Clinical hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of therapy known to humankind, with descriptions of hypnotic approaches found in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Hindu temples dating back thousands of years. With nearly 10,000 published studies involving hypnosis, it remains one of the most studied of all therapeutic approaches. It is, therefore, somewhat surprising that clinical hypnosis continues to be misunderstood and an under-appreciated in spite of its tremendous therapeutic potential and its demonstrated positive and lasting therapeutic benefit.

In spite of centuries of experiences with hypnosis all around the globe it is still difficult to find a simple and widely accepted definition that describes exactly what hypnosis involves, though the word hypnosis continues to evoke reactions to its apparent “power” and “mystery”. Essentially, hypnosis involves focused attention directed toward a positive therapeutic outcome. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines hypnosis as, “a procedure during which a health professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient or subject experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior.” As Michael Yapko, Ph.D., a renowned figure in psychology and in the use of clinical hypnosis states, the APA definition acknowledges that the process of hypnosis involves the person “doing” hypnosis, the context in which hypnosis is done, and the role of the person (who is often called the subject) entering into the hypnotic experience.

The experience of hypnosis is typically described as pleasant and relaxing. Some people describe the experience as an “altered state of consciousness” though this is by no means necessary for people to derive significant benefit from the experience. People vary in how responsive they are to hypnotic suggestions in much the same way that people vary in their musical talent or athletic ability. The point is that a skilled clinician using clinical hypnosis is able to help the subject make use of whatever abilities they may have to obtain a positive therapeutic benefit as a result of their experience and continued practice with hypnosis.

There are common misconceptions about hypnosis that sometimes discourage people from seeking to use this very powerful and proven method for achieving desired personal change. For example, hypnosis does not involve losing control over your behavior and being made to do things you do not want to or that violate your personal values. It does not involve loss of awareness of who you are or where you are, loss of memory or, conversely, being able to retrieve lost memories that a person is not otherwise ready and able to recall. Going into hypnosis does not mean you are “weak-minded” or subject to the “power” of the therapist. And, being in hypnosis is not the same as being asleep.

The vast majority of people experience hypnosis as pleasant, even relaxing, and an experience that is often very helpful to clients with a wide range of presenting concerns. Hypnosis is not a specific type of therapy but is an approach to utilizing people's interactions with themselves, with others, and with the world around them that can be very effectively incorporated into a wide range of therapeutic approaches. For it to be used effectively in any type of therapy a prerequisite is that the person using hypnosis has been well trained and competent in using hypnosis for the particular concerns presented by the client. Common applications of hypnosis include habit control (e.g. smoking cessation or weight loss), treatment of depression or anxiety disorders, all sorts of pain problems, use in medical or dental procedures to reduce procedure-related discomfort or promote wound healing, sexual dysfunction, obstetrics (e.g. labor and delivery), trauma resolution, and increasingly it is used as an important component of mind-body oriented treatments for a variety of acute and chronic health problems (e.g. IBS, fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome, headache/migraine). Also, it is well established that regardless of the presenting concerns, incorporating hypnosis into the treatment often speeds of the treatment and frequently has a positive and lasting impact on self-esteem and general day-to-day functioning.

At PPP, our clinicians are experienced in using hypnosis for many of the concerns described above. For further information or to request an appointment please contact the clinic directly at 763-546-5797, or contact the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) at www.asch.net.

back to top