Hypnosis: A very short introduction

Hypnosis is a technique used to access a person’s subconscious mind to influence behaviour or bring about desired changes in their life. It has been practised for centuries and has been subject to many misconceptions over the years. In this article, we will explore the misconceptions about hypnosis, its validity, and how it helps people.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnosis is that it involves the hypnotist controlling the subject’s mind. This is simply not true. The subject is always in control and can choose to reject suggestions given to them during hypnosis. In fact, hypnosis is more of a cooperative process between the hypnotist and the subject.

Another misconception is that only certain people can be hypnotised. In reality, anyone can be hypnotised as long as they are willing and able to follow instructions. It’s also not true that people can get stuck in a hypnotic state or that they will reveal their deepest secrets while under hypnosis.

There is a vast body of scientific evidence that supports the validity of hypnosis. Studies have shown that hypnosis can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even addiction. In fact, the American Psychological Association has recognised hypnosis as a valid therapeutic technique since 1958 and the UK BMA approved hypnosis for use in 1955.

Hypnosis can help people in many ways. For example, it can help them overcome phobias, improve their self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be used to help people quit smoking, lose weight, or improve their athletic performance.

One way hypnosis works is by accessing the subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind is responsible for much of our behaviour, beliefs, and emotions. By accessing the subconscious mind, a hypnotist can help a person change negative thought patterns or behaviours that may be holding them back.

Hypnosis can also help people relax and reduce stress. When a person is in a hypnotic state, their body is in a deep state of relaxation. This can help reduce muscle tension, lower blood pressure, and slow down breathing and heart rate. As a result, hypnosis can be a useful tool for managing chronic pain, as well as for improving overall health and well-being.

Hypnosis is a valuable therapeutic technique that has been subject to many misconceptions over the years. It is not a form of mind control, and anyone can be hypnotised as long as they are willing and able to follow instructions. Scientific evidence supports the validity of hypnosis, and it can be an effective tool for treating a variety of conditions. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnosis can help people change negative thought patterns or behaviours, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall health and well-being.

However, not all therapists are equal, not in terms of their training, skills or intention but more by the style of hypnosis they practice. For brevity, you can divide therapists into two categories: traditional and/or Ericksonian. The former is by far the most widespread and taught. While most commonly taught, it does have an inherent weakness – the reliance on direct suggestion.

Any direct suggestion can be resisted as the result of cognitive dissonance, this could be for some or all such suggestions. In contrast, the Ericksonian preference for indirect suggestion does not have this limitation and as a result, could have greater effectiveness.