HYPNOSIS OR NOT HYPNOSIS? THAT IS THE QUESTION …
By Mickey Skidmore, ACSW
This "Perspective" is a reprinted article which was originally published in the North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis (NCSCH) Newsletter [Winter 1999, Vol.30, No.1].
On November 7th, 1998 approximately a dozen or so NCSCH members met in Raleigh, North Carolina to attend the first annual “leaderless” Fall Conference. Highlights of the day’s events included an Aikido demonstration and discussion of the parallels of Aikido principles and hypnotic work. Additionally, various inductions, hand levitation demonstrations, and perspectives were shared among the members regarding ethical and theoretical questions posed to each other.
br>
For me however, the centerpiece of the day’s experience was the morning group discussion attempting to clarify and articulate our understanding of what hypnosis itself is – and/or perhaps, is not. Past President Wayne Townsend initiated the discussion by expressing his passionate belief that it is important to safeguard the skill and process of hypnosis to other emerging therapeutic trends or popularized therapy approaches that may include certain elements of hypnotic principles. Bob Dick reminded us that especially from a research and practical view, it is important to identify and label this phenomenon, and the term “hypnosis” is as useful as any. However, he also wisely pointed out that if the definition of hypnosis is widened broadly enough to include everything, then in fact, it becomes nothing.
br>
My own view is that most of us view the world and interpret or label it from the context of what our passion is. Just as a musician expresses their life experiences through the art form of songs, a therapist passionate about the therapeutic use of hypnosis can increasingly see hypnotic elements in their life experiences the more they learn about and practice their craft. Given this view, perhaps it is appropriate to revisit the sentiments, which Tom Stranger so beautifully expressed in the NCSCH Winter 1998 newsletter. No matter how we define or articulate what hypnosis is, might be, or is not, isn’t it more important how it helps us in doing better clinical work? “Hypnosis … encourages me to challenge my developed notions of what therapy is or can be, to search for notions of what might be done, how I might be more effective. Hypnosis is a way of looking at how to enhance the therapeutic process. It is a way of communicating with clients that encourages accessing/cultivating more personal potential than they have managed before.” As Tom indicated, hypnosis provides a pathway of enticing us to engage in the types of learning that adds quality to what we do – both for our clients, and for ourselves.
br>
Personally, I found it exciting and refreshing that the group spent the better part of the morning engaged in this invigorating discussion – without arriving at any clear consensus. One of the many meanings I took away from that experience wasn’t so much that we didn’t clearly define what hypnosis is or isn’t, but rather just how important it is that we continue the process of discussing and sharing the wide ranging diversity of how hypnosis impacts us, and the many ways it contributes to our personal and professional growth.
Responses to the monthly "Perspective" are welcome via E-Mail; FAX: 828/304-2388; or written correspondence.
Suggestions for future "Perspectives" can be submitted accordingly as well.