What is Hypnosis?

What is Hypnosis? When emerging from their first hypnotic trance, the commonest reaction is the subject claiming that they were not hypnotisedat all. This arises because of a misconception of what a hypnotic trance actually is. In hypnosis, the subject is still aware, but in an altered state of awareness. A trance is unique to the individual involved but there are several characteristics a hypnotic subject may experience. It would be very unusual for someone to experience all of these but a list of the commonest follows.

i. Sensory Awareness Feelings may be more forcible or numbed; sounds may seem louder, more sharp or quieter.

ii. Fixation - The subject becomes fascinated by an idea, an image, the sound of their heartbeat or breathing.

iii. Distortion of Time - It is common for an hour spent in hypnotic trance to seem much shorter, perhaps like just a few minutes.

iv. Logic - Rather like in the dreaming state, situations and environments which in the waking state would seem bizarre, appear entirely logical.

v. Amnesia - It is unusual for a subject to remember clearly what happened during the trance state. Recall is likely to be disordered and lacking in detail.