Gershman, who teaches hypnotherapy at Everett Community College and practices it at the Edmonds Hypnotherapy and Counseling Clinic in Lynnwood, said the first group contains those who are skeptical of hypnosis or who think it's dangerous. They believe they may lose their power of will to the hypnotist or be forced to harm themselves in some way. They may even believe hypnotism causes depression or perhaps even demonic possession.

The second group contains all members of the first group, plus others who believe most stage hypnotists are unqualified to practice safely or ethically, Gershman said. He also included those who, due to their own fear of public rejection, would never practice stage hypnotism and therefore believe no one else should do it either.

Gershman and Hamilton both stated their belief that these reasons often stem from misinformation. Hamilton said many people don't understand hypnosis or the working of the subconscious mind, and therefore fear them. "The subconscious mind has a strong instinct to survive and protect the body from danger, either real or imagined," Hamilton said. "The subconscious won't let you go too far. Many people don't realize that," he added.

   Gershman said some hypnosis opponents have based their opinion on hearsay of bad experiences from years ago.

   "If someone remembers a bad episode that took place in 1968, they're probably not taking into account that the ethical and training standards have evolved. In the 60s about 90 percent of stage hypnotists had no hypnotherapy training. Most performers here (in the Northwest) have sufficient experience now," Gershman said.

   Though there is currently no government regulation for stage hypnosis, both men stressed the importance of full hypnotherapy training for safe stage hypnotism; by learning hypnotherapy, performers can recognize and handle the problems and responsibilities that occasionally arise during a trance session.

   A stage hypnotist can never gauge what's going on in their volunteers' minds," Gershman said "They may suffer from chronic depression, take medications or drugs, or have schizophrenic tendencies, which sometimes deepen under hypnosis. It doesn't happen often, but it can happen."

   He said that while an experienced hypnotist can handle these situations safely and quickly, an unqualified performer may handle the situation badly and cause some damage.

   He added that though a poorly handled ab-reaction can cause the subject emotional upset and unbalance for weeks, the damage isn't permanent.

  "There are no permanent problems documented anywhere whose cause was hypnosis, good or bad. The mind tends to fix and take care of itself," Gershman said.

   Gershman said the best way to avoid a bad brush with a stage hypnotist is to ask for credentials. The more someone knows about a hypnotist's background, the less likely he or she will be ripped off.

   "The organization who hired the hypnotist should always check out his or her qualifications. The audience needs to be able to trust the organization to do that: if it's at a restaurant or lounge, patrons should have no problem getting the performer's credentials," Gershman said.

   "Or to be even safer, go to a hypnotism show at a church or school function or a corporate party. Bars and clubs are where some amateurs go to practice," he added.

    Hamilton also warned of another hidden danger that lurks amongst the clinically qualified stage hypnotists. . .

  "Out of the qualified hypnotists, I'd say only 10 percent are good entertainers as well. I'm on of the 10 percent," he said.  

    Eiting agreed with Hamilton. He said he has seen other stage hypnotists perform, but Hamilton's show is one of the best.

   "Bad shows are where the performer can't get anyone hypnotized or don't do anything that intrigues the audience," Eating said.

   "The good ones have new stuff every show, and (Hamilton) is right up there. He always has new material, and his timing is great," he added.

    Back at the Elephant and Castle, Hamilton's show is almost over. . .

   Then, with one final suggestion, he talks them out of their trances and sends them back to their seats in the crowd. They reach for their beers, their duties over.

    But wait, a slow song begins to flow like syrup from the P.A. system, and Hamilton begins to croon an Elvis tune to the audience. His subjects stand up, grab the person next to them, and start dancing to Hamilton's accompaniment.

   For a few lingering moments, before Hamilton the Magical Hypnotist brings them back to full consciousness, it's prom night all over again.

END OF ARTICLE