Psychological and Physical Aspects of Hypnosis and the Role of Relaxation in Hypnotherapy
“What is hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy
Hypnosis can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians where it was used as a means of curing illnesses through suggestion, it was known as the curing sleep. Hypnosis can be described as a sleep like trance and a state of heightened relaxation, that hypnotists today call a trance state this is where you are more susceptible to suggestion and influence. Hypnosis can be used in many ways such as stage entertainment, therapy and as a means of investigation. For example Milton Erickson who is known as the father of modern hypnosis said “You use hypnosis not as a cure but as a means of establishing a favourable climate in which to learn.” (1 Erickson http://pfti.org/great-teachers/milton-erickson-2/milton-erickson-quotes/), this is a great way of looking at the use of hypnosis in therapy. Hypnosis is still very much clouded by scepticism and cynicism but in the last few years it has started to become more widely accepted and understood by the scientific community “in recent years, hypnosis has gained momentum and acceptance as part of the evolution of our health care system.” (2 Hadley + Staudacher – p7). During this essay I would like to explain the different aspects of hypnosis and how they affect the client, also the after effects of hypnosis and also how important these factors are to get the client into a trance state. I will also like to discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy by looking at it from both the client’s point of view and the therapist’s point of view and also look at its role within the induction, pre and post hypnotic state. When looking at hypnosis there are two aspects, physical and psychological, both of which are the integral parts of hypnosis. Although the psychological aspect is more prominent the physical aspect of hypnosis also plays a big part during the whole process When looking at the physical
Hypnosis can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians where it was used as a means of curing illnesses through suggestion, it was known as the curing sleep. Hypnosis can be described as a sleep like trance and a state of heightened relaxation, that hypnotists today call a trance state this is where you are more susceptible to suggestion and influence. Hypnosis can be used in many ways such as stage entertainment, therapy and as a means of investigation. For example Milton Erickson who is known as the father of modern hypnosis said “You use hypnosis not as a cure but as a means of establishing a favourable climate in which to learn.” (1 Erickson http://pfti.org/great-teachers/milton-erickson-2/milton-erickson-quotes/), this is a great way of looking at the use of hypnosis in therapy. Hypnosis is still very much clouded by scepticism and cynicism but in the last few years it has started to become more widely accepted and understood by the scientific community “in recent years, hypnosis has gained momentum and acceptance as part of the evolution of our health care system.” (2 Hadley + Staudacher – p7). During this essay I would like to explain the different aspects of hypnosis and how they affect the client, also the after effects of hypnosis and also how important these factors are to get the client into a trance state. I will also like to discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy by looking at it from both the client’s point of view and the therapist’s point of view and also look at its role within the induction, pre and post hypnotic state. When looking at hypnosis there are two aspects, physical and psychological, both of which are the integral parts of hypnosis. Although the psychological aspect is more prominent the physical aspect of hypnosis also plays a big part during the whole process When looking at the physical