Notes + Sources
Notes + Sources
Source #1: Kassin, S. M., Privitera, G. J., & Clayton, K. D. (2021). Essentials of psychology. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://vantage.sagepub.com/student/ANTONY-9004/ch-4-consciousness-hypnosis (Section 4.3 Hypnosis)
* ‘Hypnosis is a set of attention-focusing procedures in which changes in a person’s behavior or state of mind are suggested.’ (Saul Kassin, 2022)
* Back in 1973, Hilgard developed the concept of being a “hidden observer” which was tied to his experiment which involved a deaf student, hypnotized into losing his hearing, then once awaken from his hypnotic state, the student was able to recall the blocks hitting eachother, along with the firing of the pistol. This made it somewhat obvious tjhat the student, while hypnotically deaf, he was somehow able to observe what had happened in his time of deafness.
* “hypnosis has been around for centuries, but the earliest known reference to it is traced to Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815) “ (Saul Kassin, 2022)
* This physician believed that illness was caused by an imbalance of magnetic fluids in the body. In order to balance the levels, Mesmer would would wave a magnetic wand over the “imbalanced area” leading the patient into a hypnotic trance, then would wake up healed.
* High skeptisism led to a deeper dive into Mesmer’s theory, then in 1784 discovered that there was no scientific basis for “animal Magnetisim” and claimed it was just their imagination.
* This bit of history is now used as the feeling of being mesmerized.
* This transe- like state is now known as Hypnotism, the greek word for sleep
* There is no single technique, however the essential pieces are focus and attention.
* You cannot be hypnotized against your will.
* Everybody is different, and reacts differently to things, people can all respond differently. This makes some people highly susceptible, while other are less susceptible.
* Karen Olness (1993), a pediatrician and hypnotherapist, says, “Nonsense. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis” (p. 280).
* “hypnosis subjects often exhibit posthypnotic amnesia, an inability to recall events that occurred during the session. However, these memories have not been permanently erased.” (Saul Kassin, 2022)
* This phenomenon is known as hypermnesia, claiming roots in psychoanalysis
* Hypnosis enhances memory - a study was done in which led the people to recall time before their first birthdays, some wonder if these memories truly happened.
* This shows how hypnosis isn’t a reliable memory aid, and why it is under scrutiny within the legal system.
Source #2: [CrashCourse]. (2014, April 7). Altered States: Crash Course Psychology #10 [Video]. Youtube.com. https://youtu.be/9PW1fwKjo-Y?si=z31mZUj_ixHloRdb
* Hypnosis is defined as a calm, trance-like state with heightened concentration and openness to suggestion
* Has empirical support and clinical uses
* Stress and anxiety management
* Weight loss and chronic pain treatment
* There are many misconceptions about hypnosis…
* It causes loss of control of behavior
* A tool for recalling deeply buried memories
* Only 20% of people are highly hypnotizable
* Many theories of hypnosis, a couple include
* SOCIAL INFLUENCE THEORY - hypnosis is an intense role-play where subjects act as ‘good subjects
* DISSACOIATION THEORY - Hypnosis involves a split consciousness, detaching from surroundings or helps in pain management by using selective attention
Source #3: Peter, B. (2024). Hypnosis in psychotherapy, psychosomatics and medicine. A brief overview. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1377900
* Hypnosis has a 250-year history in modern times.
* Divided into Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis:
* EXPERIMENTAL HYPNOSIS: Basic research into hypnosis.
* CLINICAL HYPNOSIS: Use in psychotherapy, psychosomatics, and medicine.
2.1 Hypnosis and the Unconscious
* Hypnosis involves an intra-personal state of consciousness; suggestion is inter-personal communication.
* Hypnosis as a pathway to the unconscious (Erika Fromm)
* Early use by Janet and Freud; exploration of unconscious psychodynamic conflicts
* Erickson's view: Unconscious as a source of positive resources.
2.2 Hypnosis and Cognitive Psychology
* Hypnosis aids in accessing non-verbal memories stored in episodic/procedural memory
* Facilitates change in deep-seated beliefs via associative-divergent thinking.
* Hypnosis considered a state conducive to sensory deprivation and focused attention.
2.3 Hypnosis and Imagination
* Historical debate: Is hypnosis necessary, or can imagination suffice?
* Barber's view: Hypnotic phenomena can occur without a hypnotic state.
* Imagination's role is complex in hypnosis, not all imaginative individuals are highly hypnotizable.
2.4 Hypnosis and Relaxation
* Relaxation often used in hypnosis induction.
* Hypnosis defined as creating an alternative reality through imagination.
* Differentiates voluntary imagination from hypnotic hallucination.
2.5 Is There a Special State of Hypnosis?
* Hypnosis involves conscious-unconscious dissociation.
* Erickson's view: Deep hypnosis allows unconscious functioning without conscious interference.
2.6 Hypnotizability
* Hypnotizability varies among individuals and can impact therapeutic outcomes.
* Stability of hypnotizability over a lifespan.
3. Hypnosis in Medicine
* Therapist's ability to induce hypnosis is not well-researched.
* Hypnosis used for pain management, reducing stress during procedures.
* Evidence supports hypnosis in medicine, but it remains underutilized.
3.1 Is Hypnosis Induction Necessary for Medical Applications?
* Debate over necessity of induction in medical contexts.
* Some argue patients are naturally receptive to suggestions in clinical settings.
3.2 Hypnosis and Trance
* Term "trance" often debated, particularly in English-speaking contexts.
* Trance states might be situational and context-specific.
* Hypnosis as a tool, not a standalone therapy; recognized in some regions like Germany.
* Current status: Hypnosis recognized in medicine but less so in psychotherapy.
* Potential role of virtual reality and artificial intelligence in hypnosis.
* Hypnotherapy must evolve to meet modern psychotherapeutic standards.
SOURCE #4: Hypnosis. (n.d.). Bakersfield College. https://caccl-bakers.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_gale_infotracmisc_A229530082&context=PC&vid=01CACCL_BAKERS:BAKERS&lang=en&adaptor=Primo%20Central
Gale General Onefile
* There are many reasons to which we can use hypnosis as part of treatment of PTSD.
* Hypnosis is a beneficial procedure by providing therapudic benefits throughout a care process.
* Hypnosis can help people work through or cope with truama and can help clarify their emotions
* Clinical evidence shows that hypnosis can facilitate, intensify, and shorten treatment
Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy Overview
* Widely used in mental health and medical settings.
* Categories of use include psychological and medical treatment.
Psychological Uses
* ADDICTIONS: Techniques for alcohol, drug, gambling addiction, smoking cessation, etc.
* ANXIETIES: Effective in alleviating anxiety in various disorders.
* DEPRESSION: Cognitive hypnotherapy as an effective treatment.
* DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY: Disorder (DID): Hypnotherapy endorsed as a primary treatment.
* EATING DISORDERS: Hypnotherapy effective for bulimia, anorexia.
* PTSD: Hypnosis can accelerate treatment, useful for anxiety, coping skills.
* SMOKING CESSATION: Shown to be effective, better than some other treatments.
Medical Uses
* CANCER: Assists with pain, anxiety, and enhances quality of life.
* CHILDBIRTH: Hypnosis reduces anxiety, enhances pain management.
* PAIN CONTROL: Useful for acute and chronic pain management.
* FIBROMYALGIA: Hypnosis shown to reduce pain perception.
* GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS: Effective in treating IBS, improving quality of life.
* HYPERTENSION: Hypnosis can reduce blood pressure effectively.
* IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS): Hypnotherapy improves symptoms and life quality
* SLEEP DISORDERS: Hypnosis helpful in treating insomnia, especially related to depression.
* TINNITUS: Hypnosis as an adjunct to therapy shows promise.
Pediatric Applications
* Effective in managing procedural pain and anxiety in children.
* Beneficial for chronic conditions, enhancing coping and pain management.
Palliative Care
* Hypnosis enhances quality of life in terminally ill patients.
* EFFECTIVENESS: Hypnosis often shows significant improvement in symptoms.
* MECHANISMS: Hypnosis can alter physiological responses, reduce anxiety, improve symptom control.
* CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Studies support hypnosis as a beneficial and effective complementary treatment.
Challenges and Considerations
* HYPNOTIZABILITY: Treatment success often linked to hypnotizability.
* INTEGRATION IN TREATMENT PLANS: Useful as an adjunct alongside other therapeutic approaches.
Conclusion
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy offer versatile and effective treatments across a wide array of psychological and medical conditions, with a substantial body of supporting research showing improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life
SOURCE #5: Knafo, G., & Weinberger, J. (2024). Exploring the role of conscious and unconscious processes in Hypnosis: A Theoretical review. Brain Sciences, 14(4), 374. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040374
The Role of Conscious and Unconscious Processes in Hypnosis
Introduction
* Hypnosis involves focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and enhanced suggestibility.
* Historically viewed as mystical, hypnosis remains a subject of scientific curiosity.
* Two truths about hypnosis emerged from historical views:
* 1. Existence of two states of consciousness.
* 2. Skill acquisition to influence consciousness.
Origins
* **Franz Mesmer**: Pioneered concepts of “animal magnetism” to describe fluid flow affecting health.
* **Puységur**: Introduced "somnambulism," emphasizing unconscious processes and therapist–patient rapport
Sigmund Freud
* Studied hypnosis under Charcot.
* Used hypnosis to access repressed memories, contributing to his theories on the unconscious.
* Eventually replaced hypnosis with free association.
Pathology vs. Normality
* **Charcot**: Hypnosis as a pathological state; only hysterics could be hypnotized.
* **Liébault and Bernheim**: Viewed hypnosis as a normative psychological phenomenon.
Dissociation and Neo-Dissociation
* **Hilgard’s Dissociated Control Theory**: Hypnosis divides consciousness into streams, led by an unconscious governor.
* **Bowers' Neodissociation Theory**: The unconscious can be segmented, with parts activated during hypnosis.
Neurocognitive Models
* **Massive Modularity**: Mind composed of independent modules.
* **Connectionist Model (PDP)**: Cognitive processes distributed across networks, largely unconscious.
* **Neural Reuse Theory**: Neural circuits used for multiple tasks, potentially repurposed in hypnosis.
Attribution Theory
* Explores how individuals attribute causes to events/behaviors:
* **Correspondence Bias**: Attributing behavior to personality traits.
* **Self-Serving Bias**: Attributing success to internal factors and failures to external ones.
* Highlights unconscious biases in hypnosis perceptions.
Salience and Attribution
* **Martinko and Mackey’s Attribution-Value Model**: Explores significance assigned to attributions, influenced by salience (noticeable factors).
* Cultural factors also influence attribution patterns.
Automatic vs. Controlled Attributions
* **Adaptive Experiential Theory**: Differentiates automatic (unconscious) and controlled (conscious) attributions.
The Socio-Cognitive Model
* **Spanos**: Hypnosis as a social interaction.
* Subjects adopt roles based on social conditioning and expectations.
Summary: The Unconscious as Gatekeeper
* Hypnosis showcases the interaction between conscious and unconscious processes.
* Unconscious processes regulate information flow and influence hypnotic experiences.
Future Directions
* Further exploration of the unconscious “gatekeeper” role in hypnosis and its broader implications.
* Investigate neurocognitive underpinnings and validate existing theories through empirical studies.
SOURCE #6: SciShow. (2016, November 10). Can hypnosis permanently change your brain? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWMYNTnoEyQ
Lecture on Hypnosis
Introduction
* Hypnotists often portrayed as having the power to make people act or think differently.
* **Hypnosis**: Not just a party trick; has scientific evidence supporting its existence and effects on the brain.
Historical Background
* **Franz Mesmer (1700s)**: Introduced the idea of animal magnetism to heal illnesses via trance states.
* **James Braid (Mid-1800s)**: Coined the term "hypnosis," believed trance state similar to sleep.
Modern Perspective on Hypnosis
* Considered a focused psychological state, akin to meditation.
* Clinical hypnosis involves:
* Quiet, dimly-lit environment
* Relaxation exercises
* Focused attention and relaxation, leading to increased openness to suggestion.
Psychological Theories of Hypnosis
* **Altered State Theory**: Hypnosis leads to a unique state of consciousness.
* **Non-State Theory**: Hypnosis is a role-playing situation involving intense focus and expectation.
Susceptibility to Hypnosis
* **Voluntary Process**: Requires willingness to focus and relax.
* **Hypnotizability**: Ranges from highly hypnotizable (10-15%) to resistant (20%).
* **Possible Factors**: Brain anatomy differences, specifically the size of the rostrum.
Brain Activity During Hypnosis
* **MRI & EEG Studies**:
* Increase in theta waves during hypnosis, indicating heightened attention and visualization.
* Hypnosis affects perception and attention, involving top-down processing.
Top-Down Processing and Hypnosis
* **Top-Down Processing**: Expectations influence sensory perception.
* **Stroop Test Study**:
* Demonstrated hypnosis can alter perception and brain activity.
* Highly hypnotizable individuals showed reduced conflict in tasks and different brain activation pattern.
Hypnosis in Memory and Suggestion
* **Post-Hypnotic Amnesia**: Ability to forget and remember as per hypnotic suggestion.
* Used in research for functional amnesia.
Practical Applications of Hypnosis
* Used in medical procedures to reduce pain and anxiety.
* Hypnotherapy aids in behavioral therapy for issues like smoking cessation, depression, PTSD.
Conclusion
* -mHypnosis is real but not fully understood.
* Highlights the power and malleability of the brain.
* For hypnosis to be effective, openness to suggestion is required..
SOURCE #7: Doctor V MD. (2018, September 29). HYPNOSIS EXPLAINED - Hypnotherapy with Danna Pycher | How does hypnosis work | KIENVUUMD Interviews [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWqPe3CONoI
Hypnotherapy Lecture Notes
Introduction
* Speaker: Dr. Kim
* Guest: Dana Peicher, TEDx motivational speaker, neurolinguistic and hypnotherapy coach
Dana's Journey into Hypnotherapy
* Initially skeptical about hypnotherapy
* Personal necessity due to trauma from a severe car accident
* Traditional talk therapy was ineffective
* Met a trauma therapist specializing in hypnosis
* Noticed improvements after the first session; trauma and associated conditions cleared within months
* Specializes in how trauma manifests physically in the body
Physical Manifestations of Trauma
* Traumas can manifest as various physical ailments
* Differentiates between 'big T' (major traumas) and 'little t' (minor stressors) traumas
* Stress and trauma can overload the mind, leading to fatigue and various ailments
Training and Practice in Hypnotherapy
* Requires certification, supervision, and ongoing education
* Initial training includes 600 hours and mentorship
* Continuous learning with new techniques and applications
* Past life training can influence therapeutic approaches
Misconceptions and Fears about Hypnosis
* Common fears include loss of control and manipulation
* Hypnosis is a conscious state; patients are aware and in control
* Hypnosis aims to provide understanding and healing, not just curiosity
Therapeutic Process and Benefits
* Works with both physician referrals and individual inquiries
* Typically involves 48 sessions
* Short duration due to the intensity and effectiveness of sessions
* Aims to alleviate emotional distress and elevate baseline mental health
Conditions Treated with Hypnotherapy
* Primarily used for autoimmune disorders
* Stressrelated conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, IBS, MS, etc.
* Emphasizes the role of stress and inflammation in exacerbating conditions
Finding a Hypnotherapist
* Look for someone skilled in regression techniques
* Hypnotherapy is not limited to inperson sessions; virtual options are available
* Dana offers selfguided virtual courses for chronic illness and emotional eating
Key Health Tip
* The body uses pain and symptoms to communicate issues
* Chronic issues indicate something is off
* Listen to your body to find healing opportunities
Note: Hypnotherapy aims to alleviate stress and subconscious blocks, promoting overall wellbeing.
SOURCE#8: Dr. Tracey Marks. (2021, December 15). How hypnosis really works – an option for your anxiety [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBWJfO3MnOQ
Lecture Notes: Understanding Hypnosis
Introduction to Hypnosis
* Hypnosis is often misrepresented in media as a stage trick involving a pocket watch and commands to act out behaviors.
* True hypnosis in therapy is quite different and does not involve this type of manipulation.
History of Hypnosis
* Franz Anton Mesmer: German physician who introduced the concept of 'animal magnetism' in the late 1700s.
* Believed an invisible fluid in bodies affected health.
* His ideas were initially considered quackery.
* Spawned "mesmerism" movement, where the term mesmerized originates.
* James Braid: Scottish surgeon who coined the term hypnosis and described it as a trancelike state.
Modern Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)
* Considered a complementary or alternative treatment.
* Not fully accepted as mainstream evidencebased therapy.
* Useful for treating general anxiety, phobias, and bodypicking disorders.
Mechanics of Hypnosis
* Creates an altered state of awareness, characterized by relaxation and focused attention.
* Psychological defenses are lowered allowing issues to be processed with less resistance.
* Typically done by a trained hypnotherapist, though selfhypnosis can be learned.
Stages of Hypnosis
* Induction Stage: Focus is directed using sensory modalities.
* Visual Induction: Focus on an object.
* Auditory Induction: Use sound/music to focus.
* Kinesthetic Induction: Engage in physical movements like muscle relaxation.
* Imaginal Induction: Use mental imagery, akin to daydreaming.
* Suggestion Stage: Therapist gives suggestions to the client.
* Examples include imagining heavy limbs or using posture sway techniques.
Hypnosis Goals
* Anxiety from Trauma: Allows revisiting trauma in a controlled state, aiding memory recovery and emotional processing.
* Phobias: Identifies root causes and reduces aversions to feared stimuli.
Hypnotherapy Sessions
* Session length varies; typically between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
* Posthypnotic suggestions are used to reinforce treatment, such as linking a trigger to a feeling of safety.
Understanding Dissociation
* Hypnosis involves controlled dissociation.
* Some people experience uncontrollable dissociation causing distress.
* Further resources on dealing with dissociation and related disorders were recommended.
SOURCE #9: khanacademymedicine. (2014, February 28). Hypnosis and meditation | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv_1viYhEoU
Induced States of Consciousness: Hypnosis and Meditation
Hypnosis
* Common Misconception: Hollywood often depicts hypnosis inaccurately as controlling people without their consent.
Reality:
* Hypnotist's power relies on the person's openness to suggestion.
Most people are open to some degree of suggestion.
* Example: Telling someone they are swaying can actually make them sway.
* The person must be willing; knowledge of the attempt or unwillingness negates effect.
Process:
* Involves relaxation and focus.
* Leads to more alpha waves in the brain (awake but relaxed state).
Uses and Risks:
* Memory Retrieval: Attempting to retrieve memories under hypnosis is risky and not scientific due to malleability of memory.
* Pain Management: Can help refocus attention, potentially reducing perception of pain by decreasing brain activity in areas processing sensory input while the sensory cortex remains active.
* The effectiveness depends on the belief in its efficacy.
Meditation
Types:
Guided Meditation: Focuses on specific elements like breathing or muscle relaxation.
Unfocused Meditation: Allows the mind to wander.
Brain Activity:
* Light meditation increases alpha wave activity.
* Deep meditation (achieved by experts like Tibetan monks) increases theta wave activity, similar to some sleep stages but while awake.
LongTerm Effects:
* Limited scientific studies.
* Some evidence shows increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, right hippocampus, and right anterior insula in regular practitioners.
* Suggests enhanced ability to control attention.
Implications:
* Could benefit individuals with attentionrelated disorders (e.g., ADHD) or those seeking to mitigate attentional deficits due to aging.
SOURCE #10: Kati Morton. (2018, May 14). Is Hypnotherapy FAKE therapy? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOGL2Afeh-M
Hypnotherapy Lecture Notes
Introduction
Topic: Hypnotherapy
Presenter: Not specified
What is Hypnotherapy?
* A form of psychotherapy
* Involves guiding a patient into a deep relaxation or trancelike state
* Used to help patients create desired changes in their lives
* Techniques: guided relaxation, visualizations, increased awareness
Purpose and Benefits
* Suggestion Therapy: Helps change behaviors (e.g., stop smoking, overcome test anxiety)
* Pain Management: Used for managing chronic pain
* Analysis: Explore painful roots of issues
* Example: Addressing abuse causing an eating disorder
* Followup with regular therapy sessions
Applications
* Phobias, anxiety, depression
* Sleep disorders
* PTSD, grief, and loss
* Behavioral changes (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss)
Concerns and Limitations
* Suggestive nature makes it unreliable
* Potential to create false memories
* Vulnerability to therapist's suggestions
* Not suitable for individuals with psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations)
Limited use due to these concerns
Professional Requirements
* Must be a fully educated and licensed therapist
* Additional certification or license in hypnotherapy required
* Credentials can vary by state and country
Recommendations
* Seek traditional therapy practices first
* Verify hypnotherapist's credentials and training
Ensure safe and effective treatment
Conclusion
* Hypnotherapy may help, but it is important to be informed and careful
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