Altering Consciousness through Hypnosis, Meditation, and Biofeedback

Hypnosis

Hypnosis Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which people are highly suggestible and behave as though they are in a trance. Uses: anesthetic in dentistry, childbirth, and medical procedures reduce anxiety overcome fears lessen the perception of pain lose weight quit smoking enable witnesses of crimes to recall events

Hypnosis Traditionally, to be hypnotized, a person would focus on a small light, a spot on the wall, an object held by the hypnotist, or the hypnotist’s voice. They are told that their limbs are becoming warm, heavy, and relaxed. Also, they may be told they are becoming sleepy or falling asleep. People who are easily hypnotized are said to have hypnotic suggestibility. They are prone to fantasy and want to cooperate with the hypnotist.

Explaining Hypnosis Role theory: People who are hypnotized allow themselves to follow the hypnotist’s instructions as though they were in a trance-like state. Response set theory: When the hypnotist makes a suggestion and the subject follows the instruction, the hypnotist will respond positively. Thus, the subject is more likely to follow the directions again.

Meditation Meditation refers to various ways of focusing one’s consciousness to alter one’s relationship to the world. Thinking becomes suspended and the world “fades away.” Rituals, exercises, and passive observation are activities that are used.

Meditation Transcendental meditation involves concentrating on mantras (words or sounds that help the person achieve an altered state of consciousness) Mindfulness meditation helps clients focus on the present, not a problem

Biofeedback Biofeedback is the procedure that feeds back to an organism information about a bodily function (ie. heart rate) so that the organism can gain control of that function. Biofeedback is useful for treating depression, stress, and anxiety. It is used in sports to teach athletes how to relax muscle groups and control tension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v15OcJTjNy E America’s Talent - Special Head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9dFLXV9hs 0 Howie get hypnotized.