How Does Hypnosis Work?

When you hear the word hypnotist, what comes to mind? If you’re like many people, the word may conjure up images of a sinister stage-villain who brings about a hypnotic state by swinging a pocket watch back and forth.

According to John Kihlstrom, "The hypnotist does not hypnotize the individual. Rather, the hypnotist serves as a sort of coach or tutor whose job is to help the person become hypnotized"² While hypnosis is often described as a sleep-like trance state, it is better described as a state characterized by focused attention, heightened suggestibility and vivid fantasies.

What Effects Does Hypnosis Have?

The experience of hypnosis can vary dramatically from one person to another. Some hypnotized individuals report feeling a sense of detachment or extreme relaxation during the hypnotic state, while others even feel that their actions seem to occur outside of their conscious volition. Other individuals may remain fully aware and able to carry out conversations while under hypnosis.

What Can Hypnosis Be Used For?

Hypnosis can be used for almost everything from stop smoking, pain management, phobias, relationships, anxiety, depression, stress management, study skills, weight loss, child birthing, IBS, sports performance, ADHD, addictions, and many more.

While many people think that they cannot be hypnotized, research has shown that a large number of people are more hypnotizable than they believe.

• Fifteen percent of people are very responsive to hypnosis.⁶
• Children tend to be more susceptible to hypnosis.⁷
• Approximately ten percent of adults are considered difficult or impossible to hypnotize.⁸
• People who can become easily absorbed in fantasies are much more responsive to hypnosis.²

If you are interested in being hypnotized, it is important to remember to approach the experience with an open mind. Research has suggested that individuals who view hypnosis in a positive light tend to respond better

References

2 Kilhstrom, J. F. (2001). Hypnosis and the psychological unconscious. In Howard S. Friedman (Ed.), Assessment and therapy: Specialty articles from the Encyclopedia of Mental Health. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

⁶ Hilgard, E. R. (1982). Hypnotic susceptibility and implications for measurement. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 30, 394-403.

⁷ Kohen, D.P., & Olsen, K. (1993). Hypnotherapy with children. In J.W. Rhue, S.J. Lynn & I. Kirsch (Eds.), Handbook of clinical hypnosis. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

⁸ Register, P.A., & J.F. Kilhstrom. (1986). Finding the hypnotic virtuoso. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 34, 84-97.

For more information visit:

THEHYPNOSISHEALINGCENTRE.COM

HYPNOSIS-YOGA.COM