The therapeutic use of hypnosis can involve a wide range of versatile subjective experiences. We can think of hypnosis as a state of heightened suggestibility (receptiveness) with increased absorption in inner experiences. Consequently, the subjective experience of hypnosis will be determined by the nature of the inner work that the therapist and client engage in. […]
We can classify the different approaches to hypnotherapy using roughly three big categories: Cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapies, Ericksonian hypnotherapies and Psychodynamic hypnotherapies. In this brief discussion, I will describe the main characteristics of these approaches and the most prominent differences between them. Cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) uses hypnosis partly as a facilitator, a therapeutically ideal context when applying CBT interventions. CBH also uses […]
From the very beginning, the therapeutic and entertainment aspects of hypnotic practices have always been intertwined. Mesmer and many other practitioners of mesmerism and later hypnotism (e.g. Jean-Martin Charcot), besides their private therapeutic practice, often made public demonstrations in a theatrical manner. These demonstrations, apart from serving educational and publicity purposes meant excellent entertainment. […]
From mesmerism to hypnotism In the history of philosophical, religious and healing practices, we can find many elements that greatly resemble what we call hypnosis today. These elements often include: Creating an altered state of awareness; Chanting words and phrases with the belief in their transforming power; Facilitating healing with the power of touch […]