What is hypnosis? What is clinical hypnosis?
Most likely the first thought on people’s mind when hypnosis is discussed is something like, “Will it make me quack like a duck? Will I do something to embarrass myself? Will I do something I am unaware of later? Will I know what is happening?”
Hypnosis is most often associated with habit reduction. “Will hypnosis make me stop . . . smoking, overeating, drinking too much?”
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is the process in which one is in a state of focused awareness while relaxed and consciously open to suggestion. During hypnosis, the subject is always consciously aware of where they are, who they are with, and what they are doing. The subject is fully awake, able to hear what is said to them, and what is happening around them.
Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., international expert in hypnosis, in a publication of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), offered the following definitions of hypnosis:
“. . . hypnosis is a state of attentive, receptive concentration containing three concurrent features of varying degrees: dissociation, absorption, and suggestibility, all three of which need to be present (Spiegel & Greenleaf, 1992).”
He adds the American Psychological Association suggests that hypnosis is a “. . . procedure during which changes are suggested in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, feelings or behavior.” The process includes an induction procedure, but may occur spontaneously.
Dr. Hammond goes on to state that people describe hypnosis variously as an altered state of consciousness or a relaxed state of focused attention. People also differ in how responsive they are to hypnosis, some people are highly responsive and others less so.
What is Clinical Hypnosis?
Clinical hypnosis is distinguished from hypnosis when it is coupled with clinical degrees and licenses in medicine, dentistry, psychology, and/or related therapeutic fields, such as, marital therapy. Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic tool a clinician may utilize to help facilitate a client’s goal.
The uses of clinical hypnosis are fairly broad, and it is up to the clinician whether or when to bring hypnosis into the treatment plan. Clinicians who use hypnosis find that it enhances, not replaces, the work they do.
Some areas of treatment where clinical hypnosis may be helpful are anxiety problems, including phobia and panic, and depression.
Do you have more questions about hypnosis?
Some people are concerned about the use of hypnosis or just have lots more questions. If this is the case, Google hypnosis; go to the ASCH website; or speak to a clinician who uses hypnosis in order to better understand how it works.