Hypnosis & Drugs Hypnosis may not always be taken very seriously, but studies have shown that it can be highly effective in some cases (Astin, et al
, 2003). That is often because some individuals are more susceptible to the power of suggestion than others (Elkins & Rajab, 2004)
This is very important because the hypnotist has power over the hypnotized individual and can easily manipulate the subject, the intentions must always be right. One other problem associated with hypnosis is that the confidence of the subject usually increases regardless of accuracy (Anderton, 1986)
Even though hypnosis has been widely employed in investigations, there are some problems that have been associated with the process. The very first intention of hypnosis is to increase correct memory, however, this has been associated with very significant rise in incorrect memory, and that is to say the accuracy of recall declines (Lynn and Sherman, 2000)
Alman in his book, "Self-Hypnosis: The Complete Manual for Health and Self-Change" writes that hypnosis is not magic, but merely a natural state of mind that one can use to instruct and direct the unconscious mind and body. Alman claims that self-hypnosis can be used to "reduce stress, control pain, conquer fears, overcome allergies and alter unwanted habits" (Alman 5)
Andre Weitzenhoffer writes in "Clinical Hypnosis and Self-Regulation: Cognitive-Behavioral Perspectives" that even after more than 200 years after its beginnings, the world is still faced with the "rather remarkable and depressing fact that hypnosis, its most central concept, remains a mystery" (Clinical 21). And on a lighter note, Steven Heller writes, "I firmly believe that hypnosis is just a state - South of Oregon and North of Washington, and it doesn't really exist except in people's minds" (Heller 21)
For those wanting to using hypnosis for forensic purposes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has published a set of guidelines, "despite the lack of evidence supporting the practice" (Memory pg). Most psychologists and psychiatrists believe memories of trauma can be put "out of reach of consciousness and alter retrieved, however most now avoid using the Freudian term 'repression,' in favor of more descriptive terms such as 'amnesia and delayed recall' (Horn 52-63)
The responses are generally associated with a "degree of subjective conviction bordering on delusion, and an experience of involuntariness bordering on compulsion" (Memory pg). "The use of hypnosis for trauma-related distress has been around since the days of Freud" (Rowe pg)
This is believed to be the fundamental difference between animal and human memory. "The case for a memory that is distinctly and uniquely human therefore depends on the proposition that there is more than one kind of memory, at least one of which is possessed only by humans" (Suddendorf 133)
The New York Times and other reputable newspapers publish stories on the emerging trend of hypnosis: how the technique is being used to treat a number of psychological and physical ailments. The most recent New York Times article about hypnosis details the success stories of individuals who were cured of their phobias and addictions after only one session (Brody)
It can be used for good or bad depending on the hypnotist and the subject. Today most religious groups accept the proper use of hypnosis," (Durbin)
Not all clinicians or scientists support hypnosis or hypnotherapy as a valid treatment intervention. For example, strict behaviorists argue that the subjectivity of hypnosis automatically disqualifies it from empirical research (Fromm & Shor)
Therefore, the different types and techniques of hypnosis should be clarified. Self-hypnosis or autohypnosis is one type of hypnotherapy, which takes advantage of the individual's "inborn capacity" to enter the hypnotic state (Knight 11)
Certification depends on more than 200 hours of professional training in addition to their primary field of expertise (Mayo Cinic). Hypnosis has been the subject of "rigorous scientific inquiry" and has led to the publication of "thousands of articles" in peer-reviewed journals (Yapko 5)
Hypnotherapy can also be applied in the treatment of phobias, or for the reduction of anxiety or stress. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are offered usually as adjunct therapies, administered in conjunction with traditional counseling or psychological interventions (Chakraburtty)
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are offered usually as adjunct therapies, administered in conjunction with traditional counseling or psychological interventions (Chakraburtty). When hypnosis is applied in a clinical setting, it may be viewed as a "method of communication," (Pearson)
Science has dispelled many of the myths associated with hypnosis, and the practice was already beginning to be researched empirically in the 19th century. For example, Jean-Martin Charcot is credited with establishing hypnosis as a "legitimate subject of scientific inquiry," (Waterfield 217)
The argument is that hypnosis only works on certain people and is therefore not a valid practice. People who are fantasy-prone are easily hypnotized, whereas "those who think hypnosis is rubbish can't be hypnotized," (Carroll)
One woman sued a psychiatrist for planting false memories; the case was settled out of court for $2.4 million (Loftus)
Life Coaching ILLUSION OR REALITY? The Trouble with Hypnosis What is Real and What Isn't in Hypnosis and Altered States Hypnosis is that technique, which is believed to bring about a special state of consciousness wherein seemingly miraculous works are done without the use of pain-killers (Harary, 1992)