Is Hypnosis Good Or Bad

Hypnosis is a widely misunderstood process throughout the world. From television and other media outlets it has been given a bad name. Misrepresentations of hypnotism have made it seem like trickery, but really it does more good than bad. Hypnosis is simply a difference in the way one senses, perceives, feels, thinks, and acts while following the suggestions of someone else ( Whitbourne). It makes people malleable and open enough to do and believe things they otherwise wouldn’t consider. It makes people malleable and open enough to do and believe things they otherwise wouldn’t consider. Hypnosis is still not fully understood. On a physiological level, not much is known about hypnosis. Studies on hypnosis have focused on pain and perception

For hypnosis to take take place one has to be open to it and want it. It is much harder if someone resists it, for then they must be hypnotized into agreeing to it. It starts with suggestion, one must let go of his conscious control of behavior. This is a serious task so one must trust their hypnotist. Then comes the focusing of one’s attention. Hypnotists have explained their process as no more than the intense focusing of attention. The attention is focused on the sound of the hypnotist’s voice. For hypnosis to take place, it must be very peaceful and quiet. However, if there are other noises and distractions, the hypnotist will use a “paradoxical statement” to keep the noises from interfering with focus. Once the only thing being focused on is the hypnotist’s voice, one does not focus on their own thoughts. After “turning off” one’s own thoughts, it is easier for the hypnotist to implant the thoughts he wants. After the hypnotist secures the focus of the patient, he starts a basic relaxation exercise. The exercise involves the patient closing their eyes and “unwinding” throughout their whole body, relaxing every muscle one at a time. No thoughts should interfere with this process if the focus of attention is still on the voice of the hypnotist. Imagery is then used to help the patient relax further. The patient is to imagine they are going down a flight of stairs, escalator, elevator, or some kind of other decline. The patient

There evidence that it helps certain issues and it is becoming a standard in the treatment of them (Whitbourne). One does not have go to a special stage act to find a hypnotist, they have offices and offer private sessions like other therapists. Hypnosis is not “witchcraft” or some kind of unproven alternative medicine, it is becoming a standard pain relief method with evidence behind it (Whitbourne). Hypnotherapy can treat: anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, smoking addiction, obesity, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias (Mayo Clinic Staff) (Williams). Hypnosis has been effective in lessening chronic pain, pain during childbirth, and pain during other medical procedures. The more susceptible one is to hypnosis, the more likely these treatments are to work