Understanding Clinical Hypnosis And Neuro-Linguistic Programming
By Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D.
What are Hypnosis? What is Trance?
Hypnosis is a method of communication that induces a trance. Hypnosis can be conducted by one individual addressing another, or it may be conducted by the self (self-hypnosis). Trance is a naturally occurring state in which one's attention is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions. People go in and out trance spontaneously throughout the day, mostly when concentrating on something. In trance, the attention may be focused either internally (on thoughts—internal self-talk or images or both) or externally (on a task, a book, or a movie, for example). The focus of attention is so narrow that other stimuli in the environment are ignored or blocked out of conscious awareness for a time. Examples of trance states are daydreaming, deep concentration, and some forms of meditation.
As an adjunct to psychotherapy or counseling, clinical hypnosis can help
the client obtain a relaxed, comfortable, trance state for obtaining specific
therapeutic outcomes. It is theorized that trance increases suggestibility.
With clinical hypnosis, the therapist can make suggestions designed to
help the client formulate specific internal processes (feelings, memories,
images and internal self-talk) that can lead to mutually-agreed-upon outcomes—changes
in behavior and emotions. Hypnotic suggestions can best influence subsequent
behavior when the listener is (a) cooperative, relaxed, receptive and open
to the suggestions, and (b) anticipates and envisions that the suggestions
will result in future outcomes.
Trance is facilitated through "hypnotic language patterns” that
include: guided visualization, stories, guided memories, analogies, ambiguous
words or phrases, repetition, and statements about association, meaning,
and cause-effect.
Myths and Misconceptions about Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing. Research has shown that attempts to "brainwash" people through extreme methods such as physical and mental duress have proven ineffective, except to render states of depression, anxiety, and confusion. Some people worry that hypnosis could cause them to do something against their will, or contrary to their safety. Hypnosis is a method of influence, and, depending on the skills of the practitioner and the receptivity of the listener, it is no more or less powerful than any other kind method of psychological persuasion, manipulation, or motivation (such as advertising or propaganda). The difference is that a qualified clinical hypnotherapist is guided by legal responsibilities and ethical requirements. Therefore, the therapist is required to work contractually with the client toward outcomes, under informed consent and mutual agreement. In the clinical environment, rapport, trust, and cooperation are essential for the success of hypnotherapy, or for any other kind of psychotherapy.
People change their minds and actions throughout their lives. When such changes occur as a result of exposure to specific information, it is sometimes because this information has been presented through skillful persuasion and influence. A hypnotherapist uses communicative methods of persuasion and influence; so do people who advertise and market goods and services; so do teachers, politicians, lawyers, entertainers, parents, and ministers.
During light trance, one is not immobilized. A person in trance can remain aware of his or her surroundings. In light trance, people can open their eyes, talk, and move around. Anyone who can be hypnotized can also be easily taught to bring himself out of trance at any time. In fact, emerging from trance happens spontaneously, when one is interrupted, as by a phone ringing.
The deepest levels of trance produce a dream-like state. Some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall asleep. This is no problem because some part of the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapist. Under hypnosis, many sleeping subjects can still follow instructions such as moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or awakening themselves when they are told to do so.
There is no "right" way to experience trance. People vary in suggestibility according to personality traits and moods. Some people enter trance easily, and some don’t. One person may find it is a a deep, restful feeling, while another may find it is a light, floating sensation. Some people hear every word spoken by the hypnotherapist, while others allow their minds to drift to other thoughts. Some experience vivid imagery, while others do not. Some people remember the suggestions they hear, and some do not. Every person's experience of hypnosis is unique.
Hypnosis cannot solve every problem. Even with hypnosis, it may still be necessary for the client to do some conscientious planning and research about the outcome he or she seeks to achieve. One must still take action to get results. Hypnosis is not a cure-all and it is not magic. Hypnosis can be effective in many cases, but there are no guarantees that hypnosis will work for everyone.
Risks and Precautions
Hypnosis carries very few risks. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinatory. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems, such as pain, unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine underlying physical causes.
Formal hypnotic methods are not recommended for small children, because children lack the necessary attention span. More interactive treatment methods can be used, however, such as art therapy, play therapy, storytelling, and guided visualization, during which helpful suggestions can be made to the child.
Some clients request hypnotherapy for the purpose of recovering memories. Hypnosis may or may not be effective in this regard. Human memory is subjective, illusive, and sometimes distorted. There is no reliable way to "make" someone remember what they have forgotten, although hypnosis can sometimes help. When memories do surface in therapy, there is no guarantee that such memories are accurate or based on reality. False memories can occur, not just under hypnosis, but in other circumstances as well.
On rare cases, after trancework, the client may feel somewhat disoriented. The therapist should ensure that the client is fully alert and energized sufficiently to leave the therapist's office and continue the day's activity. In very rare cases, after a hypnotic session, and client may experience mildly disturbing thoughts or feelings. If this happens, the client should call the therapist immediately for a follow-up session.
Ericksonian Hypnosis
The hypnotherapy most frequently practiced today is "Ericksonian Hypnosis," named after the late Milton H. Erickson, M.D. From the 1930's to the 1980's Erickson was influential in integrating clinical hypnosis with medicine and psychotherapy. His hypnotic methods were permissive, and respectful of the client. He established the National Association for Clinical Hypnosis and published the first professional journals and monographs on therapeutic hypnosis. The Ericksonian Foundation continues his work. Hundreds of books and articles have been written about Erickson and his methods.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming
In the early 1970's, two researchers at the University of Santa Cruz studied the linguistic methods of Dr. Erickson and other prominent psychotherapists. Richard Bandler and Dr. John Grinder distilled a methodology of how people can effectively organize their thought patterns to get results. They found that by combining hypnotic language patterns with specific conversational methods, visualization, movement, touch, and timing, they could duplicate the kinds of results obtained by Dr. Erickson and others. They called this methodology Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). They began holding seminars in NLP and certifying practitioners across the U.S. and throughout Europe. Today there are thousands of therapists, teachers, counselors, medical personnel, and motivational speakers using and studying NLP. NLP is making in-roads into business and sales training. Thousands of NLP ooks and tapes have been published. NLP institutes have been established across the country and NLP conferences and seminars are taking place all over the world.
Applications of Hypnotherapy and NLP
Hypnosis and NLP can be combined with many other forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive restructuring, behavior modification, relaxation methods, eye-movement therapies, and client-centered therapy. Hypnosis and NLP have a wide variety of applications for self-improvement, mastering emotional issues, healing past trauma and abuse, personal growth, learning, sports psychology, enhanced communication and interpersonal skills, and improved performance.
Credentialing of Hypnotherapists and NLP Practitioners
A hypnotherapist is a licensed or certified mental health professional who has obtained specialized, post graduate training and certification in the use of clinical hypnosis within the context of counseling, psychotherapy, or other medical specialty.
An NLP Practitioner is a mental health professional who has taken specialized Practitioner and/or Master Practitioner certification training at a recognized institute of NLP.
Dr. Judith E. Pearson, is a licensed psychotherapist, counselor, and
coach, who is also a certified Master Practitioner and Trainer of NLP and
a certified Master Clinical Hypnotherapist. She maintains a practice in
Springfield, Virginia. She is the Executive Director for the National Board
for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists. Her website is www.engagethepower.com.