WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
What is hypnosis? The definitions that follow here are from
varied sources, all authorities in the field. The range of thinking on
this single subject is varied as you consider what these experts have to say
about it:
"Hypnosis is largely a question of your willingness to be
receptive and responsive to ideas, and to allow these ideas to act upon you
without interference. These ideas we call suggestions". (Weitzenhoffer and
Hilgard)
" Hypnosis is a state of intensified attention and
receptiveness to an idea or a set of ideas". (Erickson)
"Hypnosis is an altered state of the organism originally
and usually produced by a repetition of stimuli in which suggestion ( no
matter how defined) is more effective than usual". (Marcuse)
"Hypnosis is an altered state which suggestions have a
peculiarly potent effect". (Bowers)
"In hypnosis the subconscious, having no power to reason,
accepts and acts upon any fact or suggestion given to it by the conscious
mind." (Caprio and Berger)
The list could go on and on and is virtually endless! I offer
here not to disagree with the imminent professionals I quoted, but to
clarify my own position on the topic.
I believe hypnosis is a process that produces relaxation,
sometimes very deep, distraction of the conscious mind, increased awareness
and heightened suggestibility which allows access to our subconscious mind
through the imagination. Of course it can also produce the ability to
experience thoughts and images as real.
In order for the process to be effective, there are
components that must be present: Belief and Expectation.
So it goes like this: Belief and Expectation equals
Hypnosis.
In other words, if a person has the belief that they can be
hypnotized and the expectation that they will be hypnotized, then yes, they
will be hypnotized - every time.
Hypnosis is a co - operative effort between the Hypnotist and
the Client.
The Hypnotist is a facilitator that guides the Client.
