the Free Hypnosis Social Network
The How and Why of Hypnosis...the bottom line
I don't know if I ever presented the bottom line of my hypnosis model but I figured some may be interested so here it is:
We are able to be hypnotized because we are simply amplifying an existing natural ability that we already have to automatically react to outside input.
When a hypnotic trance state exists, our ability to determine what is real and true is diminished.
This ability to distinguish what truth and reality are...is often referred to as the critical faculty or factor.
The reason we can implement change using hypnosis is because of another natural ability we have to automatically adapt to changing environments, whatever we believe that environment to be.
This is because as stated above, when in hypnotic trance, we don't know what is real or true...so in a hypnotic trance state, it all is real, and we will automatically adapt to what is presented (as long as there is no reason not to).
This is the same way that our body automatically adapts itself to what we "expect" to happen.
This is why so many different approaches still work with hypnosis.
The key word in the above completion of my model is "automatically".
This is why I labeled our automatic reaction to outside input that we use to multi-task as our natural "trance" state, and the amplified version...the hypnotic trance state..where we automatically react to suggested input via the intellect. In both cases it is still just automatically reacting to input.
I figured there might be different viewpoints...so there it is :)
John
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on -
Hi John,
Just what is "the bottom line"?! To me, it infers a basement of sorts...an end.
So I'll dig deeper...you mention that We are able to be hypnotized because we are simply amplifying an existing natural ability that we already have to automatically react to outside input.
I also know that trance states occur naturally, randomly, spontaneously and also intentionally...but what about reacting to inside influence and stimuli? How often do people ruminate, withdraw, daydream, etc...pulling within...without actual outside provocation?
And, to take it a step deeper, how can we help clients begin to independently access that for healing and changework? To not be dependent on outside input?
Kelley
-
Permalink Reply by docregal.com on -
Hello, John. I appreciate your attempts to create the flawless model, however I have my comments. See bold text below found after each grouping of your italicized words. Perhaps you can address the points that are not agreed to 99.9%. And either getting wiser here or tired of debating iotas, I included a .1% tolerance as room or margin for error. ;-)
-------------------------------------------------------
We are able to be hypnotized because we are simply amplifying an existing natural ability that we already have to automatically react to outside input.
AGREED, hypnotic states are naturally occurring and can be enhanced.
When a hypnotic trance state exists, our ability to determine what is real and true is diminished.
AGREED, it can be lessened, however an "effected" person still has discernments.
This ability to distinguish what truth and reality are...is often referred to as the critical faculty or factor.
AGREED, the thinking brain can rationalize, judge, analyze and so on.
The reason we can implement change using hypnosis is because of another natural ability we have to automatically adapt to changing environments, whatever we believe that environment to be.
AGREED, our preexisting beliefs can lead us to an expected outcome, thus with hypnosis we can put new beliefs into effect.
This is because as stated above, when in hypnotic trance, we don't know what is real or true...so in a hypnotic trance state, it all is real, and we will automatically adapt to what is presented (as long as there is no reason not to).
NOT ALWAYS, it depends on the "depth" or "intensity" level of the hypnotic state. Not all trance is hypnosis.
This is the same way that our body automatically adapts itself to what we "expect" to happen.
AGREED TO A POINT, expectancy most often forecasts outcome.
The key word in the above completion of my model is "automatically".
Yet, are you saying all reflexes must be hypnotically created or must we acknowledge that those knee jerk reactions to the doctor's prodding are just instinctual behaviors.
This is why I labeled our automatic reaction to outside input that we use to multi-task as our natural "trance" state,
See aforesaid concept that instinctual behavior is not learned and therefore it is not hypnotic.
and the amplified version...the hypnotic trance state..where we automatically react to suggested input via the intellect.
AGREED, a learned behavior can possibly be installed that becomes an automated response.
In both cases it is still just automatically reacting to input.
Yet we look at one being instinctual and the other being programmed or learned.
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on -
The bottom line is (according to my model) this is how hypnosis works, why it works on us, and why we can accomplish lasting changes via hypnosis using different techniques/belief systems to facilitate change.
you asked:
I also know that trance states occur naturally, randomly, spontaneously and also intentionally...but what about reacting to inside influence and stimuli? How often do people ruminate, withdraw, daydream, etc...pulling within...without actual outside provocation?
These are example of our natural trance states for sure, it is because this ability is based in our peripheral awareness, and in these cases we amp it up by turning our focus of attention inside, the same as we do when driving the car. The natural trance state keeps us safe by being ready to react while we do it. We can give ourselves suggestions that are automatically reacted to via self-hypnosis, but it still works the same way.
And, to take it a step deeper, how can we help clients begin to independently access that for healing and changework? To not be dependent on outside input?
We have a couple ways of self administering hypnosis techniques: listening to a recording, or using the voice of the judgmental mind as the guide (which will only get you so far). The point of saying "outside" input was not to limit it in the strictest sense of the word, but to say it is automatic reaction to directing stimulus, cause and effect if you will, which normally occurs via outside input.
I hope this was understandable in the way that I said it
John
Hi John,
Just what is "the bottom line"?! To me, it infers a basement of sorts...an end.
So I'll dig deeper...you mention that We are able to be hypnotized because we are simply amplifying an existing natural ability that we already have to automatically react to outside input.
I also know that trance states occur naturally, randomly, spontaneously and also intentionally...but what about reacting to inside influence and stimuli? How often do people ruminate, withdraw, daydream, etc...pulling within...without actual outside provocation?
And, to take it a step deeper, how can we help clients begin to independently access that for healing and changework? To not be dependent on outside input?
Kelley
-
Permalink Reply by Jeff Rader on -
From a "Biblical" perspective, Hebrews 11:1 says Faith is the "substance" of things hoped for (expected) and the evidence of things not seen (imagined). While we may not all have the same beliefs, we all have Faith (the internal mechanism that uses our expectations and imaginations to manifest our intentions). The Faith mechanism influences our automatic responses at the subconscious level. It also influences our conscious decisions by influencing our conscious perceptions. While many see faith only in regards to one's religion or beliefs, the possibility of divine healing, or the potential to preform miracles. I also see that Faith is the mechanism for by which we learn, create, intuit, adapt, heal, and grow, as well as interact with the real world. I see it as a God-given mechanism that is innate to all of us. Hypnosis, for me, is nothing more and nothing less than a non-spiritual directed use of that mechanism.
Just food for thought and curious as to what others think
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on
-
I agree. The reason that it works with hypnosis is that when the critical faculty is dormant, we believe whatever is presented to us, and we automatically react to it.
John
Jeff Rader said:From a "Biblical" perspective, Hebrews 11:1 says Faith is the "substance" of things hoped for (expected) and the evidence of things not seen (imagined). While we may not all have the same beliefs, we all have Faith (the internal mechanism that uses our expectations and imaginations to manifest our intentions). The Faith mechanism influences our automatic responses at the subconscious level. It also influences our conscious decisions by influencing our conscious perceptions. While many see faith only in regards to one's religion or beliefs, the possibility of divine healing, or the potential to preform miracles. I also see that Faith is the mechanism for by which we learn, create, intuit, adapt, heal, and grow, as well as interact with the real world. I see it as a God-given mechanism that is innate to all of us. Hypnosis, for me, is nothing more and nothing less than a non-spiritual directed use of that mechanism.
Just food for thought and curious as to what others think
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on
-
Responses are underlined for clarity of separation from other responses
AJ - DocRegal.com said:
This is because as stated above, when in hypnotic trance, we don't know what is real or true...so in a hypnotic trance state, it all is real, and we will automatically adapt to what is presented (as long as there is no reason not to).
NOT ALWAYS, it depends on the "depth" or "intensity" level of the hypnotic state. Not all trance is hypnosis.
You appear to be confusing my definition of the word trance with yours. Consider my terminology of "hypnotic trance" as the one with the diminished critical faculty, the "normal trance state" being the one with critical faculty intact.
This is the same way that our body automatically adapts itself to what we "expect" to happen.
AGREED TO A POINT, expectancy most often forecasts outcome.
I have found expectancy to be much more than that. When we expect something to happen, our body (reactive mind in my model) prepares for the expected event and just waits for the starting signal. This is that automatically adapting to changing environments ability we have.
The key word in the above completion of my model is "automatically".
Yet, are you saying all reflexes must be hypnotically created or must we acknowledge that those knee jerk reactions to the doctor's prodding are just instinctual behaviors.
I am saying that it works like a "cause and effect" mechanism, where the resulting "effect" can be predetermined when suggested. Reflexes as you describe deal with the "hardwired" reactions we are born with, our behaviors are what is learned, as well as our body's ability to automatically adapt to the new perceived/presented reality. Think adjusting to a hot tub once you get in it.
I hope I answered your questions clearly enough.
John
-
Permalink Reply by Jeff Rader on
-
When I was growing up, what hypnotists today call the critical factor, that same thing was called one's "conscience". It's that built in mechanism that determines truth from falsehood, fact from fiction, reality from fantasy.
To do change-work with a person, you do have to get past that gatekeeper, the conscience. The conscience does a great job protecting us when nothing internal (spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, etc) is wrong. It get's in the way when one tries to help someone in need of "internal" help. So, of course you may have to bypass, confuse, overwhelm or otherwise circumvent it, in order to get any real change-work done.
Our "beliefs" affect our consciences. If a belief is "broke" (like, for instance, if we for whatever reason start believing that something fictional is actually real), then the conscience need to be bypassed in order to fix it and restore "sanity".
-
Permalink Reply by docregal.com on
-
If we were to accept trance and hypnosis as the same thing, John, I still have these issues with your reply:
You appear to be confusing my definition of the word trance with yours. Consider my terminology of "hypnotic trance" as the one with the diminished critical faculty, the "normal trance state" being the one with critical faculty intact.
The word "diminished" is dissimilar to my concept of "real" hypnosis whereby the critical faculty is practically "absent".
--------------
Regarding expectancy, I could expect a check in the mail that never comes, or expect to win the lottery. How does a "starting signal" come to play here? There are no guarantees. It sounds like the Law of Attraction has crept into your model, yet I find LOA less than the complete story of how hypnosis really works.
--------------
Also, please explain how eye blinking is hypnotically controllable using your automated cause and effect model? Thanks.
John Cleesattel said:Responses are underlined for clarity of separation from other responses
AJ - DocRegal.com said:
This is because as stated above, when in hypnotic trance, we don't know what is real or true...so in a hypnotic trance state, it all is real, and we will automatically adapt to what is presented (as long as there is no reason not to).
NOT ALWAYS, it depends on the "depth" or "intensity" level of the hypnotic state. Not all trance is hypnosis.
You appear to be confusing my definition of the word trance with yours. Consider my terminology of "hypnotic trance" as the one with the diminished critical faculty, the "normal trance state" being the one with critical faculty intact.
This is the same way that our body automatically adapts itself to what we "expect" to happen.
AGREED TO A POINT, expectancy most often forecasts outcome.
I have found expectancy to be much more than that. When we expect something to happen, our body (reactive mind in my model) prepares for the expected event and just waits for the starting signal. This is that automatically adapting to changing environments ability we have.
The key word in the above completion of my model is "automatically".
Yet, are you saying all reflexes must be hypnotically created or must we acknowledge that those knee jerk reactions to the doctor's prodding are just instinctual behaviors.
I am saying that it works like a "cause and effect" mechanism, where the resulting "effect" can be predetermined when suggested. Reflexes as you describe deal with the "hardwired" reactions we are born with, our behaviors are what is learned, as well as our body's ability to automatically adapt to the new perceived/presented reality. Think adjusting to a hot tub once you get in it.
I hope I answered your questions clearly enough.
John
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on
-
Actually, the conscience proved to be another part of the mind, one that dealt with morals, virtues, and values and that holds us to our own standard of behavior.
John
Jeff Rader said:When I was growing up, what hypnotists today call the critical factor, that same thing was called one's "conscience". It's that built in mechanism that determines truth from falsehood, fact from fiction, reality from fantasy.
To do change-work with a person, you do have to get past that gatekeeper, the conscience. The conscience does a great job protecting us when nothing internal (spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, etc) is wrong. It get's in the way when one tries to help someone in need of "internal" help. So, of course you may have to bypass, confuse, overwhelm or otherwise circumvent it, in order to get any real change-work done.
Our "beliefs" affect our consciences. If a belief is "broke" (like, for instance, if we for whatever reason start believing that something fictional is actually real), then the conscience need to be bypassed in order to fix it and restore "sanity".
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on
-
AJ - DocRegal.com said:
If we were to accept trance and hypnosis as the same thing, John, I still have these issues with your reply:
To me, hypnosis is not the same as trance, I define hypnosis as the process of enabling a hypnotic trance state. They equate the same way that cooking equates to the meal.
You appear to be confusing my definition of the word trance with yours. Consider my terminology of "hypnotic trance" as the one with the diminished critical faculty, the "normal trance state" being the one with critical faculty intact.
The word "diminished" is dissimilar to my concept of "real" hypnosis whereby the critical faculty is practically "absent".
Practically absent? LOL.. now you know why I used "diminished"... I don't believe in absolutes.
--------------
Regarding expectancy, I could expect a check in the mail that never comes, or expect to win the lottery. How does a "starting signal" come to play here? There are no guarantees. It sounds like the Law of Attraction has crept into your model, yet I find LOA less than the complete story of how hypnosis really works.
No law of attraction at all. When we expect something to happen, there will be a starting of it. With hypnosis inductions, we identify those starting signals for the subject.. i.e. in a moment I will count from 1 to 10...when I do, you will notice with each number the relaxation growing stronger..etc. The starting signal is the counting... each number then becomes yet another signal to start the additional amplifying. When I do "this"...."that"happens.
If they are in hypnotic trance and they know how to react, and there is no reason not to.. there are guarantees ;)
The thing I found out about expectancy is that the different parts of the mind react to it differently.
The analytical mind and judgmental mind write expected events in pencil (so to speak) they know what disappointment is. The reactive mind in my model has no intellect.. it is a cause and effect engine. All it knows is to prepare the body for what it coming...as best it can before the expected event gets here. I spelled it all out in my book "The Nature of Trance" and again in my second book "Hypnosis Mechanica" and it is graphically illustrated in the expectancy induction I presented that uses colors as the starting signals
--------------
Also, please explain how eye blinking is hypnotically controllable using your automated cause and effect model? Thanks.
While it does operate automatically, eyelids operate willfully also...as does your breathing. Cause and effect... we know how to willfully blink... and if there is no reason not to... it can be controlled.
John
-
Permalink Reply by docregal.com on
-
Contesting finepoints with you, John, is becoming less troublesome. I am beginning to understand how you delineate the unique aspects of your model. As you said earlier we describe terms differently such as hypnosis and trance. Other than that, it appears to me then that we are in agreement with the process, which has always been my concern. And I would like to order from you a hard copy of the newer e-book to fully understand your system. Is that now available? I am not a fan of reading lengthy text online when I can bypass that. Please send me an e-mail with details on how to get that from you. Thanks for all.
-
Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on
-
If you are referring to my book "Hypnosis Mechanica", yes...it is available on my website which can be found on either my page here or in the "Fans of John Cleesattel's stop smoking intervention group here.
I don't bother with hard copy AJ that's 20th century stuff. I leave the tree killing to the tree killers.
But if you so desire, a hard copy of my e-book is easily available; you just have to click "print".
John
AJ - DocRegal.com said:Contesting finepoints with you, John, is becoming less troublesome. I am beginning to understand how you delineate the unique aspects of your model. As you said earlier we describe terms differently such as hypnosis and trance. Other than that, it appears to me then that we are in agreement with the process, which has always been my concern. And I would like to order from you a hard copy of the newer e-book to fully understand your system. Is that now available? I am not a fan of reading lengthy text online when I can bypass that. Please send me an e-mail with details on how to get that from you. Thanks for all.
Learning Center
Featured Advertising
Latest Activity
Michael Ellner commented on Talmadge Harper's blog post Ultra Depth Process: Free Mp3 to Hypnothoughts members only
Juno C posted a status"Hi, Thank you all for your warm welcome.. I am so glad that I found HypnoThoughts. I will visit your fb page and websites. Cheers."
Talmadge Harper commented on Talmadge Harper's blog post Ultra Depth Process: Free Mp3 to Hypnothoughts members only
Roger Moore posted a status""People should be thought of as "starch-eaters;" ~ Dr. John McDougall http://budurl.com/StarchMcD"
© 2012 Created by Scott Sandland.
About Us
Contact Us
Subscribe To RSS