The history of hypnosis is as old as humanity itself. It has been utilized by the most primitive peoples, both ancient and modern, in the practice of religious and healing rituals to strengthen belief in mysticism and magic. The remarkable nature of this psychological phenomenon, its inexplicability, confusing phenomenology, and the seemingly miraculous results it brings—along with its long-standing use in stage magic to astonish audiences—have all contributed to it being shrouded in an aura of the supernatural and the unreal.
The scientific history of hypnosis began in the second half of the 18th century. It was extensively used by many clinicians without its nature being adequately recognized. In the mid- 19th century, the English physician James Braid studied these phenomena and introduced the terms hypnotism and hypnosis. At the beginning of the 20th century, the re-educational possibilities offered by hypnosis were recognized. Significant progress then occurred in the 1950s, when hypnosis was subjected to thorough study. Its recognition and use expanded significantly, and it was cleared of the superstitions, fears, and misconceptions that had hindered its scientific acceptance and exploration. One of the most prominent figures in the field of modern hypnototherapy was the American physician Milton H. Erickson, whose methods, approach, and use of hypnosis when working with clients shape the form of contemporary practice.
Hypnosis is a common phenomenon in human experience, both induced and spontaneous. Everyone has experienced the moment of dreaming. We have a dream, often just before waking up; in the dream, we experience various situations, see images, have different feelings, perceive the expression of our subconscious, and process something taking place in our lives. Then comes the moment when we wake from the dream, becoming aware again of our body, the environment we are in, sounds from the surroundings, and all the other perceptions that we did not notice at all during the dream. We were in a state of trance. Sometimes the transition to the conscious part of the experience is fast, other times it is slow. Sometimes we remember the content of the dream; it stays with us like a memory of a film, and we often remember the emotional dynamics that accompanied the film. Sometimes the message of the dream is clear to us, and sometimes we wonder what it even meant.
In the context of working with clients, we define hypnosis as a method of communication with the subconscious mind. This communication has its specifics; the language of the subconscious is different—it is a language of images, metaphors, and analogies, and we use various suggestions. This communication also has a specific therapeutic intent; we sensitively stimulate the dynamics of the subconscious to find answers for resolving problematic situations, changing behavior, and altering our perception. A hypnosis session takes place in a state of deep relaxation; the client is able to recall everything that is said during the trance. Furthermore, the client takes an audio recording from the hypnosis session, which allows them to continue this inner work in their own space and time. The moment when change begins to manifest in the client’s life is often surprising; it comes naturally, and new habits simply emerge and become an integral part of one’s life.
Hypnotherapy is effective in eliminating unwanted habits, resolving insomnia, and reducing stress. Hypnosis can help induce deeper contact with one’s emotional life; it can be used to improve the learning process, release blocked potential in creative areas, and also to address various emotional issues such as anxiety, panic, grief, and depression.
Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment and does not replace therapy.
I honor the obligation to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Hypnotherapy Society UK, even though I no longer live in the UK and am no longer a member.