What is hypnosis?
A ‘waking state of awareness, (or consciousness), in which a person’s attention is detached from [their] immediate environment and is absorbed by inner experiences such as feelings, cognition and imagery.
Hypnosis could be seen as a meditative state, which one can learn to access consciously and deliberately, for a therapeutic purpose. Suggestions are then given either verbally or using imagery, directed at the desired outcome.
Additionally, hypnosis in itself is not a therapy, but it can be a tool that facilitates the delivery of therapy in the same way a syringe delivers drugs. Hypnosis does not make the impossible possible, but can help you believe and experience what might be possible for you to achieve.
What is hypnosis useful for?
The main usefulness of the hypnotic state is the increased effectiveness of suggestion and access to mind/body links or unconscious processing. Hypnosis can not only be used to reduce emotional distress but also may have a direct effect on the patient’s experience of pain (e.g. allay anxiety by accessing calmness and relaxation, help manage side effects of medications, or help ease pain or other symptoms).
What are the differences between traditional and modern hypnosis?
Traditional hypnosis is script-based, direct and authoritative. Modern hypnosis, also known as Ericksonian hypnosis, is indirect and permissive.
The modern approaches are considered to be the conventional ways of inducing or achieving hypnosis.
Today, three main types of hypnosis are used to hypnotise another person or hypnotise one’s self: traditional hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis, and self-hypnosis. The three types of hypnosis have a common denominator; that is, they all begin with some form of hypnotic induction like fixed eye or counting backward to induce a hypnotic state.
What does being in hypnosis look like?
Nothing like what you see in the movies or on TV. I don’t have a pocket watch, I am not Derren Brown and I don’t put my hand on your head, say “YOU ARE A DUCK!” and you start quacking like one.
When you are in hypnosis, you look very relaxed, and your eyes are closed. That’s it.
What does being in hypnosis feel like?
Ever used the app Reveri? Being in hypnosis feels like that.
It can also feel like daydreaming, when in meditation or prayer, getting lost in a good book, or being “in the zone” when you’re extremely focused on something. Usually, being in hypnosis is a very relaxing experience.
Will I lose control of myself?
Absolutely not. You are in complete control of yourself - body, emotions and mind - during a session and I can’t make you do, feel or say anything you don’t want. If you want, you can move, drink some water, grab a tissue and even go to the loo.
Is hypnosis New Age?
No. Despite being thought of as very “woo-woo”, hypnosis still has numerous applications in contemporary medicine. Hypnotherapy conducted by a trained therapist is considered as a complementary or safe alternative to present day orthodox medication for numerous ailments.
Dr David Spiegel is much more eloquent and than I am in talking about hypnosis, which includes debunking common myths and misconceptions around hypnosis. Please listen to his conversation with Andrew Huberman on Youtube/Spotify - it’s a real gem.