Hypnosis is a complementary tool in various health fields. We’ve discussed hypnosis in dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, and medicine on the blog. 

Although hypnosis was initially linked to scientific research by psychiatrists and psychologists, it’s common for people in this field to still not know the benefits of using hypnosis and end up falling for some myths. 

Therefore, in this article, we will discuss hypnosis in psychology and show its regulations and clinical benefits. Check it out!

The first hypnosis research

Hypnosis began to be scientifically studied only in the 19th century by James Braid, who wrote the book Neurohypnology studying sleep phenomena. Later, Jean Martin Charcot began using hypnosis as a study object for curing hysteria. As Freud worked in the same place as Charcot, he was influenced by this idea and also began to study hypnosis for a while.

Freud even produced a book known as the study of hysteria, together with Josef Breuer. Despite the differences between Freud and Breuer, both managed to cure the patient Anna of her mental disorders with the “talking cure” (an expression used by the patient herself).

Later on, Freud distanced himself from hypnosis and pursued his career in psychoanalysis. Thus, we can didactically divide hypnosis into 3 types: direct, indirect, and Ericksonian.

Schultz was responsible for developing a more direct method with hypnosis, characterized by dynamic stimulation, and the static trance occurs due to sensory center fatigue.

Meanwhile, Erickson brought a revolution in hypnosis by having more personalized methods with direct and indirect suggestions that adapt to the subject to better induce them into a hypnotic trance. He used stories, metaphors, anecdotes, as it involves learning together with the client.

The recognition of hypnosis in Brazil

According to the RESOLUTION CFP N.º 013/00 OF DECEMBER 20, 2000, 

“CONSIDERING the historical value of the use of Hypnosis as an auxiliary resource technique in the psychologist’s work and;

CONSIDERING the technical possibilities from a therapeutic point of view as an adjuvant resource and;

CONSIDERING the advancement of Hypnosis, such as the Ericksonian School in the psychological field, of practical application and scientific value and;

CONSIDERING that Hypnosis is recognized in the health field, as a technical resource capable of contributing to the resolution of physical and psychological problems and;

CONSIDERING Hypnosis to be recognized by the International and National Scientific Community as a field of training and practice for psychologists, RESOLVES:

Art. 1º – The use of Hypnosis is included as an auxiliary work resource for the psychologist, when necessary, within ethical standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of the person attended;

Art. 2º – The psychologist may resort to Hypnosis, within their field of activity, provided they can prove adequate training, according to the provisions of item “a” of article 1 of the Psychologist’s Professional Code of Ethics.

Art. 3º – It is forbidden for the psychologist to use Hypnosis as a mere demonstration tool or of a sensationalist nature or that creates embarrassing situations for people undergoing the hypnotic process.

Art. 4° – This Resolution comes into force on the date of its publication.

Art. 5° – Provisions to the contrary are revoked.”

The benefits of hypnosis for the psychologist

There are still many myths in people’s minds about what hypnosis is and what it can provide. The main myths are:

• hypnosis will force you to do what you don’t want;
• hypnosis only works with those who are weak;
• hypnosis doesn’t work with skeptics;
• hypnosis leaves you trapped and you may never get out;
• hypnosis makes you reveal your secrets forcefully;
• hypnosis is religion or mysticism;
• hypnosis makes you lose consciousness;
• hypnosis will embarrass you;
• hypnosis will solve all problems with regression;
• hypnosis is what you imagine it to be;

This entire list consists of myths that end up distancing people from what hypnosis truly is.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), with small considerations from the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), hypnosis can be defined as a state of consciousness [intentionally induced] involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. In this state, the subject is led to experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior [goal-oriented]. 

This definition of hypnosis is the basis for all our actions, content, training, institutional mission, vision, and company values, as a society of health professionals using hypnosis in their work ethically, scientifically, and with excellence.

From this definition, it is worth listing some of the many benefits of hypnosis for patients. See the main ones below:

• control of chronic pain;
• combat fear, anxiety, and panic;
• combat drug addictions;
• combat insomnia;
• help with concentration;
• assist with weight loss;

The psychologist trained to be a hypnotherapist can provide patients with complementary treatment. In the case of a patient with anxiety crisis problems, hypnosis in psychology can provide this person with techniques to relax during consultations and be more open to suggestions.

Furthermore, these techniques can be taught for the patient to use self-hypnosis in their routine, especially if a crisis arises outside appointment hours. Depending on the cases, simply providing an audio that induces the patient into a hypnotic state with the aim of relaxation may be enough to help in moments of crisis.

In extreme cases, hypnosis may not be sufficient due to the intensity of the crisis the patient is experiencing and may be unable to apply it alone. Still, through hypnosis, the professional can delve into the client’s problems and use suggestions to lead the patient to situations that sometimes trigger anxiety crises.

Therefore, hypnosis in psychology can be a professional differentiator for the individual willing to expand their knowledge and applications in their clinical practice. Moreover, the patients of this professional end up receiving a differentiated treatment that, depending on the patient’s anamnesis, may not require medication support.

If you’re interested in becoming a hypnotherapist, check out our in-person courses being held throughout Brazil and be ready to apply the knowledge in just a few days.

Originally posted 2021-11-05 14:52:15.