Although the therapeutic use of hypnosis predates recorded history, the word hypnosis has only recently come into the vernacular. Franz Anton Mesmer introduced the concept of animal magnetism, also known as Mesmerism, a couple hundred years ago. He gained quite a following and was popular with French nobility. Although he did not realize it at the time, Mesmer had stumbled across the state which is now known as hypnosis. Dr. James Braide became interested in Mesmer’s work more in an attempt to discredit Mesmer than to embrace his concepts. Rather than discrediting Mesmer, however, Braide became fascinated with Mesmer’s ideas.

It was Dr. Braide who first introduced the word hypnosis, which is derived from the Greek, hypnos, meaning sleep. With further study, Braide realized the word hypnosis was technically incorrect, as hypnosis does not involve sleep, but by that time the word had gained root and was a part of the popular vernacular. A friend of Braide’s, Dr. James Esdaile, began experimenting with hypnotic anesthesia in the mid-1800s. He was so successful with hypnotic anesthesia that the surgical death rate dropped dramatically.

From these early days, hypnosis has grown in acceptance. It was even recognized by the AMA in the 1950s. Although hypnosis is a fascinating field of study, which has profound implications in the areas of human potential, medicine and psychotherapy as a therapeutic tool, it still remains a bit cloaked in mystery and misunderstanding.

What is Hypnosis?

Ask ten people for a definition of hypnosis and you probably get ten different answers, maybe more. A good working definition of hypnosis is that it is the bypass of the critical factor and the establishment of selective thinking. Sounds good, but what does that mean?

For the sake of explanation, let’s view the human mind as consisting of two parts: the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. The conscious mind is rational and analytical. It holds our short-term memory and is the seat of will power. The conscious mind is the area in which talk therapists (psychologists and other counseling therapists) work. From the vantage point of the hypnotherapist, the conscious mind is inefficient and difficult to work with.

The subconscious mind holds our permanent memory, is the root of our emotions, stores our habits and has a basic role in self-preservation. The subconscious mind stores our basic programming – that which is the result of all our life experiences, both good and bad. It has been said we live in the light of reflected action. This simply means our actions today are a result of our life experiences which continue to exert influence over us. The subconscious mind is the realm of the hypnotherapist, who finds it an incredibly efficient way to bring about desired change.

Our critical factor is a function of the conscious mind. Simply put, the critical factor passes judgment on any and all thoughts and suggestions directed toward the individual. It’s the part of the brain that responds to the suggestion, “You have a great memory,” with the response “No, I don’t; I can’t seem to remember anything.” As a result, the positive affirmation “I have a great memory” never takes root in the subconscious mind to bring about the desired change.

Hypnosis is the process by which the critical factor is bypassed and suggestions are allowed into the subconscious mind where real and immediate changes can be made. It is important to point out that the process of critical factor bypass does not leave one open to inappropriate suggestions or manipulation. In fact, the critical factor will immediately become active the moment an inappropriate suggestion is made.

Hypnosis is actually a heightened state of awareness rather than a state where the mind is vulnerable to inappropriate suggestion. Many people are fearful of hypnosis due to the inaccurate belief that they may lose control or fall subject to the desires of the hypnotherapist. This is absolutely untrue. Why then, you might ask, do people behave the way they do during stage hypnosis? Excellent question! Those that are involved in a stage show are allowing suggestions for goofy behavior to take effect because they want to be part of the show. If they were not interested in participating, or if they found the suggestions unacceptable, there would be no change in their behavior.

The second part of our working definition is the establishment of selective thinking. After critical factor bypass has been achieved, selective thinking is established once an acceptable idea or concept is made and the mind wraps itself around the suggestion and makes it its own. Selective thinking is the process by which a concept or idea is completely accepted without reservation by the subconscious mind. Or, put another way, the subconscious mind mentally wraps itself around the concept, idea or suggestion. An integral part of hypnosis is the correct formulation of suggestion by the therapist and an understanding of the various attitudes towards a suggestion by the hypnotized individual. The success or failure of a hypnosis session is heavily dependent on these two variables.

Some facts about hypnosis:

There is so much more that can be said about hypnosis. It’s a fascinating subject with countless benefits to those who know how to use it.