The Future of Hypnotherapy

by Tim Brunson PhD

Recent findings in cognitive neurosciences challenge not only traditional medicine but also many of the tenets of the incipient integrative community as well. The fact that suggestions may by themselves have direct (and measurable) neurological and physical effects open up the possibilities that new methodologies may exist for the practice of medicine and mental health, as well as for counseling and coaching. As this happens, die-hard hypnotists who are enamored by their own talents will face the realization that the Freudian-era myth of the existence of the "subconscious mind" hampers their ability to fully realize the true potential of the art of suggestion. Indeed, hypnotists and hypnotherapists are challenged to open their minds as they discard worn out litanies and assumptions.

Regardless of whether the reader prefers the phrase hypnosis or neurypnology (James Braid, MD), suggestive therapeutics (Henry Munro, MD), selective thinking (David Elman), or hypnotherapy, there must be a realization that the act of suggestion, anticipation, and imagination starts a chain reaction beginning in the substrates of the frontal lobe. This permeates throughout every one of over 100 trillion cells that are organized in myriad organs – which is the human collective we call the body.

As the advent of thought is rooted in the superior human frontal lobe, we are starting to discover that our abilities to direct our mind and physiology are far superior than ever imagined. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the "power of the conscious mind" (Dispenza, 2007) is where the efficacy of suggestion is rooted – and not within the fallacious assumption about the "power of the subconscious mind."

It is through the understanding of neural processes that we begin to realize why hypnosis and suggestions produce desired results (Posner, 2004). And conversely, we start understanding why many of the imageries and suggestions regularly taught at "certified" hypnotherapy schools and within "licensed" psychology organizations may be harmful and actually contraindicated for the presenting problem. On the other hand, by understanding neural functioning – albeit at the layman's level – a clinician can understand how to quickly turn on or off neural substrates, efficiently switch on or off sympathetic or parasympathetic autonomic functioning, influence somatic processes, and enhance performance by inhibiting brain sectors, thereby allowing the development of seemingly hidden potentials (Treffert, 1989; Walsh & Pascual-Leone, 2003).

In order to achieve this level of understanding clinicians have to achieve a new level of open-mindedness, be willing to discard the comfort of obsolete myths and rituals, and be willing to delve into areas that seem to be rather challenging. For allopathic clinicians, the phrase "all in their mind" must be permanently purged from their lexicon. They need to realize and accept that the mind/body connection is so strong that every neuro-physiological phenomenon cannot exist without being simultaneously in the mind and the body. For integrative clinicians, including hypnotherapists and psychologists, there should be an additional willingness to delve more into neurology and physiology. Unfortunately, due to the phobias regarding scientific research and thought the failure to study those fields directly contributes to literature depicting many integrative endeavors as mere pseudoscience. Indeed, too many hypnosis practitioners cling to their beliefs with a wide-eyed idealistic enthusiasm, which fails to remotely come near the realm of rational thinking. This often results in a complete shutting off of the mind when anything neurological or physiological is mentioned.

There is a need to greatly improve and update the design and application of clinical protocols used in hypnosis. Even though the preponderance of published studies supports its use for medical and psychological purposes, the consistency of techniques and a lack of understanding of the underlying sciences have limited the variety and effectiveness of applications. Many of the current protocols are based on ideas developed in the 1960's or earlier. This includes Elman, Ericksonian, and classical authoritative techniques, as well as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and related brief therapy methodologies.

Despite favorable findings, in the allopathic and main-stream psychology professions research design and execution used is weak. This is almost without exception. The problem is that hypnosis is normally viewed as a monolithic independent variable with no consideration of variances in frequency, length of session, direct versus indirect suggestions, and the use of post-hypnotic suggestions. While there are many excellent clinicians who hold medical and psychology licenses and who possess considerable skills regarding hypnosis, the typical research operator possesses minimal training ranging from one day to a forty-hour orientation course. This leads to a lack of consistency as to the quality of interventions. Therefore, hypnosis is applied with little or no understanding as to how it works and/or its capability. Furthermore, with the exception of a few of the neuroscientists who will be mentioned by name in later chapters, it is extremely rare that researchers have any idea as to what neuronal representation is affected by hypnosis. For many researchers and allopathic practitioners the role of hypnosis is limited to that of a last resort or novelty.

The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.

References:

Braid, J. (1960). Braid on Hypnotism: The Beginnings of Modern Hypnosis. (rev. ed). New York: The Julian Press, Inc.

Dispenza, J. (2007). Evolve Your Brain: Creating Personal Realty and Conquering Emotional Addictions. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications, Inc.

Elman, D. (1964). Hypnotherapy. Glendale, California: Westwood Publishing Co.

Munro, H. S. (1908). A Handbook of Suggestive Therapeutics: Applied Hypnotism, Psychic Science. St. Louis, Missouri: C.S. Mosby.

Posner, M.I. (2004). The achievement of brain imaging: past and future. In Kanwisher, N., Duncan, J. (eds.) Functional brain imaging of visual cognition – Attention and performance.

Treffert, D. (1989). Extraordinary People: Understanding "Idiot Savants" . New York: Harper & Row.

Walsh, V. & Pascual-Leone, A. (2003). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Neurochronemetrics of Mind. Boston: MIT Press.