The book's first three chapters-by Sheehan and Robertson; Wagstaff; Council, Kirsch, and Grant - conclude that three different factors turn imagination into hypnosis. The next three chapters-by Lynn, Neufeld, Green, Rhue, and Sandberg; Rader, Kunzendorf, and Carrabino; and Barrett-explore the hypnotic and the clinical significance of absorption in imagination. Three subsequent chapters-by Coe; Gwynn and Spanos; and Gorassini-examine the role of compliance and imagination in various hypnotic phenomena. Pursuing the possibility that some hypnotic hallucinations are experienced differently from normal images, the following two chapters-by Perlini, Spanos, and Jones; and Kunzendorf and Boisvert-focus on negative hallucinating, which reportedly "blocks out" perceptual reality. The remaining three chapters-by Wallace and Turosky; Crawford; and Persinger-pursue other physiological differences, and possible physiological connections, between hypnosis and imagination.
It has been said that "hypnosis is a collection of techniques in need of a unifying theory." (James A. Hall, Hypnosis: A Jungian Perspective). While the varied substrates of these techniques preclude the formation of any one theory of hypnosis, this volume presents a "state-of-the-science" view of existing theories of hypnosis. Written by eminent scholars and researchers, this uniquely authoritative resource also provides a wealth of information about the history of hypnosis, clinical and research perspectives on hypnosis, and the strengths and weaknesses of empirical methods used to address crucial theoretical questions. The streamlined organization of the volume facilitates the reader's ability to contrast and compare research findings and concepts across theories. In the introductory chapters, the editors describe hypnosis paradigms and schools of thought, including major points of convergence and divergence, as well as a broad vista of different perspectives on the history of hypnosis. The theoretical chapters that follow present definitive statements by an international array of eminent scholars who are at the forefront of conceptual advances in the realms of clinical and experimental hypnosis. Their contributions, written in lively first-person narratives, explore current thinking about hypnosis and represent important clinical and research traditions that extend beyond the territory of hypnosis to mainstream psychology. Providing a thorough discussion of hypnotic phenomena, the book tackles tough questions such as whether hypnosis evokes an altered state of consciousness; whether hypnotic behavior is involuntary; whether hypnotizability is stable, trait-like, and modifiable; and whether hypnotic and non-hypnotic behavior can be distinguished in meaningful ways. The diversity of viewpoints, including competitive ones, illuminates the debates which have expanded the frontiers of knowledge about hypnosis. In the concluding section, the editors compare and contrast these theories, discuss pertinent research issues, and lay out an agenda for future research. Given its stellar list of contributors and the unique niche it occupies as the first authoritative survey of its kind, THEORIES OF HYPNOSIS is of value to anyone interested in the topic. The editors' ten years of experience teaching hypnosis to psychology and medical students has resulted in a book with enormous appeal to students and instructors, as well as clinicians and researchers. A wide variety of professionals--academics, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, dentists--will find it an authoritative introduction and invaluable reference to this still-growing, ever-fascinating field.
Hypnosis: A Brief History crosses disciplinary boundaries toexplain current advances and controversies surrounding the use ofhypnosis through an exploration of the history of its development. examines the social and cultural contexts of the theories,development, and practice of hypnosis crosses disciplinary boundaries to explain current advances andcontroversies in hypnosis explores shifting beliefs about the nature of hypnosis investigates references to the apparent power of hypnosis overmemory and personal identity
The human imagination manifests in countless different forms. We imagine the possible and the impossible. How do we do this so effortlessly? Why did the capacity for imagination evolve and manifest with undeniably manifold complexity uniquely in human beings? This handbook reflects on such questions by collecting perspectives on imagination from leading experts. It showcases a rich and detailed analysis on how the imagination is understood across several disciplines of study, including anthropology, archaeology, medicine, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and the arts. An integrated theoretical-empirical-applied picture of the field is presented, which stands to inform researchers, students, and practitioners about the issues of relevance across the board when considering the imagination. With each chapter, the nature of human imagination is examined - what it entails, how it evolved, and why it singularly defines us as a species.
This innovative work integrates modern hypnotherapy with Jung's analytic psychology, successfully linking the skilled practice of hypnosis with the Jungian vision of the human psyche. As developed by Hall, the Jungian conceptualization of hypnosis draws on the theory of psychological complexes and their participation in the sense of self-image that inevitably is a part of the ego. Hall's succinct yet thorough review of the Jungian model of psychological functioning conveys the essence of Jung's view of the psyche while elucidating its suitability as a basic framework for hypnotherapy. Examined in particular are Jung's view of the reality of the psyche, Jungian dream interpretation, and the technique of active imagination. Hall clearly shows how the Jungian understanding of dreams is the basis for an understanding of active imagination, and how active imagination, in turn, serves as the foundation for other imaginal techniques. In this theory, then, hypnosis comes to represent a specialized use of the imaginal ability of the mind. The book's detailed review of the clinical applications of hypnotherapy within a Jungian model focuses primarily on the two basic types of hypnotic intervention: (1) those that produce artificial complexes in order to modify and counterbalance pathological complexes; and (2) those that help to ``dissolve'' complexes from the past that are interfering with current growth and individuation. Other clinically oriented discussions address critical issues concerning transference and countertransference, which may be abruptly manifested during hypnotherapy. In addition to the author's ``suggestions on suggestion,'' there are illuminating case examples and an annotated induction protocol that demonstrate the practical application of the principles described. For the practicing Jungian analyst, HYPNOSIS: A JUNGIAN PERSPECTIVE encourages beneficial cross-fertilization between traditional analysis and hypnotherapy. For the therapist involved with hypnotherapy but unacquainted with Jung, this landmark volume promotes the judicious clinical application of basic Jungian principles.
Instant Self-Hypnosis demystifies the world of hypnosis, providing practical tools and techniques that allow you to access and influence your subconscious mind consciously. Its unique "eyes-open" method allows you to induce self-hypnosis while fully conscious, making the process more accessible and less intimidating. With a wide range of applications, from overcoming fears and breaking bad habits to enhancing creativity and improving performance, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life. Its step-by-step approach ensures that you can easily implement the techniques, regardless of your familiarity with hypnosis. Dive into the world of self-improvement with Instant Self-Hypnosis and embark on a journey of personal transformation that starts from within. Key Features: Practical Techniques: Provides easy-to-follow techniques to harness the power of self-hypnosis. Eyes-Open Method: Features an innovative "eyes-open" method of self-hypnosis that makes the process more accessible. Wide Range of Applications: Can be used to overcome fears, break habits, enhance creativity, improve performance, and more. Pre-made Scripts: Includes 35 scripts for stress release, having more fun at parties, public speaking, eliminating allergies, flying without fear, ending fingernail biting, better sleep, and so much more. Step-by-Step Approach: Outlines a step-by-step approach that can be easily implemented, regardless of prior familiarity with hypnosis.
Offers examples of using hypnosis with children to address physical and mental challenges. Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis is a timely collection of patients’ healing experiences, the story of how these events changed one physician’s approach to medicine, and the takeaway information parents and practitioners should consider as they deal with medical and psychological challenges in their children’s and patients’ lives. Every year millions of pediatric patients could benefit from hypnosis therapy to deal with and alleviate physical and psychological symptoms big and small. The benefits of hypnosis-facilitated therapy range from complete cures to small improvements. They extend beyond the physical and into the psychological and spiritual, building confidence, positivity and resilience. They include the empowerment of children with chronic health issues to feel more in control of their own minds, bodies and circumstances. They sometimes lead to the reduction or even elimination of medications. Hypnosis is painless, non-invasive, and cost-effective. It doesn’t preclude any other treatment, and drawbacks are virtually nonexistent. In a world where the doctor’s primary role has become more and more one of a technician—pinpoint a problem, prescribe a solution, and move to the next patient—hypnosis brings connection and art back into the process. It relies on a relationship between practitioner and patient, encourages creativity and expression, and allows patients to take ownership of their experience with the support and encouragement of their doctors. Children deserve the opportunity to receive gentle, thoughtful, empowering, and effective treatment in whatever form it’s available. Hypnosis therapy offers all of those things, and it’s time for patients, parents, and medical practitioners to embrace it—even to demand it. Through meaningful stories and expert explanation, this book takes readers through the process of hypnosis for children and its myriad benefits for overall wellness.
That devil’s trick is the first study of nineteenth-century hypnotism based primarily on the popular – rather than medical – appreciation of the subject. Drawing on the reports of mesmerists, hypnotists, quack doctors and serious physicians printed in popular newspapers from the early years of the nineteenth century to the Victorian fin de siècle, the book provides an insight into how continental mesmerism was first understood in Britain, how a number of distinctively British varieties of mesmerism developed, and how these were continually debated in medical, moral and legal terms. Highly relevant to the study of the many authors – Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Bram Stoker and Conan Doyle among them – whose fiction was informed by the imagery of mesmerism, That devil’s trick will be an essential resource for anybody with an interest in the popular and literary culture of the nineteenth century, including literary scholars, medical historians and the general reader.
The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis is the long overdue successor to Fromm and Nash's Contemporary Hypnosis Research (Guilford Press), which has been regarded as the field's authoritative scholarly reference for over 35 years. This new book is a comprehensive summary of where field has been, where it stands today, and its future directions. The volume's lucid and engaging chapters on the scientific background to the field, fully live up to this uncompromising scholarly legacy. In addition, the scope of the book includes 17 clinical chapters which comprehensively describe how hypnosis is best used with patients across a spectrum of disorders and applied settings. Authored by the world's leading practitioners these contributions are sophisticated, inspiring, and richly illustrated with case examples and session transcripts. For postgraduate students, researchers and clinicians, or anyone wanting to understand hypnosis as a form of treatment, this is the starting point. Unequalled in its breadth and quality, The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis is the definitive reference text in the field.