Hypnosis: A Guide for the Client
In recent years the health profession has demonstrated an increasing awareness of the importance of the psychological aspects psychological aspects of health and wellness. Much time is now devoted to the teaching of the influence of a person's attitude and their level of health. Hypnosis is one of the many psychotherapeutic tools used by health professionals as an adjunct to treatment.
What is Hypnosis?
There is no all-acceptable definition of hypnosis, but many health professionals who use hypnosis as a method of treatment refer to it as a natural "state of altered awareness" which helps to establish a better channel of communication between the hypnotist and the client. Many also feel that in this state the client is more receptive to "ideas" or "suggestions" which are offered by the hypnotist in order to assist the person dealing with a particular problem
Is a person unconscious or asleep when in an hypnotic state?
Although the term "sleep" is frequently used in the context of hypnosis it does not refer to the usual nightsleep. The person in an hypnotic state does not lose consciousness although he may close his eyes and appear to be asleep. The hypnotic state is closer to a state of comfortable concentration. Brain waves observed during hypnosis resemble those of a person in the waking state.
Will a person always awaken from an hypnotic trance?
A person always has the capacity to awaken himself. Even if left alone, without any specific instructions, a person will eventually rouse himself from a trance. However, the therapist usually instructs the client to terminate the trance at some convenient point to fit in with the time set aside for treatment. If the person feels very comfortable in a trance, or if engaged in some reminiscing or problem solving that he wishes to bring to a conclusion, he may continue in a trance state, in spite of directions from the therapist to terminate. An experienced therapist knows how to recognize these situations and, if necessary, will allow the person enough time to work through the situation.
Can a person be hypnotized against his will?
The cooperation of the person is always necessary before he can enter a trance state even if he has been hypnotized many times before. Although the hypnotic state is achieved through the direction and guidance of the therapist, it is the person himself who allows the hypnotic trance to develop. If the individual is completely unwilling to cooperate, an hypnotic state is impossible. In some cases, the person may have mixed feelings toward hypnosis. For instance, he may want to be hypnotized on a conscious level, but be unwilling to accept hypnosis on a sub-conscious level. An experienced therapist who understands the workings of the mind will know how to deal with these situations to the advantage of the person. After evaluating the case thoroughly the therapist may come to the conclusion that hypnosis is not the treatment of choice for this person.
Does it become progressively easier for a patient to enter an hypnotic trance?
Speed and skill in achieving an hypnotic state can improve with practice and experience, especially with adequate professional guidance. However, the process never becomes so automatic as to make the individual completely dependent on the will of the therapist.
Would a person in an hypnotic state be apt to follow a suggestion which would normally be objectionable to him? In other words, could he commit an act which he would ordinarily consider immoral?
If an act is usually contrary to a person's moral, religious or ethical values, there is no possibility that he will follow a suggestion to this effect, even if he is in an hypnotic state. Also, if a person does not really want to stop smoking or diet, he will not do so just because of hypnosis.
When the hypnotized patient "awakes", is he able to remember everything that happened to him while in hypnotic trance?
Most people will be able to remember, either spontaneously or after some questioning. Some individuals, especially those who are capable of deep trances, may develop a total or partial amnesia, similar to that which many people experience after nighttime dreaming. Even if the person does develop amnesia, a skilled therapist can usually assist him in recalling what he has experienced in the trance, if it is therapeutically desirable to do so.
Can a person hypnotize himself?
A person can learn to enter an hypnotic state by himself, given the proper training and instructions. The term for this is auto-hypnosis. In some cases the therapist will train the patient to develop this skill so that the patient can use it to deal with certain physical or emotional problems. For instance, he can learn how to use self-hypnosis to achieve a state of relaxation, or to help alleviate pain. You will always receive this training in a treatment session.
What is meant by a deep hypnotic trance?
There is no clear agreement to what is meant by a "deep" hypnosis. Some compare it to a profound involvement with or a concentration on certain inner (mental) processes. Some people are able to achieve this state quickly and easily. However, successful therapy and the effective communication of desirable ideas to the person does not necessarily depend on the depth of the trance.
Can there be any adverse effects from being in an hypnotic state?
There should be no undesirable after effects in the hands of a health professional who is well trained in the psychological evaluation of clients and in the therapeutic methods of using hypnosis. As a comparison one can consider the process of education. Can there be any adverse effects from education? The act of giving full attention to a teacher is not harmful in itself, but being taught false or inappropriate information or being subjected to faulty methods of teaching may have undesirable effects. This is why we require teachers to be properly trained.
Is the hypnosis used in the health field today similar to that portrayed in movies, television, fiction and stage performance?
Very rarely so, since these forms of entertainment use hypnosis as a vehicle for sensationalism and therefore they tend to perpetuate the early misconceptions of hypnosis as a form of magic or the surrender of will to a "powerful Svengali". These absurd notions imply that treatment by hypnosis consists of imposing irresistible suggestions upon the person, thus forcing him to accept ideas against his will. It has now been clearly established that hypnosis can only reinforce ideas which are basically acceptable to the person. Successful therapeutic application of hypnosis must be based on the cooperative efforts of both the client and the therapist.
If a person learns to use hypnosis for one reason, can he apply the same technique to other things?
It is possible to do so, but the person should use hypnotic techniques only under the advice and supervision of a hypnotist who is trained to deal with each condition. A person should not attempt to apply hypnosis to other situations without the health professional's recommendation. To do so may mask symptoms and complicate diagnosis. This could be dangerous to the client.
Is hypnosis accepted in medical practice?
The American Medical Association does recognize hypnosis as a form of medical therapy. It also recommends that it be used only be health professionals who are specifically trained to do so, and in their own field of competence.
What kind of training should a health professional have in order to qualify for using hypnosis in practice?
Courses in the medical use of hypnosis are given in medical schools and affiliated medical institutions, as well as under the auspices of medical societies. Even with this specialized training, a qualified hypnotist would not use hypnosis outside his sphere of competence. For example, an obstetrician who is trained to use hypnosis for delivery would not expect to use it to treat a purely psychiatric problem. A psychiatrist would not use hypnosis to perform surgery even if he could induce the necessary relief of pain. In general, a therapist would not be apt to use hypnosis in a case that he would not feel qualified to treat without hypnosis.
How do I find a therapist qualified to use hypnosis?
If you are interested in hypnosis and your own physician does not practice it, you can ask him to refer you to a therapist who does use hypnosis to treat your specific condition.
How do I know I should use hypnosis for my particular problem?
Hypnosis is not recommended for all clients under all circumstances. First, it is necessary to diagnose the specific physical or mental problem requiring treatment. Then, the best type of treatment can be determined. A health practitioner who is trained and experienced in hypnosis can then decide if this form of therapy is warranted or advisable. Hypnosis is not a curative measure in itself; it is only a therapeutic tool, and its success depends on how it is used.