Hypnosis is an ancient body-mind intervention that is recently receiving renewed interest as new research in the last decade has further verified its effectiveness. But hypnosis, given its long history, of which much of it is clouded by myths, false beliefs, and misconceptions, is still not understood or appreciated by the general public (Franch, Alarc´on, & Capafons, 2023; Palsson et al., 2023; Vanhaudenhuyse, Laureys, & Faymonville, 2013). Indeed, the longstanding debate goes on regarding just what hypnosis is. Is it a distinct state of altered consciousness? Is hypnotic suggestibility an actual personality trait or an attitude of acceptance? Does the use of hypnosis actually constitute therapy? Theories of hypnosis are divided into state types and socio-cognitive types. The state perspective says that hypnosis is a unique state marked by narrowed focus of attention, dissociation from surroundings, and heightened acceptance to outside suggestions. The socio-cognitive approaches deny that being hypnotized constitutes a state of consciousness and maintain that thinking processes dealing with focus of attention and social factors induce the hypnotic response (Geagea et al., 2024).
The new studies show that hypnosis is effective in alleviating various physical and mental conditions including emotional distress, pain, and psychological disorders. Emerging research lends further support to the application of hypnosis in the medical environment, e.g., in the treatment of cancer, digestive, pain, and skin disorders (Geagea et al., 2022; Häuserm, 2024; Shenefelt, 2017; Thompson et al., 2019).
Evidence supports combining hypnosis with other body-mind-spirit interventions such as breathwork, relaxation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness meditation for synergized results. And, depending on the nature of the problem, hypnosis should be coupled with psychotherapy support. This coupling includes the frequent use of hypnosis in tandem with psychotherapy (Kirsch, Montgomery, & Sapirstein, 1995).
Closing Thoughts
I first discovered hypnosis in my early 20s when a co-worker on my first job right out of college handed me a cassette tape he thought might help me. Being a neurotic wreck with chronic anxiety and psychosomatic problems seems to have been pretty obvious to everyone (except me), so I took it home and gave it a go. The tape was entitled “Self-Confidence”—which was only fitting because I didn’t have very much—but it was really about releasing anger of which I had more than my share.
I continued to work with hypnosis over the years and it led to further study along with trance healing at Lilydale Assembly and trying out various forms of meditation including Transcendental Meditation, Silva Mind Control, Creative Visualization, and Zen meditation.
I am not a believer in the idea that the mind can have physical effects on the body and its functions because I know from years of experience. Unfortunately, to utilize hypnosis takes effort, some training and study, and needs to be practiced over time. I have found that the trance state is a natural state and entering it is a learned skill like any other.
As usual, more research and clinical testing is needed to further explore the therapeutic validity and safety of hypnosis, but the fact remains that hypnosis continues to stand as ancient tool confirming the power of mind over organic matter.
Paul Shane, Ph.D., LMT
Director, Academic Content
References
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Geagea, D., Ogez, D., Kimble, R., & Tyack, Z. (2023). Demystifying hypnosis: Unravelling facts, exploring the historical roots of myths, and discerning what is hypnosis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 52, 101776, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101776.
—– (2024). Redefining hypnosis: A narrative review of theories to move towards an integrative model. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 54, 101826, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101826.
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