A. Unfortunately, yes, they do. Hypnosis is a very powerful tool for good and, unfortunately, it can also be used as a manipulation tool for bad reasons. Many cults or religions use what can only be described as hypnotic techniques to bypass a persons’ critical faculties and bring them into their group.
There are many approaches which they use, including:
- suspension of disbelief, as if the one at the top knows all
- inculcation of new beliefs
- showering with love to start with and excluding if you then start asking questions
- coercing you to drop any and all friends outside the group
- special words or phrases to describe those on the outside
- repetition through sermons
- hymn singing or chanting
- rituals to reinforce beliefs
- repetitive drumming or dancing
- fasting or going without sleep for long periods
- sweat lodges
- twisted logic ‘you need to be inside with us to know about us’
- a structure which restricts information to only those that are at ‘the next level’ edge.
There is a very informative site by Rick Ross, www.rickross.com in which you will find a vast array of useful information about cults, religious groups and various other self-awareness or human-potential movements.
I would recommend that if you or someone you know has been approached by any groups that you are unsure about, then type that groups name into the search facility at www.rickross.com and check for any information about them.
Many people have suffered emotional and financial destruction by joining up with groups that appeared well-meaning but had a very manipulative approach.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy can be applied to help overcome many conditions. If you want to contact me to discuss your situation or to make an appointment, my telephone number is 07563 674275. Alternatively, you can send me your details using the contact form on my website and I will then contact you.