An Overview of Self-Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state of internal absorption, concentration and focused attention. This focus allows us to use the potential of the mind to achieve specific goals such as preventing pain or reducing inflammation. This cannot be done without the patient's cooperation, and there is no truth to the common misconception that hypnosis leads to a loss of control. On the contrary, hypnosis works by empowering the patient to take control of a particular situation. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
There are many different techniques to access this unconscious influence on the body, but in practice we will focus on one tool that primary care practitioners can use and modify to meet the needs of their patients. This tool requires five key principles.
Key principles
- Education
- Adapting to patients' beliefs/interests/needs
- Euphoria induction
- Utilizing goal-directed euphoria
- Re-induction (coming out of trance)
Time should be taken to educate the patient about hypnosis to remove fear and misunderstandings. The first task is to identify the trance. This is a state of heightened attention where the body is more susceptible to suggestion. Emphasize to the patient that everyone has experienced trance many times. Examples include daydreaming or a driving trance where you get home and can't remember driving because the mind was focused on other thoughts. Being immersed in a good movie provides an excellent example.
While concentrating on the movie, we are less aware of things happening nearby and more responsive to suggestions made. One may jump if startled or cry if saddened. The ability of a movie to evoke these physical responses is usually related to how successful it is at the box office. The patient is always in control and can go get popcorn if they wish. A good movie or hypnosis session involves
involves three factors:
Assimilation, dissociation, and suggestion. Through the induction technique the subject becomes completely immersed in the material at hand leading to dissociation from various distractions. This creates a heightened state of awareness that allows the person to be more receptive to suggestions that can affect physical change. Educating the patient regarding the purpose of hypnosis will help remove fear and confusion and lead to a better clinical response.
Important questions:
A talented hypnotherapist will tailor the hypnosis technique to the unique needs of each individual. Since most practitioners using this resource will not have this expertise, we will focus on some questions that can be easily remembered, helping to tailor hypnosis to the patient's beliefs and interests. The more the technique relates to these beliefs, the more acceptable and useful it becomes. Conversely, if a technique is used that encourages an image associated with anger or fear, the process will be counterproductive.
Questions that will help customize hypnosis:
- Name a favorite place where you feel comfortable and at peace.
- What is your favorite color?
- What are some of your favorite activities?
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