Understanding Hypnosis
Excerpted from an article by Judith Pearson, Ph.D.,
LPC
In Interlink: the newsletter for Clinical
Hypnotherapy v. II, no. 1
Hypnosis
is a method of communication that induces a trance or trance-like state. Hypnosis can be conducted by one individual
addressing another individual or a group, or it can be induce by oneself (self
hypnosis).
Trance is a naturally occurring state when your attention
is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions. Your attention may be focused either
internally (on internal self-talk, visual images, or both) or externally (on a
task, a book, a movie, etc.). The focus
of attention is so narrow that other stimuli in the environment are ignored or
blocked out of conscious awareness for a time. During trance, habitual
behaviors may be performed without conscious awareness (i.e., the behavior is
performed without mental effort).
Examples of common trance states are daydreaming, meditation of being
involved in a really good book or movie.
As an
adjunct to psychotherapy, hypnosis can help you enter a relaxed and comfortable
mental state for the purpose of obtaining specific therapeutic outcomes. Utilizing hypnosis, your therapist can make
suggestions designed to help you formulate specific internal processes
(feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to
worthwhile outcomes you mutually agree upon. In general, hypnotic suggestions can influence behavior when the
listener:
a)
has had any and all concerns about hypnosis addressed
b)
is receptive and open to the suggestions
c)
experiences visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic representations of the
suggestions
d)
anticipates and envisions that these suggestions will result in future
beneficial outcomes.
These
four criteria are facilitated through the use of “hypnotic language
patterns.” Hypnotic language patterns
include: guided visualization, stories, guided memories, analogies, ambiguous
words or phrases, repetition and statements about association, meaning, and
cause-effect.
Myths and misconceptions
about Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not mind control or
brainwash8ng. People change their minds
and actions throughout their lives.
When changes occur as a result of exposure to specific information, it
is because this information has been presented through persuasion and
influence. A hypnotherapist uses
communicative methods of persuasion and influence. Advertisers, marketing personnel, teachers, politicians, lawyers,
entertainers, parents, and ministers all use communicative methods of
persuasion and influence.
You
are not immobilized during trance. You can adjust your position, scratch,
sneeze or cough. You can open your eyes
and bring yourself out of trance anytime you wish. During trance, you can still hear sounds around you such as a
phone ringing, but you do not have to pay attention to outside sounds if you do
not want. You can alert yourself and
respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain as oriented to the here and the
now as you want to be.
Trance
is not sleep, although some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall
asleep. This is all right because some
part of the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapist. Experience has shown that sleeping clients
can still follow instructions such as moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or
awakening themselves when they are told to do so.
There
is no “right” way to experience trance.
One person may experience it as a deep, heavy, restful feeling, while
another may experience it as a light floating sensation. Some people hear every word spoken by the
hypnotherapist, while others allow their minds to drift into other
thought. Some experience vivid imagery,
while others do not. Some people
remember the suggestions they hear and some do not remember. Every person’s experience of hypnosis is
unique.
Hypnosis
cannot cause anyone to do something against his or her will or that contradicts
his or her values. First you are
working with an NBCCH certified hypnotherapist who is ethically bound to do
only those things that are in your best interest. Your therapist makes only those suggestions that support
beneficial outcomes that you have agreed to.
Second, you would not be receptive to suggestions that go against your
morals or values – because receptivity is one of ingredients of success in
hypnosis. Your therapist will also have
worked out with you a signal by which you can interrupt the process if you have
questions or concerns. Only after
dealing with these concerns will you continue the process.
Remember: Even with hypnosis, it may still be
necessary for you to do some conscientious planning and research about the
types of changes you want to achieve in therapy. Hypnosis cannot solve every problem. You must still take action to get results. Hypnosis is not a cure-all. Although it is an effective treatment
modality in many cases, there is no guarantee that hypnosis will work for you.
Hypnosis carries very few risks. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for
individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively abusing drugs or
alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucination. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems, such as pain,
unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine its underlying
physical cause and is treating the cause in a medically appropriate way. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical
care. If you thing you might have one
of these situations, please discuss it with your therapist.
Hypnosis
is often requested for the purpose of uncovering childhood memories. Sometimes hypnosis will not work in this
regard. When memories do surface, the
client may have a “false memory” and there is no guarantee that retrieved
memories are accurate of based on reality.
Memories may be uncomfortable
and distressing or delightful and refreshing or anything in-between.
On
rare occasions, after trance work, you may feel somewhat groggy or
disoriented. Your therapist depends on you
to tell how you feel afterwards. Your
therapist can work together with you to make sure that you are fully alert and
energized sufficiently to continue the day’s work.
In
very rear cases, after an hypnotic session, you may experience mildly disturbing
thoughts or feelings. If this happens,
you should call your therapist immediately to schedule a follow-up session
Applications of
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis
has many applications in therapeutic settings.
Among them are: building confidence and overcoming fears, treating:
phobias and anxiety, sleep disorders and disturbances, interpersonal problems,
depression, sexual difficulties, and psychosomatic complaints. Other
applications include post trauma relief, pain management, stress management,
habit control, improving performance in academics and at6hletics, help with
life transitions, preparation for medical procedures, and removing blocks to
motivation and creativity.
Credentialing of
Hypnotherapists.
Your
therapist is a National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist http://www.natboard.com/consumer.html. NBCCH is a designation given to a licensed
or certified mental health professional who has obtained specialized training
and experience in the use of clinical hypnosis and has submitted credentials,
including letters of reference for review and approval. The process culminates in awarding the
certificate as an NBCCH.