Interview with Dr. George Bien, the “Brad Pitt” of Hypnotherapy

In 1994, I had the honor of attending Hypnosis Seminars at the Learning Annex, in New York. These were conducted by Dr. George Bien, a legend in the field of hypnosis. Dr. Bien is the world’s first recipient of the President’s Award, National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), the world’s first recipient of the Dr. Rexford L. North Memorial Trophy (the “Oscar” of hypnosis), and the world’s first recipient of the Charles Tebbetts Award, National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).

The classes were advanced, not for novices. They were required to become board certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). I assumed the classes would be complex, since Dr. George Bien was well-known as an innovator.

He stood in front of the classroom like a lion, observing his new domain. The number of seats in the class was limited, with a long waiting list. I had been blessed to obtain a last minute admission, approved by Bien personally. I wore a tee and chinos, not knowing what to expect. It was hard not to gaze at the impressive, good looking man with the brownish hair, tinged with gold. His face was a portrait of tranquility, his bright eyes appraising us. I wondered at the immense knowledge he contained. He raised his face to look at us. I cringed in my seat. I’ve always been a very shy person, and this remarkable man’s look controlled all of us, without even muttering a peep. The silence was deafening.

The years have passed. I have been on a ride in the lows and highs of the seesaw of life, garnered laurels and triumphs along the way. The camaraderie we shared as a group was unsurpassed. Dr. Bien enthralled us, but also gave birth to portions of ourselves we were unaware of. I attribute this to his clear sense of purpose. His determination served to demonstrate there was more to us than we thought. He knew what we were capable of once he connected with us, and guided us to that light in ourselves. He represented the positive energy God wants us to achieve. Once in a lifetime, there are special people in our lives who touch our inner selves and spring open doors that steer our thoughts to options we might not have otherwise considered.

I am forever grateful for having such an individual in my life. He extended more than techniques and methods that have proved to be useful throughout my life, he generously handed me a dose of faith. I am forever grateful to this wonderful man, who is so humble despite being such a genius, a giver, and the best in his field: Dr. George Bien.

ARK187: How did you get into the field of Hypnosis?

I suffered from an extreme social phobia for many years. I felt very uncomfortable meeting new people, or being in a social setting. I felt especially uneasy in the presence of females whom I found attractive. So I finally “had it”, and decided to do something about it. Hypnosis worked wonders, and I was hooked!

ARK187: You’ve stated before that almost everyone can be hypnotized. Who cannot be hypnotized?

Let’s first get a working definition of what hypnosis actually is. There are many good definitions of hypnosis, but none of them completely satisfied me, so I came up with my own—“Hypnosis is an escape mechanism, caused by focus or distraction, interest or boredom, joy or sadness. It is this escape into ‘inner self’ that can create power or debility”. That just about covers everything in life. We are hypnotized daily without realizing it. Covert hypnosis can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Ebers Papyrus is a 3000-year-old document that describes how an Egyptian Soothsayer functions. What is described are ideas and techniques of hypnosis. Sleep Temples, located in Egypt and Greece, were holistic healing centers, where various healing techniques, including hypnosis, were used. In modern times, our daily lives are influenced by people on television and radio shows, commercials, newspaper advertisements, politicians—basically anyone with whom we come in contact, influences us hypnotically, especially if they exude charm and charisma.

With regards to hypnotizing other people formally, individuals who are mentally challenged might present some difficulty because of their often limited capacity in following directions. Children are generally great hypnotic subjects because they are human “sponges”, and take in everything around them literally. A baby in a mother’s womb is influenced by the mother’s thoughts, feelings, statements and actions.

Language barriers can be an issue. Using a translator can sometimes be a challenge because things can get lost in the translation. But sometimes it’s the only option. Hypnosis has been used effectively with people who are blind, and even deaf.

People’s filters are developed over time, sometimes to the point of creating little flexibility. Hypnosis helps break down the inhibitions that hold people back in life. Anyone with an average intelligence can be hypnotized. The more intelligent—the better hypnotic subject.

No one can be hypnotized against their will, except under specific circumstances that include—isolation, REM deprivation, and a monotonous, ongoing, pulsating sound. REM deprivation would probably be the most effective.

ARK187: You have hypnotized many celebrities and countless other individuals. Did you find it any different in hypnotizing a famous person in comparison to an everyday one?

People are “people”. Yes, celebrities DO occasionally use the bathroom. LOL! And when you really get to know them, you find they are just like everyone else—with their day-to-day concerns, fears and insecurities! Within each of us there’s a child crying out—“please make me feel important”! I have worked with a few celebrities who displayed some arrogance. But I took care of that pretty quickly. Although true with any profession, as a hypnotist you really need an even stronger sense of “self”. Not arrogance! Arrogance is ugly! Confidence coupled with genuine humility, helps overcome resistance. These qualities are very inviting!

ARK187: What would you say is the best reason to hypnotize someone?

Actually, the job of a hypnotist is not to hypnotize, but to dehypnotize—to get people out of the hypnosis that they’re in, and give them a better one. Usually, to help them gain a greater vision of themselves.

There’s a wonderful African proverb that says, “When there’s no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” We are our biggest enemies. And our thoughts are the biggest culprits. It has been estimated that humans think about 60,000 thoughts a day. The problem is that most of those thoughts are the same ones that they had the previous day. A major step is to change our thinking! This is where “dehypnosis” comes in. There are people who, by society’s standards, are not considered to be attractive. Yet, they exude such extraordinary charisma and magnetism, that others flock to be in their presence! What kind of hypnosis are they living? Obviously, a “good” hypnosis! Gaining more confidence, creating a better memory, attracting loving relationships—all begin in the “mind”. There is a “Rule of Mind” that states, “What is expected, tends to be realized”. Hypnosis helps people create better expectancies. I’ve witnessed some extraordinary changes in people. This motivates me to continue my work.

ARK187: Do you think hypnosis would be a healthier option than gastric bypass?

We’ve all heard of spontaneous remissions! And, I’ve witnessed some remarkable changes using hypnosis. However, legally, only a medical doctor can make a decision about a gastric bypass, or any other physical condition.

Years ago, I worked with people who had medical issues. One such case was featured in Gary Null’s best-selling book, “The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing”. It was a case that involved a large tumor, which according to my client, completely disappeared the day after the session. Yes! It was just one, two-hour session! You can hear Gary Null’s radio interview with my client on my website. Of course, a hypnotist should never work with any physical issues, unless they get a written medical referral.

For me, medical hypnosis was very physically and emotionally demanding. It was difficult for me to separate my feelings from a person’s issue. And, overtime, I started to “burn-out”! I don’t work with medical issues anymore.

ARK187: How many sessions would a chronic smoker or alcoholic need to be rid of the habit?

Smoking cessation often requires just one session. There are a number of variables involved, and a big one is the client’s motivation, so at times, it might need more.

Alcoholism is another issue altogether. This requires more work. Self-esteem and ego-strengthening are crucial. A client’s motivation, or lack of it, greatly comes into play. Ego-strengthening, forgiveness of others, and especially of self, are paramount. It can take anywhere from “one” to a “hundred-and-one” sessions. Of course, I’m exaggerating. But this is an issue that’s much more involved than smoking. I would also recommend getting a medical referral when working with an alcoholic.

ARK187: Hypnosis is accepted now by researchers, scientists and physicians, along with the general public. Do you think that there are still any goals to be achieved in its field?

It has gotten better. However, there are still people who are terrified of hypnosis. There is no doubt that sensationalism sells movies, TV shows, newspapers, and magazines. However, Hollywood and the media need to stop making hypnosis out to be a “mind-controlling”, mechanism, and focus more on its benefits. It’s so wonderful Rosa, that you are writing these articles. It will help spread the truth about this great modality. Simply stated—hypnosis changes lives!

ARK187: Who inspires Dr. George Bien?

My gosh! We are all standing on the shoulders of “giants”. I am standing on the shoulders of my hypnosis mentors—Dr. John Kappas, Dr. Al Krasner, and my main hypnosis mentor, the legendary Gil Boyne!

Yet, my greatest inspiration comes from four main sources: (1) The Creator, to whom I owe my very existence; (2) my wife Elena, who is a constant source of inspiration, enthusiasm and encouragement. She is truly a treasure; (3) my clients, who continue to amaze me with their passion, and zest for life; and (4) my students, many of whom have gone on to become hypnosis celebrities. I am so proud of them!

ARK187: What present projects are you working on?

Music has always been very close to my heart. I worked as a professional guitarist for over twenty years, performing with such stars as: Shirley Bassey, Rowan and Martin, Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Nancy Wilson, Leon Bibb, The Fifth Dimension, Bobby Humpfrey, Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson fame), and many others. I also played in the pit orchestras of numerous Broadway shows including: New Vaudevillians, Pajama Game, Grease, A Chorus Line, and They’re Playing Our Song. In addition, I taught music at Five Towns College, and CUNY. I hope that this doesn’t sound braggadocios. I’m just trying to convey my affinity for the art. My passion for music is directing me to create a website featuring some of my guitar playing.

About my hypnosis-related work—I absolutely love the seminars I’m already conducting: Hypnotherapy Certification; Board Certified Hypnotherapist; Certified Stress Management Consultant; Life Coach Training; and Certified Hypnosis Master Trainer—all of which are certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). Also, the X-Treme Speaking-Become a High-Powered Speaker and Trainer program, which is certified by the American Society of Professional Speakers and Trainers.

In the works are new seminars and workshops on hypnotic persuasion and influence, podcasts, teleseminars, and new websites. One that I’m especially excited about is HypnosisChannel.tv I would love for it to be a major “go to” source for hypnosis info on the web. It should be “up and running” in the very near future. Visit my web site for details: www.georgebien.com