you do get this program… use it. Read the manual and follow along with the MP3′s. Practice the material and you will become a better hypnotist than you are now. And, it’s guaranteed for 60 days — but if you returned it, it would be your loss. It’s that good.

What you get:

You’ll need a lot of time — you get a LOT of stuff:

A huge manual — 631 pages in PDF.

Sixteen (16) Studio-Quality MP3′s. You also have the choice to download audios of “good” quality for faster downloads. (I would recommend burning these onto CD’s.)

You’ll be busy for months — or more! You do get your money’s worth.

Bonuses:

Four of the MP3′s are bonuses:

Shadow & Stealth Tactics
Advanced Secrets to Bypass Resistance
Conversational Hypnosis Demo: The Super Hypnotic Storyteller Induction
Top Secret: Breaking The Hypnotic Storyteller Code

Remember, this huge program comes with a 60-day guarantee.