The experience of hypnosis can be very different due to the needs of the individual, whether they are physical or psychological. Hypnosis is started with a hypnotic induction that sometimes will include a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique, which we will look at later in the essay. The induction process will include instructions and suggestions. (Heap & Dryden) The person will then move into a trance like state, which will result in the person having a focused state of attention. Within the literature the use of the conscious mind in hypnosis is used to describe the state of the mind at a given time.
Therefore, the primary focus of this essay is to describe hypnosis and both the psychological and physical components at work. The role of relaxation within hypnotherapy will thereafter be discussed. What is hypnosis? Historically, the concept of healing by an altered state of awareness hasn’t changed for millennia. However, our understanding and ability to control it has changed profoundly.
“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. In this essay I am going to begin by answering the question of “what is Hypnosis?” by using a brief history of hypnosis to aid in this. Following on from this, I will describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis. Finally I will be discussing the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy and concluding this essay. Answering the question of ‘what is hypnosis’ is not a straight-forward task.
There can be confusion between hypnotic states and states of relaxation because they do cross over slightly. Psychiatrists theorize that the deep relaxation and focusing of exercises in hypnosis calm and subdue the conscious mind so it will take a less active role in the thinking process. This allows the hypnotherapist to work directly with the subconscious mind. In this state the client will still be aware of whats going on but the conscious mind takes a
Its use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behaviour, has been revived but is still controversial.” (Oxford English Dictionary, 2014) This supports the statement that there are both psychological and physical aspects that are recognised as part of the hypnosis process. The psychological element is the responsiveness to suggestion or direction whist in such a hypnotic state. The client is able to access their subconscious mind without the conscious mind checking the statements are correct and therefore during this phase, the client can start to retrain their behaviour without questioning or inhibitions. This has been proven to show benefits when dealing with a wide variety of issues such as stress and anxiety, disorders, weight loss, habit cessation and also as an aesthetic. This process can be used to make a number of different suggestions in the most appropriate style for the issue being addressed.
2248 words What Is Hypnosis? 1 This essay will attempt to explain what hypnosis is by discussing the technical processes used and some physical and psychological changes that occur to a subject when they are hypnotised. Some common myths and truths surrounding hypnosis will be explored as well as a brief history of hypnosis being told, including how it started and developed into a professional therapy that is used today. The potential for hypnotherapy to alleviate illness, change behaviour and work as a mind and body inclusive therapeutic treatment will be explored. Where hypnosis, as an alternative therapy stands with gaining acceptance from the medical model and it being offered as an NHS treatment will be discussed.
When undergoing hypnosis, an induction is required to ensure that the subject is sufficiently relaxed to experience the process fully. The way in which the induction is presented to the patient may be dependent on the hypnotist. Advocates of a more personalised approach believe that
Hypnosis involves guided concentration, regular practise of relaxation response does seem to block the ability of stress hormones to influence the brain and the body. The role of relaxation in hypnotherapy therefore is to take the client to a relaxed mental and physical state, a safe trusting environment. Attention is narrowly focused so that environmental stimuli are ignored for a period of
A person may experience a sense of strangeness or unreality. They may see themselves or their surroundings in a new way or feel more connected or detached than usual. The person will be more susceptible to suggestions, and may have intensified imagery the way each individual responds will depend on their individuality; their fantasies, experiences, attitudes and their preconceived ideas. A hypnotic experience consists of three components: (1) absorption, focused concentration; (2) dissociation, relative suspension of peripheral environment; and (3) suggestibility, a communication indicating that a person will experience a particular response towards the goal of a therapy. Hypnosis is a particularly suitable intervention for children because in general, children are more susceptible to hypnosis than adults (Wikipedia 2011).
It is a natural state of mind experienced as trance. Hypnosis can be induced through the interaction of one individual speaking to another, or to an entire group as (group hypnosis); we can also learn to self-induce trance as in (self-hypnosis) It's often considered an altered state of consciousness