October 30, 2022 • 11 mins
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(00:00):
Chapter twelve, The Nature of hypnosis. Although the nature and phenomena of hypnosis
are still incompletely understood, there area multitude of theories which attempt to explain
its mechanism and results. The mostthat can be done at this time is
to explore various views which are heldby leading authorities. At present. It
(00:23):
can be said, however, thata majority of authorities agree that hypnosis ensues
as a result of natural laws whichhave been incorporated in the human organism since
the beginning of man, as heis to day. The older theories show
almost as much disparity as to day. But for the purposes of history,
it is probably necessary to enumerate onlythe animal magnetism of Frederick Anton Mesmer and
(00:49):
a mention of the hysteria syndrome byJean Martin Charcott. Both names loom large
in the history of hypnosis. Mesmer, an eighteenth century physician, believed that
hypnosis occurred as a result of vitalfluids drawn from a magnet or lotus stone,
and which drew their unique qualities fromthe sun, moon and stars.
(01:11):
Charcott, as well as Pierre Janetand others, was convinced that hypnosis was
a form of hysteria, and thatonly hysterics could be hypnotized. The former
Mesmer thought further that metal became imbuedby the solar qualities, and his system
is also known as metology, bywhich he meant the proper application of metals
(01:34):
naturally. These theories have been largelyabandoned today, although there are still a
few who think that hypnosis is aform of hysteria. Some pioneers, notably
doctor William S. Kroger, apsychiatrically oriented obstetrician and gynecologist who limits his
practice to hypnotherapy, believes hypnosis isa conviction phenomenon which produces results that parallel
(02:00):
the phenomena produced at lords and otherreligious healing shrines. His formula is that
faith, hope, belief, andexpectation, all catalyzed by the imagination,
lead inevitably to hypnosis. He,like a Meo Kuay before him, is
convinced that you cannot will yourself tobe hypnotized, and that whenever the will
(02:21):
and the imagination come into conflict,the imagination will win out. This fits
in perfectly, of course, withthe authors already discussed visual imagery techniques,
which require a high degree of imagination. Doctor Kroger, like a few others,
has proved to his own satisfaction thatall hypnotic phenomena can be produced at
(02:43):
a non hypnotic level. A largenumber of hypnotists, including the author,
has come to believe that hypnosis isa semantic problem in which words are the
building blocks to success. Not justany words, but words which ring a
bell or tapped the experiential background ofthe subject. This is why sleep continues
(03:05):
to be in the lexicon of thehypnotist, even though hypnosis is the antithesis
of sleep. The word is usedbecause hypnosis superficially resembles sleep inasmuch as the
eyes usually are closed, the bodyand a posture of complete relaxation actually the
mind is hyperacute. Pavlov, however, believed that there was an analogy between
(03:28):
sleep and hypnosis in that each involvescerebral inhibition. Words, of course,
would be of little use without theadded effect of his condition reflexology. Probably
the most widely held theory is thathypnosis is a transference phenomenon in which the
prestige of the hypnotist and his relationshipto the subject play an important role.
(03:52):
This theory is bolstered by the factthat all schools of psychotherapy yield approximately the
same results, even though the methodsdiffer. This would logically indicate that the
relationship between the therapist and the subjectwas the determining factor. The only trouble
with this theory is that it doesnot explain self hypnosis. On the other
(04:12):
hand, we know that a stronginterpersonal relationship is necessary for hypnosis. In
the opening chapter of the book,I explain that hypnosis was a state of
heightened suggestion and which the subject adoptedan uncritical attitude, allowing him to accept
suggestions and to take appropriate action.This is excellent as far as it goes,
(04:33):
but it does not explain how suggestionworks. This is the crux of
the hypnotic dilemma, and the answeris far from solved. Hypnotists are much
like those who use electricity every dayof their lives, but have no idea
of the nature of electricity. Itis enough for them to know it has
been harnessed for their use. Ifthere is one thing virtually certain about hypnosis,
(04:57):
it is that some parts of thebrain are inhibited and other parts expanded
by the process. Pinpoint concentration isgiven as the reason for this selective procedure,
which narrows the horizon of the subjectto what the hypnotist or he himself
is saying, screening out all otherstimuli. But why is this high order
(05:17):
of concentration so easy under hypnosis whenAsians, notably the Chinese, have been
trying for centuries to concentrate on onesubject for as long as four or five
seconds. We do not know themechanics of this metamorphis of an ordinary brain
into an organ of concentrated power.According to Janet, this is accomplished through
(05:39):
the formation of a group of unconsciousmemories and activities which takes over the usual
stream of consciousness type of thinking.It is implied that the process may be
atavistic. One of the newer theories, one held by doctor Lewis R.
Wohlberg, a psychoanalyst, is thathypnosis is a psychosomatic process and that it
(06:00):
is both physiological and psychological in character. Physiologically, Woolberg believes that hypnosis represents
an inhibition of the higher cortical centersand a limitation of sensory channels, such
as takes place in sleep. Healso believes that the psychological process operates through
(06:20):
transference. Others agree that it isa transference process, but that it is
more of an extension of the subject'sown psychic processes, which is enlarged to
include the voice of the hypnotist orhis own thoughts or voice. Incidentally,
an excellent book along these theoretical linesis Hypnotism An Objective Study and Suggestibility by
(06:45):
Andre M. Weitzenhoffer, PhD.The newest theory in the field is a
particular interest to those reading this bookinasmuch as it postulates that all hypnosis is
self hypnosis, that the patient alwayshypnotizes him self, and that it is
a wise hypnotist who knows who ishypnotizing whom. This is a logical conclusion
(07:05):
and it disperses any ideas that hypnoticpatients become dependent on their therapists. Actually,
hypnotists today always teach their subject selfhypnosis so that any chance of dependency
is obliviated. Milton V. Kline, professor of psychology at Long Island University,
(07:26):
postulates that hypnosis is primarily retrogressive.He has written that the organism functions
differently on various levels of behavior regression, and that the behavior breaks down into
component parts. The theory that regressioncan spotlight personality disorders found in more infantile
states is also widely held. Heis also a proponent of the idea that
(07:49):
hypnosis is an abnormal manifestation of anormal process. In opinion he shares with
many. Doctor Kleine thinks that retrogressionand regression alter perceptions and feelings, and,
in the case of the latter,causes us to go backward in time
to a point where re education maybe employed. This is a legitimate use
(08:11):
of regression, although it is notused so much these days to uncover past
traumatic incidents. Actually, regression,by duplicating the exact earlier age, manner
of speech, and thought, etcetera, makes us once more as little
children, a condition to be desiredfor certain forms of therapy. An atavistic
theory held to some extent by doctorJerome M. Schneck, Clinical Associate Professor
(08:37):
of Psychiatry, State University of NewYork College of Medicine, is that hypnosis
should be equated with states of immobilizationon the basis of his observation that some
subjects equate hypnosis with death. Hesuggests that it is comparable to the death
faint of animals to avoid danger.Others, primarily Europeans, have pointed out
(09:00):
the analogy between the hypnotic state ofanimals and man. Another widely held theory
is that hypnosis is a state ofdissociation, meaning that it constitutes a group
of unconscious memories and activities which maybe dredged up to replace the stream of
consciousness. Automatism, of course,is inherently part of this view, and
is presumed to negate volition. Activityof the cerebrum, which controls the conscious
(09:26):
and voluntary system is rendered non operational. My own thoughts on the matter are
that hypnosis results from, first ofall, a good transference, secondly from
a conditioned reflex, thirdly from theperson acting as a hypnotized person role playing,
(09:46):
and fourthly from a suspension of thecritical faculties. Along the last name
line, I believe that hypnotic suggestionshave an autonomy of their own which supersede
all else in the hypnotics situation.There are many more theories I believe are
partially correct, but the ones namedwill do for the purposes of this volume.
(10:07):
Incidentally, all the hypnosis theories presentedhere are equally applicable to self hypnosis,
except where as in transference it isobvious a therapist is needed. In
conclusion, the author would like totake issue with those who believe that it
is the monotonous intonations of the therapistthat cause the subject to lapse from the
(10:31):
deeply relaxed state into true sleep.I have observed many times, by comparing
verbalization with silence, that the formergives the subject's mind a focal point of
attention which prevents him from entering adeep state where hypnotherapy is impossible, Like
the man who cannot sleep because ofan active mind. Sleep in mere thoughts
(10:52):
and suggestions are incompatible, and Ibelieve, once a hypnotic state has been
attained, that the subject is keptto wake unless definite sleep suggestions are given
by the therapist's series of suggestions.We have discussed the effect of the experiential
background at length, and surely nothingconnotates sleep more than closing one's eyes test
(11:15):
number one. And so, inmy view, you are doing two things
when you talk to the subject.You are giving him helpful suggestions, but
you are also keeping him awake andhyper acute, so that these suggestions will
sink. In end of chapter twelve,
Chapter twelve, The Nature of hypnosis. Although the nature and phenomena of hypnosis
are still incompletely understood, there area multitude of theories which attempt to explain
its mechanism and results. The mostthat can be done at this time is
to explore various views which are heldby leading authorities. At present. It
(00:23):
can be said, however, thata majority of authorities agree that hypnosis ensues
as a result of natural laws whichhave been incorporated in the human organism since
the beginning of man, as heis to day. The older theories show
almost as much disparity as to day. But for the purposes of history,
it is probably necessary to enumerate onlythe animal magnetism of Frederick Anton Mesmer and
(00:49):
a mention of the hysteria syndrome byJean Martin Charcott. Both names loom large
in the history of hypnosis. Mesmer, an eighteenth century physician, believed that
hypnosis occurred as a result of vitalfluids drawn from a magnet or lotus stone,
and which drew their unique qualities fromthe sun, moon and stars.
(01:11):
Charcott, as well as Pierre Janetand others, was convinced that hypnosis was
a form of hysteria, and thatonly hysterics could be hypnotized. The former
Mesmer thought further that metal became imbuedby the solar qualities, and his system
is also known as metology, bywhich he meant the proper application of metals
(01:34):
naturally. These theories have been largelyabandoned today, although there are still a
few who think that hypnosis is aform of hysteria. Some pioneers, notably
doctor William S. Kroger, apsychiatrically oriented obstetrician and gynecologist who limits his
practice to hypnotherapy, believes hypnosis isa conviction phenomenon which produces results that parallel
(02:00):
the phenomena produced at lords and otherreligious healing shrines. His formula is that
faith, hope, belief, andexpectation, all catalyzed by the imagination,
lead inevitably to hypnosis. He,like a Meo Kuay before him, is
convinced that you cannot will yourself tobe hypnotized, and that whenever the will
(02:21):
and the imagination come into conflict,the imagination will win out. This fits
in perfectly, of course, withthe authors already discussed visual imagery techniques,
which require a high degree of imagination. Doctor Kroger, like a few others,
has proved to his own satisfaction thatall hypnotic phenomena can be produced at
(02:43):
a non hypnotic level. A largenumber of hypnotists, including the author,
has come to believe that hypnosis isa semantic problem in which words are the
building blocks to success. Not justany words, but words which ring a
bell or tapped the experiential background ofthe subject. This is why sleep continues
(03:05):
to be in the lexicon of thehypnotist, even though hypnosis is the antithesis
of sleep. The word is usedbecause hypnosis superficially resembles sleep inasmuch as the
eyes usually are closed, the bodyand a posture of complete relaxation actually the
mind is hyperacute. Pavlov, however, believed that there was an analogy between
(03:28):
sleep and hypnosis in that each involvescerebral inhibition. Words, of course,
would be of little use without theadded effect of his condition reflexology. Probably
the most widely held theory is thathypnosis is a transference phenomenon in which the
prestige of the hypnotist and his relationshipto the subject play an important role.
(03:52):
This theory is bolstered by the factthat all schools of psychotherapy yield approximately the
same results, even though the methodsdiffer. This would logically indicate that the
relationship between the therapist and the subjectwas the determining factor. The only trouble
with this theory is that it doesnot explain self hypnosis. On the other
(04:12):
hand, we know that a stronginterpersonal relationship is necessary for hypnosis. In
the opening chapter of the book,I explain that hypnosis was a state of
heightened suggestion and which the subject adoptedan uncritical attitude, allowing him to accept
suggestions and to take appropriate action.This is excellent as far as it goes,
(04:33):
but it does not explain how suggestionworks. This is the crux of
the hypnotic dilemma, and the answeris far from solved. Hypnotists are much
like those who use electricity every dayof their lives, but have no idea
of the nature of electricity. Itis enough for them to know it has
been harnessed for their use. Ifthere is one thing virtually certain about hypnosis,
(04:57):
it is that some parts of thebrain are inhibited and other parts expanded
by the process. Pinpoint concentration isgiven as the reason for this selective procedure,
which narrows the horizon of the subjectto what the hypnotist or he himself
is saying, screening out all otherstimuli. But why is this high order
(05:17):
of concentration so easy under hypnosis whenAsians, notably the Chinese, have been
trying for centuries to concentrate on onesubject for as long as four or five
seconds. We do not know themechanics of this metamorphis of an ordinary brain
into an organ of concentrated power.According to Janet, this is accomplished through
(05:39):
the formation of a group of unconsciousmemories and activities which takes over the usual
stream of consciousness type of thinking.It is implied that the process may be
atavistic. One of the newer theories, one held by doctor Lewis R.
Wohlberg, a psychoanalyst, is thathypnosis is a psychosomatic process and that it
(06:00):
is both physiological and psychological in character. Physiologically, Woolberg believes that hypnosis represents
an inhibition of the higher cortical centersand a limitation of sensory channels, such
as takes place in sleep. Healso believes that the psychological process operates through
(06:20):
transference. Others agree that it isa transference process, but that it is
more of an extension of the subject'sown psychic processes, which is enlarged to
include the voice of the hypnotist orhis own thoughts or voice. Incidentally,
an excellent book along these theoretical linesis Hypnotism An Objective Study and Suggestibility by
(06:45):
Andre M. Weitzenhoffer, PhD.The newest theory in the field is a
particular interest to those reading this bookinasmuch as it postulates that all hypnosis is
self hypnosis, that the patient alwayshypnotizes him self, and that it is
a wise hypnotist who knows who ishypnotizing whom. This is a logical conclusion
(07:05):
and it disperses any ideas that hypnoticpatients become dependent on their therapists. Actually,
hypnotists today always teach their subject selfhypnosis so that any chance of dependency
is obliviated. Milton V. Kline, professor of psychology at Long Island University,
(07:26):
postulates that hypnosis is primarily retrogressive.He has written that the organism functions
differently on various levels of behavior regression, and that the behavior breaks down into
component parts. The theory that regressioncan spotlight personality disorders found in more infantile
states is also widely held. Heis also a proponent of the idea that
(07:49):
hypnosis is an abnormal manifestation of anormal process. In opinion he shares with
many. Doctor Kleine thinks that retrogressionand regression alter perceptions and feelings, and,
in the case of the latter,causes us to go backward in time
to a point where re education maybe employed. This is a legitimate use
(08:11):
of regression, although it is notused so much these days to uncover past
traumatic incidents. Actually, regression,by duplicating the exact earlier age, manner
of speech, and thought, etcetera, makes us once more as little
children, a condition to be desiredfor certain forms of therapy. An atavistic
theory held to some extent by doctorJerome M. Schneck, Clinical Associate Professor
(08:37):
of Psychiatry, State University of NewYork College of Medicine, is that hypnosis
should be equated with states of immobilizationon the basis of his observation that some
subjects equate hypnosis with death. Hesuggests that it is comparable to the death
faint of animals to avoid danger.Others, primarily Europeans, have pointed out
(09:00):
the analogy between the hypnotic state ofanimals and man. Another widely held theory
is that hypnosis is a state ofdissociation, meaning that it constitutes a group
of unconscious memories and activities which maybe dredged up to replace the stream of
consciousness. Automatism, of course,is inherently part of this view, and
is presumed to negate volition. Activityof the cerebrum, which controls the conscious
(09:26):
and voluntary system is rendered non operational. My own thoughts on the matter are
that hypnosis results from, first ofall, a good transference, secondly from
a conditioned reflex, thirdly from theperson acting as a hypnotized person role playing,
(09:46):
and fourthly from a suspension of thecritical faculties. Along the last name
line, I believe that hypnotic suggestionshave an autonomy of their own which supersede
all else in the hypnotics situation.There are many more theories I believe are
partially correct, but the ones namedwill do for the purposes of this volume.
(10:07):
Incidentally, all the hypnosis theories presentedhere are equally applicable to self hypnosis,
except where as in transference it isobvious a therapist is needed. In
conclusion, the author would like totake issue with those who believe that it
is the monotonous intonations of the therapistthat cause the subject to lapse from the
(10:31):
deeply relaxed state into true sleep.I have observed many times, by comparing
verbalization with silence, that the formergives the subject's mind a focal point of
attention which prevents him from entering adeep state where hypnotherapy is impossible, Like
the man who cannot sleep because ofan active mind. Sleep in mere thoughts
(10:52):
and suggestions are incompatible, and Ibelieve, once a hypnotic state has been
attained, that the subject is keptto wake unless definite sleep suggestions are given
by the therapist's series of suggestions.We have discussed the effect of the experiential
background at length, and surely nothingconnotates sleep more than closing one's eyes test
(11:15):
number one. And so, inmy view, you are doing two things
when you talk to the subject.You are giving him helpful suggestions, but
you are also keeping him awake andhyper acute, so that these suggestions will
sink. In end of chapter twelve,
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