The science and power of hypnosis.

The concept of hypnosis has a fascinating and controversial history. While some individuals embrace its potential as a therapeutic tool, others are unconvinced about its efficacy.

Throughout history, there have been many sceptics of hypnosis, yet this scepticism has shaped the field into what it is today. One of the first to conduct research into hypnosis was Dr James Braid, a respected English physician and founder of modern hypnosis. He conducted pioneering research during the 1800s to find the active mechanisms of hypnosis. Even Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, practised hypnosis before developing his free association approach to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings.

In the past, hypnosis was met with some distrust. Despite this it was used by respected figures in psychology like Clark L Hull and Milton Erickson. Milton Erickson was an American psychiatrist and psychologist whose techniques were later incorporated into Neuro Linguistic Programming. With the retirement of these prominent figures, research into hypnosis decreased within the psychological community.

There is now a resurgence of interest in the field, with hypnosis gaining a newfound respectability among scientists and practitioners alike. One such pioneer is Dr David Spiegel, Vice Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford University and a practising psychologist. Dr Spiegel’s work emphasises the use of hypnosis to enhance the effectiveness of traditional psychotherapy, and his approach is effective in treating various psychological conditions. He is also a proponent of using hypnosis in the medical field and its benefits in pain management and behavioural change.  

The Three Dimensions of Hypnosis

The research of Dr David Spiegel and other experts in the field of hypnosis has helped to dispel some of the mysteries surrounding hypnosis. Their research shows that hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness induced through specific methods and techniques. 

This dispels the myth that hypnosis is a form of mind control or manipulation, as the individual is fully aware and in control throughout the process.  

Following four decades of research, Dr David Spiegel’s work sheds light on the mechanisms that make hypnosis the powerful force it is. He has identified three crucial dimensions that define the hypnotic state: focused attention, disassociation, and suggestion. Let’s explore how these three dimensions work to dispel the myths that exist around hypnosis.

Focused Attention

The first dimension is focused attention. Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and absorption in one’s own internal experience. This is when you concentrate on something so intently that you give it your full attention. When you become absorbed in this way, your mind becomes more receptive to suggestions in hypnosis, creating the foundations for positive changes in how you think, feel and behave. Through focused attention, you are guided into a state of inner absorption. As you focus on the suggestions given in hypnosis, you become absorbed in your own experience, creating a sense of detachment from everything else around you. 

Disassociation

This brings us to the second dimension, disassociation. The ability to temporarily disconnect from self-imposed beliefs or limitations that often stop us from making positive changes in our life. Without realising it, our limiting beliefs imprison us, preventing us from accessing the powerful inner resources we within us. .When we experience disassociation during hypnosis, we can suspend these old patterns of beliefs and open up to an entirely new set of possibilities. In this, hypnosis is a fantastic way to break free from outdated beliefs’ to enable you to realise your true potential. When you disassociate from negative thoughts, you are able to associate to more resourceful states. You also become much less self-critical and judgemental, which frees you from preconceived notions of what you’re capable of. The combination of disassociation with focused attention allows you to bypass critical and analytical thoughts, creating a more heightened state of suggestibility.

 Suggestion

In hypnosis, suggestion is used to help access parts of you, aspects of your personality and abilities that have been obscured as a result of negative experiences and our interpretation of them. In a more suggestible state, you are more open to accept suggestions for change. Suggestions that help you access your inner resources, unearthing talents or abilities now freed from limiting beliefs. The result can be incredibly transformative, increasing your capacity for change as new neural pathways get rewired in the brain. Let’s take a look at how hypnosis works with the brain’s ability to adapt and change. 

The link between hypnosis, neuroplasticity and change

A major proponent of Dr Spiegel’s work is Dr Andrew Huberman, a professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University and creator of the Huberman Labs podcast. According to Dr Huberman, the power of hypnosis lies in its ability to facilitate the conditions necessary for neuroplasticity to occur.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and learn new things in response to different experiences. Dr Huberman explains that for neuroplasticity to occur, three things are required: focused attention, absorption in a task, and relaxation. Sounds very much like the conditions created whilst in hypnosis. He theorises that hypnosis is powerful because it enables the same state necessary for neuroplasticity to occur. By inducing a state of focused attention and absorption, hypnosis enhances neuroplasticity and our ability to adapt and change, making it a powerful tool for personal transformation.  

How can hypnosis help you?

This is why hypnosis is particularly effective in promoting behavioural change. Habits are deeply ingrained in our psyche and often done unconsciously. The neural pathway for these habits is so strong that we do them automatically and this can be difficult to override through willpower alone. When used therapeutically, hypnosis can help change behaviours more easily and with less effort. So whether you want to eat healthily, start exercising or quit smoking, hypnosis is a potent tool to effect change.   

Additionally, hypnosis can change other unconscious habits, such as procrastination, lack of motivation, and self-doubt, by overcoming limiting beliefs and the negative thoughts behind them. Hypnotherapy helps you cultivate a more positive mindset and the motivation to achieve your goals.  

As you can see, hypnosis is a powerful tool for change that can help you access states that promote neuroplasticity, improve your mental and emotional well-being, and overcome self-limiting beliefs. With its wide range of applications, from stress reduction to habit change, hypnosis can help you tap into your inner resources, improve your self-awareness, and achieve your desired outcomes. Whether you’re seeking to overcome a specific challenge or looking to enhance your overall quality of life, hypnosis can be a valuable tool on your journey to growth and transformation.