EXAMPLE ANSWER: Q23

Q23. Discuss the advantages of group hypnotherapy.

Learning outcomes: 1.13

Student answer Group hypnosis is when a number of people experience hypnotherapy at the same time. This can be therapeutic e.g. a group of smokers or more stage based ‘shows’. There are several advantages to group hypnotherapy including the volume of people who can be hypnotised at the same time. This is useful as a form of ‘advertising’ where a number of people can experience the benefits of hypnotherapy in a group. This can be provided at a lower cost than everyone paying for individual sessions and individual sessions may well be booked afterwards. Participants who ‘only came with a friend’ can experience hypnotherapy which they may not have considered without the group experience. A group session may also be effective where time constraints prevent individual sessions e.g. within a controlled environment such as a prison smoking relapse prevention group. It also has the benefit of people having a decreased likelihood of active resistance and so participation increases – we are more likely to join in during a group where participants may feel safer and the group collective mind will enhance the experience of the participants, In addition, having a group means that an induction such as magnetic hands enables the hypnotherapist to select the more willing or effective participants for a demonstration which in turn enhances the group experience. LO 1.13 An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of group hypnotherapy)

Tutor feedback (DO NOT delete/edit feedback. Write amendments, additional information & thoughts underneath this table) Correct. You have set out a clear understanding of the inherent advantages and disadvantages of hypnotising groups of people, thank you.

(Further student work goes here if requested through feedback)

Further Example Student Answer:  Group hypnosis is a great way of helping large numbers of people at the same time.

Such as a whole slimmer’s club of 20 – 30 people could be given healthy eating/lifestyle suggestions in a single one hour session rather than 20 – 30 individual sessions making it quick and therefore cheaper for the individuals involved whilst the hypnotist is able to make a living whilst providing a time/cost effective session for the club.

Also group hypnosis is a great form of advertising for inclusion in talks to clubs and groups, such as Rotary clubs, health clubs etc. as well as providing a good convincer for the participants of not only the power of hypnosis but also the skill of the hypnotist.

Another advantage of group working is peer pressure within the group of subjects, there is a perceived pressure to follow the instructions amongst the group assisting the hypnotist to work with the group more effectively leading them into the hypnotic process.

The group knowing they are safe as there is perceived safety in numbers helping with the rapport building and the collective mind will pick up and tend to follow everyone else into trance.

Q23. Correct. You have demonstrated a good understanding of the advantages to be gained by hosting group hypnotherapy sessions. Also, bear in mind that often a client that may not have attended a one to one session will come along with a friend to such an event and then choose to experience a private session at a later date.