HYPNOTHERAPY: AN OVERVIEW Dr. Rakesh Jain Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra

Glimpses of History The modern era of hypnosis began with the work of Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), an Austrian Physician. He developed the theory of ‘Animal Magnetism’

King Louis XVI in 1784 appointed two commissions to investigate mesmerism. Both the commissions disapproved it, which led to its decline. John Elliotson (1791-1868), Professor of Medicine at Lodon University and President of Royal Medical and Surgical Society used mesmerism in the treatment of medical and nervous disorders.

James Esdaile (1808-1859) A Scottish Surgeon working for East India Company at Calcutta, performed several thousand minor and three hundred major surgeries under mesmerism.

Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) The Founder of Homoeopathy endorsed the powerful effects of mesmerism in restoring vital force of the patients (Para 288-289 of Organon of Medicine)

James Braid (1795-1860) A surgeon of Manchester scientifically studied the phenomena and in 1843 coined the term ‘hypnotism’ (from Greek hypnos – sleep).

Nancy School of Hypnosis A.A.Liebeault (1823-1904) and Hippolyte Bernheim (1837-1919) established Nancy school of hypnosis in France. They are accredited for proposing psychological explanation i.e. ‘suggestibility’ for hypnosis. Leibeault Bernheim

Jean Martin Charcot (1825-1893) Professor of Neurology established ‘Salpetriere School’ of hypnosis in France. He considered hypnosis as a pathological manifestation of hysteria.

Joseph Breuer (1841-1925) and Sigmund Freud (1856-1839) used hypnosis to treat hysterical patients. While working with Anna O’, they first time formulated the theory of unconscious determinant of psychological problems. Freud abandoned hypnosis in favor of free association and developed psychoanalysis. The growth of hypnosis was blocked.

Clark L.Hull: The Learning Theorist The interest in hypnosis was revived by Clark L.Hull. He published a book in 1933 titled “Hypnosis and suggestibility: An experimental approach” which rekindled interest in hypnosis. Because of some legal problems and myths Hull had to close down his laboratory and take up his work on learning.

Milton H. Erickson: 20th Century Giant An American psychiatrist and psychologist, and ‘father of modern hypnosis’, learned from Clark L. Hull and developed numerous innovative induction methods. His approaches are known as Ericksonian Hypnosis

Hypnosis Recognized: British Medical Association recognized hypnosis in 1955 as a legitimate tool for therapy. American Medical Association recognised it in 1958. Division-30 of American Psychological Association is devoted to the investigation and application of hypnosis in clinical and other areas.

Dispelling Myths Total Loss of Awareness Sleep Hypnotic Mind Control Fail to Exit Indication of Weak Mind Hypnosis vs. Hypnotherapy Magic Cure Requirement of Deep Hypnotic Trance Sadhna Vomiting Dark Secrets Power of Hypnotizing True Events in Deep Trance

Meaning of Hypnosis An altered state of awareness Heightened focal concentration

Hypnotizability A trait which is at peak in late childhood and gradually decreases throughout adulthood. Hypnotizability Scales: Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale Hypnotic Induction Profile Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale

Pre-hypnotic Preparation and Explanations: Case history Handling myths Tests of suggestibility Space requirements Sudden noise Direct source of light Mobile in silence mode Mosquito repellent

Assessment of Suggestibility Lemon Test Gun Test Pencil drop test Book & Balloon Rubber Band Hairs on palm

Induction Methods Relaxation

Eye Fixation

Other Methods: Arm Levitation Pendulum Method Sleep Command Microscopic Examination Rubber Band

Stage Techniques

Deepening Techniques Sky Park Staircase Counting Shrinking Elevator

Tests of Hypnosis Arons Master Depth Rule

Models of Hypnotherapy: Direct Suggestion Model Joseph Murphy Model Age Regression Life Regression Life Progression LBL Integration of CBT

Utilization of Hypnosis Relaxation Post-hypnotic suggestions Cognitive restructuring Behavioral intervention Age regression Life regression/progression

Indications of Hypnosis Insomnia Anxiety Phobia Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Dissociative Disorder Conversion Disorder Pain Disorders Substance Use Disorders

Termination of Hypnosis Reversal of the phenomena induced under hypnosis Counting Allowing some time for difficult termination Option to sleep for 30 seconds

Complications: Dizziness Headache Abreaction Irritability Heaviness Weakness

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