UNDERSTANDING HYPNOSIS
Phillip L. Blansett, Ph.D., L.P.C., NBCDCH (Diplomate)
Understanding Hypnosis. Hypnosis is a method of communication that induces a trance or trance-like state. Hypnosis can be conducted by one individual addressing another individual or a group, or it can be induced by oneself (self-hypnosis). Trance is a naturally occurring state when your attention is narrowly focused and relatively free of distractions. Your attention may be focused either internally (on internal self-talk, visual images, or both) or externally (on a task, a book, a movie, etc.). the focus of attention is so narrow that other stimuli in the environment are ignored or blocked out of conscious awareness for a time. During trance, habitual behaviors may be performed without conscious awareness (i.e., the behavior is performed without mental effort). Examples of common trance states are daydreaming, meditation or being involved in a really good book or movie.
As an adjunct to psychotherapy, hypnosis can help you enter a relaxed and comfortable mental state for the purpose of obtaining specific therapeutic outcomes. Utilizing hypnosis, your therapist can make suggestions designed to help you formulate specific internal processes (feelings, memories, images and internal self-talk) that will lead to worthwhile outcomes you mutually agree upon.
In general, hypnotic suggestions can influence behavior when the listener A. has had any and all concerns about hypnosis addressed B. is receptive and open to the suggestions C. Experiences visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic representations of the suggestions. D. anticipates and envisions that these suggestions will result in future beneficial outcomes. These four criteria are facilitated through the use of “hypnotic language patterns.” Hypnotic language patterns include: guided visualization, stories, guided memories, analogies, ambiguous words or phrases, repetition, and statements about association, meaning, and cause-effect.
Myths and Misconceptions about Hypnosis. Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing. People change their minds and actions throughout their lives. When change occurs as a result of exposure to specific information, it is because this information has been presented through persuasion and influence. A hypnotherapist uses communicative methods of persuasion and influence. Advertisers, marketing personnel, teachers, politicians, lawyers, entertainers, parents, and ministers all use communicative methods of persuasion and influence. You are not immobilized during trance. You can adjust your position, scratch, sneeze, or cough. You can open your eyes and bring yourself out of trance anytime you wish. During trance, you can still hear sounds around you such as a phone ringing, but you do not have to pay attention to outside sounds if you do not want. You can alert yourself and respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain as oriented to the here and now as you want to be.
Trance is not sleep, although some people get so relaxed in trance that they may fall asleep. This is all right because some part of the mind continues to listen to the voice of the hypnotherapists. Experience has shown that sleeping clients can still follow instructions such as moving a finger, taking a deep breath, or awakening themselves when they are told to do so.
There is no “right” way to experience trance. One person may experience it as a deep, heavy, restful feeling, while another may experience it as a light floating sensation. Some people hear every word spoken by the hypnotherapists, while others allow their minds to drift into other thoughts. Some experience vivid imagery, while others do not. Some people remember the suggestions they hear and some do not remember. Every person’s experience of hypnosis is unique.
Hypnosis cannot cause anyone to do something against his or her will or that contradicts his or her values. First, you are working with an NBCCH certified hypnotherapists who is ethically bound to do only those things which are in your best interest. Your therapist makes only those suggestions that support beneficial outcomes which you have agreed to. Second, you would not be receptive to suggestions that go against your morals or values, because receptivity is one of the ingredients of success in hypnosis. Remember: Even with hypnosis, it may still be necessary for you to do some conscientious planning and research about the types of changes you want to achieve in therapy. Hypnosis cannot solve every problem. You must still take action to get results. Hypnosis is not a cure-all. Although it is an effective treatment modality in many cases, there is no guarantee that hypnosis will work for you.
Risks and Precautions. Hypnosis carries very few risks. Hypnosis may be contraindicated for individuals with certain medical problems, or who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, or who are delusional or hallucinating. Hypnosis should not be used for physical problems such as pain, unless the client has first consulted a physician to determine its underlying physical cause and is treating the cause in a medically appropriate way. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical care. If you think you might have one of these situations, please discuss it with your therapist.
Hypnosis is often requested for the purpose of uncovering childhood memories. Sometimes hypnosis will not work in this regard. When memories do surface, the client may have “false memory” and there is no guarantee that retrieved memories are accurate or based on reality. Memories may be uncomfortable and distressing or delightful and refreshing or anything in between.
On rare occasions, after trance work, you may feel somewhat groggy or disoriented. Your therapist depends on you to tell how you feel afterwards. Your therapist can work together with you to make sure that you are fully alert and energized sufficiently to continue the day’s work. In very rare cases, after an hypnotic session, you may experience mildly disturbing thoughts or feelings. If this happens, you should call your therapist immediately to schedule a follow-up session.
Applications of Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis has many applications in therapeutic settings. Among them are: building confidence and overcoming fears, treating phobias and anxiety, sleep disorders and disturbances, interpersonal problems, depression, sexual difficulties and psychosomatic complaints. Other applications include post trauma relief, pain management, stress management, habit control, improving performance in academics and athletics, help with life transitions, preparation for medical procedures, and removing blocks to motivation and creativity.
Credentialing of Hypnotherapists. Dr. Phillip Blansett is a National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). NBCCH is a designation given to a licensed mental health professional who has obtained specialized training and experience in the use of clinical hypnosis and has submitted credentials, including letters of reference, for review and approval. The review process culminated in 1994 in the awarding of a certificate as a National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. In April 2000, after further post-certification training, experience and review, the NBCCH bestowed on Dr. Blansett the title of NBCDCH - National Board Certified Diplomate Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Consent to treatment. My signature below indicates that I have read and understand this paper on Understanding Hypnosis which is printed on both sides. Furthermore, I have had opportunity to ask questions about hypnosis, and have been given a copy of this paper to keep.
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PHILLIP L. BLANSETT, Ph.D.
COUNSELING AND CONSULTATION ASSOCIATES
1621 Eagle Trace Drive
Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37122
(615) 758-7568
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Patient Responsibilities and Agreement
1. You have voluntarily agreed to participate in this Stop Smoking Procedure, and have asked us to provide support and help in your endeavor. You agree, and we instruct that you must follow these instructions to the letter, without deviating from them for any reason.
2. Dr. Blansett may add to this instruction set at any time up to 30 days from the date of your initial appointment.
3. You most likely will decide to stop smoking entirely, today. It is, however, your choice as to exactly WHEN, today, you stop. If, during these 30 days you feel you simply must have a cigarette, beyond today, we remind you of your declared determination to stop smoking forever. We will provide support for you to help you get past that plateau, but you must, and you agree that you will, take the specific steps outlined here. A) You agree that you will not yield to smoking until you have called and left a message requesting written instructions regarding the Aversive Therapy phase of our Smoking Cessation Program, and until you have received those instructions by mail. B) You agree not to borrow or “bum” a cigarette from anyone, or to smoke any cigarettes currently in your possession, or that you “find” or that are “given” to you. C) You agree that if you do relapse in your commitment to stop smoking you will call for an appointment to occur within the third week following the initial session, that you will attend that session, and that you will not smoke a cigarette other that as permitted in the relapse instructions you will have requested and that will have been mailed to you upon your request. It is our preference, and, as indicated by your signature, your preference and commitment, however, that you never choose to employ this aversive therapy provision, and that you leave our office today committed to never smoke another cigarette again.
4. You agree, and are advised by our mutual agreement, that if you do not make an appointment for a three-week follow up visit, and keep that appointment, or if you smoke a cigarette other than as described in our relapse instructions, it is mutually understood that you have resigned from the no-smoking procedure and forfeit any claim to a refund in any amount.
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Counseling and Consultation Associates
Phillip L. Blansett, Ph.D.
State of Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor
1621 Eagle Trace Drive
Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37122
(615) 758-7568