Theories Of Hypnosis

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.

The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis is the 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. For postgraduates, researchers, and clinicians, this book is the definitive reference text in the field.

Modern hypnosis can be traced back to the 18th century and during this period mesmerism, as it was then known, was a healing practice which spread throughout Europe and North America. Since then hypnosis has been treated primarily as a psychological phenomenon and theories about hypnosis are grounded in mainstream psychology and its related disciplines. Most recently it has been subject to extensive clinical trials to investigate its therapeutic effectiveness. In their comprehensive introduction to this invaluable collection the editors trace the historical development of hypnosis, providing an excellent review of the theories that have tried to explain how hypnosis works and reflecting on the cultural and scientific attitudes and practices that prevailed at various times. They have selected the most important previously published papers that reveal how a scientific approach to understanding hypnosis as a psychological phenomenon has emerged over the last 70 years. They have also included a selection of reports on clinical applications and on legal and forensic issues. As such this volume will prove an invaluable reference resource for researchers and students already in the field and new scholars interested in learning more about hypnosis.

With a view to making the secrets of hypnotic power available to everyone, this detailed took carefully outlines and explains a number of different methods for the induction of hypnosis and autohypnosis.

This updated edition of Hypnosis, Dissociation, and Absorption: Theories, Assessment, and Treatment presents the psychological theories and applications of how to use hypnosis with clients who display dissociation, absorption, fantasy proneness, and imaginative capabilities. This second edition adds information on the history of Division 30 (The Society of Psychological Hypnosis of the American Psychological Association). In addition, this new edition presents sociophenomenological, regression, relaxation, and other contemporary theories of hypnosis. This text discusses the clinical implications of applying hypnosis to several overlapping psychological disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder, somatoform disorder, acute stress disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Applications of eye-movement techniques and hypnosis for children are included within this new edition. A new section on multicultural applications of hypnosis is presented with applications of hypnosis for African American and Latino patients. In addition, the uses of hypnosis for pain control, anxiety and stress, ego strengthening, unipolar depression, smoking cessation, weight loss, and rehabilitation are described. This text provides treatment transcripts including, but not limited to, the following theoretical approaches: cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, Adlerian, and Ericksonian. This unique and comprehensive book will be of interest to students and professionals in the counseling and psychology fields.

In this book, renowned psychoanalyst William J. Ousby explains how hypnosis enables us to tap the creative energy of our unconscious mind. It makes the techniques - & the enormous benefits - of hypnosis & self-hypnosis available to everyone.

Originally published in 1963, this definitive textbook, written by pioneering Professor William S. Kroger’s, defined and shaped the field of hypnosis for over 20 years after its publication, and remains an authoritative text in its field to this day. Together with his seminars presented in association with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Professor Kroger’s textbook changed the perception of hypnosis from being a novelty to a legitimate and respected medical option, and solidified his reputation as a leader in the field.