Hypnosis has been around for thousands of years in many different cultures. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it was mainly viewed as a curiosity rather than a valid treatment.
Hypnosis, what is it in psychology?
Today, psychology hypnosis recognised as an effective tool to treat a range of disorders including anxiety, chronic pain, high blood pressure, insomnia, and stress. It is a method for inducing a trance or dream-like state. We are still not completely sure how it works. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments rather than on its own.
The brain has different levels of awareness which range from completely alert to fully asleep. These states have been mapped using a device called an EEG (electroencephalograph). When the brain is calm, it produces a pattern called alpha waves.
The theory is that alpha waves allow the subconscious to be more accessible to therapeutic suggestions. This belief is the basis for hypnosis. Hypnosis can be deliberately induced in a clinical setting, or it can occur spontaneously as daydreams or complete focus and immersion into a task.
You cannot be hypnotized into doing anything against your will. Suggestions are likely to be taken to heart, but only if they are acceptable to the person who is being hypnotized. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. It is a completely voluntary process, and you are always in control.
About ten percent of people are exceptionally easy to hypnotize. These people typically have a number of things in common including the ability to get lost in a movie or book, being highly creative, and an ability to stay mentally focused. About eighty percent of people are reasonably open to hypnotic suggestion, with the remaining ten percent labelled as resistant.
Levels of hypnosis in psychology
There are many different ways of inducing hypnosis. They include being guided by a qualified hypnosis practitioner, the use of audiotapes, and imaginative or relaxation techniques. The use of imagery is an important tool for relaxing the mind.
The state of hypnosis feels similar to that dreamy state you are in just before you fall asleep, except you remain aware of your surroundings.
Frequently asked questions about hypnosis
Self-hypnosis – can people learn to hypnotise themselves? What are the limitations?
Everybody can learn self-hypnosis, but the results depend on how hypnotisable one is. People with good imagination, flexible/creative thinking and a good ability to get absorbed in thing are the best.
Who shouldn’t use hypnosis?
There are some conditions where hypnosis might not be appropriate (psychosis, certain mental health conditions), and circumstances where it should be avoided.
People who have no clear sense of reality, clear boundaries (severe mental disorders like psychosis) are not recommended for Hypnosis.
What does a typical session look like?
We look at the the following areas:
- clarification of what we want to achieve subconsciously
- Hypnosis tests to see what induction works best
- Induction process to go deep
- Changes while in a trance
- Posthypnotic suggestions (suggesting behaviors, communications in the trance for the time after trance – in real life)
Common misconceptions about hypnosis
Stage hypnosis vs clinical hypnotherapy (many people’s only reference is entertainment)
- stage hypnotist select those volunteers who really want to perform on stage and then with quick tests pick the best performing few
- the tasks are funny and the people want to impress the audience
- in the clinical situation we want to achieve deep changes, not for fun or strange behaviours, but for the person’s growing edge
Everybody can learn self-hypnosis, but the results depend on how hypnotisable one is. People with good imagination, flexible/creative thinking and a good ability to get absorbed in things are the best suited.
Specific conditions and how hypnosis helps
Hypnosis can be helpful for any changes you’re consciously trying to make but haven’t been able to shift through willpower alone. This includes behavioural patterns like substance use, relationship difficulties, or eating behaviours. It’s also effective for physiological responses such as managing chronic pain, regulating your nervous system, or symptoms related to illness.
Essentially, if there’s something you want to change but feel stuck, hypnosis can help access those patterns at a deeper level.
Preparing for a hypnosis session
There’s not much you need to do to prepare. It’s best to avoid coffee or other stimulants before your session, as they can make it harder to relax. Come in comfortable clothing and with an open mind, that’s really all you need.