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what is it?
Hypnosis happens when you are in a relaxed state, something like daydreaming, when your critical faculties are suspended and you are open to suggestion. The words 'hypnosis' and 'hypnotherapy' are derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning 'sleep'.
Hypnotherapists induce a hypnotic trance in order to help you overcome addictions and phobias, such as fear of flying, or to relieve pain or stress contributing to illnesses like asthma. Some therapists who practise 'modern' or 'ericksonian' hypnotherapy (a style of psychotherapy called NLP) don't even induce the trance state, having found they can rely on 'everyday trance' — the mind's ability to wander and daydream — as a basis for making effective therapeutic suggestions.
In the 18th century, the Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer practised a kind of hypnotism involving magnets ('mesmerism'). His patients claimed to feel no pain while in a trance and although Mesmer was dismissed as a charlatan, a Scottish doctor, James Braid, became interested in Mesmer's approach and investigated the possibilities of trance-like states of mind as a form of anaesthesia.
Early psychoanalysts like Sigmund Freud made use of hypnosis, but the American psychotherapist Milton H Erickson developed the form of hypnotherapy commonly used today. Many practitioners are counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists, others are doctors and dentists.
what it's supposed to do
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind, allowing direct communication with the unconscious. Most people can be hypnotised to a greater or lesser extent; the best subjects are those who are imaginative and easily absorbed in what they are doing.
Hypnotherapy is said to be particularly useful for habit problems like bedwetting in children, smoking, compulsive eating and nail biting; stress-related or psychosomatic conditions like skin problems, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine; pain relief, phobias, panic attacks, lack of confidence, inhibitions and sexual problems.
what happens
Hypnotic states can be induced in several ways (whirling Dervishes use motion, for instance) but Western hypnotherapists tend to prefer quiet relaxation. You normally see a practitioner for a course of 30- to 60-minute sessions. At your first appointment, the therapist will ask about your physical and mental health, the nature of your problem and why you have chosen hypnotherapy. A hypnosis session often starts with a relaxation procedure, such as tensing and releasing different parts of your body, as you lie on a reclining chair or couch.
Some therapists deepen this state into trance by suggesting you feel heavy and relaxed. Visualisation techniques might include imagining yourself going down in a lift or descending a flight of stairs. Once you are in a light to medium trance, the hypnotherapist will address your unconscious mind. People with arthritis may be told they can turn the pain down like the volume of a radio, or smokers that they will no longer find smoking pleasurable. You may be given a post-hypnotic suggestion that enables you to induce self-hypnosis after the treatment course is completed.
Hypnotherapists trained in psychotherapy may use trance to explore the root of a problem and help you change deep-seated attitudes or feelings. At the end of the session, the hypnotherapist suggests that you return to normal consciousness.
what's the evidence?
There is good evidence from controlled trials that hypnosis can reduce anxiety (especially when related to medical procedures like chemotherapy), relieve acute and chronic pain and skin irritation, and benefit asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. When used with cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis was shown to help panic attacks, insomnia, phobia and obesity.
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for people with severe depression, psychosis or epilepsy.
- Check any symptoms of pain with a medical doctor.
how to find a practitioner
In a light to medium trance you are distantly aware of what is going on, and it is unlikely that, as some people fear, you could be made to do something you don't want to do. Even so, highly suggestible people could be misled. As there have been cases of hypnosis making psychological problems worse and inducing 'false memories', it is important that you see an appropriately trained and experienced hypnotherapist who belongs to a regulated association with a code of ethics and practice.
Your GP may refer you to an NHS psychologist who practises hypnotherapy. The organisations listed in help and info can refer you to practitioners whose training meets certain standards.
» help and info
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For details of other organisations, websites and publications go to our get help directory.
(July 2002)
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