Hypnosis

What is hypnosis?

The American Psychological definition of hypnosis is "A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion."

Hypnosis is a natural state your mind already goes to, often described as a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility.

How does it work?

Hypnosis is a state of focused intention that enables us to have more influence over how our minds and bodies respond. Hypnosis changes the focus from painful sensations, thoughts, memories, and activities to more pleasant associations (for example, safety, relaxation) through deep relaxation and suggestions. Hypnosis alters the emotional and cognitive meanings attached to pain sensations. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to listen.

What is it used for?

The main clinical use of hypnosis in therapy is to reduce pain, whether that pain is emotional, physical, or cognitive. It can be used for trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The goal of hypnosis is to absorb the client into a state of mind that is incompatible with pain and to shift the focus from unpleasant sensations to pleasant sensations, thoughts, and activities. The goal is to reduce the intensity of pain sensations and alter the emotional and cognitive meanings of pain sensations.

How does hypnosis differ from mindfulness meditation?

Meditation and hypnosis are similar, but they have different goals. Both hypnosis and meditation involve relaxation and deep concentration, focused attention, and inner awareness. Both can lead to improved self-regulation and evoke similar brain waves. They differ in that meditation emphasizes observing inner experiences nonjudgmentally and developing a deeper awareness, while hypnosis focuses on changing thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. The goal of hypnosis is to create specific change using the power of the mind.

What is a suggestion?

A suggestion is an invitation to experience the world in a different way. The client and therapist work collaboratively to come up with the desired outcomes.

Hypnosis myths and misconceptions:

• Hypnosis does not involve a loss of control or will. Clients remain in full control throughout the experience with the therapist as a guide or facilitator.
• Hypnosis does not involve loss of consciousness. Some people experience a near "trance-like" state of deep meditation, but clients remain conscious throughout the experience.
• Suppressed memories resurface during hypnosis. The goal of hypnosis is NOT to uncover suppressed or repressed memories.
• Being asleep or "out of it" during hypnosis. Clients can experience deep relaxation that can feel "trance-like" but remain fully awake.
• Only gullible people can be hypnotized. 29-30 percent of people experience a light trance, 36 percent a moderate trance, 26 percent a deep trance, and 9-10 percent of people appear unresponsive to hypnotic induction and suggestions.
• Hypnosis is a miracle cure. While hypnosis has promisingly positive outcomes, it is not a miracle cure.
• Hypnosis is something done to you. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis with the therapist as a guide.

The client remains in full control. The client decides, through discussion with the therapist before the session, what type of experience they'd like to have and what suggestions would be helpful for them.