Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

For centuries, hypnosis has captivated people's attention with its mystery and possibilities. Accepted as a psychotherapeutic method, its benefits in treating psychological disorders and various medical fields have been proven. Despite ongoing debates and disagreements, including ethical concerns, hypnosis continues to maintain its allure over us.

Hypnosis And Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis derives its name from Hypnos, the god of sleep in Greek mythology. Hypnos is the twin brother of Thanatos, the god of death, and the father of Morpheus, the god of dreams. Hypnos puts people to sleep by touching their foreheads, fanning his wings, or sprinkling them with magical dust. His power is not limited to humans; it can even affect the gods. Although hypnosis takes its name from the god of sleep, it is not a state of sleep but rather a state of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines hypnosis as "a treatment technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals through a procedure designed to promote relaxation and focused attention." The World Health Organization (WHO) published the "WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy: 2002-2005" booklet in 2002. Here, hypnosis is classified in the category of alternative medicine under the group of "mind-body therapies." In hypnosis, the individual is in a relaxed state with focused attention and heightened suggestibility. Hypnotherapy involves using this concentration and the relaxed state of the mind to treat the individual with relevant suggestions. Hypnotherapy was recognized as a psychotherapeutic method by the British Medical Association in 1953 and by the American Medical Association in 1958. In Turkey, the use of hypnosis techniques in practice is approved by the Ministry of Health as a treatment method.

A Brief History of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been a subject of various perspectives for centuries. For instance, in ancient times, hypnosis was used as part of religious rituals, whereas in the early days of Christianity, it was seen as a form of witchcraft. By the late 18th century, with the influence of Franz Anton Mesmer's work—often considered the father of modern hypnotherapy—it began to be viewed as a therapeutic method. Jean-Martin Charcot, who also mentored Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was interested in hypnosis. However, unlike others, Charcot considered the spasms and convulsions observed under hypnosis as diagnostic criteria for hysteria. Charcot viewed susceptibility to hypnosis as a mental weakness, whereas physician and neurologist Hippolyte Bernheim disagreed with Charcot’s view that the hypnotic state was a criterion for hysteria. According to Bernheim, the hypnotic state is not a pathological condition and can be induced through suggestion. He used hypnosis, grounded in suggestion, to treat nervous system diseases, rheumatism, digestive issues, and menstrual disorders.

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was also interested in hypnosis and saw it as a pipeline to the unconscious. However, Freud soon recognized the limitations of hypnosis, such as not all patients responding to it and its inadequacy in providing lasting recovery. He abandoned hypnosis in favor of his free association technique. Despite ongoing differing views on hypnosis, many experts today agree on its efficacy in treating various disorders.

Hypnotherapy And The Treatment Of Psychopathologies

Hypnosis is used for purposes like anesthesia, analgesia, and reducing anxiety in dentistry and many medical fields. Besides these areas, the benefits of hypnotherapy in treating many psychopathologies have been proven. Hypnotherapy has various uses, including ego strengthening, relaxation, imagination, enhancing focus, and alleviating somatic symptoms. Some of the uses of hypnotherapy in treating specific psychopathologies can be summarized as follows:

· Strengthening the ego to treat Depression, Anxiety, various Phobic Disorders, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

· Overcoming addictions such as smoking and drugs.

· Treating Obesity and Eating Disorders and reducing the Depression and Anxiety caused by these conditions.

· Using systematic desensitization, reliving traumatic events, and controlling flashbacks to treat Acute Stress Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Dissociative Disorders.

· Treating Sexual Disorders by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and strengthening the ego.

· Treating Tic Disorders by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

· Enhancing focus and promoting behavior modification in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Hypnotherapy can be applied alone or in conjunction with medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and similar treatment methods. A 2022 study (Bulut, Gökkaya, and Emeç) investigated the relationship between hypnotherapy and depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction. Participants received hypnotherapy sessions once a week for five weeks, each session lasting an hour. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in the participants' stress, depression, and anxiety scores and a positive effect on life satisfaction.

It is known that stress is a common predictor of anxiety and depression and negatively affects life satisfaction. Considering that hypnotherapy may be shorter in duration and more cost-effective than medication, its potential for treating stress and related psychopathologies is quite appealing.

As seen, hypnosis plays a significant role in medicine and the treatment of psychological disorders. Besides these fields, hypnosis is also used in forensic processes, such as obtaining statements from witnesses and victims. However, this use of hypnosis is controversial due to its legal issues and certain risks, such as the possibility of the hypnotized person recounting an event they did not experience and filling in gaps themselves. Despite these risks and ongoing debates, including ethical concerns, hypnosis continues to maintain its allure today. Along with its intrigue and mystery, its benefits and potential in various fields, including medicine and psychology, highlight the importance of hypnosis.

References

1.      Ağargün MH. (2012). Hipnoz ve hipnoterapi. Sağlık Düşüncesi ve Tıp Kültürü Dergisi, 22: 62-63.

2.      Öztürk, A. Ö., Öztürk, G. (2019). Tıbbi Hipnozun Klinik Uygulamaları. J BiotechnolandStrategic Healthres. 2019;3(Özel Sayı):119-130 DOI: Bshr.554710.

3.      Bulut, M. A., Gökkaya, F. ve Emeç, K. (2022). Hipnoterapinin Depresyon, Kaygı, Stres ve Yaşam Doyumu Üzerindeki Etkisinin İncelenmesi, Sosyal, Beşeri ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 5(1): 28-43.

4.      Dumanlı, Ö., Karadeniz D. ve Hancı, İ. H., Adli Hipnoz. Seçkin Yayıncılık, ISBN: 978-975- 02-3543-6, 2015.

5.      Gönce, M. N. Sigara Bağımlılığının Tedavisinde Hipnoz Kullanımı: AUCH Tekniği. Avrasya Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(2), 69-76.