Brian Paterson

Word Count 2038

“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy

There are many definitions of Hypnosis, these range from a form of sleep; a form of dissociation; an artificial induced trance state resembling sleep; a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind; a state of passive suggestibility with selective attention and reduced planning function.

With no concise definition from the last three centuries, it would be appropriate to look at a brief history of hypnosis.

Hypnotic trance like states have been utilised for thousands of years in many cultures and religions, and continue to be seen today.

We will start with looking at Franz Anton Mesmer, who is commonly referred to as the grandfather of hypnosis. Mesmer Studied Theology, but went on to study Law and then medicine. He gained respect in his professional duties and the Viennese society, whilst working at the Vienna school. Mesmer believed that magnetism formed the basis of all successful hypnosis. It was in 1974 on Mesmer’s first patient, where he applied magnets to the patient. Believing that the human body was analogous to magnets and could therefore be used to heal. Mesmer moved to France and alienated many universities and scholars, but gained the respect of Louis XVI. By the 1780s magnets were no longer part of Mesmer’s techniques however, he continued to find success using variations of magnetism. This led to the interest from King Louis XVI, who commissioned a study on Mesmer’s practices. This study concluded that the fluid which Mesmer said “ebbed and flowed according to the laws of magnetism” did not exist.