What is Hypnosis?

You will probably have heard many different definitions of what hypnosis actually is. Many people wrongly assume that it is an induced sleep, mainly owing to the image portrayed by the stage hypnotist. What it is, in fact, is a natural state of mind induced more often in normal everyday life rather than through any kind of artificial induction. The ability to be hypnotised lies solely within the person wishing to be hypnotised. The hypnotist merely guides them through this process. So in effect it is a guided meditation.

There are many types of induction that a hypnotist can use in order to connect with the subconscious, and the important thing is that the hypnotist finds the right style for YOU. In my opinion, no two inductions are the same, and that is why I tailor my inductions to meet the needs of the individual. This type of therapy is called Client Centred Therapy, the brainchild of Carl R. Rogers.

  About Hypnosis

The techniques of hypnosis have been used for many years, the earliest evidence being the ancient shaman, who used chanting and visualisation, along with rythmic and monotonous drumming in order to focus thier minds whilst performing rituals. Many people developed these ideas including Franz Anton Mesmer (1733-1815), and his disciple the Marquis de Puysegur, who recognised patients entering a somnambulistic state (deep trance), while still being communicative and responsive to suggestion.

In the mid 1800's John Elliotson (1791-1859) and James Esdaile (1808-1859) performed many operations with hypnosis as the sole aneasthetic. It was James Braid (1795-1860) who coined the term 'hypnosis', from the greek 'hypnos' (meaning sleep). He aslo showed that hypnotised people are abnormally susceptible to suggestion. Leibeault (1823-1904) and Bernheim (1837-1919) were the first to regard it as a normal phenomenon and asserted that expectation was an important factor in inductions and that increased suggestibility was essential. Freud was the first to link it as a major source of psychopathology (although he later gave it up in favor of 'free association').

With the rise of psychoanalysis in the first half of the twentieth cetury, hypnosis declined in popularity. Then in the 50's there was a rebirth in interest as research found new and potent uses for it in therapy. The trance state is now recognised as a highly effective tool for behaviour modification and healing.

This is just a brief history of hypnosis, and for further reading I reccommend looking up some of the names I have given above.