FAQ File 3 of 5 (1/08): Glossary; Self-Hypnosis...
GLOSSARY (of common hypnosis terms & abbreviations):
abreaction: emotional discharge, usually due to remembering past pain
affirmations: positive statements designed to change subconscious
programming
age regression: guiding a hypnotized person backwards in time by his/
her age
WARNING: Only those trained in regression therapy should do this!
alpha: a state of the mind where brainwave activity slows down to a
range of from 7-14 cycles per second, during which we experience
hypnosis, and which we pass through on the way to and from sleep daily
altered consciousness: synonymous with alpha; terminology used to
refer to the state of mind we experience during hypnosis, meditation,
or any form of trance
anchoring: establi****ng a trigger which, when activated, will trigger
certain responses; this happens randomly in life, but can be suggested
during hypnosis (see also triggers)
aversion suggestion: suggestions given that emphasize negative aspects
of a habit, such as finding smoke to smell horrible and/or make
someone sick
awakening: the act of bringing a person up out of trance and into full
conscious awareness
beta: that state of mind we are in during most of our waking hours,
the thinking mode
deepening: in hypnosis, this refers to attaining a more profound
trance state
delta: that state of mind we enter during deep sleep, total
unconsciousness
direct suggestion: suggestions given as commands ("take a deep
breath")
ego states: see parts therapy
expectancy: having expectations of a certain outcome
expectation: another word for expectancy
eye-fixation: induction involving staring at an object
false memories: fantasies that are experienced during a mishandled
regression which are believed to be repressed memories rather than
fantasies
FMS: abbreviation for False Memory Syndrome (having false memories)
Gestalt therapy: involves role-playing (often used for release)
HypnoCise: a word coined by the FAQ author to describe the combination
of imagery, meditation, self-hypnosis and properly constructed
affirmations
hypnosis: a trance state which is guided by someone or something other
than the person experiencing the trance (there are numerous
definitions by different experts)
hypnotherapist: a trained professional who uses hypnosis to help
people with self-improvement and/or for therapeutic purposes who,
contrary to some opinions, is NOT required to have a doctorate degree
hypnotherapy: the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or for
therapeutic purposes
hypnotist: anyone who guides another person into hypnosis
ideomotor responding: having client answer questions via finger
movement
imagery: using the imagination to fantasize or remember events
indirect suggestion: permissive suggestions ("you can take a deep
breath whenever you wish to relax")
induction: a technique that guides (induces) a person into a hypnotic
state
initial sensitizing event: an emotional event that is the ORIGIN of a
problem, creating a sensitivity to feelings; such as claustrophobia
being traced back to being locked in a closet at age 3
ISE: abbreviation for Initial Sensitizing Event (also called original
sensitizing event)
NLP: abbreviation for Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a modality of
change that evolved from the teachings of Milton Erickson
NS: abbreviation for Non-Smoking programs
old tapes: a term frequently used to describe memories that are
replayed in the imagination in a manner that may influence our
behavior and/or attitudes
original sensitizing event: alternate name for initial sensitizing
event (ISE)
parts therapy: a complex hypnotic technique where the therapist talks
with various parts of the mind, such as the inner child and inner
adult - also called ego states therapy
WARNING: Only those trained in parts therapy should use it!
past life therapy: a regression into a real or imagined past life
PH (or p/h): abbreviation for post-hypnotic suggestion
PLR: abbreviation for Past Life Regression
PLT: abbreviation for Past Life Therapy (PLR is used more often)
post-hypnotic suggestion: a suggestion given during the trance state
which is acted upon after emerging from the trance state
PR: abbreviation for Progressive Relaxation
progressive relaxation: a type of induction involving the progressive
relaxation of various parts of the body
PT: abbreviation for Parts Therapy
rap****t: a comfortable feeling between client and hypnotist resulting
in a level of trust, resulting in greater ability to respond to
suggestion
reframing: using the imagination to imagine a different outcome of a
past event, such as combining Gestalt therapy with regression therapy
to facilitate release; also used in NLP with guided imagery
regression: going back in time during trance to remember past events,
and replaying them in the imagination, often with accompanying
emotions
self-hypnosis: a self-induced trance state
stage hypnosis: the public use of hypnosis purely for entertainment
purposes
subconscious: that part of our mind which is the seat of imagination,
emotion, artistic abilities (and other skills), and which takes care
of numerous functions without our conscious awareness, such as
automatic functions of our organs, etc.
subjects (of hypnosis): the term used by many to describe a person who
is in hypnosis (NOTE: the word "client" is used with increasing
frequency by hypnotherapists)
systematic desensitization: the use of programmed imagery in a
systematic way to help desensitize someone from an anxiety or phobia
theta: that state of the mind we are in while dreaming
time distortion: the term for a unique phenomenon where we lose
conscious awareness of how much time has passed (examples: 5 minutes
can seem like 20 minutes, or vice versa)
triggers: something seen, heard, felt, etc., which "triggers" a
response, urge, memory, or emotion, etc., such as turning the key in
the car might "trigger" a smoker to light up a cigarette
WT: abbreviation for WeighT
zzz: sleeeeeeeeep (go waaaaay down deep!)
Want to add more to the glossary?
E-mail Roy Hunter at alliance@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
FAQ
by C. Roy Hunter, M.S., C.Ht.
*************************************
The complete official FAQ may also be viewed at any time or downloaded
at:
http://www.royhunter.com/HYPNOFAQ.htm
DISCLAIMER: This FAQ should not be used as a substitute for reading
any appropriate information regarding self-hypnosis, nor should it be
used as a substitute for seeking any appropriate professional opinion
on im****tant issues involving the use of self-hypnosis. The reader is
advised to read the official Hypnosis FAQ.
1. HOW CAN I LEARN SELF-HYPNOSIS?
The best way to learn self-hypnosis is by asking a qualified
hypnotherapist to teach you through hypnosis and to give you post-
hypnotic suggestions to reinforce what you learn. Additionally, you
may find it helpful to read a good book on the subject. The one I've
recommended over the years is: Self-Hypnosis and Other Mind-Expanding
Techniques by Charles Tebbetts (Westwood Publi****ng), which you can
order from Amazon.com.
My comprehensive self-hypnosis book, Master the Power of Self-Hypnosis
(Sterling Publi****ng, 1998), may also prove beneficial with the
numerous hints for successful programming of your subconscious.
Increasing numbers of professional hypnotherapists are recommending it
to clients and/or buying it for public workshops. Kevin Hogan, Ph.D.,
publicly expressed the opinion that it is the best self-hypnosis book
published in over a decade. A former member of British Parliament told
me personally that, in his opinion, the book written by Charles
Tebbetts and my own self-hypnosis book were the two best books ever
written on self-hypnosis. (You may obtain my book at many bookstores
around the world. It is also available at Amazon.com.)
Also, I recommend HYPNOTISM & MEDITATION by Ormond McGill (Westwood
Publi****ng). I personally enjoyed CREATIVE VISUALIZATION by Shakti
Gawain (Publisher: New World Library). Additionally, there are many
good self-help books on visualization that recommend self-hypnosis
techniques even when the author does not disclose that the techniques
are forms of self-hypnosis.
Regardless of which book(s) you choose to read, there is no substitute
for practice, practice, practice! Developing competence with self-
hypnosis is like building mental muscles - you must do some mental
exercises to master the art of self-hypnosis.
2. WHAT TECHNIQUE WORKS BEST?
There is no technique that will work for all the people all the time.
What works well for you might not work well for someone else...or put
into different words, what works well for a self-hypnosis trainer (or
the author of a book) might not work well for you!
Some people don't visualize well, and many techniques seem slanted
towards those who visualize. If you are among those who have
difficulty with visual exercises, then you must learn some techniques
that do not involve mental visual imagery. This is why I discuss
several techniques in MASTER THE POWER OF SELF-HYPNOSIS.
A visual technique usually does not work well with an auditory person.
Likewise, while an auditory person may be comfortable with meditation
music in the background, some visual people might prefer to meditate
without music. Here are three techniques. With each one, you should be
relaxed and breathe slowly and deeply.
The most common one is PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION... counting backwards
while imagining various parts of the body relaxing. This works well
for a kinaesthetic person (sense of touch), or for a visual person who
also imagines being in a beautiful place. The auditory person may not
respond very well to self-induced progressive relaxation, especially
if somewhat analytical.
EYE FIXATION (staring at an object) may work well for some of the
people some of the time; but you'd better know what kind of self-talk
to indulge in when you close your eyes. Do some reading, or visit a
hypnotherapist.
VISUAL IMAGERY (mental vacation): If you are visual, simply close your
eyes and imagine a beautiful place of your choosing. This may be done
with or without background music. Note: an auditory person might be
able to use this with a beach or waterfall, imagining sounds rather
than sights. If you are a highly analytical person, you may find your
mind thinking numerous thoughts at what may seem like light-speed.
However, if you start becoming MORE aware of background noises and/or
other sensations, there is a good chance that you are already in a
light alpha state.
3. WHAT IF I'M UNSURE ABOUT VISUAL IMAGERY TECHNIQUES?
If you are unsure, here's a little self-test:
Imagine you are near a waterfall on a perfect day, with trees nearby.
You sit on a log or big rock, and you reach down and pick up a small
rock and hold it in your hand. Put your hand in the water. Now close
your eyes and go through the exercise with your eyes closed.
Afterwards, answer these questions to yourself: Was it easier to SEE
the waterfall, or HEAR it? Did you SEE the blue sky, or did you FEEL
warmth (or a gentle breeze)? Did you FEEL the rock (smooth or rough),
or did you SEE it? When you put your hand in the water, did you SEE
yourself do so, or HEAR the sound of the water, or FEEL whether the
water was warm or cool?
Most people will be able to easily imagine vivid use of at least one
of the three senses mentioned above. If you get nothing, then you most
likely will need professional assistance.
4. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR SELF-HYPNOSIS?
Again, since we are all different, this varies from person to person.
I personally prefer the afternoon. Determining the best time may take
some experimenting.
5. SHOULD THE LIGHTS BE TURNED OFF?
This also depends on personal preference; however, bright lights may
distract some people, as it can be detected even through closed
eyelids.
6. SHOULD I USE MUSIC?
Try it both ways and then decide. Note that any music selected should
be instrumental (and slow or gentle) for best results. Some people
prefer silence, and others like nature sounds. Personally, music helps
me focus my attention within rather than on outside sounds (such as
barking dogs, traffic, etc.).
7. IF I LEARN SELF-HYPNOSIS, WHY WOULD I EVER NEED A HYPNOTHERAPIST?
Here's a metaphoric response...
Self-hypnosis is like using a muscle of the mind. If I move a chair,
it is easy for me to lift it by myself. If I move a couch, it's much
easier when someone is on the other end helping me lift. A piano
ALWAYS requires outside assistance.
While you can use self-hypnosis to achieve some goals, you must decide
whether you are trying to move chairs, couches, or pianos in your
mind. Whenever I need outside help, I'll set my own ego aside and ask
for help. It is my recommendation that you do likewise. Sometimes we
can find oursevles in situations where it feels like a piano has been
dropped inside the subconscious. Self-hypnosis may augment appropriate
therapy, but hypnotherapy may often be required for certain issues.
NOTE: There is a chapter subsection in my book, MASTER THE POWER OF
SELF-HYPNOSIS, that explains situations where you might need a
hypnotherapist. If you don't wish to purchase my book, refer back to
the official alt.hypnosis FAQ before selecting a hypnotherapist.
8. IS THERE ANY DANGER IN LEARNING SELF-HYPNOSIS?
In all my years of practice, not one of my clients has ever re****ted
contraindications from the use of self-hypnosis. However, I would
recommend AGAINST using self-hypnosis for pain reduction unless your
examining physician gives his/her consent. If you ignore this warning,
you do so at your own risk, because pain is a warning that something
is wrong with your body...and the cause needs to be determined.
NOTE: If you would like additional questions included in this new self-
hypnosis FAQ, please post them on the newsgroup AND email me a copy at
alliance@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Also, ask that they be considered for
the FAQ. Those of common interest will be included in later FAQ
versions.
If any of you wish to sponsor a self-hypnosis workshop, please e-mail
me privately for details...
alliance@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
next FAQ File, 4 of 5, contains the Stage hypnosis FAQ]...
FAQ File 3 of 5 (01/08): Glossary; Self-Hypnosis...
Submitted by:
Roy Hunter, M.S., FAPHP, Certified Hypnotherapy Instructor
Published Author and Professional Speaker/Trainer
Inducted into International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, 2000
Latest FAQ revisions completed on January 15, 2008
The complete FAQ may also be viewed at any time or downloaded at:
http://www.royhunter.com/hypnofaq.htm
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