Hypnosis and Psychology

Australian Society of Hypnosis

Hypnosis and Psychology

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness. It can occur when people have become totally absorbed in or highly focussed on what they are doing. Therefore, like daydreaming, hypnotic-like feelings may occur in people regularly, perhaps even daily or several times a day.
Hypnosis is not the same as sleep. It is not like an anaesthetic; you don’t pass out and you are not unconscious when you are hypnotised. You don’t lose control over your mind; you don’t weaken or surrender your will. In fact, your will-power may be strengthened with hypnosis.
When in hypnosis it is usual to feel relaxed, at ease, and enjoy a special peace of mind; many people comment on a sensation of lightness or floating; a feeling of comfort and security.
What is particularly important about hypnosis is the fact that it is natural, safe, and almost everyone can learn to use it and be helped by it. It can be learned by children and adults, young and old.

Hypnosis in clinical practice

Clinical hypnosis can be very usefully and successfully employed in a variety of conditions, particularly those in which in which anxiety, tension, stress, and fears play an important role, for example.
  • Addictions
  • Anxiety
  • Nail biting
  • Asthma
  • Bedwetting
  • Obesity
  • Burns Pain
  • Coping with Cancer
  • Sexual Difficulties
  • Dentistry
  • Skin problems
  • Fears and Phobias
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Smoking
  • Headaches Stress management
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) Stuttering
  • Insomnia Tension
  • Labour and Childbirth Thumb-sucking
Clinical hypnosis can also help improve confidence and self-esteem. With hypnosis, people can learn to improve their motivation and desire to do things, to change unwanted habits, and to relate better to themselves and others.
Hypnosis is frequently used to enhance the benefits of other therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Psychotherapy.
Hypnosis does not work miracles. It is not magic and should never be seen as a cure for all problems. It usually is one method among others which the trained professional will use to help people to sort out their difficulties and worries.
Normally hypnosis will not provide an instant cure: while many people can be helped with brief treatments requiring a few sessions, some problems do require more extensive treatment. Often people attend for appointments of about one hour every one to two weeks.

The use of hypnosis in therapy

The hypnotic state, or trance, when used for therapeutic purposes does not occur by accident. It is usually deliberately induced through a procedure called the “induction”. Essentially this consists of being taught to pay attention and to concentrate carefully, by accepting and responding to appropriate suggestions, and by learning to relax deeply, both mentally and physically.
This may be followed by a “deepening” of the trance. When the hypnotic state has been established, then the treatment of the problem can begin, with the help and expertise of the therapist who has usually collaborated with the patient on therapy goals. Post hypnotic suggestions may also be given so that long lasting effects are possible. To end the trance clear instructions are given that can easily be followed.
Recording of the hypnosis component of a session is is not uncommon so that this can be relayed at home.