What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis refers to a state or condition in which the client becomes highly responsive to suggestions. It is similar the states entered into just before falling asleep at night and before waking up in the morning.

There are many examples in scientific literature showing evidence that clinical hypnosis is useful. According to the American Psychological Association, hypnosis is a procedure during which a health professional suggests while treating a patient or client that he or she experiences changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts or behaviour (American Psychological Association, 2008).

Depending on how suggestible or hypnotisable a person is, one can hear, see, feel, smell, and taste in varying degrees in accordance with the suggestions given. Most hypnosis includes suggestions for relaxation, calmness and well-being. Some describe hypnosis as a state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Most people describe the experience as pleasant.

Is hypnosis therapy?

Hypnosis is not a type of psychotherapy. It is not a treatment in and of itself; rather, it is a tool that can be used to facilitate other types of therapies and treatments. Clinical hypnosis should be conducted only by properly trained and credentialed health care professionals who also have been trained in the use of hypnosis and are working within the limits of their professional expertise.

Being a Certified Hypnotist from National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), I do not diagnose, treat or prescribe for clients regarding issues related to medical or mental health conditions. I only work with clients with the intent to enhance the client’s own natural restorative and coping abilities, and will make no therapeutic claims (National Guild of Hypnotists, 2021).

How true are the myths about hypnosis?

Hypnosis carries the stereotypes of stage performances, complete with clucking chickens and daring dancers. So let me try to answer some of your concerns here (National Guild of Hypnotists, 2013).

• Loss of Consciousness – This is probably the most common misconception about hypnosis. In contrast to how hypnosis has often been portrayed in films and on TV, or stage hypnosis which is used for entertainment or presentations, the client will actually be even more awake during hypnosis than before.

• Surrender of will – Once again, because of how hypnosis has been portrayed, many believe that the client will submit to the “power” of the hypnotist. This is untrue as the client is in control and always capable of making decisions. Think of it like when you are focussed on using your mobile phone while walking along the road, you would subconsciously step aside or stop if there is a lamp post directly in front of you instead of walking straight into it.

• Weak-mindedness – Some believe that only fools can be hypnotised. Yet, hypnosis requires concentration. The best clients are usually those of higher intelligence.

• Revelation of secrets – Others believe that one can be forced to reveals secrets about oneself and others while in hypnosis. Hypnotism is not a truth serum. Although clients are more open to suggestions during hypnosis, they still have free will and moral judgment. They are in full control of self while being hypnotised. The client can talk if necessary, but can also lie as easily.

• Fear of not being revived – There are some people who are afraid that once hypnotised, they will never come out of the hypnotised state. The client may look like he or she is sleeping but is truly awake during hypnosis. Clients would be in a deeply relaxed state and can actually induce the trance themselves, thus in turn readily come around when necessary. The state of hypnosis is similar to when you are about to fall asleep and someone shouts “fire”, you would of course jump out of the state that you are in.

Under the guidance of a trained health care professional, hypnosis can be used to ease pain, combat phobias, treat depression and anxiety, break bad habits such as smoking and overeating, and many other conditions. Hypnosis can also help people cope with negative emotional states, like stress and anxiety, as well as pain, fatigue, insomnia, mood disorders, and more (Psychology Today, 2021).

Once again, I stress that the decision to use hypnosis as an addition to treatment should only be made in consultation with a qualified health care provider who has been trained in the use and limitations of clinical hypnosis. In addition to its use in clinical settings, hypnosis is used in research and forensic settings. Researchers study the value of hypnosis in the treatment of physical and psychological problems and examine the impact of hypnosis on sensation, perception, learning and memory (American Psychological Association, 2008).

References

American Psychological Association. (2008). Hypnosis Today – Looking Beyond the Media Portrayal. Retrieved from American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/hypnosis

National Guild of Hypnotists. (2013). What is Hypnosis? In World of Hypnosis (pp. 2-8). New Hampshire: National Guild of Hypnotists, Inc.

National Guild of Hypnotists. (2021). The Code of Ethics of the National Guild of Hypnotists. New Hampshire: National Guild of Hypnotists.

Psychology Today. (2021). Hypnosis. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/hypnosis