This document defines hypnosis and provides an overview of its history, techniques, and applications. Hypnosis is described as an altered state of consciousness where people become deeply relaxed and highly suggestible. The history outlines early pioneers like Braid who coined the term and Mesmer who used magnetic forces. Characteristics include suggestibility, dissociation, enhanced memory, and posthypnotic suggestion. Applications include using hypnosis for pain control, treatment of issues like smoking, and controlling undesired behaviors or symptoms. The document aims to educate about hypnosis while dispelling common misconceptions.

2. Objectives
 Define hypnosis and identify common
characteristics of a hypnotic trance.
 Explain who and how one can hypnotized.
 Identify applications for hypnotherapy.
 Misconceptions
 Other forms of relaxation

3. Hypnosis
 Altered state of
consciousness in which
people become deeply
relaxed and highly
suggestible to changes
in experiences &
behaviors.

4. History of Hypnosis
 James Braid, early 1800’s, coins term hypnosis (as
deep sleep-like state).
 Clark Hull, 1920s, establishes first experimental
hypnosis lab.
 Franz Anton Mesmer, late 1700’s, cures problems
through “mesmerism” which means harnessing the
magnetic forces of the planets.

5. Hypnotic Ability
 How susceptible (capable)
a participant is to entering
a hypnotic state.
Hypnotizability

6. How is Someone Hypnotized?
 Hypnotic Induction- methods used to induce
hypnosis
Close eyes and concentrate on breathing
Fix attention on object/voice
Instant Induction

7. Characteristics of Hypnotic State
 Suggestibility
Do, think, say things as
told
 Dissociation
Separate self from
external reality
“Hypnotic
Analgesia”(Medication
that acts to relieve pain)
Subject told to conductSubject told to conduct
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8. Characteristics of Hypnotic State
 Problems that are
Enhanced by Memory or
Hypermnesia (unusual
power of memory)
Recall remote events in
great detail
Age regression
False recollections

9. Characteristics of Hypnotic State
 Posthypnotic Suggestion
Perform particular behavior
to specific cues outside of
hypnotic state
“Hypnotherapy”
Memory is temporary fix but
fades with time.

10. Characteristics of Hypnotic State
 Posthypnotic Amnesia
Subject can’t recall
events that took place
under hypnosis

11. Applications for Hypnosis
 Posthypnotic Suggestion – control undesired
symptoms/behaviors.
 Pain Control – birth, chemotherapy, dental.
 Treatment Therapy – headaches, asthma, warts, acne,
smoking, weight control, nail biting.

12. Hypnosis Activity
 No right or wrong way to be hypnotized
 Not necessary to be in a trance
 Need willingness to suspend critical thinking!
 Close eyes and pretend you’re walking up to the front
door of your home. Open the door and walk in. Walk
through your home and count the doors, all the doors
or doorways, one floor or all floors, whatever you
choose. Do so now.

13. Some Misconceptions
 You will not become unconscious and you will be
aware of everything at all times.
 Hypnotized person loses their will and is partially
or completely under the command of the hypnotist.
 Hypnosis, particularly the deeper forms, can appear
to be like sleep because the person's body is
typically very still and quiet.

14. Other Forms of Relaxation
 Progressive Relaxation
Tense and relax major muscle groups until you’re
able to relax any group at will
 Biofeedback
Voluntarily learning to control internal processes
like blood pressure, heart rate, or temperature.
Requires machines and stuff
Meditation is also a way to get relaxed.

15. References
 http://www.clipsforclass.com/consciousness.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbWuZL5wnNc
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8ujg1zScqg

16. THANK YOU….
Hope you liked this
presentation….