...Like most people who probably hear the word hypnosis, I associated it with people on stage being made to do embarrassing things like clucking like a chicken and barking like a dog. The words “look into my eyes, you are feeling very sleepy” came to mind. Hypnosis in many people’s opinions will be all about shows on stage for people’s entertainment. My perceptions about hypnosis have changed vastly. As I have learnt that it is completely different to what it is sometimes perceived to be and there is much more science involved. The history of hypnosis goes back a long way (thousands of years). In the 18th century the most influential figure in the development of hypnosis was Dr Frantz Anton Mesmer also known as the grandfather of hypnosis. He was an Austrian doctor who was a charismatic and at times controversial personality. He believed that the human body produced an invisible magnetic fluid and the magnets could restore the balance of magnetic fluid and this would cure the patient’s illness. He soon discovered that he could reach the same successful results by passing his hands over the patient which he did for hours at times. He named this method “animal magnetism”. He used strange mechanisms, ethereal music and created a séance-like atmosphere all of which aided in inducing trance. He was able to perform many cures using the technique that became named after him, Mesmerism. However, the medical establishment at the time, Viennese Medical Council, could find no logical...
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...Word Count: 2024 “What is Hypnosis” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy Introduction My essay will firstly attempt to look at the history of hypnosis and then look at what hypnosis is and also what hypnosis is not. My essay will then try to describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and finally I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy and whether relaxation is necessary for hypnotherapy to take place. History of hypnosis Hypnosis dates back hundreds of years and maybe portrayed as far back as the Old Testament. There is also evidence of hypnosis in Ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. There are two main leading men in the study of hypnosis, Franz Anton Mesmer (1734 – 1815) and Milton Erickson (1901 – 1980). Franz Anton Mesmer was considered to be the father of hypnosis. He is remembered for the term “mesmerism”, but this name didn’t stick and it was later changed to hypnosis. Milton Erickson is known as the father of modern hypnosis and is thought to have pioneered the art of suggestions in hypnosis. Milton Erickson developed many tips and techniques in hypnosis that were very different from what was commonly practiced. Milton Erickson maintained that a trance like state was very common, it is quite normal to become so immersed in an everyday activity that people go into a trance like state, and this is so common that most people do not recognise this as a hypnotic...
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...What is Hypnosis? Throughout history there have been, and are still many different perspectives and opinions of what is hypnosis, its uses and functions. In order to clearly understand what hypnosis is, one must look firstly into the history of hypnosis and the different concepts which have emerged over the years, from as early as 50,000AD to the modern day, throughout different cultures. After looking at the history of hypnosis, it will go on to describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis, giving reference to Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta waves, the four different brain waves, indicating an individuals mental state, which brain waves comes in to play during hypnosis and its relevance. Graham Wicks’ (1985 Toronto’s Annual International Society of Hypnosis convention) condensed concepts from previous various writers’ concepts, The multistate phenomenon, five states of hypnotic features, will be addressed, (Karle & Boys) as will Edmond Jacobson (1929) on the effects of muscle contractions between patients and the benefits of relaxation leading to the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy today and the use of progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Hypnosis goes back thousands of years to the Greeks and Egyptians. They used to put people in a trance-like state, to bring on dreams, so they could help with peoples problems. Hypnosis was also found amongst Shaman’s, which were also known as ‘witchdoctors’. Shamans were strongly focussed with a powerful process...
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...What is hypnosis? Aileen McCartney Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills – Year One - Module One MAIDS1A 12 Word Count: 1984 Tutor: Karen Martin Hypnosis is a well known subject to most people, very often through the drama of the stage or television hypnotist. However, the hypnotic trance is a natural phenomenon that most people will have experienced personally, whether aware of it at the time or not. An example of this might be driving a car along a regular route and arriving at the destination with no memory of the journey, having performed the activity safely and reliably while in another sense being quite detached from the experience. This altered level of consciousness is the starting point for the hypnotic process through an induction which focuses on relaxation, inner experiences, feelings and imagery (Heap & Naish, 2012: 7). It is generally accepted that hypnosis is a different experience to that of being awake or being asleep but debate remains over its true nature within academic and scientific circles (Karle & Boys, 2010:14). This essay will discuss the nature of hypnosis, focusing on the psychological and physical aspects while touching on the role of relaxation. Hypnosis is a complex psychological phenomenon and one which is difficult to find an agreed definition for. Indeed the American Psychological Association definition of hypnosis in 2003 is almost 300 words long but centres around hypnosis being a procedure of suggestions where...
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...(2022 words) ‘What is hypnosis?’ Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can be thought of as a special state of consciousness (1). It involves an interaction between two or more people. One is the hypnotist and the other(s) is the subject (2). The subject is in a state of selective attention and increased suggestibility, where beneficial suggestions can be put to the subject. The term for this is hypnotic trance or hypnotic state (3). I will describe the physical and psychological changes that can occur during this process. Relaxation can be an important induction technique for hypnosis. I will discuss the role of relaxation to prepare a client for hypnosis. Australian Aborigines have used hypnotic trance for thousands of years. It is also found in American Indian and Hindu culture (4). In the eighteenth century Franz Mesmer, the grandfather of hypnosis, used magnets then later electric rods to induce a mesmerised state for curing ailments. Eventually he used his hands and his own self described ‘animal magnetism’ in his treatment. Abba Faria described the effects of Mesmer’s work as not due to animal mesmerism but due to suggestions. Other scientists that worked and learned form Mesmer include the Marquis de Puysegur, who noted that his own subjects ‘fell asleep’, although he could still talk to and get replies from them. James Braid gave the term hypnosis to the practise...
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...What Is Hypnosis? Hypnosis is an artificially inducted state of relaxation and concentration in which deeper parts of the mind become more accessible. It is a psychological phenomenon, an interaction between two people, one of whom is indentified as the hypnotist , the other as the subject. Hypnosis is a normal state of mind, one which most people go in and out of every day. When we are watching a movie that you are engrossed in, driving down a long monotonous road, listening to music that captures a mood or engrosses us, we are in hypnosis. This is not a guide or spiritual being, is a scientific discovery of a function of our brain. It is a complex phenomenon, the coming together of a number of psychological processes such selective attention, relaxation, creation of expectancy, imagination, rapport between the hypnotist and subject, some degree of conformity and compliance. In fact, you have been in an hypnotic state literally thousands of times. You didn’t notice it because it seemed such a natural state of mind. And the hypnotic state is natural for all humans and many animals. .... Everything you have learned is stored in your subconscious. Because you have already learned to drive, your driving skills is stored in your subconscious so it is why so easy we can switch off our conscious mind and let it drifts off and use our driving skills stored in subconscious. Historically, hypnosis was regarded by many as something very mysterious, unusual to take control over...
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...WHAT IS HYPNOSIS? I intend this essay to cover the subject matter, ranging from the generally acknowledged Father of Hypnotherapy through to the founder of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation method, describing on the way the scientific advances that help us have a better understanding of Hypnosis, and why relaxation is an important tool in our arsenal. “And…You’re a Chicken...! ” Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the modern Stage hypnotist, this is the General Public’s opinion of Hypnotism. To better understand today’s modern approach to Hypnosis as a tool used for therapy, we have to go back in time, to a point in the late eighteenth century, when a Viennese Doctor named Franz Mesmer (1734-1815) decided enough was enough with regard to the then contemporary cures for various maladies, some of which caused the patient more pain and distress than the ailment for which they were being treated. The devotion he showed towards his patients was unusual, most notably in the case of Franzl Oesterline, considered by many to be his “Breakthrough” case. After moving her into his home to provide twenty-four hour attention, he elected to affect a cure for her ill health using theories that he had put forward in his youth, that of “Animal Magnetism” in which he postulated that gravity and tidal influences act upon the human body. Using a magnet, he “disrupted” the fields of gravity that he believed were causing his patient’s problems, whilst explaining to her that she...
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...“What is Hypnosis” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy Hypnosis is a complex concept. Forms of hypnosis have been around for thousands of years, with a more detailed historical account of the development and practice of modern hypnosis being available largely from the 18th Century onwards. No one definition of what we understand under the term hypnosis is exactly the same, in the same way as no patient who considers hypnosis as treatment is going to be the same, or will experience hypnosis in exactly the same way as others. Academic and theoretic debates about whether hypnosis is a real or imagined phenomenon have been long standing. This essay explores the question of what hypnosis is by taking a look at a brief historical account of hypnosis and how this has influenced the modern theory and practice. The essay will describe the various psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and detail hypnotic techniques and delivery, taking a look at the key ingredients of suggestion and trance to help us understand the nature of hypnosis. We will also consider what role relaxation in particular plays in the hypnotic process and hypnotherapy, before concluding. A brief history of hypnosis Ancient history accounts for examples of hypnosis as early as 2000 BC when Egyptian priests were using techniques of hypnotic induction in death and rebirth rituals in ‘Sleep Temples’. The ancient Greeks also...
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...“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss 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 is hard to define as there is much debate and discussion regarding its nature and its true effects. It can be argued that each individual’s experience of hypnosis is unique to them, different people for example are considered to be more susceptible to hypnosis than others and therefore it is hard to measure or assess. Hypnosis itself has developed over time and explanations and evidence provided have been dependent on the scientific and psychological methods of the time. Hypnosis in its most general terms can be described as ‘a relaxed and focused state of concentration brought about through the use of set techniques. These techniques are thought to enhance concentration and increase an individual’s responsiveness to suggestion in order to make beneficial changes to a person’s thought patterns, behaviour or their physiological state’ (Chrysalis, 2010, p 9). In this essay I will first give a very brief account of the history of the practice of hypnosis and then go on to describe the psychological and physical aspects of it. In the last section of the essay I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. Hypnosis in some form or another can be found throughout history and within different cultures...
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..."What is hypnosis?" Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. In order to address the essay title I will begin looking at what hypnosis is. I will look at a brief history of hypnosis and how it has developed through the years, now being recognised as a form of therapy. I will explain how people experience physical and psychological changes during their experience of hypnosis and how relaxation plays a key role. I will also address how, due to the physical and psychological changes, hypnosis can be used as a treatment for illnesses. Finally, I will conclude how relaxation is an important aspect of hypnosis and, without it, we would find it extremely difficult to reach the unconscious state of mind where suggestions are accepted in order to make positive changes to thought patterns and behaviours. One of the earliest known uses of hypnosis was by "shamans" who were also known as "healers". The healing process would involve the Shamans being strongly focused with heightened concentration. They would take themselves into a "lower world" where they would use powerful visualisations and suggestion in order to will healing for a sick person. Following from that, in the 1700's, Franz Anton Mesmer introduced the theory of "animal magnetism". Mesmer believed that there was an astrological influence on human health and that this was presented in the form of "cosmic...
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...The State of Hypnosis Throughout the centuries history has taught us that various forms of hypnosis have been evident in many cultures. Whether it be hypnotic trance like states used by the Aboringines and the North American Indians or the theory of ‘animal magnetism’ as developed in Austria by Franz Mesmer. Mesmer’s initial work centred on applying magnets to his patient’s bodies, his belief being that the body contained fluid that ebbed and flowed according to the laws of magnetism. Mesmer’s theories evolved over time, during the 18th and 19th century’s a number of prominent practitioners (Faria, Puysegur, Braid, Esdaile, Elliotson, Liebeault, Bernheim and Freud) studied, expanded and improved on Mesmer’s concepts and experiences. During this period the theory shifted from magnets and magnetic flows to psychological force, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and suggestive implants. Today’s hypnosis has developed even further through the greater use of technology and a far better understanding of the way the brain, the conscious and subconscious mind works. The Physical and Psychological aspects of Hypnosis The brain operates in four main wave cycle groups namely Beta (15 to 40 cycles per second), Alpha (9 to 14 cycles per second), Theta (4 to 8 cycles per second) and Delta (1 to 4 cycles per second). On a daily basis we move in and out of all of these brain wave sequences many times a day. Whilst we complete conscious tasks such as critical thinking, writing, reading...
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...Below is a free essay on "What Is Hypnosis? Describe the Psychological Aspects of Hypnosis and Discuss the Role of Relaxation in Hypnotherapy" from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. Name: Clare Whatley 2036 words Module Number: One (Year one) Course Code: BIRMI1S 12 ‘What is Hypnosis’ describe the psychological aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. In this essay I am going to give a definition of what hypnosis is and what it isn’t. I will look at the nature of hypnosis and its role in society. I will give details of how and where hypnosis began and give some detail about the history. I will also discuss the psychological and physical aspects of hypnotherapy, including the important role of relaxation and how you can achieve it. This essay will show how effective hypnosis can be if a person is willing for it to work. Hypnosis is perceived very differently to different people. Some people will simply laugh at the theory of hypnotherapy and will refer to it as ‘Hypnotism’ that is performed on people in the same way as famous people in the media such as Paul McKenna or Derren Brown may perform it. Within science there is no debate as to whether hypnosis exists or works. Some people have strong beliefs in Hypnosis where as a percentage of people will simply say that it doesn’t work. It is true that it may infact not work for certain people. Only recently in this country has it started to...
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...words 2003 What is Hypnosis? Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy. For this essay I will start by looking at the question what is hypnosis? I will look at the way hypnosis is perceived and look at some of the reasons for this, a brief history of hypnosis and some of the individuals who have had a hand in shaping its path to what it is today. When describing the psychological and physical aspects I will look at personal experience along side information I have obtained from others plus medical research that has shown clear markers for an individual in a hypnotised state. Then to complete the essay I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnosis and how and individuals level of relaxation is directly linked to their ability to be hypnotised. The answers you could receive will depend on who you ask, Hypnosis has been used for entertainment of the masses and for some this may be the only experience they have of the topic. The sight of the “Victim” behaving in a manner which appears to be out of character often resulting in them making a fool out of themselves for the entertainment of others but this is not in any way a true representation of what hypnosis can be. The fact is that Hypnosis has been used for human benefit for what could be argued as thousands of years in different forms, and this is what has enabled it to evolved over time especially with the increased understanding of neurological...
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...“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy The following addresses the question of what hypnosis is by exploring its origins and the evolution to modern day practice. The psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis will then be discussed along with the notable components of suggestion and trance. The vital role of relaxation is also pointed to. Hypnosis is a psychological phenomenon; a natural state of selective, focused attention, and even though it is natural, it remains one of the most fascinating phenomena of the human mind. There is much disagreement and misunderstanding on the subject and there are many different theories and definitions surrounding it. Before discussing the modern theory of hypnosis, it is important to understand where this phenomena has come from. Its earliest existence was found among shamans or witch doctors as they were more commonly known. Shaman would follow strict practices which allowed them to have a strong focus, and these were often accompanied with monotonous and rhythmic chants or drum beats for example. This allowed their subconscious mind to focus and seek out the soul of the patient to heal them. Mesmer (1733-1815) recognised this healing practice and incorporated into his theory of animal magnetism. He believed that a cosmic fluid existed in inanimate objects which was transferred into patients to heal them. Mesmer literally mesmerised...
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...Hypnotherapy is the mechanism used to access the unconscious mind and hypnosis is the induction of a trancelike state, resembling sleep, usually induced by a therapist and where the subject's receptivity to the power of suggestion is dramatically increased. According to The British Medical Association and the American Medical Association hypnosis is, "a temporary condition of altered attention in the subject that may be induced by another person.” Contrary to popular belief being in a state of hypnosis is not the same as being asleep. The uses of hypnosis in medicine and psychology include the modification or elimination of undesirable behaviour, such as smoking, and the treatment of certain chronic disorders, (anxiety), and phobias towards all sorts of everyday encounters, (spiders). In order to appreciate the whole area of hypnotherapy and how hypnosis is understood in the modern sense it is important to give a brief insight its history as hypnosis has been used for thousands of years for the purpose of healing and general well being. In ancient times hypnosis took many different forms, all making use of deep relaxation and trance to aid in the healing process. It wasn’t until the 1700’s, however, that Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), a Viennese scientist believed that there was a cosmic liquid that flowed between people and as this was stimulated by magnets could be transmitted to others. He called this animal magnetism and even though there was no firm evidence that...
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