by Tim Brunson, PhD

Worldwide interest in "hypnosis" and "hypnotherapy" has been on a path of steady decline over the past ten years. That is according to trend information that is readily available from Google, Inc. The number of people searching for those two keywords is about half of what it was only ten years ago. This trend is apparently more pronounced in the United States, which has a tremendously large number of Web users. However, it appears that simultaneously interest in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland is rapidly increasing.

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by Paul G. Durbin, Ph.D.

HYPNOSIS JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS (Paul G. Durbin, Ph.D. www.DurbinHypnosis.com)
Used at Methodist Hospital New Orleans, closed since Katrina 2005. Now Job Discription for Methodist Health System Foundation, Slidell, LA) JOB TITLE: Clinical Hypnotherapist REPORTS TO: CEO of the Hospital
APPROVED: CEO of the Hospital
DATE:
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS: To assist the CEO in providing hypnotherapy for patients of the Hospital and others in the community. To provide hypnotherapy and hypnosis, guided imagery, relaxation education to the community.

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We here review behavioral, neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies of hypnosis as a state, as well as hypnosis as a tool to modulate brain responses to painful stimulations. Studies have shown that hypnotic processes modify internal (self awareness) as well as external (environmental awareness) brain networks. Brain mechanisms underlying the modulation of pain perception under hypnotic conditions involve cortical as well as subcortical areas including anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortices, basal ganglia and thalami. Combined with local anesthesia and conscious sedation in patients undergoing surgery, hypnosis is associated with improved peri- and postoperative comfort of patients and surgeons. Finally, hypnosis can be considered as a useful analogue for simulatingconversion and dissociation symptoms in healthy subjects, permitting better characterization of these challenging disorders by producing clinically similar experiences.

Neurophysiol Clin. 2014 Oct;44(4):343-53. doi: 10.1016/j.neucli.2013.09.006. Epub 2013 Oct 29.

Vanhaudenhuyse A(1), Laureys S(2), Faymonville ME(3). Author information: (1)Coma Science Group, Cyclotron Research Centre, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B30, Allée du 6 Août n(o) 8, 4000 Liège, Belgium. Electronic address: avanhaudenhuyse@ulg.ac.be. (2)Coma Science Group, Cyclotron Research Centre, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B30, Allée du 6 Août n(o) 8, 4000 Liège, Belgium. Electronic address: steven.laureys@ulg.ac.be. (3)Department of Algology, University Hospital of Liège, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium. Electronic address: mfaymonville@chu.ulg.ac.be.

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Nothing is more symbolic to the field of hypnotherapy than the art of script writing. This documentation of the process and structure of an intervention represents the intent and thoughts of the clinical practitioner. While it may only imply some of the nuances of how it is ultimately delivered to a subject, it clearly reflects the essence of the theory and concepts and justifies the use of hypnosis for achieving a therapeutic goal.

I recently transmitted an Institute e-course in which I mentioned my assessment, hopes, and even disappointments regarding the current state of script writing within the realm hypnotherapy. In the article I used the terms "clichés" and "myths" to refer to the current prevailing state of script writing education offered by national and international associations of hypnotists. This has caused some puzzlement and calls for further explanation. Although I would think that my comments in the nearly 100 articles that I have written and made freely available through Internet would preclude the necessity for further clarification, perhaps for those who have not followed my writings closely I need to expound further.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Many hypnotic techniques depend in great part on the confidence of the operator. I always teach that the hypnotist's absolute belief in their ability to achieve successful results is vital when using waking hypnosis or any rapid trance inductions. Indeed, as we are in the business of using suggestion and imagination to obtain mental and physical results, there is little room for doubt and second guessing. However, there are situations when a demonstration of a high level of confidence may create a situation where the clinician may appear to be crossing an ethical line.

Clinical hypnotherapists are not alone in this dilemma. In fact, this is a constant problem within the medical profession where instilling hope in a patient has to be weighed against legal advice, which says that it is prudent to provide warnings regarding any possible risk. For instance, when my father had his second heart bypass surgery, the talented young surgeon dramatically informed him that he had less than a 5% chance of surviving the operation. Even though this bothered my father deeply, luckily the procedure was a complete success. On the other hand, unlike medicine, which absolutely must consider the negative effects of such communication, installing doubt in a hypnosis subject is even more contrary to nature of our art.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Religion, self-help theories, and mainstream healing modalities share one common objective. They all seek to alleviate human suffering and move individuals and society toward a more desirable state in which a perception of happiness is achieved. Nevertheless, they differ in their basic approaches. Religion focuses on belief and faith; mainstream healing, on evidence-based scientific research, and self-help, on a combination of both – albeit with a focus on wishful thinking and the charisma of the author or presenter. All claim to be effective. Yet, considering their exclusive characteristics all tend to be rather short-sited and limited in their approaches. In actuality, each of them simultaneously contain partial truths while being devoid of others.

It is odd how an effective theoretical concept originates. Almost a decade ago I was confronted by a series of medical doctors who were fascinated by my abilities as a clinical hypnotherapist. However, as hard-nosed scientists they were accustomed to questioning the validity of any accomplishments or claims that lacked sufficient peer-reviewed literature describing supporting systematic investigations. This led me to quickly discover over 10,000 of such studies, which openly supported the efficacy of hypnosis in medical and mental health interventions. This detection and the ubiquitous lack of hypnosis-related knowledge among clinicians inspired me to create The International Hypnosis Research Institute.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

In my last article I explained that I conceived of the ideas related to Advanced Neuro-Noetic Hypnosis^TM subsequent to my exhaustive review of the scientific literature supporting the clinical use of hypnotherapy, my investigation into mind/body integration, and my study of neurology and quantum physics. In this article I want to explain the five guiding principles that I used to further the logical development of ANNH.

What I must remind my readers is that the intricately weaved theories that I am about to introduce you to is not based upon unquestioned blind faith, the habituated myths held by the vast majority of contemporary clinicians, or the charisma of various popular leaders in the field. When I surveyed the mountains of research and theoretical discourses involving a multitude of fields, I started seeing associations that came to startle me. By looking closely at classical, contemporary, and even futuristic material, the patterns which emerged from normally isolated disciplines began addressing both causality and providing clues to the potential direction of clinical efforts. Even though I considered the unscientific, faith-based, wishful thinking ideas – as they may also provide clues of yet untested truths – my focus was on concepts that would be more acceptable to those professions that tend to desire evidence-based findings. What impressed me was that I could readily find such a huge volume of material. But I was also shocked by the lack of interdisciplinary dialog. If that existed, just maybe my conclusions would first have been made by others.

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Hypnosis is a brief intervention ready for wider dissemination in medical contexts. Overall, hypnosis remains underused despite evidence supporting its beneficial clinical impact. This review will evaluate the evidence supporting hypnosis for dissemination using guidelines formulated by Glasgow and colleagues (1999). Five dissemination dimensions will be considered: Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM).REACH: In medical settings, hypnosis is capable of helping a diverse range of individuals with a wide variety of problems. EFFICACY: There is evidence supporting the use of hypnosis for chronic pain, acute pain and emotional distress arising from medical procedures and conditions, cancer treatment-related side-effects and irritable bowel syndrome. ADOPTION: Although hypnosis is currently not a part of mainstream clinical practices, evidence suggests that patients and healthcare providers are open to trying hypnosis, and may become more so when educated about what hypnosis can do. IMPLEMENTATION: Hypnosis is a brief intervention capable of being administered effectively by healthcare providers. MAINTENANCE: Given the low resource needs of hypnosis, opportunities for reimbursement, and the ability of the intervention to potentially help medical settings reduce costs, the intervention has the qualities necessary to be integrated into routine care in a self-sustaining way in medical settings. In sum, hypnosis is a promising candidate for further dissemination.

Psychol Conscious (Am Psychol Assoc). 2014 Jun;1(2):213-228. Yeh VM, Schnur JB, Montgomery GH. Author information: Integrative Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Oncology Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

In 1957, Harvard professor, Samuel P. Huntington wrestled with the role of a professional military in relationship with their civilian masters. He defined professionalism as an association bound together by a common code of ethics. Even though his views have been occasionally referenced as authoritative by others, the elusiveness of the meaning still ranges from the extremes of elitism to almost humorous banality. At one end it refers to the most educated among us and at the other includes anyone who performs services for remuneration. Yet somewhere between the most skilled surgeon and members of the world's oldest "profession," there must be an appropriate place for competent clinical hypnotherapists. My intention here is to explore the definition of the term "professional" and to discuss its relevance to our practices.

Dictionaries tend to be just a tad more specific than common usage. According to one explanation, the word professional could reasonably describe anyone engaged in a similar trade or occupation. Furthermore, while a lack of a formal dues collecting association of pick pockets would eliminate them from Huntington's criteria, my experience working in the criminal justice system has revealed that even these crooks tend to have minimal ethical standards. Hence, as they are in a common "trade," they too could claim professional status.

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Neurosci Res. 2014 Jun 25. pii: S0168-0102(14)00103-5. doi:10.1016/j.neures.2014.05.009. Takarada Y(1), Nozaki D(2). Author information: (1)Faculty of Sports Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama 359-1192, Japan. Electronic address: takarada@waseda.jp. (2)Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.

Hypnosis often leads people to obey a suggestion of movement and to lose perceived voluntariness. This inexplicable phenomenon suggests that the state of the motor system may be altered by hypnosis; however, objective evidence for this is still lacking. Thus, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) to investigate how hypnosis, and a concurrent suggestion that increased motivation for a force exertion task, influenced the state of the motor system. As a result, corticospinal excitability was enhanced, producing increased force exertion, only when the task-motivating suggestion was provided during hypnotic induction, showing that the hypnotic suggestion actually altered the state of M1 and the resultant behavior.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2014 Jul 2;103(14):833-9. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a001719. Wehrli H. Author information: Klinik für Anästhesie, Intensiv-, Rettungs- und Schmerzmedizin, Kantonsspital St. Gallen.

In addition to usual medical care it is often critical to consider the patient's inner world in order to sensitively differentiate between harmful and helpful suggestive elements. The respective abilities in terms of hypnotic communication can be easily learned. Confident, empathic attention and a calm, understanding and figurative language narrowing the focus on positive emotions and positive change, which have been shown to improve the patient's chances of healing, are of particular importance. Proper clinical hypnosis goes one step further: it makes explicit use of suggestions, trance, and trance phenomena. The major clinical indications for hypnosis include psychosomatic disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, and pain syndromes. Hypnosis can also be employed as an adjunct for surgical therapy.

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2014 Jul 2;103(14):833-9. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a001719. Wehrli H. Author information: Klinik für Anästhesie, Intensiv-, Rettungs- und Schmerzmedizin, Kantonsspital St. Gallen.

This study takes a context-specific approach to examine people's willingness to try hypnosis under various conditions and the factors that contribute to their willingness. It examined 378 participants, who completed a web-based hypnosis survey. The results showed that people's willingness to try hypnosis varies by context. Specifically, people are more willing to try hypnosis when it is framed as "peak focus" rather than "hypnosis" and when they perceive the environment as being safer. Moreover, factors including participants' demographics, hypnotists' demographics (relative to the subjects'), participants' control bias, and knowledge of hypnosis affect people's degrees of willingness to try hypnosis, depending on the specific context. The results suggest further analysis of hypnosis occurring in public contexts and the effects it may have on attitudes and therapeutic outcomes.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2014;62(4):425-54. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2014.931175. Davis OC(1), Gao X. Author information: (1)a City University of New York (Baruch College, Medgar Evers College) , New York, USA.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Many hypnotherapists and others who claim to include hypnotherapy in their range of talents regularly unknowingly mislead their patients and subjects. Today I want to focus on a couple misstatements that have come to be part of our clinical tradition despite being disproven a very long time ago.

During my initial hypnotherapy training I was instructed to tell new clients two important "facts." The first one was that a person absolutely cannot be hypnotized against his or her will. Secondly, a person cannot be influenced by a hypnotic suggestion to do something that is against their morals or values. Indeed, these comments are echoed in just about every hypnotist's pre-talk, by prestigious authors, who are published by mainstream New York book companies, and in hypnotherapy schools and courses, which are recognized by international associations. Early in my career I repeated these rules countless times to people who trusted my expertise and education. Yet, since I first heard them in an Atlanta workshop over two decades ago, I have completed numerous courses – all of which have been sanctioned by one or more of the same organizations just mentioned – in which I was taught numerous ways to create hypnotic effects and get people to unwittingly comply with my instructions totally without their knowledge or prior consent.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Formal hypnotic scripts have long been the backbone of the clinical hypnotherapy profession. Indeed, I can't imagine how difficult my early days as a practitioner would have been without the written materials provided by Topher Morrison, DCH, and Richard Nieves, PhD. Although it has been almost two decades since I've used a formal script during a session, I still value their existence. Indeed, as I seek ideas I still occasionally browse through my library – to include the Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions by University of Utah psychologist D. Corydon Hammond, PhD. Nevertheless, whether you view formalized scripts as either a tool for neophytes or resources for veterans, their structure and content still remain as an indication of the state of thinking regarding the anatomy of a session – a phenomena that is seriously in need of modernization.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Advanced Neuro-Noetic Hypnosis^TM is designed as a system that is solidly supported by scientific research, which then logically progresses to specific protocols. The intent is to create a system with a strong evidence-based rationale that provides more efficient and effective techniques. Previously, I covered its origin and guiding principles. In this article I will continue my discussion by giving brief explanations regarding the five core concepts upon which it is based. These are patterns, balance, inhibition, plasticity, and entrainment.

Before getting into these I want to again give you some of my reasoning. During my initial certifications and the beginning of my doctoral courses, I was constantly exposed to a variety of script writing techniques, which were to be used to produce guided imagery for different things such as habit cessation and healing. The presented rules were rather simplistic. I was instructed to use positive words and phrases and a mixture of metaphor and direct suggestion. In turn, this was justified in terms of "whole brain thinking" clichés and even more advanced concepts such as Robert Sperry's left-right brain and the triune brain. From that point, it was hoped that the wonderful entity called the subconscious mind would somehow miraculously figure out a solution and change the subject's life. This was pretty much how I started my career as a clinical hypnotherapist. While I was pleased by the results that my clients experienced, later when medical doctors began challenging my rather anecdotal claims, it was through efforts to find research evidence and my pursuit of neurology, quantum physics, and energy modalities that my way of thinking suddenly changed.

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Full title: Using hypnosis to disrupt face processing: mirrored-self misidentification delusion and different visual media.

Mirrored-self misidentification delusion is the belief that one's reflection in the mirror is not oneself. This experiment used hypnotic suggestion to impair normal face processing in healthy participants and recreate key aspects of the delusion in the laboratory. From a pool of 439 participants, 22 high hypnotisable participants ("highs") and 20 low hypnotisable participants were selected on the basis of their extreme scores on two separately administered measures of hypnotisability. These participants received a hypnotic induction and a suggestion for either impaired (i) self-face recognition or (ii) impaired recognition of all faces. Participants were tested on their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror and other visual media - including a photograph, live video, and handheld mirror - and their ability to recognize other people, including the experimenter and famous faces. Both suggestions produced impaired self-face recognition and recreated key aspects of the delusion in highs. However, only the suggestion for impaired other-face recognition disrupted recognition of other faces, albeit in a minority of highs. The findings confirm that hypnotic suggestion can disrupt face processing and recreate features of mirrored-self misidentification. The variability seen in participants' responses also corresponds to the heterogeneity seen in clinical patients. An important direction for future research will be to examine sources of this variability within both clinical patients and the hypnotic model.

Front Hum Neurosci. 2014 Jun 18;8:361. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00361. eCollection 2014. Connors MH(1), Barnier AJ(2), Coltheart M(2), Langdon R(2), Cox RE(2), Rivolta D(3), Halligan PW(4). Author information: (1)ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia. (2)ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University Sydney, NSW, Australia. (3)School of Psychology, University of East London London, UK ; Department of Neurophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Frankfurt am Main, Germany ; Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (4)ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders Sydney, NSW, Australia ; School of Psychology, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK.

Full title: "Reality" of near-death-experience memories: evidence from a psychodynamic and electrophysiological integrated study.

The nature of near-death-experiences (NDEs) is largely unknown but recent evidence suggests the intriguing possibility that NDEs may refer to actually "perceived," and stored, experiences (although not necessarily in relation to the external physical world). We adopted an integrated approach involving a hypnosis-based clinical protocol to improve recall and decrease memory inaccuracy together with electroencephalography (EEG) recording in order to investigate the characteristics of NDE memories and their neural markers compared to memories of both real and imagined events. We included 10 participants with NDEs, defined by the Greyson NDE scale, and 10 control subjects without NDE. Memories were assessed using the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire. Our hypnosis-based protocol increased the amount of details in the recall of all kind of memories considered (NDE, real, and imagined events). Findings showed that NDE memories were similar to real memories in terms of detail richness, self-referential, and emotional information. Moreover, NDE memories were significantly different from memories of imagined events. The pattern of EEG results indicated that real memory recall was positively associated with two memory-related frequency bands, i.e., high alpha and gamma. NDE memories were linked with theta band, a well-known marker of episodic memory. The recall of NDE memories was also related to delta band, which indexes processes such as the recollection of the past, as well as trance states, hallucinations, and other related portals to transpersonal experience. It is notable that the EEG pattern of correlations for NDE memory recall differed from the pattern for memories of imagined events. In conclusion, our findings suggest that, at a phenomenological level, NDE memories cannot be considered equivalent to imagined memories, and at a neural level, NDE memories are stored as episodic memories of events experienced in a peculiar state of consciousness.

Front Hum Neurosci. 2014 Jun 19;8:429. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00429. eCollection 2014. Palmieri A(1), Calvo V(1), Kleinbub JR(1), Meconi F(2), Marangoni M(1), Barilaro P(1), Broggio A(1), Sambin M(1), Sessa P(3). Author information: (1)Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova Padova, Italy. (2)Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padova Padova, Italy. (3)Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padova Padova, Italy ; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padova Padova, Italy.

Full title: Cross-evidence for hypnotic susceptibility through nonlinear measures on EEGs of non-hypnotized subjects.

Assessment of hypnotic susceptibility is usually obtained through the application of psychological instruments. A satisfying classification obtained through quantitative measures is still missing, although it would be very useful for both diagnostic and clinical purposes. Aiming at investigating the relationship between the cortical brain activity and the hypnotic susceptibility level, we propose the combined use of two methodologies - Recurrence Quantification Analysis and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis - both inherited from nonlineardynamics. Indicators obtained through the application of these techniques to EEG signals of individuals in their ordinary state of consciousness allowed us to obtain a clear discrimination between subjects with high and low susceptibility to hypnosis. Finally a neural network approach was used to perform classification analysis.

Sci Rep. 2014 Jul 8;4:5610. doi: 10.1038/srep05610. Chiarucci R(1), Madeo D(1), Loffredo MI(1), Castellani E(2), Santarcangelo EL(2), Mocenni C(1). Author information: (1)1] Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics, University of Siena, Italy [2] Complex Systems Community, University of Siena, Italy. (2)Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy.

Full title: Hypnotic induction is followed by state-like changes in the organization of EEG functional connectivity in the theta and beta frequency bands in high-hypnotically susceptible individuals.

Altered state theories of hypnosis posit that a qualitatively distinct state of mental processing, which emerges in those with high hypnotic susceptibility following a hypnotic induction, enables the generation of anomalous experiences in response to specific hypnotic suggestions. If so then such a state should be observable as a discrete pattern of changes to functional connectivity (shared information) between brain regions following a hypnotic induction in high but not low hypnotically susceptible participants. Twenty-eight channel EEG was recorded from 12 high susceptible (highs) and 11 low susceptible (lows) participants with their eyes closed prior to and following a standard hypnotic induction. The EEG was used to provide a measure of functional connectivity using both coherence (COH) and the imaginary component of coherence (iCOH), which is insensitive to the effects of volume conduction. COH and iCOH were calculated between all electrode pairs for the frequency bands: delta (0.1-3.9 Hz), theta (4-7.9 Hz) alpha (8-12.9 Hz), beta1 (13-19.9 Hz), beta2 (20-29.9 Hz) and gamma (30-45 Hz). The results showed that there was an increase in theta iCOH from the pre-hypnosis to hypnosis condition in highs but not lows with a large proportion of significant links being focused on a central-parietal hub. There was also a decrease in beta1 iCOH from the pre-hypnosis to hypnosis condition with a focus on a fronto-central and an occipital hub that was greater in high compared to low susceptibles. There were no significant differences for COH or for spectral band amplitude in any frequency band. The results are interpreted as indicating that the hypnotic induction elicited a qualitative change in the organization of specific control systems within the brain for high as compared to low susceptible participants. This change in the functional organization of neural networks is a plausible indicator of the much theorized "hypnotic-state."

Front Hum Neurosci. 2014 Jul 24;8:528. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00528. eCollection 2014. Jamieson GA(1), Burgess AP(2). Author information: (1)School of Behavioural, Cognitive & Social Sciences, University of New England Armidale, NSW, Australia. (2)Aston Brain Centre, School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University Birmingham, UK.

Most researchers leverage bottom-up suppression to unlock the underlying mechanisms of unconscious processing. However, a top-down approach - for example via hypnotic suggestion - paves the road to experimental innovation and complementary data that afford new scientific insights concerning attention and the unconscious. Drawing from a reliable taxonomy that differentiates subliminal and preconscious processing, we outline how an experimental trajectory that champions top-down suppression techniques, such as those practiced in hypnosis,is uniquely poised to further contextualize and refine our scientific understanding of unconscious processing. Examining subliminal and preconscious methods, we demonstrate how instrumental hypnosis provides a reliable adjunct that supplements contemporary approaches. Specifically, we provide an integrative synthesis of the advantages and shortcomings that accompany a top-down approach to probe the unconscious mind. Our account provides a larger framework for complementing the results from core studies involving prevailing subliminal and preconscious techniques.

Front Psychol. 2014 Jul 28;5:785. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00785. eCollection 2014. Landry M(1), Appourchaux K(2), Raz A(3). Author information: (1)Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada. (2)Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada. (3)Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital Montreal, QC, Canada.

The Berlin physician Albert Moll (1862-1939) was an advocate of hypnotic suggestion therapy and a prolific contributor to the medical, legal and public discussions on hypnotism from the 1880s to the 1920s. While his work in other areas, such as sexology, medical ethics and parapsychology, has recently attracted scholarly attention, this paper for the first time comprehensively examines Moll's numerous publications on hypnotism and places them in their contemporary context. It covers controversies over the therapeutic application of hypnosis, the reception of Moll's monograph Der Hypnotismus (1889), his research on the rapport between hypnotizer and subject, his role as an expert on 'hypnotic crime', and his views on the historical influence of hypnotism on the development of psychotherapy. My findings suggest that Moll rose to prominence due to the strong late-nineteenth-century public and medical interest in the phenomena of hypnosis, but that his work was soon overshadowed by new, non-hypnotic psychotherapeutic approaches, particularly Freud's psychoanalysis.

Hist Psychiatry. 2014 Mar;25(1):3-19. doi: 10.1177/0957154X13500596. Maehle AH. Author information: Durham University.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Over the past several decades I have studied numerous people who have achieved mastery in one or more physical or mental skills. Among them were athletes, musicians, scholars, scientists, and even spiritual adepts. I even included in this austere group those who have overcome terminal illnesses miraculously by changing their thought processes. While some of them have translated misfortune or even physical deformities into opportunities to develop specific habits, many were average people for whom circumstances led them to focus on allowing greatness to occur.

During my research into the origins of masterful performance, much was learned when looking at extreme cases. This included individuals who were introduced to particular endeavors very early in life, as well as those that pursued specific interests later in life and were able to focus during thousands of hours of practice. However, some of the most interesting case studies involved the amazing abilities of prodigious savants such as Kim Peek (mnemonist, speed reader, and calculator), Daniel Tammet (mathematical synesthesia, language absorption, and memory), and Alonzo Clemmons (clay sculptor). Another phenomena that I became interested in were innovations in neuroplasticity, which shows the brain's ability to reorganize, and the seemingly related concept regarding innovations in stroke recovery – especially the work of Edward Taub, PhD, at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Cognitive neuroscientists continue to seek further relationships between neural structures and behavior (Raz et al. 2006). The previous chapter discusses that neuroplasticity explains how the brain can reorganize. This occurs normally when dormant (or less used) parts of the brain take over a function of another part of the brain due to events such as a stroke. Scientists involved in researching the savant syndrome recognize that prodigious savants somehow tap these hidden reserves of the mind (Treffert, 1989; Walsh & Pascual-Leone, 2003; Evans, 2007). So it is reasonable to deduce that a brain can easily entrain since it has this dormant or hidden potential readily available.

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Energy and Mind/Body/Performance Transformation

by Tim Brunson, PhD

The future of mental health, medicine, and human performance coaching resides in a much better understanding of the role that energy plays in both our demise and our positive transformation. Energy is the only true common denominator that permeates our neurophysiology, our personalities, our thoughts and behavior, and our fears, hopes, and dreams. So whatever the medical protocol, the alphabet acronym used to refer to psychological interventions, or technique that inspires us, somehow energy is involved. Thus it behooves us to understand the nature and function of energy much better as we seek answers to both human maladies and potential.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

The feedback loop between the mind and body is extremely strong. Consider the phantom limb syndrome. When a person loses an arm or leg, the related areas of the somatosensory cortex are still present. Additionally, as the insula plays an important role in sensing the body, it also plays a critical role in the mind holding an awareness of the lost limb. Clearly, the structure and activity within the brain reflect structures present in the body. And since a structure (i.e. a neuro-physiological pattern) is also integrated (i.e. receives input and provides feedback) with other non-neurological structures of the body, the state of one system is reflected in and is somewhat a reflection of the states (i.e. weights of elements) of others.

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Hypnosis has had a gradual conceptual emergence from an alleged mystical experience, to sleep, to a psychological shift in concentration that activates a preexisting neuro-physiological circuitry. Data are presented to support the thesis that hypnotizability exists on a spectrum that has biological as well as psychosocial components. When there is synchrony between the bio-psychosocial components of hypnotizability as measured by the Hypnotic Induction Profile (an intact flow), psychotherapy is the primary treatment strategy, with medication secondary or not at all. When measurement reveals a lack of synchrony between biological factors as measured by the Eye-Roll sign and psychosocial responsivity (a nonintact flow), medication will be primary, with different degrees of psychosocial support.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2007 Oct;55(4):387-410.

Spiegel H. College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

The relevance of suggestion and imagination as a tool for human transformation is still inadequately being explored. On one hand, the benefits of considering the validity of volition as a tool is largely prevented by those self-styled critical thinkers who sincerely believe that they are protecting the public rather than more likely defending the sanctity of their identity. They insist that their well-established and often legally protected beliefs are valid and supported by scientific evidence. Yet, when actually explored, almost always the strength of their thinking is not found in solid scientific research but rather in popularly held beliefs and editorials that grace staid academic journals. On the other hand, the foes of these skeptics are most likely idealistic thinkers, who insist that what they wish to believe is in fact true. Clearly, there must be a middle ground that both addresses unfiltered reality and allows space for human intellectual evolution to occur.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

In prior articles my focus has been on how neuroplasticity follows sensory-deprivation or changes in how the senses are used. Findings derived from his work with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients led Jeffry Schwartz, MD, (2002) a University of California – Los Angeles Medical School neuropsychiatrist to the realization that the signals capable of creating neural reorganization can also come from the mind. His analysis of the causes and treatment for OCD focuses on a small handful of neural substrates. These include the right orbitofrontal cortex (R-OFC), the striatum [i.e. the region of dopamine receptors to include the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)], the limbic system's amygdala, and the caudate nucleus. Together he calls them the "OCD circuit."

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

A major contribution regarding sensory-based plasticity came from the work of a team of neuroscientists in California. In 1996, Michael M. Merzenich, PhD, a professor emeritus neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco (Begley, 2007; Doidge, 2007) and his colleagues reported that when the arms and fingers of monkeys were exercised, the related areas of the motor cortex began to expanded radically, taking over areas that had previously controlled other parts of their bodies. This alone overturned the dogma that stated that the adult brain cannot change. He insisted that the experiences of life sculpt the brain and retain imprints of experiences and performed behaviors. He said, "These idiosyncratic features of cortical representation have been largely ignored by cortical electrophysiologists." (Merzenich et al., 1990).

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Regardless as to whether or not the phrase "finding the hero within" truly symbolizes that potential will emerge; the route taken during transformation depends on whether the locus of neural functioning is cognitive or limbic-related. This is the same consideration that was discussed a previous article when the propensity for intellectual behavior was balanced with that for pattern-driven behavior. This locus is synonymous with an individual's temperament, as it balances the behavioral activation system and the behavioral inhibition system. [Note the similarity of this concept with the toward and away from meta-patterns taught in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).] Again, each of these involves specific neurotransmitters and specific substrates (Davidson, 1992).

The behavior activation system involves how an individual seeks out stimulus and reacts to the world. It is a more cognitive, frontal lobe entity. Therefore, it is more concerned with the intellect as new perceptions are continuously generating new neuro-physiological patterns. The formation of explicit memories is more prevalent.

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OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to explore the influence of interviewer behavior-abrupt versus friendly-and the age of participants on interrogative suggestibility. METHOD: The study involved 42 young adults and 50 elderly participants. The Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2 was used. Data analysis involved a 2-factor between-subjects design (interviewer behavior × age) and mediation analysis. RESULTS: The scores of elderly participants were significantly lower than younger adults on memory indices and significantly higher on some suggestibility indexes. Some suggestibility indices in the abrupt experimental condition were higher than those in the friendly experimental condition. Elderly participants who were interviewed under the abrupt condition were more likely to change their answers after receiving negative feedback than younger adults. Memory quality was a mediator of the relationship between age and the tendency to yield to suggestive questions. Self-appraisal of memory was a mediator between both age and interviewer behavior and the tendency to change answers after negative feedback. DISCUSSION: Mechanisms of the relationship between age, interviewer behavior, and suggestibility are discussed on the basis of the mediational analyses. The findings suggest that a friendly manner should be adopted when interrogating witnesses.

J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2014 May;69(3):348-55. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbt023. Dukala K(1), Polczyk R. Author information: (1)Correspondence should be addressed to Karolina Dukala, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Al. Mickiewicza 3, 31-120 Cracow, Poland. E-mail: karolina.dukala@uj.edu.pl.

More and more licensed professional counselors are providing counseling services in a clients home. This is fully discussed in an article, which appeared today in Counseling Today The article is by James Todd McGahey, who is a LPC and assistant professor at Jacksonville State University, located in Jacksonville, Alabama. (Incidentally, this university is nearby our headquarters in Anniston, Alabama. Also, we have conducted several courses on behalf of the schools continuing education department.)

The article includes very valuable information concerning the pros and cons of conducting in-home counseling services. We particularly liked the analysis of several of the problems, which may occur, and possible solutions.

Full article

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Brain-related human potential is dependent on the ability of a sector (i.e. neural substrate) to fully perform. Barring damage, the level of functioning depends on the thickness of neural networks in the substrate, the activity or inhibition of the nearby and/or correlated substrates, previous differentiation – as discussed in the previous articles – and the level of energy provided.

The relative focus of energy in the nervous system is associated with mental performance, sensory awareness, motor control, and autonomic functioning. Substrates are considered activated (or active), inhibited, or dormant based upon the relative amounts of activity. Activity or inactivity is related to the amounts of oxygen and nutrition (in the form of glucose) provided to the substrates cells. Modern neuroimaging methods can detect the energy levels of the various substrates.

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The spirit of hypnosis is reflected in the belief that people are more resourceful than they realize and through hypnosis can create meaningful possibilities. Thus, it is puzzling why hypnosis isn't better regarded. Do we present as too internally conflicted to inspire others' confidence? Do we overstate the dangers of hypnosis and scare people away? Do we define hypnosis as such a unique approach that others don't see its relevance for their work? Self-exploration is important if we want to ensure we are not unwittingly adding to our image problems as a field. Beyond these considerations, the novel and spirited application of hypnosis in the context of captive elephant breeding is discussed, as is a personal acknowledgment of some of the pioneers who manifested the spirit of hypnosis.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2014 Jan;56(3):234-48. Yapko MD.

Within the hypnosis field, there is a disparity between clinical and research worldviews. Clinical practitioners work with patients who are dealing with serious, often unique, real-world problems-lived experience. Researchers adhere to objective measurements, standardization, data, and statistics. Although there is overlap, an ongoing divergence can be counterproductive to the hypnosis field and to the larger professional and social contexts. The purpose of this article is: (1) to examine some of the major assumptions, the history, and the philosophy that undergird the definition of science, which was constructed in the mid-17th century; (2) to discover how science is a product of prevailing social forces and is undergoing a paradigm shift; and (3) to understand the more encompassing, holistic paradigm with implications for the hypnosis field.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2014 Jan;56(3):216-33. Osowiec DA.

by Tim Brunson PhD

Over the past several centuries there have been multiple definitions of the word hypnosis. Yet these definitions too often reflect empirical observations rather than a true understanding the nature of hypnosis.

Looking at how history allowed the concept of hypnosis to evolve can provide at least a partial understanding of its essence. Unfortunately, the history of hypnosis normally starts off with an inaccurate myth. Many accord Anton Mesmer, MD, as the "Father of Modern Hypnosis" (Mesmer, 1980). Yet after reading his original works, it is fairly obvious that his activities can be more closely explained by the present practice of energy psychology and energy medicine rather than what is known as hypnosis today. Even though his patients responded to suggestion and many went into some type of altered state, this does not necessarily qualify him for his esteemed place in the history of hypnosis.

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by Tim Brunson PhD

Transformation is the act of nullifying dysfunctional or unwanted patterns and replacing them with functional and desired ones. For transformation to occur, both processes must be considered. One without the other will assure failure. For instance, the strength of neuro-physiological patterns related to smoking must first be disempowered. Then the clinician or a person doing self-treatment will quickly notice that the opportunity for success will be greatly improved when they replace them with more powerful ones having a more pronounced emotional/feeling intensity. Indeed, neurophysiologists specializing in Transcranial Magnetics (TCM) realize that the virtual lesions that they create in the brains of their virtual patients will quickly get filled in by surrounding neurons or brain functions (Walsh & Pascual-Leone, 2003). Likewise, when an unwanted neuro-physiological pattern loses its strength there is a natural tendency for it to reappear – or be replaced with another dysfunctional one such as overeating – should it not be quickly replaced with a stronger one of the subject's choosing.

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Abstract Myths or misconceptions concerning hypnosis are regarded among the major barriers to effective implementation of hypnosis. Contemporary hypnotherapists are expected to elicit patients' misconceptions and to provide explanations that distinguish between mystical and scientific perceptions of hypnosis and that offer a picture of the state of the art of hypnosis. Dealing with misconceptions on a rational and cognitive level seems to have the ability to change a patient's conscious knowledge and understanding of hypnosis. Nevertheless, deeply rooted and emotionally saturated misbeliefs with historical-cultural origins still prevail. This article focuses on the prehypnotic phase of therapy and proposes remythification to deal with the myth of hypnosis. This approach aims to promote the hypnotherapeutic process by utilizing myth-related misconceptions.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2014;62(3):378-93. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2014.901090. Meyerson J. Author information: a Tel Aviv University , Israel.

by Tim Brunson PhD

Previously I've discussed resistance as a systemic concept involving all humans. This belies the fact that resistance may be of a subjective nature since the intensity varies between individuals. For instance, neuroimaging has clearly shown that the predominant locus of brain activity is different from one person to the next. This could mean that due to damage, the environmental situation, or personality, certain substrates may be used or function more frequently than others. However, differences in predominate subjective substrate organization may be more simplistic. The issue is whether the locus of predominant brain activity is in the frontal lobe – the seat of uniquely human intelligence – or the more primitive, pattern-driven limbic system.

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by Tim Brunson PhD

Many hypnotists and hypnotherapists as well as others in the integrative health community spend a considerable amount of time writing, communicating, and developing ideas. However, I have never seen any conference or workshop address the nature and dynamics of intellectual property rights. This topic is important for several reasons and therefore should be a mandatory topic for discussion.

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