What is hypnosis

Content

• The extraordinary power of hypnosis
• Introduction
• Definition what is hypnosis
• Overview of different definitions
• Who coined the name hypnosis
• Wake hypnosis versus trance hypnosis
• Hypnosis versus hypnotherapy
• Direct hypnosis versus conversational hypnosis
• Direct suggestions versus hypnoanalysis and regression therapy
• Induction
• How hypnosis works
• Hypnosis and the critical factor
• What you can do with hypnosis
• What happens in the brain during hypnosis
• Misconceptions about hypnosis
• Safety of hypnosis

The extraordinary power of hypnosis

Hypnosis is a miraculous and versatile technique that is revolutionizing therapy and personal development.
It helps people overcome fear, pain and addictions, and promotes healing and self-confidence.
Hypnosis is a powerful tool that produces profound and lasting changes.
The safety of hypnosis is unquestionable.
Qualified professionals perform it and offer a non-invasive, relaxing experience with no side effects.
Hypnosis opens the door to the subconscious mind, where real magic happens.
It reprograms limiting beliefs and anchors positive behaviors.
Hypnosis improves athletic performance, increases concentration and study results, and enhances charisma and presentation skills.
It proves time and again its unparalleled potential.
Hypnosis is an invaluable gift that helps us reach our highest selves and achieve our deepest goals.

Introduction what is hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which suggestions more easily reach the subconscious mind.
It is a powerful therapeutic tool for various emotional and physical problems.
Hypnosis is characterized by an altered state of consciousness, intense focus, increased receptivity to suggestions, and decreased peripheral awareness, often accompanied by relaxation.
Definitions of hypnosis vary, but common features include a trance-like state and increased responsiveness to suggestions.
The term “hypnosis” was introduced by Baron Etienne Félix d’Henin de Cuvillers and popularized by James Braid.
Hypnosis offers wide applications in health care, psychotherapy, education, sports, business and entertainment.

Definition what is hypnosis

There is no universally accepted definition of what is hypnosis.
The following is a list of some relevant definitions.
The common characteristics of hypnosis according to the various definitions are:

• An altered state of consciousness often referred to as a trance or similar.
• An intense focus and concentration, where attention is strongly directed.
• Increased receptivity to suggestions, meaning that people are more likely to accept and respond to suggestions.
• Reduced peripheral awareness, leading to less attention to the immediate environment.
• Often accompanied by mental and physical relaxation, although this is not always a requirement.
• Hypnosis can lead to changes in perception, memory and actions.

Overview of different definitions of hypnosis

Below is an overview of different definitions of what hypnosis is.
There is still debate whether hypnosis is a state or a process.
In our hypnosis training courses, we use Dave Elman’s definition because it has proven to be particularly effective in practice.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Definition: “A state of consciousness characterized by focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterized by an increased ability to respond to suggestions.” Source: Elkins, G., Barabasz, A., Council, J., & Spiegel, D. (2015).
Clinical hypnosis for pain control.
American Psychologist, 70(3), 262-279.

British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH).

Definition: “Hypnosis is a natural state of selective, focused attention, and although it is often associated with relaxation, it is not always necessary.” Source: BSCAH website, “What is Hypnosis?”

National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Definition: “Hypnosis is a trance-like state in which you have increased focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist through verbal repetition and mental imagery.” Source: NIH website, “Hypnosis.”

Milton H. Erickson, MD

Definition: “Hypnosis is a state of intensified attention and receptivity and increased responsiveness to an idea or set of ideas.” Source: Erickson, M. H., Rossi, E. L., & Rossi, S. I. (1976).
Hypnotic Realities: The Induction of Clinical Hypnosis and Forms of Indirect Suggestion.

Ormond McGill

Definition: “Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which the subconscious mind plays a more active role than conscious thought.” Source: McGill, O. (1994).
The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism.

Dave Elman

Definition: “Hypnosis is the circumvention of man’s critical factor by which selective thinking is established.” Source: Elman, D. (1964).
Hypnotherapy.

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH).

Definition: “Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention.” Source: ASCH website, “What is Hypnosis?”

John Kihlstrom

Definition: “Hypnosis is a social interaction in which one person (the subject) responds to suggestions given by another person (the hypnotist) for imaginary experiences that include changes in perception, memory and the voluntary control of actions.” Source: Kihlstrom, J. F. (1985).
“Hypnosis.”
Annual Review of Psychology, 36, 385-418.

Who coined the name hypnosis

Belgian baron Etienne Félix d’Henin de Cuvillers coined the name “hypnosis” in the early 19th century.
Although James Braid is often cited as the one who popularized the term, d’Henin de Cuvillers introduced the name first.
Braid originally wanted to use the term “monodeism,” but “hypnosis” was already too well established.
The word “hypnosis” is derived from“Hypnos,” the Greek god of sleep. However, this is misleading, since hypnosis has nothing to do with sleep. This was one of the reasons Braid wanted to modify the term, but it was too late to change it. Previously, people called the phenomenon “mesmerism,” after Anton Mesmer.
The term fell into disuse after criticism over the use of mesmerism by a committee headed by Benjamin Franklin, then ambassador to Paris.

Wake hypnosis versus trance hypnosis

Hypnosis is a fascinating phenomenon that has been studied and used for centuries, with different methods and approaches, of which wake hypnosis and trance hypnosis are two distinct approaches, but can also be used in combination.
Although both forms of hypnosis share common goals, such as behavior modification and therapeutic interventions, they differ in their execution and depth.

What is wake hypnosis

Wake hypnosis is the phenomenon of a person remaining fully alert and analytical while using techniques that make the person receptive to absorbing desired suggestions for change.

Trance hypnosis

Unlike waking hypnosis, trance hypnosis is about realizing an altered state of consciousness, with the subconscious coming more to the fore (the feeling part) and the normal consciousness moving more into the background and assuming a protective role (the analytical part).
The more the subconscious comes to the forefront, the more receptive the person is to absorbing acceptable suggestions.

Watch hypnosis in Politics

In the political arena, leaders and spin doctors often use rhetorical techniques similar to wake-up hypnosis to influence their audiences.
By repeating specific messages, strong language, emotionally charged words and creating images of fear, politicians can focus their audience’s attention and direct their thoughts.
These techniques can be used to gain support for policy measures, discredit opponents or manipulate public opinion.
One example is the use of “sound bites” – short, catchy statements that are easy to remember and emotionally resonate with the public.
By repeating these phrases over and over, politicians can anchor a message in the subconscious of their constituents, which can lead to an enhanced perception of credibility and trustworthiness.

Wake hypnosis in marketing

Marketing experts often use principles of wake hypnosis to influence consumers.
Advertisements and marketing campaigns use repetition, appealing imagery and emotional triggers to make a brand or product appealing.
By strategically using visual and verbal suggestions, marketers can capture consumers’ attention and influence their buying behavior.
An example is the use of slogans and jingles.
These elements are designed to stick in consumers’ minds, subconsciously attracting them to the product.
In addition, subtle suggestions in advertisements can convince consumers that they can achieve a certain lifestyle or status by buying the product.

Deception and ethical considerations

While NLP can have powerful positive applications, such as in therapy and behavior modification, its use in politics and marketing raises ethical questions.
The line between influence and deception is thin.
When these techniques are used to manipulate people without their full knowledge or consent, they can be harmful.
Deliberately using psychological techniques to guide people’s perceptions and choices without transparency can be seen as unethical and potentially deceptive.

Hypnosis versus hypnotherapy

The terms hypnosis and hypnotherapy are often confused, but they refer to different concepts.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which a person is deeply relaxed and experiences increased focus and suggestibility.
In this state, conscious thought is reduced, making the subconscious mind more accessible to suggestion.
Hypnosis can occur spontaneously, as when a person becomes completely absorbed in a book or movie, or it can be deliberately induced by a hypnotist.
Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, is the therapeutic application of hypnosis.
It is a form of therapy in which a trained and qualified hypnotherapist uses hypnosis to treat psychological, emotional and sometimes physical problems.
Hypnotherapy combines the hypnotic state with specific therapeutic techniques to address deep-seated behavioral problems, anxiety, addictions, phobias and trauma such as, for example, regression therapy, reincarnation therapy, part therapy or other forms of hypnotherapy.
While hypnosis is a means of bringing the mind into a particular state, hypnotherapy is a process that uses this state to achieve therapeutic goals.
In short, hypnosis is the state of altered consciousness, while hypnotherapy is the practice of applying this state for healing and therapeutic purposes.

Resources

• Elman, Dave.
  “Hypnotherapy.”
  Westwood Publishing Co., 1964.
• Yapko, Michael D. “Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis.”
  Routledge, 2012.
• American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH).
• National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Direct hypnosis versus conversational hypnosis

Direct Hypnosis

Direct hypnosis, sometimes referred to as traditional or classical hypnosis, uses direct and explicit suggestions to put the person into a hypnotic state and achieve desired changes.
This method was popularized by Dave Elman, an influential figure in the hypnotherapy world.
Elman developed techniques that allow quick and clear inductions, often in minutes, making the process efficient and effective.
Direct hypnosis is more structured and clear, with clear instructions and commands from the hypnotist.
This form of hypnosis is usually performed in a formal setting and is particularly appropriate for situations where quick results are desired, such as pain relief or acute stress reduction.

Conversational Hypnosis

Conversational hypnosis, also known as indirect hypnosis or Ericksonian hypnosis, is a subtle and non-intrusive method of hypnosis in which the hypnotist uses everyday conversations to plant suggestions in the client’s subconscious.
This form of hypnosis was popularized by Milton H. Erickson, who was known for his use of metaphors, stories and indirect suggestions to effect therapeutic change.
Conversational hypnosis is less formal and often resembles a normal conversation, making the client more comfortable and less resistant.

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) could be called a form of waking hypnosis. NLP focuses on the relationship between language, behavior and neural processes, and uses techniques such as anchors, reframing and modeling to effect changes in thinking and behavior.
Like wake hypnosis, the person remains alert and aware during NLP sessions, allowing for direct and practical applications.
NLP is an entirely separate study and is applied to therapist processes. In both politics and marketing, NLP is sometimes used strategically, with or without ethical considerations, to influence people’s perceptions and decisions.

Direct suggestions versus hypnoanalysis and regression therapy

Direct suggestions

In direct hypnosis, also known as direct suggestive hypnosis, the hypnotist puts a person into a trance state.
In doing so, he uses direct and explicit suggestions to bring about behavioral changes.
Dave Elman popularized this form of hypnosis with quick and efficient techniques to achieve a deep trance.
In this state, the conscious critical faculties are diminished, making the subconscious mind more receptive to suggestions.
Direct hypnosis is particularly suitable for addressing specific problems such as smoking, weight loss and pain management.
The power of direct suggestions lies in their ability to quickly and effectively initiate desired behavioral changes without extensive sessions.
The depth of trance is important here for the absorption of the desired suggestions.

Hypnoanalysis

Unlike direct suggestions, hypnoanalysis focuses on exploring in depth the underlying causes of psychological problems.
Hypnoanalysis, often combined with regression therapy, uses hypnotic trance to go back to early memories or traumatic events underlying current symptoms.
This technique assumes that by reliving and reinterpreting experiences, people dissolve emotional blocks and achieve lasting healing.
Hypnoanalysis is more intense and longer lasting than direct hypnosis and is often used for complex problems such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dave Elman often used hypnoanalysis to resolve various complaints.

Inductions

In the context of hypnosis, the hypnotist leads a person into a hypnotic trance during induction.
This is the first stage of hypnosis and is the basis for further suggestions and therapeutic interventions.
The induction focuses the person’s attention, promotes physical and mental relaxation, and bypasses the critical factor of conscious thought, allowing access to the subconscious.

Characteristics of a Hypnotic Induction

• Focus of attention: The hypnotist uses various techniques to focus the person’s attention on a single point, idea or feeling.
• Physical relaxation: Often the hypnotist helps the person release tension in the body.
  This can be achieved through progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.
• Mental relaxation: Through guided visualizations or verbal suggestions, the person’s mind is calmed and prepared for hypnosis.
• Reduction of analytical thinking: The techniques aim to reduce conscious, analytical thinking so that the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions.

Techniques of hypnotic induction

Below is an overview of various induction techniques:

• Dave Elman induction:The Dave Elman induction uses progressive relaxation, guided visualization and verbal rhythm and suggestions.
  This allows the hypnotist to bring a person into somnambulism, a scientifically proven state of hypnosis, in less than 4 minutes.The Dave Elman/Gerald Kein variation of this induction has been scientifically validated and is taught in HypnosisMentor’s training programs.
• Progressive relaxation: Systematic relaxation of different parts of the body.
• Guided visualization: Guiding the person through a series of relaxing and calm mental images.
• Verbal rhythm and suggestions: Using a soothing voice and repetitive language to relax the mind and enhance focus.
• Fixation of gaze: The person is asked to stare at a specific point while the hypnotist gives verbal suggestions.
• Rapid inductions: Also known as “rapid/instant inductions,” these techniques are designed to quickly put a person into a hypnotic trance.
  They use unexpected movements or instructions to bypass conscious thought and gain direct access to the subconscious mind.
  Examples include hand shaking, sudden eye closure or the use of a sharp sound.
  Dave Elman is known for his efficient rapid induction techniques that often achieve results within minutes.

How hypnosis works

Hypnosis puts a person into an altered state of consciousness, in which awareness is focused and receptivity to suggestions increases.
The hypnotist often begins this process with an induction, using techniques to help the person relax and concentrate.
He may use verbal suggestions, guided visualizations, rhythmic sounds or deep breathing exercises in this process.
During the induction phase, the hypnotist guides the person to a state of deep relaxation.
He does this, for example, through progressive relaxation, helping the person systematically release tension from different parts of the body.
As the person relaxes, the hypnotist focuses attention on a singular point or idea to distract the conscious mind and facilitate access to the subconscious.
Once in this trance-like state, the person becomes more sensitive to suggestions.
The hypnotist then gives specific suggestions aimed at the desired therapeutic goal, such as reducing anxiety, quitting smoking or improving self-confidence.
Because the person’s critical thinking decreases during hypnosis, he accepts these suggestions more readily, bringing about profound changes in behavior and thinking.
To bring the person out of the hypnotic trance, the hypnotist gradually leads him back to a fully conscious state.
He often does this with reverse induction techniques, such as counting from 1 to 5 and giving suggestions for renewed alertness and energy.

Hypnosis and the critical factor

In answering the question “What is hypnosis?” you must discuss the critical factor.
Dave Elman strongly associated this concept and it plays a central role in understanding hypnosis.
Hypnosis temporarily bypasses the critical factor of consciousness.
Normally, this critical factor acts as a filter or barrier that evaluates information before the subconscious absorbs it.
In a hypnotic state, you bypass this barrier, allowing acceptable suggestions direct access to the subconscious mind.
Dave Elman described this process as “bypassing the critical factor,” an essential part of his approach to hypnosis.
Through this bypassing, people accept and integrate new, positive ideas and thoughts more readily.
This forms the core of hypnotic change, making hypnosis a powerful therapeutic tool.
With it, you address unwanted behavioral patterns or beliefs and replace them with more constructive alternatives.

Hypnosis compared to the operation of a computer

Below we explain the operation of hypnosis using the operation of a computer.
When the human being is born he/she has at his/her disposal a basic operating system by which all kinds of functions important for life are performed immediately and mainly automatically.
The young child starts a learning process by interacting with people and events in its immediate environment.
It absorbs all information immediately, without thinking critically and reasoning about it.
In the analogy with a computer, one could say that the people and environment program the child’s brain consciously and unconsciously, causing it to exhibit certain reactions and behaviors later in life.

Firewall

During the growth into young adulthood, a child will begin to build critical and reasoning skills on his or her own.
This critical and reasoning ability is determined in part by the information the child has recorded at a younger age.
This critical and reasoning ability acts like a computer’s firewall.
It determines what is relevant, what is not, and what information is important to the subconscious mind.
Critical and reasoning ability performs important functions for us.
This “firewall” protects in the face of danger and will prompt our subconscious to take action at lightning speed.
It signals to the subconscious how to deal with emotions or events in our environment.

Firewall can get in the way

This so-called ‘firewall’ can also work against us.
For example, if we want to stop smoking, the previously learned ‘smoking behavior’ is so strongly fixed (programmed) in our subconscious that the signals of our willpower virtually or partially penetrate our ‘firewall,’ making it very difficult to eliminate smoking behavior permanently.
This is where hypnosis can play an important role.

Willpower loses out to subconsciousness

Where willpower gives way to the power of the subconscious, hypnosis can temporarily bypass our “firewall,” or critical and reasoning ability.
This allows professionals to give direct suggestions to the subconscious, which can permanently address, for example, wanting to smoke.The essence of hypnosis is that critical and reasoning ability is temporarily bypassed.
This allows acceptable suggestions to be taken up directly by the subconscious.

What you can do with hypnosis

Hypnosis is a versatile technique that can be used positively in numerous ways in different facets of society.
In health care, hypnosis is often used for pain management.
Check out our article on applications of hypnosis.

Medical hypnosis

Medical hypnosis can help manage acute and chronic pain, for example, during surgeries, dental procedures or conditions such as fibromyalgia and migraines.
It can also help reduce anxiety and stress, and promote healing and recovery after surgeries.

Emotional problems

In hypnotherapy, hypnosis offers opportunities to treat deep-seated trauma and emotional problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You can use hypnosis to increase self-confidence and motivation, which is useful in educational and work settings.

Education

In the field of education, hypnosis can be used to improve study results.
By increasing concentration, reducing anxiety before exams and strengthening memory, students can learn more effectively and perform better.
In the sports world, hypnosis can help athletes improve their performance by increasing focus, boosting self-confidence and speeding recovery from injury.

Business

In business, hypnosis can be a valuable tool to combat burnout and depression.
It can help employees better manage stress, increase productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In addition, people use hypnosis to improve skills such as public speaking and increasing charisma.
This is especially useful for leaders and managers.

Show hypnosis

In addition, entertainers apply hypnosis in hypnosis shows, entertaining audiences with demonstrations of the power of the human mind.
In short, hypnosis offers a wide range of applications that can bring about positive changes on both an individual and societal level.

What happens in the brain during hypnosis

When answering the question “What is hypnosis?” it is important to look at what happens in the brain.
For many medical professionals, hypnosis does not exist until it is unambiguously demonstrated in the brain.
The research by Matos/Brügger, was published in late 2023; it shows two states of hypnosis.
Hypnosis causes a special state in the brain in which certain regions of the brain work differently.
fMRI research shows that hypnosis causes changes in brain activity and connections between different brain regions.
These changes occur in the parieto-occipital, temporal and occipital cortices, which are involved in visual processing and spatial perception.
During hypnosis, people often breathe more deeply and slowly, indicating deep relaxation.
This helps achieve a calm and receptive state.
Specific brain regions, such as the left superior temporal gyrus and the planum temporale, work differently depending on the depth of hypnosis.
This means that deeper hypnotic states lead to different patterns of brain activity.
These changes in the brain make a person more receptive to suggestions and create an altered state of consciousness.
This helps explain why hypnosis can be effective for therapy and other applications. Sources:

• de Matos, N.M.P., Staempfli, P., Seifritz, E., Preller, K., & Bruegger, M. (2023).
  Investigating functional brain connectivity patterns associated with two hypnotic states. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17:1286336.
  doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286336
• Landry, M., & Raz, A. (2015).
  Hypnosis and imaging of the living human brain. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(3), 285-313.

Two states of hypnosis demonstrated

Recent research by Matos et al. (2023) has shown that there are two distinct states of hypnosis.
These are the state of somnambulism and the Esdaile state, each with unique patterns of brain connectivity.
Researchers used fMRI technology to examine 50 experienced participants.
They compared their neural and physiological responses during two hypnotic states.
The first state, somnambulism, is characterized by deep mental and physical relaxation.
The person can still respond to verbal suggestions and commands.
The second, deeper state, the Esdaile state, suspends time and orientation and often leads to complete anesthesia.
The study showed that functional brain connectivity differs significantly in these two states.
There are depth-dependent changes in areas such as the left superior temporal gyrus, the planum temporale and the cuneal cortex.
These findings offer new insights into how hypnosis affects the brain.
They support the idea that hypnosis is a spectrum of different depths and intensities, not a single singular state.
This has important implications for the application of hypnosis in therapeutic settings.
Different problems may benefit from different depths of hypnosis. Sources:

• de Matos, N.M.P., Staempfli, P., Seifritz, E., Preller, K., & Bruegger, M. (2023).
  Investigating functional brain connectivity patterns associated with two hypnotic states. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17:1286336.
  doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286336

Misconceptions about hypnosis

Influence of films

Many people have misconceptions about hypnosis, often fueled by the way movies, television and stage shows present hypnosis.
One of the most common misconceptions is that hypnosis is a form of sleep. Although the term “hypnosis” is derived from the Greek word “hypnos,” meaning sleep, hypnosis is actually a state of heightened concentration and focus, not sleep.

Keeping control

Another misconception is that a person under hypnosis completely loses control and does things against his will.
In reality, a hypnotized person always retains control over his actions.
He can decide to end hypnosis at any time.
Hypnosis works on the basis of cooperation and voluntariness.
People usually reject suggestions that go against their ethics or safety.

Supernatural

Many people also think that hypnosis is a magical or supernatural power.
This is not the case; hypnosis is a scientifically recognized method that uses known psychological principles to influence the mind.
It is not a trick or mystery, but a technique that trained professionals can learn and apply.

Keep moving in hypnosis

In addition, there is a misconception that people under hypnosis can no longer hear what is happening around them or that they remain stuck in hypnosis.
In reality, hypnotized persons usually remain aware of their surroundings and can hear and respond to sounds.
The chances of a person remaining “stuck” in hypnosis are practically nil; the person naturally comes out of the hypnotic state when the suggestions stop or when he ends the hypnosis himself.

Safety of hypnosis

A trained and qualified professional performs hypnosis safely and non-invasively. Research and clinical practice have shown that hypnosis can be an effective method for treating various psychological and physical conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, and addictions.
The American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organizations recognize hypnosis as a legitimate form of therapy.
The risk of side effects is low, and most people experience hypnosis as a relaxing and pleasant experience.
Common concerns, such as the fear of staying “stuck” in hypnosis or losing control, are unfounded.
Persons under hypnosis always retain a degree of consciousness and can end the hypnosis session at any time if they wish.