“a normal, physiological, altered state of consciousness…which produces three things; (1) an increased concentration of the mind, (2) an increased relaxation of the body, and (3) an increased susceptibility to suggestion.”

All many of us know about hypnosis stems from having experienced or heard someone talking about the type of hypnosis practiced by stage hypnotists.  “Will you make me bark like a dog?” or “Will I have to do something that will make me appear foolish?” are common questions when someone asks about being hypnotized.

Hypnosis cannot be used to make you do anything you are not consciously or subconsciously willing to do.  It can probably be said that the individuals who so willingly go along with the stage hypnotist’s suggestions are enjoying the attention they receive, even if they may feel just a little foolish.

The American Psychological Association has defined hypnosis as follows:

“Hypnosis is a procedure during which a health professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient, or subject experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior.  The hypnotic context is generally established by an induction procedure.  Although there are many different hypnotic inductions, most include suggestions for relaxation, calmness, and well-being.  Instructions to imagine or think about pleasant experiences are also commonly included in hypnotic inductions.  People respond to hypnosis in different ways.  Some describe hypnosis as a normal state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed.  Regardless of how and to what degree they respond most people describe the experience as very pleasant.

Some people are very responsive to hypnotic suggestions and others are less responsive.  A person’s ability to experience hypnotic suggestions can be inhibited by fears and concerns arising from some common  misconceptions.  Contrary to some depictions of hynosis in books, movies, or television, people who have been hypnotized do not lose control over their behavior.  They typically remain aware of who they are and where they are, and unless amnesia has been specifically suggested, they usually remember what transpired during hypnosis.  Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but does not force them to have these experiences.

Hypnosis is not a type of therapy, like psychoanalysis or behavior therapy.  Instead, it is a procedure that can be used to facilitate therapy.  It is the opinion of the authors of this statement that because it is not a treatment in and of itself, training in hypnosis is not sufficient for the conduct of therapy; rather, clinical hypnosis should be used only by properly trained and credentialed health care professionals…who have also been trained in the clinical use of hypnosis and are working within the areas of their professional expertise.

Hypnosis has been used in the treatment of pain, depression, anxiety, stress, habit disorders, and many other psychological and medical problems.  However, it may not be useful for all psychological problems or for all patients or clients.  Again, it is the opinion of the authors of this statement that the decision to use hypnosis as an adjunct to treatment can only be made in consultation with a qualified health care provider who has been trained in the use and limitations of clinical hypnosis.  In addition to its use in clinical settings, hypnosis is used in research, with the goal of learning more about the nature of hypnosis itself, as well as its impact on sensation, perception, learning, memory and physiology.