The hypnotic experience

The hypnotic experience Some people can go into hypnosis within a few seconds or minutes. Others cannot be hypnotized easily.

There are various levels of hypnosis. For example, with light hypnosis, the person becomes rested and follows simple directions easily. In deep hypnosis, complete anaesthesia may be experienced.

In the treatment of medical or psychological problems, the level of hypnosis is not usually related to the effectiveness of treatment. Inducing hypnosis in another person can be achieved through several techniques. Perhaps the best-known techniques use direct commands.

These commands consist of simple suggestions repeated continuously in much the same tone of voice. The hypnotist instructs the subject to focus his or her attention on an object or fixed point, such as a spot on the ceiling. Then the hypnotist tells the subject to relax, breathe deeply, and allow the eyelids to grow heavy and to close. Many professionals use verbal and nonverbal techniques known as indirect inductions. Such procedures usually omit the use of a focal object. The subject responds to a story or a mental puzzle presented by the hypnotist.

The hypnotist does not tell the patient to relax or to close the eyes. Instead, the hypnotist suggests these actions indirectly through the story or puzzle. The hypnosis treatment remains much the same. Some hypnotists give their subjects a challenge suggestion to test for hypnosis.
For example, the hypnotist may say, "You will have difficulty moving your right hand.
" The person may then find the movement difficult or impossible to perform. Such tests do not necessarily indicate a hypnotic state.

They may merely demonstrate a person's response to suggestion. Historically, various drugs occasionally have been used to help induce hypnosis. However, drugs and special tools or other gimmicks are rarely necessary for inducing hypnosis. Most professionals do not make use of them.