Kinds of Hypnosis

There are four basic types of hypnosis, with many different variations and some overlap between them. 

They are:

  1. Traditional hypnosis
  2. Ericksonian hypnosis
  3. NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) hypnosis
  4. Self hypnosis

Each have different uses that are detailed here. They also vary in effectiveness based on the type of person the hypnosis is being administered to.

Hypnosis always starts the same way: with an "induction procedure in which the person is asked to focus his or her eyes on a fix[ed] point, relax, and concentrate on the voice of the hypnotist" (ISHOT). From there, it diverges.

Traditional Hypnosis

This is the most basic, simplest form, and because of it, it is not only the easiest to use, but at the same time, the hardest to be 100% effective, because anybody can do it, or claim to, without the training or experience required of the other procedures.

Once "under" the trance, the patient's subconscious is merely subjected to "direct suggestions" or commands, such as an order to stop smoking (Neuro-Vision). Most hypnosis that is readily available (like commercial hypnosis CD's/tapes) is based on this method, which "unfortunately is not very effective for people who are critical or analytical in their thinking processes" (Neuro-Vision). This is also where stage hypnotism was derived from, partly attributable to the bad rap that hypnosis has received (FullHypnosis).

Ericksonian Hypnosis

This one requires some knowledge of English terms! Created by Dr. Milton Erickson, it's tailored for those skeptical and resistant of hypnosis (FullHypnosis).

While hypnotized, instead of just making suggestions, this method is more effective by using metaphors. Metaphors are a figure of speech used to compare and contrast two things to increase knowledge and understanding about a person, word, situation, etc. Metaphors are used "to present suggestions and ideas to the unconscious mind. This is a powerful and effective method, because it usually eliminates the blockage of and resistance to suggestions that is often caused by the conscious mind" (Hypnosis 101). There are two kinds of metaphors commonly used, isomorphic or interspersal (Hypnosis 101). Isomorphic metaphors are usually stories with morals, or fables that your mind connects with, whereas interspersal or embedded command, is sneakier (Hypnosis 101). A story is used as a distraction, with subtle hints and directives sprinkled within (Hypnosis 101).

NLP Hypnosis

Neuro-linguistic programming began as a tool primarily used in therapy to alleviate depression or fears (FullHypnosis). It is still used in this arena, but more and more, NLP hypnosis is being used in conjunction with self hypnosis in the professional world to boost a person's self esteem and well-being (FullHypnosis). It is effective because it uses the same thoughts that produce a problem, like a fear of heights or an over-eating rationale and seeks to reverse or eradicate these thoughts (Hypnosis 101). There are three different techniques: flash, anchoring, and reframe.

Flash: This is the most powerful, and is exceptional at "extinguishing conditioned responses" (Hypnosis 101). It removes the desire to do something negative in conjunction with another activity, like smoking cigarettes while drinking coffee or drinking (Hypnosis 101). By the end, when drinking coffee, you will no longer feel the impulse to smoke.

Anchoring: This is based in memory and is much like positive reinforcement. The hypnotist will focus on a strong, happy memory, and this reminder will give you more motivation to change than before (Hypnosis 101). 

Reframe: According to hypnotherapist Alan B. Densky, reframing is when "we negotiate with the unconscious and have it assume responsibility for making the client unconsciously substitute some other behavior that is as effective and available at accomplishing that secondary gain, but is more consciously acceptable to the individual" (Hypnosis 101). Essentially, it's replacing a bad behavior (smoking) to achieve a goal (to lose weight) with a healthier behavior (eating less).

These can all be used together or separately, and it's one of the most effective forms of hypnosis.

Self-Hypnosis (or Auto Hypnosis)

Many hypnotists or experts will tell you that all hypnosis is self hypnosis; hypnotists and hypnotherapists are merely coaching your mind along (ISHOT).

Essentially, self hypnosis is a combination of any of the three of the aforementioned methods, only it's being performed by oneself. You put yourself in the trance and are then able to make suggestions to yourself. It has the same benefits and disadvantages that any of them do, but it's usually more effective when prescribed by a hypnotherapist and the person is trained to put themselves under (FullHypnosis).

This one, like traditional hypnosis, is more of a crap shoot, and one has to be wary of the many CDs or websites that are promoting the ability to teach you how to self hypnotize. But clearly, if you can do it yourself, that's preferable to many people who would rather not have their subconscious mind naked to another person -- professional hypnotherapist or not.

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