Donnie Darko/ Abnormal Psycology

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

It is also common for stage hypnotists to get a physical reaction from clients while in a trance state such as making them play a fictional guitar. During the post hypnotic state you may notice physical differences from the suggestions used depending on the reason for hypnosis such as weight loss or heath improvements from not smoking. This may not be obvious straight away and may take several sessions to modify your behaviours. As you can see the physical aspect effects every part of the session and although hypnosis cannot physically harm you it is important to consider all the factors in order to successfully complete a session.

So, I will now move onto describing the psychological and physiological effects of hypnosis. Robin Waterfield provides a valid list of this when he describes ‘a high degree of rapport between the hypnotist and subject’, use of the ‘imagination’ and also the generation of ‘expectations’ within the subject’s mind. As we can see in Linnenkamp Doyle’s case study of hypnotherapy as a cure for blindness below, these expectations ideally relate to the suggestions imposed upon the subject of hypnosis. The suggestions and expectations will often relate to factors such as the cure or severity of a disease suffered by the subject or the lack of pain during dental procedures undergone by the subject.

At this point it is important to mention that there has been a long standing key debate in the academic study of hypnosis between state and non-state theorists. In simplified terms, state theorists argue that hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness, which includes a heightened state of susceptibility to suggestion. Non state theorists argue responding to suggestion is a natural psychological response which does not necessitate being in a special state of consciousness, and relies more on voluntary actions such as role expectancy, compliance and motivation of the subject of hypnosis. [4]

Moreover, hypnosis is a trancelike state of heightened suggestibility deep, relaxation, and intense focus. They experience imaginary happenings as if they were real. Some researchers use state theory to point out that hypnosis meets some parts of the definition for an altered state of consciousness. Today, in psychotherapy, hypnosis can help patients relax, remember painful memories, and reduce anxiety. In addition, it does successful job in the treatment of phobias, stop smoking, and improve study habits. On the other side, role theory states that gypnosis is not an alternate state of consciousness at all. This theory mentions that some people are more easily hypnotized than others, due to possessing a characteristic called, ¡°hypnotic suggestibility.¡± These people usually have a richer fantasy life, follow directions well, and can focus on a single task for a long time. In addition, during hypnosis, some other people are acting out the role of a hypnotized person. Then follow the hypnotist, because that is what is expected of the role.

We will look at these in more detail to understand what changes might occur in the subject at each stage. The objective is, broadly speaking, to facilitate a trance-like state in the subject which enables easier access to the subconscious. After the therapy, there would typically be a period of reflection wherein the subject is encouraged to discuss how the therapy felt and what next steps they might take. However, for the purposes of answering the question ‘What is Hypnosis?’, we will focus primarily on the four key stages.

Hypnosis is widely used in therapy for a number of reasons. The promotion of hypnosis as a cure for weight loss, smoking, exam nerves and other such

Hypnotism is one of the earliest methods of treatment ever used, antedating psychological study. It helped patients with sleep disorders, some forms of depression, and anxiety disorders. It also helped some patients who were addicted to painkillers to become clean and

Hypnosis is a natural psychological state of consciousness similar to a sleep state where the subject is vaguely aware of their surroundings. In this condition, subjects enter a tranquil state that allows them to easily reach into their subconscious and readily react to suggestion. While hypnosis has been widely used for entertainment purposes, it can also be used in a clinical setting to help relax the body and promote health through decreased heart rate and slowed breathing.

Traditional hypnotherapy is a powerful tool and can help eliminate fear and negative emotions, can help winnow out all sorts of pains and painful feelings, can help remove addictions and unwanted behaviors or habits, can help increase confidence and self-esteem, and help you to be the person you always desired to be.

Hypnosis is used for a wide range of problems; weight loss, smoking, stress and phobias to name but

The American Psychological Association (2014) defines hypnosis as “… a therapeutic technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals who have undergone a procedure designed to relax them and focus their minds.”

Altered state of consciousness is when a person mental behavior changes. A person mental behavior can change on purpose or by accident. Sleep, meditation, hypnosis, or drugs can cause an altered state of consciousness. Hypnosis opens people up to the power of suggestion. When a hypnotist performs this procedure, they encourage relaxation and sleepiness to altered state, the hypnotist tends to make them think, feel, and do things that they suggest. Hypnosis can be sometimes used for trick and fun, but it has great benefits as well. Hypnosis can be used for concentration, relaxation, exploring thoughts and feelings. Hypnosis has medical benefits and may help in treating high blood pressure, asthma, chronic pain and medical procedures like assisting

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).

The deep relaxation techniques and focusing exercises of hypnosis work to calm and subdue the conscious mind in taking a back seat to the subconscious mind where the hypnosis process opens up a control panel inside the brain changing negatives to positives.