HypnosisA presentation on an altered form of

consciousness

Overview

What is hypnosis?Hypnosis mythsThe facts about HypnosisThe conscious controversy

What is Hypnosis?

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that is often used in “magic” shows and is a popular tool in story telling, such as television or movies. Now while it may seem like a bunch of mystical mumbo-jumbo, there is a grain of truth hidden beneath the smoke and mirrors. People can be sent into a hypnotic state that does alter the way the mind works slightly. Here are some of the finer, defining points on hypnosis.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a Trancelike state

Hypnotized people are more susceptible to the suggestions of others

Hypnosis is considered an altered state of consciousness

Hypnosis is similar to the normal waking consciousness

Hypnosis “myths”

Hypnosis “myths”

Popular entertainment would have you believe that hypnosis is some form of magic; allowing you unrestricted access to a person’s mind and even allowing you to control their every thought. The simple truth is that a lot of this is not true. There are a large number of myths about the “mystical powers” of hypnosis, but the next two slides will show that the majority of said myths are just that; myths. Here is the truth about the most popular myths.

Hypnosis “myths”

People cannot be hypnotized against their will

Hypnosis cannot be used for mind control

No one can be hypnotized into preforming a self-destructive act

You will not share any secrets while hypnotized

Hypnosis Myths

The facts about hypnosis

The facts about Hypnosis

Now, that’s not to say that hypnosis is completely fake; There are quite a few things about it that are true. Hypnosis does send the hypnotized person into a near-sleep state and opens them up to the suggestions of those nearby. Here are some of the facts that have been found across multiple sets of studies on Hypnosis.

The facts about hypnosis

Approximately 15% of people are highly susceptible to hypnosis.

Between 5% and 20% of individuals are not susceptible to hypnosis at all.

People who show a high ability to concentrate are most easily hypnotized

The facts about hypnosis

Hypnosis increases memory and the ability to recall information

Hypnosis aids in voluntary change, such as helping the hypnotized individuals quit smoking or drinking

Hypnosis has been used in a verity of therapeutic manners, including, occasionally, in Psychological appointments.

The conscious controversy

The conscious controversy

Hypnosis is not without it’s controversy though. Many arguments are made regarding whether or not the hypnotic state is an altered state of consciousness, or if it is merely a function of the waking consciousness. The controversy has lead to three different ideas behind the hypnotic state and what role it plays, as listed in the next slide.

The conscious controversy

The first theory states that the Hypnotic state has a distinctive change to the electrical impulses of the brain, making it a true altered state.

The second says that the differences are negligible, making hypnosis just a method of entering waking consciousness.

The third is a middle ground, stating hypnosis as a altered version of waking consciousness

Sources

Psychsmart by McGraw-Hill

The Cleveland Hypnosis Center’s Youtube Channel

Wikipedia