“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy.
Division 30 of the American Psychological Association describes hypnosis as “beginning with an introduction to the hypnotic process during which, it is explained suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented to the client. This "hypnotic induction" is an extended initial suggestion for the client to use their imagination, and may contain further elaboration of the introduction. The "hypnotic procedure" is used to encourage and evaluate the subject's responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis, one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions …show more content…
They feel they have been in a trance state for a few minutes, when it has actually been longer. There may also be an alteration in memory. If clients regress in time to when they were children they may remember factually accurate memories, but also fantasies. A hypnotherapist can support the subject to change the behaviour associated with a particular memory so that the physical and emotional reactions to that memory change. Using the subconscious, the memory is separated from the learned behaviour, and unhealthy behaviour replaced with new, healthier …show more content…
Early scanning studies showed that highly susceptible hypnotic subjects experienced hypnotic experiences and produced brain patterns similar to those associated with experiencing them for real. This was true for both auditory and visual experiences. However, this was not replicated when the subjects were not hypnotised and asked to visualise the experiences.x
The role of relaxation in hypnotherapy
There is an emphasis on relaxation in the hypnotic induction, usually focusing on relaxing each body part and muscle group in turn. This focus on relaxation proves a counterpoint to the usual state that is necessary to be able to participate in modern life, that is one of tension and alertness. As the induction proceeds the focus on relaxation will continue and be repeated to deepen the effect. Hypnosis generally leaves the subject feeling calm and relaxed and this effect may last for a long time. The more the client is able to relax, the more likely they are to develop vivid visual imagery which in turn tends to heighten the effectiveness of the