What Is Hypnosis? Describe the Psychological and Physical Aspects of Hypnosis and Discuss the Role of Relaxation in Hypnotherapy.

When one hears the word hypnosis, they may picture the mysterious hypnotist figure that is seen in movies and television. The perception is of a man waving a pocket watch back and forth, guiding his subject into a semi-sleep. Once the subject is hypnotized they are made to obey all instructions. ¬This popular notion bears little resemblance to what hypnosis actually is. Hypnotism has been accepted as a valid therapeutic technique, by both The British Medical Association & the American Medical Association.

The history of hypnosis goes back very far. People have been entering hypnotic-type trances for thousands and thousands of years. The term "hypnotism" was coined only in 1840 by James Braid. The name derives from the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos. This name was not the most ideal, as it gives a misconception that the person will be asleep in a hypnotic state.

The grandfather of modern hypnotism is Franz Anton Mesmer. Mesmer believed hypnosis to be a force flowing from the hypnotist into the subject, which he called "animal magnetism".

Mesmer's healing sessions first started with magnets, then electrodes and then the use of his hands. The father of modern hypnosis is Milton Erickson (1932). His work is related to indirect suggestions. Erickson played a major role in getting hypnotherapy accepted by the mainstream medical practice.

Before we are able to understand the nature of hypnotherapy, it is important to understand the nature of hypnosis. According to Michael Heap, Hypnosis is a "psychological phenomenon, not a therapy". Another definition is hypnosis is a state of mind that is brought about by using a set of techniques. It is the interaction of two people, one being the therapist and the second is the client. In hypnosis the client is always in control. The hypnotist is merely the guide who leads them through the comfortable experience.

There are many psychological processes involved in hypnosis. Hypnosis is seen to be a complex phenomenon. It involves selective attention, meaning that the client's attention will solely be focused on a limited range of stimuli such as feelings or imagery. For Hypnosis to have a positive effect, the client has to be willing to have the treatment and believe that there will be a positive outcome.

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