Essay on The Multi-Layered Nature of Hypnosis

The hypnotist induces a trance by slowly persuading the participant to relax and lose all interest in external distractions. The participant is not under the hypnotists control but can be convinced to do things that he or she would not normally do. However, anyone can resist hypnosis by refusing to open his or her mind to the hypnotist.

Hypnosis, as a term and as a practice, is shrouded in centuries of mystery and surrounded by misconception. Even the word itself, derived from the Greek ‘hypnos’, meaning sleep, is misleading; most people today, even if they hadn’t experienced it themselves, would recognise that being in a hypnotic state is not the same as being asleep. In order to reach a satisfactory definition of hypnosis, it is necessary therefore to explore its origins,

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

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.

Hypnosis can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians where it was used as a means of curing illnesses through suggestion, it was known as the curing sleep. Hypnosis can be described as a sleep like trance and a state of heightened relaxation, that hypnotists today call a trance state this is where you are more susceptible to suggestion and influence. Hypnosis can be used in many ways such as stage entertainment, therapy and as a means of investigation. For example Milton Erickson who is known as the father of modern hypnosis said “You use hypnosis not as a cure but as a means of establishing a

Looking back, it is clear now that hypnosis has been around for many centuries and the use of hypnotic states can be traced back to Shamans or Witch Doctors. In the 1700’s Franz Anton Mesmer produced his theory of “animal magnetism” in which he believed healing forces could be transferred through “cosmic fluid” there is no evidence to support the transfer of the healing energies devised by Mesmer but his success rate was high which lead to his patients being described as “mesmerized” and mesmerism is an early forerunner for modern day hypnosis. Many theories

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).

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

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 literature reviewed is generally definitive in the nature of hypnosis. Bryant and Mabbutt (2006, p. 12) describe it as “ … a state of mind connected to deep relaxation, narrowed focus, and increased suggestibility. They also suggest that “Hypnosis is an intermediate state between sleep and wakefulness.” Bryant and Mabbutt’s description is echoed by Cyna, McAuliffe, & Andrew who apply the use of hypnosis to the clinical setting (hypnotherapy) and suggest that it is used to “to achieve specific therapeutic goals such as the alleviation of pain or anxiety.” (Cyna, McAuliffe, & Andrew, 2004). Staff at The Mayo Clinic extend upon the defination of hypnosis by stating that “Hypnosis is intended to help you gain more control over undesired behaviours or emotions or to help you cope better with a wide range of medical conditions.” (Staff, 2009). They continue by

Hypnosis explained by the psychology community as an altered state of consciousness that leaves people in a more subjective state, or more likely to listen to verbal suggestions. The term of hypnosis came from the Greek root word for sleep. There have been records of Hypnosis going back 2,500 years in ancient China and Egypt, (Gurgevich, 2011-2015, para.1). Hypnosis or also known as hypnotherapy is said to be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety or pain, (“Test and Procedures Hypnosis,”2015, Para. 2). An example of how a hypnotherapy session might go like this; a therapist comes in while a patient was in an relaxed state and proceeds to tell the patient that they will be cured from their illness when they came out of the relaxed state and then the patient may or may not be cured.

The Social-cognitive theory of hypnosis is a form of role-playing where people who are hypnotized aren’t in a different state of consciousness, but are simply acting the way others expect them to in that situation (Sarbin & Coe, 1972). The Dissociation theory of hypnosis is a dissociation of consciousness where the mind is split in two parts (1991; Hilgard & Hilgard, 1994). One part of the mind is conscious and the other part of the mind is the “hidden observer”.

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.

Hypnosis is also thought as a special relationship that one has with his subconscious. Trust and acceptance allows the individual to accept appropriate suggestions aimed at helping to achieve set goals changing an unhealthy habit to a healthy one.