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Hypnosis
The use of hypnosis in a therapeutic context has been with us for far longer than
most people suppose.
Ancient Egyptians used the Temples of Sleep, and the Greeks their Shrines of Healing
- both places where patients were given curative suggestion while in an induced
sleep.
The term ‘hypnosis’ comes from the Greek hypnos which means ‘sleep’. However, hypnosis
is not sleep since the subject stays alert, can talk and move, and the brain waves
differ.
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On April 23, 1955, the British Medical Association (BMA) approved the use of hypnosis
in the areas of psychoneuroses and hypnoanesthesia in pain management in childbirth
and surgery. At this time, the BMA also advised all physicians and medical students
to receive fundamental training in hypnosis. In 1958, the American Medical Association
(AMA) approved a report on the medical uses of hypnosis.
It encouraged research on hypnosis although pointing out that some aspects of hypnosis
are unknown and controversial. Two years after AMA approval, the American Psychological
Association endorsed hypnosis as a branch of psychology.
What is hypnosis?
The US Government’s Department of Education (Human Services Division) defines hypnosis
as:
"The by-pass of the critical factor of the conscious mind (i.e a person’s analytical
and judgmental ability) followed by the establishment of acceptable selective thinking
(i.e suggestions and therapy which the client wants and feels good about)".
Another definition is offered by Gil Boyne, a renowned hypnotherapist, trainer of
hypnotherapists, and founder of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. He
is well liked and respected by other hypnotherapists. In his book Transforming Therapy
(1985: 380-381) he states:
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind with special identifying characteristics:
1. An extraordinary quality of relaxation.
2. An emotionalized desire to satisfy the suggested behaviour: The person feels
like doing what the hypnotist suggests, provided that what is suggested does not
generate conflict with his belief system.
3. The organism becomes self-regulating and produces normalization of the central
nervous system.
4. Heightened and selective sensitivity to stimuli perceived by the five senses
and four basic perceptions.
5. Immediate softening of psychic defenses.
In practice, what that means is the act of achieving an altered state of consciousness
- either by a hypnotherapist or oneself - in order to make subconscious suggestions
that promote specific objectives.
Being in hypnosis is simply to be engulfed in a very pleasant feeling of total relaxation,
during which you remain fully aware of your surroundings. Many people worry, quite
reasonably, that they will be unable to by hypnotised, or that they have not been
properly 'under', as there is no single recognisable 'hypnotised feeling'. In fact,
the only persons who may be unable to experience hypnosis are very young children,
and people heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For most other people
it is a very natural, pleasurable and relaxing state to be in.
Hypnosis is absolutely safe. It is a consent state – nobody can subject you to it
against your will or desire. You need to voluntarily choose hypnotherapy and actively
participate in the act of hypnosis in order to receive and act on the suggestions
from the hypnotherapist. When in the hypnotic state, nobody can make you do, or
say, anything which you would not ordinarily do or say in your normal state of conscious
awareness.
Could hypnotherapy help me?
Hypnotherapy and/or hypno-analysis is not an 'instant cure' as many people suppose.
It requires input and commitment from both you and the hypnotherapist to be successful.
The relatively simple issues of quitting smoking, pre-driving test or exam nerves
and so on usually take just one session. However, it could take several sessions
to help resolve more serious, deep-seated problems.
During analytical sessions you are likely to experience some emotional upheavals.
This is a completely usual and normal response to hypnotherapy and is nothing at
all to be concerned about. In fact, it is part of the healing process (known as
a 'healing crisis' or 'catharsis') and you should immediately begin to feel better
for it.
If you...
- Have challenges that are causing you concern or hindering your lifestyle
- Are suffering from 'something inside yourself but outside your own control'
- Need to maximize your true potential
- Want to free yourself from an irritating or inconvenient behaviour pattern
- Get rid of a fear or phobia
- Quit smoking
- Take control of your excess weight
- Deal with self-limiting beliefs and thoughts
You should consider hypnotherapy as a natural and drug-free therapy.
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