alexandra,

I have seen research that used a PET scan to scan the brain in hypnosis and out of hypnosis. Those researchers determined that hypnosis was real based on different areas of the brain being used in different ways and to answer different questions. I am not a neurologist, I can only trust they know what they are doing.

As far as leading the clients, you are absolutely correct. If someone tells them self over and over again that "something" happened to them. Then that false memory will eventually be "burnt" into their memory. They will believe it absolutely happened, even if it really didn't. This is truly a big pothole in memory work.

It is my belief and profession opinion that if someone truly wants to quit smoking and believes that they will quit with hypnosis then it will work. If they truly believe they will quit with the patch or pills. Then they will quit. I believe that nothing changes until you change your mind.

> "To the best of my knowledge while psychologists / psychologists learn about hypnotism enough to be cautious about its application in memory work and learn some skills like guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation they are not taught formal methods of induction."

I use guided imagery and progressive relaxation as an induction all the time. With some clients, this is my preferred method.

Please don't take this the wrong way....
You obviously have the training nessasary to use hypnosis in your practice (if you have a practice). You just seem to be lacking faith in hypnosis as a tool to help your clients. Given what I have been able to gather about your background and training, it sounds like you have many tools in your tool belt to help your clients with. Hypnosis is just another tool that may help your clients.

Rick