Hypnotic States

Hypnosis is a useful form of treatment in psychiatry for pain relief, especially during labour and for dentists when completing dental work. However hypnosis has now become a stand-alone therapy, which works for emotional and mental pain. Hypnosis is also a wonderful technique, which can be self taught and used in everyday situations to eradicate fears. Some people appear to be hypnotized more easily than others.

Hypnosis in the  Medical Profession

Medical health professionals define hypnotherapy in different ways; most agree that hypnosis essentially involves creating a state of mind in which normal thinking is suspended temporarily. The use of trance states can be traced back to before Christ in the temples of Babylonia (now Iraq), part of the ancient empire of Mesopotamia. “The land between the rivers” (Mesopotamia) was a cultural and scientific area with a highly developed civilization, where the people would instigate dreaming to find answers to problems. Curious knowledge-seekers with a huge awareness of the mind’s unique powers, this culture were pretty advanced in psychological and metaphysical techniques.

The Science of Trance States in Hypnosis

The modern day science of hypnosis established itself when the Austrian Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) discovered a technique, which often induced convulsions, but also a loss of mental and physical control in his patients. However Mesmer’s followers discovered more practical applications for his work. By the mid 19^th century a number of doctors were experimenting with what was being termed as autosuggestion. One such psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) found hypnosis very useful with anxious, neurotic patients.

From Trance to Magical Hypnosis

We then move onto the more magical and natural style of hypnosis with Milton H. Erickson (1902-80), a psychiatrist who later became a hypotherapist. This brilliant man transformed how human reaction to stress and deep-rooted problems were addressed, by using a creative type of hypnosis. Erickson is generally considered to be the most important hypnotherapist of modern time. His sensory perception on all levels of non-verbal communication became extremely acute; some would say magical! His heightened level of awareness helped him later when he invented non-conventional Ericksonian Hypnosis.

Indirect Verses Direct Hypnosis

The indirect approach uses stories and metaphors, which tend to relax people into a sense of curiosity. The client slowly closes their eyes, mainly because he or she wants to absorb and listen to the story. The direct approach favoured by earlier psychiatrists, usually worked in the concepts of Freud, where the hypnotherpist asks the client to focus on an object and suggests that the eyes will begin to feel heavy; however, because the eyelids have no muscles, the eyes will naturally close after ten to fifteen seconds.

Rapport Building in Hypnosis

The depth of relaxation will be based on the level of rapport and trust the client feels with the therapist. Delivery comes from experience and confidence. The most productive hypnotic induction appears to come from the right balance of speaking gently yet firmly; something many a skilled hypnotherapists appear to struggle with. Having rapport with oneself is just as successful at self-inducing a trance state, in fact meditation, chanting, singing and prayer can often bring about a trance state.

Three Levels of Trance States in Hypnosis

Depending on the individual’s beliefs, emotional state and attitude the hypnotic state will vary from a light, medium or deep trance states. Hypnosis resembles a state of deep relaxation bordering a sleep state where the body feels noticeable light, to something much deeper, where the client’s body or individual limbs becomes heavy. A loss of sensation, in part, or full sometimes happens in the body. The ideal level is a medium states where negative cognitive and behaviour changes can be addressed without the client falling asleep, or becoming irritated because they cannot relax enough.

Professionalism as a Hypnotherapist

The first criteria for anyone seeking hypnotherapy would be to ask about qualifications, how long they have been in practice and experience. However a good yardstick is when a doctor, dentist or nurse recommends a hypnotherapist. The medical professions are reluctant to recommend, so when they do, you are more likely to be with someone who has worked in the medical profession and has built credibility and trust.

First Impressions matter with Hypnosis

Always go by how you feel on entering the therapist’s room. A professional hypnotherapist will have a private room with its own door. Private life must be separated as with any surgery. The room should be discreet, away from others who can hear, be warm, freshly painted, and clean and smelling fragrant. Flowers although not mandatory do give the impression of care. A separate use of a cloakroom is mandatory. There should be drinking water, tissues, a soft clean blanket with soft lightening and music. The client should feel comfortable at all times.