Descending in the Depth of Human Psyche. What Is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Introduction: Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a particular state of the human psyche which is characterized by a reduced level of consciousness. In this state some qualities of perception, like focused attention, are restrained. Others, for example memory of past events and sensory sensations, can be enhanced. In the hypnotic state the capacity to respond to suggestions is increased. The hypnotic state differs from sleep. During the hypnosis, a level of consciousness is partially maintained, while during sleep conscious awareness is “switched off.”

Anton Mesmer and the animal magnetism

The Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) implemented the first semi-scientific use of hypnosis as a therapeutic method. He left the term “mesmerizing” to posterity. Mesmer wrongly assumed that he created the state of hypnosis with an invisible magnetic field he called “animal magnetism.” To induce a hypnotic state he used hand passes, magnetized sticks or magnets he was carrying in his pockets. Mesmer and his followers used this “animal magnetism” mostly for treating conditions that at that time were called hysteria. Additionally, they were also successful in healing physical diseases. Essentially, Mesmer and his followers were effective therapeutically, despite their wrong theoretical approach about the nature of the psychological state they created.

James Braid discovered focused attention for hypnotherapy

The Scottish physician James Braid (1795 – 1860) was the first who proved the idea of Mesmer and his followers wrong. Braid based his views on observation and experiment, rather than on preconceived theories. Braid demonstrated that mere fixation on a small, bright object could produce the state previously known as mesmeric somnambulism. The hand passes of a mesmerist and the use of magnets were quite unnecessary. He coined the term “hypnosis” and “hypnotism”. However, Bernheim’s main achievement was the creation of the scientific foundation of hypnotism and its use as a therapeutic method. Braid opened the door for the later scientific research on hypnosis and – in the end – for the development of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The physicians following his path were the French scientists: Charcot, Liébeault, Bernheim, Janet and – at the beginning of his psychotherapeutic career – also Sigmund Freud.

New definition of hypnosis

A new definition of hypnosis, derived from academic psychology, was provided in 2005 by the Society for Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association (APA). They published the following formal definition and published a brochure all about hypnosis.

Hypnosis typically involves an introduction to the procedure during which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented. The hypnotic induction is an extended initial suggestion for using one`s imagination and may contain further elaborations of the introduction. A hypnotic procedure is used to encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis, one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist). The techniques used in the hypnotherapy is to create suggestions for patient’s changes in his subjective experience. Other techniques are alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behaviour. Persons can also learn self-hypnosis, which is the act of administering hypnotic procedures on one`s own. If the subject responds to hypnotic suggestions, it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been induced.

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) on hypnosis

The use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes is referred to as “hypnotherapy.” The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) maintains:

The hypnotherapist uses clinical hypnosis in three main ways:

Encouraging the use of imagination

Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The psyche seems capable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic, to assist us in bringing about the things we are imagining. For example, a patient with ulcerative colitis may be asked to imagine what his/her distressed colon looks like. If she imagines it as being like a tunnel, with very red, inflamed walls that are rough in texture, the patient may be encouraged in hypnosis (and in self-hypnosis) to imagine this image changing to a healthy one.

Presenting ideas or suggestions to the patient

A second basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the patient. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the patient wants, seems to have a more powerful impact on the mind.

The exploration of the unconscious

Hypnosis may be used for the exploration of the unconscious for better understanding of the underlying motivations. It helps to identify whether past events or experiences are causing a problem. Hypnosis avoids the critical censorship of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our best interests. The effectiveness of hypnosis appears to lie in the way in which it bypasses the critical observation and interference of the conscious mind, allowing the client`s intentions for change to take effect.

Some individuals seem to have higher native hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis. It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality. It is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, but individual responses vary.

Hypnotherapy in short

Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy. During hypnotherapy the patient will experience subconscious change. These changes include new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours or feelings
As mentioned above, behavioral scientists originally used hypnosis to treat a condition known in the Victorian era as “hysteria.” Psychologists accept modern hypnotherapy for the treatment of many disorders, conditions, and for personal development. Hypnotherapists treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and control irrational fears, such as phobias. They also treat conditions, such as insomnia and addictions.

The form of hypnotherapy practiced by most Victorian hypnotists, including James Braid and Hippolyte Bernheim, mainly employed direct suggestion of symptom removal. The employed also use of therapeutic relaxation and occasionally aversive method in treating alcohol or drug addiction.

Ericksonian conversational hypnotherapy

Today Ericksonian hypnotherapy is widespread. In the 1950s, Milton H. Erickson developed a radically different approach to hypnotism, which has subsequently become known as “Ericksonian hypnotherapy” or “Neo-Ericksonian hypnotherapy.” Erickson made use of an informal conversational approach with clients using complex language patterns and various therapeutic strategies.