Definitions
Confabulation
The ability of the mind to meld old experiences, new experiences and fantasy together and allow the person to believe it is a genuine memory or thought.
Direct suggestion
A suggestion given in the form of a command.
Suggestions similar to: "You will open
your eyes now." are direct suggestions.
Double Bind Suggestion
These are suggestions that are similar
to
permissive suggestions in that they
seem
to allow the individual the permission
of
a free choice. (They really do have a free choice, because
they can chose other than the choices given,
however, it is a rare individual who will.) The suggestion is set in such a way so that
any choice given is the result desired. For
example when wanting someone to sit you may
say "Would you like to sit on the couch
or the chair? " Whatever choice they
make, (sitting in the chair or on the couch) is acceptable and the desired outcome of
the hypnotist , which was to have them seated. "Would you like to go into trance now
or in a few moments?" is a double bind
question that many hypnotists
HYPNOSIS
Barry's definition of hypnosis:
My own belief is that hypnosis is a purely personal experience. I define hypnosis as follows:
HYPNOSIS is the personal free choice by an individual of the use of the state of mind labeled "trance state" to facilitate that individual to accomplish positive changes or to help facilitate the individual to gain positive needs, wants or wishes for their own benefit. These positive changes, needs, wants, or wishes may include stopping or gaining a habit, reducing irrational fears or behaviors, or simply enjoying the experience of the state of mind labeled “trance state”. These changes must minimally benefit the individual and maximally society. As for the true benefit this would have to be left to be judged over time first by the individual and secondly by society. Toomey , B (1998) 1.. 2... 3... Open Your Eyes to Hypnosis NY Accomplished Transitions page 5)
It is important that one understands the meaning of the term “trance state” as it is used in my definition of hypnosis. I define “trance state” as follows:
"TRANCE STATE" is an altered state where the individual appears to have the ability to focus on one or more ideas or actions, while seemingly having the ability to ignore (while still maintaining an awareness) or deny other internal and external stimuli. Further, the state of mind labeled "trance state" is understood to mean a state that is an individual experience, and can be described by individuals in degrees from very light to profoundly deep. People experiencing "trance state" describe it using similar terms, but an individuals' description can contain some words, statements or descriptions that are unique for that particular individual. Toomey , B (1998) 1.. 2... 3... Open Your Eyes to Hypnosis NY Accomplished Transitions page 5)
There are many types of events that can facilitate the creation of the "trance state". It is also possible that an individual can slip into a "trance state" naturally. It has been said that we do go in and out of this so called "trance state" about every ninety minutes. It can occur when we daydream, while reading a book, driving a car, listening to music, watching TV, praying, enjoying a play or movie, or during a process unrelated to hypnosis known as brainwashing. (The essence of the difference between hypnosis and brainwashing is that brainwashing is not a personal free choice of the use of the "trance state", and it is not usually used for the benefit of the individual being brainwashed but instead tends to serve the desires of those doing (inflicting) the brainwashing. Not being a personal free choice, the “trance state” is usually inflicted on the individual with the use of deprivation (food, money, personal space, etc.), castigation, and/or physical and emotional torture. The difference between any of these other facilitators and hypnosis is that hypnosis is a choice by an individual to actively obtain and use the "trance state" for that individual's benefit.
Indirect suggestion
A suggestion given indirectly. "Is there
any cold water in the refrigerator?"
This suggestion doesn't directly ask for
a glass of water but suggests that you may
want one.
Induction The technique implemented by a hypnotist to facilitate an individual into the trance state. An induction can consist of only spoken words about relaxation, but many times also incorporates suggestions of some physical actions or non-action. Some of the physical suggestions might be Eye Closure ("Your eye lids are getting heavier and heavier"), Catalepsy ("Your fingers are glued together."), Bodily Motions ("Your hand will rise to touch your face.") all of which can be used to help facilitate an induction.
Permissive Suggestion
Similar in style to an indirect suggestion
but offers a suggestion that usually asks
the individual to cooperate. An example might
sound similar to this statement, "You
can allow yourself to go as deep as you wish.
You may choose to become as comfortable as
you wish as you go deeper and deeper."
Posthypnotic Suggestion
Post hypnotic suggestions are usually given
while in the trance state. Their purpose
is to enable an individual (or a group) to
carry out the suggestion at some future time
while not in trance.
Somnambulant
A subject who can go deeply into trance.
They have the ability to have both positive
and negative hallucinations.Subjects in this state have the ability of
complete anesthesia and can deny feeling
any sensation. subjects also can open
their
eyes and remain in full trance. These
are
the best subjects for hypnosis shows
and
the trained stage hypnotist is adept
at choosing
these subjects from his/her audience.
Somnambulism
A label of a specific depth of trance state
where the subject can demonstrate the characteristics
of an somnambulant (See somnambulant above)
Trance / "Trance State" - See Hypnosis - Hypnosis and Trance - these terms are too closely tied to be separated.
