Hypnosis or to use it's more appropriate name monodism (Dr Braid 1843:'concentration of the mind') is simply a relaxed state in which the conscious mind or critical factor is bypassed, allowing the planting of freely accepted suggestion/ideas into the subconscious. Everyone can enter into a trance state and do so regularly everyday, e.g. before entering and leaving sleep at night time, daydreaming, focusing on a book/film, listening to music, an other Example is, a van driver driving to his destination gets there with out any recollection of the towns he has passed to arrive at the journeys end. A Doctor gives suggestions everyday without knowing it i.e. take this medicine and you'll be fine in 3 weeks. Whilst in hypnosis you will never do anything or take on any suggestion, which go against your own personal beliefs/morals. Erickson: did a famous detailed study of attempts by the hypnotist to force their will on hypnotized subjects, and observed that not only did the subjects discriminate what suggestions they would and would not respond to, and refused to respond to some, but then often came up with ways to hurt or humiliate the hypnotist in retaliation for the attempt. Hypnosis is a conscious state so you will hear everything that is said, you will just feel extremely relaxed. Some people feel it's like having a short nap without those following tired/sleepy feelings and others feel like going home to rest after the session. Although everyone can be hypnotised those who respond better usually have an excellent imagination, the depth also depends on the rapport between hypnotist and the client. Hypnosis is a perfectly natural condition. ICHP Therapists use two forms of hypnotherapy,

1. Suggestion therapy, used primary for simple conditions i.e. nail biting, smoking cessation (more then 30 a day requires analysis), confidence, public speaking, interviews, weight management, confidence etc.suggestion should not be used for deep routed symptoms as the symptoms will simply move to something else i.e. an agoraphobic will become claustrophobic (this is called symptom substitution)
2. Hypno-analysis, used for phobias, (which is an hysterical conversion i.e. it is an outward expression of inward anxiety.) Depression, health problems which fail to respond to medical treatment, sexual problems (the subconscious is the seat of our libido) in other words any deep routed condition.
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