What is Hypnotism?

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention that allows access to the subconscious part of the mind, often referred to as a trance state. The subconscious has a heightened responsiveness to suggestion and this is used by the hypnotherapist to get rid of unwanted habits and behaviours, and increase motivation and control.

Trance states are normal and a part of our everyday lives. We often go into trance when we are driving, finding ourselves arriving at a destination without being able to remember vast parts of our journey. Or when we get so caught up in a movie or a book that we feel the emotions as intensely as if we were actually taking part.

Hypnotism has been practiced in various forms. Although in a very different cultural context, it was used to help people overcome difficulties and find solutions to their problems.

Modern use of hypnosis started in the 18th century, with its most famous practitioner Franz Mesmer. The word 'mesmerise' was coined to describe his method of inducing trance. Since this time hypnotism has been used to help heal people, both physically and mentally, without the use of drugs, to succeed in making changes in their lives where other interventions have failed to have an impact.

The early medical establishment was wary of hypnotism because of the difficulty in defining how it works and in conducting scientific research into its effectiveness. However support for its therapeutic value continued to grow and it was formally recognised by the British Medical Association in 1955. Today it is commonly used in dentistry, psychology and general medicine to provide effective, drug free treatment.

The popularity of stage hypnotism has led to a number of misconceptions about hypnosis, particularly how it is used in hypnotherapy. These are some of the most common misconceptions which people have:

Can I be made to do something they don't want to do?

Absolutely not, while in trance you are in a highly suggestible state, but the suggestions still have to be acceptable to you, otherwise you would just decline them. While in trance people still have full control over their faculties.

Can the hypnotherapist find out all my secrets?

No. You can withhold information, lie or just disregard what is being asked of you. However doing this would negate any of the therapeutic effects, which is why it's important that there is a strong element of trust between the client and the therapist.

Is being in a trance the same as being asleep?

No. While in trance you are still awake, just deeply relaxed. If a fire alarm were to go off during a session for example, you would be able to shake off the trance immediately.

Read more about hypnosis in the mainstream.