What is clinical hypnosis?

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 their experience as an altered state of consciousness. Others 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.

Hypnosis is not sleep. You will be awake and aware of everything that happens. Because you are in control of the hypnotic experience, you may end it whenever you wish.

Who responds to clinical hypnosis?

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 hypnosis in books, movies or on 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 it does not force them to have these experiences.

How is clinical hypnosis utilized?

Hypnosis is not a type of therapy, like psychoanalysis or behavior therapy. Instead, it is a procedure that can be used to facilitate therapy. Because it is not a treatment in and of itself, training in hypnosis is not sufficient for the conduct of therapy. Clinical hypnosis should be used only by properly trained and credentialed health care professionals (e.g., licensed psychologists), 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. 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. Researchers also study the value of hypnosis in the treatment of physical and psychological problems.

Can I learn to hypnotize myself?

All hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis. The professional acts as a facilitator or teacher to help you achieve this pleasant state. Some health professionals make audiotapes for their patients or clients. Audiotapes can be used between sessions or in place of repeated sessions. For example: tapes are frequently made for chronic pain patients to be used by them as instructed.

How would I find a professional qualified in clinical hypnosis?

If you are looking for a professional qualified in clinical hypnosis, you might try the local yellow pages. Look under the headings for recognized health professionals, such as Psychologist, Physician or Dentist. Then check to see if the professional lists clinical hypnosis as one of his or her specialties.

Please be aware that, as a consumer, you have a right to know a therapist's credentials. Remember: hypnosis is a tool, and not a therapy in and of itself, and individuals practicing clinical hypnosis should be licensed health professionals with postgraduate training in hypnosis.

When considering clinical hypnosis, ask about the professional's license, academic degree(s), and hypnosis training. Ask if he or she is a full member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), the Greater Philadelphia Society of Clinical Hypnosis (this region's local ASCH component section), or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH). These major professional hypnosis organizations require approved training for full membership. All members of these organizations are licensed health professionals.

In addition, ASCH has recently begun to certify health professionals who have obtained advanced training in clinical hypnosis. By contacting ASCH directly, you can be provided with names of members in your area, including members who have been certified in clinical hypnosis.

For additional information, please contact the Greater Philadelphia Society of Clinical Hypnosis, or:

Parts of this brochure are based on "Hypnosis" by the Executive Committee of the American Psychological Association, Division of Psychological Hypnosis.

© Copyright 1993 Reprinted by permission.

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