Dissociation Theory Of Hypnosis

The content of this essay will explore how hypnosis has been defined in both the past and the present. I will explain my understanding of hypnosis as well as exploring the history of hypnosis, its origins and how it was first practiced. I shall also detail some of the techniques used and the psychological and physical changes which occur during hypnosis. Finally I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy and look at some of the reasons that individuals wish to undergo hypnosis and the benefits they may experience.

What is hypnosis? Hypnosis has amazing benefits and can enhance people lives in many ways. In modern times, it is unfortunate that Hypnosis is seen as a method of entertaining people instead of it being respected for its true aspects. In reality, hypnosis bears little resemblance to these stereotyped images, as it can improve focus and general well-being mentally and physically. It is a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. It can also be described as a sleep like trance state or better expressed as a relaxed creative mind, focused by the individual. Despite stories about people being hypnotised out of their consent hypnosis requires voluntary participation on the part of the

In addition to the above points, it could be argued that not everyone is equally susceptible to the process of hypnosis, and this in itself is the key to whether an induction is successful (Heap and Dryden 1991). Also, individuals with a profound desire or belief that they will be hypnotised may find that this expectancy ensures that they will undergo a successful experience regardless of the type of induction used, thus a personalised approach in this instance may be of no extra benefit to the practitioner and client alike (Heap and Dryden 1991).

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that can be used for many purposes, in different settings. Nowadays research in the field of hypnosis and associated areas has blossomed and there are valuable evidence that hypnosis has real and measurable affects on both body and mind. During this essay I will be describing what is hypnosis including what the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis are, further I will be discussing the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy.

This essay will explore the difference between permissive and authoritarian approaches in hypnotherapy. Included will be history of the two approaches, background of the way they work and practical examples to show the influence they have on clients. Gathering information through various means (which will be discussed in this essay) will help the hypnotherapist create a personalized induction. The essay will explore this personalized induction and see if it will always be most effective to use a script that is modified of tailor made for the particular client.

The American Psychological Association has defined the practise of hypnotherapy as a “procedure during which a health professional …suggests that a client… experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts or behaviour”.

The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of hypnosis is usually a magician convincing a person to act like a chicken, however, hypnosis is actually an approach that doctors can use to treat pain, depression, anxiety, phobias, and more. Hypnosis is a state in which a person appears to be under a trance and is extremely concentrated (Brandt). It is not a new concept. In fact, hypnosis has been used by the ancient Egyptians over 2,000 years ago (healing power). In the 1770s, the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer began to study hypnosis scientifically. More recently, it was used during World War I and World War II to treat soldiers who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders (World Book).

The article discusses the struggle that the hypnosis community has in attempting to reach a definition of hypnosis. The main issues, according to the author is the many different theoretical positions that hypnosis researchers have created about the nature of hypnosis. The author points out that each of these theoretical stances is based upon; empirical evidence, phenomenological experience, and philosophical viewpoints. This article has a direct connection to this course since we will be discussion the various theories behind hypnosis.

Q1. What is Hypnosis? Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that heightens the receptivity of suggestions given by a hypnotherapist or hypnotist for your highest good. It is a state of mind, where the conscious mind takes a back seat and the subconscious mind is accessed easily by the hypnotist.

First let us consider hypnosis. The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis: Theory, Research and Practice mentions two elements that should be considered when defining hypnosis: “’hypnosis-as-procedure’ and ‘hypnosis-as-product.’” The first element of this definition ‘hypnosis-as-procedure’ involves two necessary components: an introduction and the first suggestion. As described by the book, the introduction includes informing the subject that hypnosis involves potential imaginative experiences.

In the twenty-first century our society has become sceptic on the controversial issue of hypnosis. Our society recognizes hypnosis as a foolish man holding a swinging stopwatch in front of people saying, "When I snap my fingers, you will feel sleepy". Our society does not recognize hypnosis as a way of therapy or treatment. Hypnosis by definition is a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.

The representation of hypnotization, specifically the imaginative form of personation can be viewed as an act that an individual may wish to perform in reality, a thought that may have dwelled in his/her mind for some time but for some reason, may have been ashamed to do so in their normal state and thus we see this form of enactment when hypnotised.

Hypnotherapy refers to an “interaction between two people, one of whom is identified as the hypnotist, the other as the subject” (Heap and Naish) The

Hypnosis is an intense state of consciousness in which the psychologist asks several specific questions to either alleviate pain or come to a better understanding of the symptom of event that causes them distress. Although a controversial tactic, those who choose to go through with hypnosis can only be hypnotized if they are willing. If a patient requires more treatment such as medication, a psychologist can work with medical personnel to further their recovery (“What Do”). They work with a person’s motivation and energy to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behavior to develop ideas about how to move forward with their life (Cohen).

My dad had taken my best friend, his brother, and me to a hypnosis show. At the time I thought that hypnotism couldn't be real, and that he pays people to say as he does. He asks for volunteers, and of course my dad’s brother volunteers and is chosen. He then starts following the commands, tapping, snoring, and dancing. Watching a six foot tall, 200 pound man dance in front of hundreds of people may have changed my mind, and unless he was on payroll, hypnosis had to be real. So what is hypnosis, what are common misconceptions and myths, and what are different types of hypnosis? Today I will be answering these three questions.