igious individuals
that they are using a form of self-hypnosis, they will emphatically
deny and debate the issue. Since we are primarily interested in mental
hygiene and not in winning a debate, it is well to leave the matter as
it stands. The point to keep in mind is that so long as a person feels
that this methodology is the answer to his needs and so long as no one
is being hurt by his belief, I feel he should cling to his conviction.
He should not allow it to be destroyed by those who are thinking in
different semantic terms.

I would like to bring up another common example pertaining to the two
basic concepts that we have been discussing. It is the example of the
many individuals who have taken public speaking courses to overcome
stage fright. In most cases, the person involved hasn't had too much
opportunity to be a public speaker. Because of this, he suddenly feels
he may not say the right thing or forget what he wants to say. This
anxiety can create the very situation or block that he fears. What is
the solution? Certainly not psychoanalysis to find out why he functions
the way he does. You could use this approach, but I don't think it's the
most constructive one. It is like asking, "What am I doing that's
wrong?" instead of "What can I do that's right?" The most constructive
approach is to take a course of instruction to get the actual practice
and experience in the techniques of public speaking.

Before proceeding further, I believe it is necessary to point out that I
am not just being critical of the convictions of other sincere and
dedicated individuals engaged in the field of mental hygiene. It is
always good to re-evaluate our present thinking on any subject, no
matter how sincere or convinced we may be that what we are doing is
correct. At times, we can become so immersed in our convictions that we
cannot take criticism and respond emotionally to ideas or
interpretations that do not coincide with logical thinking.

What, then, is the answer to mental health problems? There is no single
answer. It is a very complex situation. There are many promising drugs
and treatments which, if adequately developed and widely used, could do
a great deal toward promoting good mental health. Fundamentally, the
problem will always be that of trying to understand human behavior and
helping those in distress with an efficacious formula.

What is that formula? I believe hypnosis can contribute in part to the
answer. Needl