2. Hypnosis!

3. Hypnosis An induced state of awareness, characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention. What do you think about hypnosis?

4. History of Hypnosis Hypnotic techniques have been used throughout history… – But Austrian physician Anton Mesmer reintroduced the idea in the late 1700s – Ben Franklin led a commission to investigate his “mesmerizing” cures. Hypnosis as we know it started in 1842

5. Can Anyone Experience Hypnosis? It depends on the subject’s level of suggestibility – About 20% of people are highly suggestible These individuals usually have rich fantasy lives and become absorbed in imaginary things such as novels or movies. – About 40% of people have a low level of suggestibility (couldn’t be hypnotized) How suggestible do you think you are?

6. The Four Steps in Hypnosis The hypnotist… – minimizes distractions & makes the person to be hypnotized comfortable – Tells the person to concentrate on something specific, such as an imagined scene or the ticking of a watch. – Informs the person of what to expect in the hypnotic state, such as relaxation or a pleasant floating sensation – Suggests certain events or feelings he or she knows will occur such as, “Your eyes are getting tired.” When the suggested effects occur, the person being hypnotized is convinced that hypnosis is really happening, which makes the person even more suggestible!

7. Can hypnosis make you do things against your will or remember long forgotten events? Answer to both questions is NO. – People who are hypnotized are not any more likely than someone who is not hypnotized to perform a specific action. – Researchers found that “hypnotically refreshed” memories combine fact with fiction – Most courts in the U.S. do not allow evidence if it is gained when someone is under hypnosis

8. Is hypnosis an altered state of consciousness? Experts cannot agree – Some believe it is a distinct state, separate from sleep or waking Results in dissociation from consciousness—proven by brain scans of an individual under hypnosis “seeing” something that’s really not there. (Also with ice cold water & pain)

9. Is hypnosis an altered state of consciousness? – Others believe it is just a heightened state of motivation with focused attention – Finally, some believe people are just being “good subjects” (obedience)

11. Therapeutic benefits to hypnosis? Posthypnotic suggestions – Suggestion made under hypnosis to be carried out by the subject after the session Stop smoking Alleviate Pain Overcome phobias Overcome stress