Hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy is a psychological state or a trance-like state in which one has heightened concentration and focus. Normally, hypnosis uses intense concentration, guided relaxation and focused attention to attain an enhanced state of awareness which is sometimes known as a trance. When in this state, the person’s attention is focused to an extent that, everything in motion around that person is ignored or temporarily blocked out. With the help of a health professional such as a trained therapist, people can focus their attention in this naturally occurring state. Notably, being hypnotized is characterized by relaxation, concentration, expectation, and suggestion. When one is under hypnosis, they are more open to suggestions, they feel relaxed and calm. Seemingly, hypnosis also helps one cope better with pain and anxiety, and in gaining control over undersized behaviors. Hypnosis is performed by a certified or licensed mental health specialist who is specially trained in this field.
Hypnosis works in various ways; it is an aid to psychotherapy. This state allows individuals to explore painful feelings, thoughts, and memories they could have hidden from their conscious minds. It enables persons to identify things differently, for instance, blocking pain awareness. Hypnosis can be used in two ways; for pain therapy or a suggestion therapy. As a pain therapy, it can be used in treating chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid. It can also be used to reduce and treat pain during childbirth (Dickson-Spillmann, 2013, p. 3).
Hypnotherapy can be used to reduce symptoms of dementia, and symptoms of ADHD. Other uses of hypnosis are; controlling pain during dental procedures, alleviation of symptoms that are associated with irritable bowel syndrome and in reduction or elimination of skin conditions such as psoriasis and warts. As a therapy, hypnosis can be used to establish the root cause of a symptom or disorder, such as unconscious memory and a traumatic past event. Presumably, the experience of hypnosis varies dramatically from one individual to another. Some hypnotized persons report feeling a sense of extreme relaxation or detachment during this state. Others report to having mixed feelings where their actions seem to take place outside of their conscious will. On the other hand, others remain fully able and aware of carrying out conversations. Research shows that many people are more hypnotized than they presume. For instance, children are more vulnerable to hypnosis, 15% of people are quite receptive to hypnosis (Iserson, 2014, p. 2).
Markedly, hypnotized individuals seem to heed hypnotists’ communication only. These individuals seem to respond in an automatic fashion and in an uncritical state ignoring environmental aspects. Benefits of hypnosis are wide ranging. For instance, the hypnotic state allows an individual to be more suggestive, and open minded especially in discussions. Secondly, the hypnotic state improves the success of various treatments for numerous conditions such as; sleep disorders, phobias, stress, grief and loss, and post-traumatic anxiety. On the other hand, hypnosis could be inappropriate for individuals with psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, or for persons using alcohol or drugs. Similarly, hypnosis can be less effective if used as a form of therapy.
Seemingly, hypnosis poses many risks of creating phony memories. For certain mental disorders such as dissociative disorders, the use of hypnosis remains controversial. However, hypnosis is not a dangerous procedure; it is not brainwashing or mind control because a therapist cannot intentionally make an individual do things he/she do not want, or embarrassing things. Arguably, in order to understand the exact mechanism for hypnosis, various interventions are required such as, decoding the workings of the unconscious mind. One of the best and well known theories of hypnosis is Hilgard’s neodissociation theory. According to this theory, hypnotic people experience a rip consciousness that is followed by two distinct streams of mental activity. When in this state, the person’s attention is focused to an extent that, everything in motion around that person is ignored or temporarily blocked out. With the help of a health professional such as a trained therapist, people can focus their attention in this naturally occurring state.
When one is under hypnosis, they are more open to suggestions, they feel relaxed and calm. Seemingly, hypnosis also helps one cope better with pain and anxiety, and in gaining control over undersized behaviors. As a pain therapy, it can be used in treating chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid. It can also be used to reduce and treat pain during childbirth. Benefits of hypnosis are wide ranging. For instance, the hypnotic state allows an individual to be more suggestive, and open minded especially in discussions. The hypnotic state improves the success of various treatments for numerous conditions such as; sleep disorders, phobias, stress, grief and loss, and post-traumatic anxiety. Arguably, in order to understand the exact mechanism for hypnosis, various interventions are required such as, decoding the workings of the unconscious mind. As a therapy, hypnosis can be used to establish the root cause of a symptom or disorder, such as unconscious memory and a traumatic past event.
References
Dickson-Spillmann, M., Haug, S., & Schaub, M. (2013). Group hypnosis vs. relaxation for smoking cessation in adults: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 131227. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-1227
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Iserson, K. (2014). An Hypnotic Suggestion: Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Emergency Care. The Journal Of Emergency Medicine,
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