Hypnosis, What Is And What Is Not?

Day by day we find ourselves immersed in an excess of information, we hear comments thrown at random, myths, rumors and assumptions … And all this is confused in the daily landscape, supposing an obstacle to distinguish reality well. The same happens with the idea that we have about some therapies and techniques; for example, we may harbor some confusion or not be clear about what hypnosis is and what is not. We have come to hear that it is a manipulation and a sham, or that it is only about relaxation, but the truth is that hypnosis is also applied in consultations of serious, trained and competent professionals.

Myths generate fear and take us away from what could benefit us or bring us closer to what could harm us. In this case, we could fear being hypnotized and dominated. However, this fear is unfounded because through hypnosis the person is not deeply asleep or becomes an automaton, therefore he cannot be forced to perform acts that he does not want. In addition, he usually remembers what he has said and done while in this hypnotic state.

Before starting, it is important that we are informed that this type of technique is going to be performed and that it will be applied by a professional with knowledge who will train you for it. It is recommended that you be a professional backed by training that proves mastery of the technique. Once we are sure of this, we will only have to listen to the psychologist or therapist expert in hypnosis, focusing on the ideas and images that he suggests. It is important to maintain a receptive attitude, open to suggestions for change  related to our perceptions, emotions, thoughts or behaviors.

What is hypnosis?

There are different modalities of hypnosis. The one that is explained in this article is Ericksonian hypnosis, which refers to certain sensory and inner psychic experiences that have been experienced. The trance occurs naturally and spontaneously, achieving learning and opening of the mind. In contrast, classical hypnosis is based on the state of loss of consciousness, through receiving direct suggestions from the therapist, through a formal ritual, so that the trance occurs. Its purpose is to eliminate the symptom (V Jornadas AAHEA, 2015).

In the same way as cognitive therapies, one of the objectives of Ericksonian hypnosis is the reorganization of the cognitive structures of the person who attends therapy. Hypnosis encourages her to carry out this restructuring process without rational and conscious control, so that structures inaccessible to consciousness can be modified (Feixas, 2008).

Hypnosis is based on the connection with the unconscious, leaving critical thinking in the background, in order to access the person’s own resources ; resources that, on the other hand, may be unknown to the person himself. This allows you to get to know yourself better, reduce symptoms, and react in a more adaptive way.

Is hypnosis relaxation?

Normally the hypnosis procedure involves relaxation of the patient, but relaxation is not essential for hypnosis,  nor is the act of closing the eyes. There is also awake hypnosis, which can be done with your eyes open. Therefore, relaxation is not the same as hypnosis, although it can be helpful. According to Dr. Heap, the most relevant aspect that defines hypnosis is suggestion and suggestibility (V Jornadas AAHEA, 2015).

Generally, a hypnosis session begins with a “hypnotic induction”: it consists of a series of suggestions that aim to help the person to focus on their own sensory experience (Nieto, 2009). The therapist does not express orders or give direct instructions that are difficult to oppose. This could create more resistance and achieve the opposite effect, that is, that the person does not want to visualize or do what they are proposed. In a way, hypnosis could be understood as self-hypnosis.

There are several factors that influence the degree of suggestibility :

• The person, with their expectations, beliefs, motivation, imaginative capacity, etc.
• The therapist, with his communicative style, hypnotic procedures and management of the patient’s resistance, among others.
• The therapeutic relationship, that is, the bond and trust between the therapist and the patient.

During hypnosis, experiences can seem very real and intense ( especially when there is a high degree of suggestibility). It is as if you were watching a movie, you focus on what you are watching and it can be processed as if it were real. This process is possible thanks to suggestibility.

Are we talking about a manipulation?

Due to the influence of the media, such as movies and television shows, hypnosis has sometimes been and is associated with psychological manipulation, although in reality they have very little to do with it. The only characteristic that relates them is the increase in suggestibility that occurs both in hypnotic processes and in manipulations.

The main difference is that during hypnosis the person can easily come out of this state of increased suggestibility, while in abusive and manipulative contexts the return can be hampered. Therefore,  it is not manipulation since it cannot induce the person to do something against their will. In addition, it retains the ability to interrupt the hypnotic process if desired (Nieto, 2009).

What can it be beneficial for?

Hypnosis is beneficial for both physical (medical) and psychological problems. On the one hand, it is effective in relieving pain, such as migraines or chronic fibromyalgia pain, and in reducing chemotherapy symptoms (such as nausea) in cancer patients.

On the other hand, it has been observed that it can be effective in cases of depression (together with cognitive-behavioral treatment), to reduce insomnia and anxiety, to prepare for surgery, to overcome traumatic experiences and even in psychosomatic disorders, like psoriasis and warts.

Hypnosis can be used in motherhood : to achieve pregnancy, improving fertility by reducing stress (when it comes to psychological, not biological causes). It can also improve symptoms such as nausea, reduce pain at the time of delivery, and decrease postpartum symptoms.

It can also be helpful in quitting habits, such as smoking. In any case, it is important that the person is motivated for the change, since they will have to work on the cessation, face anxiety and elaborate the grieving process associated with the change.

In summary, we can affirm that it is a beneficial technique for a great variety of problems, but due to misconceptions its use is reduced and less research is carried out. More studies would be necessary to see if it can be more effective, although for now it has already been shown to be effective when it accompanies and complements other therapies and psychotherapeutic techniques.

Bibliographic references

Capafons, A. (1998). Clinical hypnosis: a cognitive-behavioral view . Papers of the Psychologist, 69, 71-88.

Feixas, G. (2008). Notes of Psychology , Vol. 26, nº 2, 193-197.

V AAHEA Conference (Association for the Advancement of Experimental and Applied Hypnosis). Hypnosis: Advances in Research and Applications (2015). At the COPC (Official College of Psychologists of Catalonia). The interview with Dr. Heap can be consulted at the following link: http://www.aahea.net/michael-heap-entrevistado-por-el-copc/

Nieto, C. (2009). On the Nature of Hypnosis . Hypnological, 1, 3-6.