Information on Hypnotism

A Note About Music During Hypnosis

Information on hypnotism doesn't always address music, but it can be an important element in any hypnotic session. Many times, hypnotists, whether in person or on their audio CDs, use new-age type music to help induce a hypnotic trance. This sounds good, right? Well, sometimes yes. And sometimes no.

When I'd first received my hypnosis certification, I was firmly in the music category. My training hadn't really addressed musical elements, but I couldn't see why it might hurt. If anything, it seemed like a good idea to use hypnotic melodies to help set the stage. Plus, it can add to the general feeling of mystique of the hypnosis experience. However, after the following event, I stopped using music during hypnotherapy sessions.

The Odd Experience That Made Me Rethink "Hypnotic" Music
After I'd just received my hypnotherapy certification, I was conducting a hypnosis session for a past-life regression. (This is where you use hypnosis to take someone back in time, before they were born, to explore whether or not they can recall details from a previous existence.) Well, anyway, to aid relaxation, I had some nice, soothing “new-age” type music playing in the background.

After guiding my client into a hypnotic trance, I successfully led her into a past-life experience.

Here's What She Saw: In her mind's eye, she found herself naked, male, and standing in an open farm-field. Because she strongly felt she was a nudist in that life, none of these factors bothered her one bit. But what DID bother her, she told me later, was that darn music I'd been playing.

She said that because the music didn't match the time or place, it intruded on her experience. Although I'm still not sure what music would match a naked, field-standing experience, her input was incredibly valuable to me, because it told me loud and clear that this music distracted her from the session.

That was the last time I used music to aid in hypnotherapy sessions. I might use other audio tools, such as a ticking clock or small waterfall, but no more music. I'm not saying that it's wrong to use music, only to be careful that it matches the time, place and purposes of your hypnosis session.

Still curious? Additional information on hypnotism can be found on my "Facts About Hypnotism" page.