What is Hypnosis and is it Effective? Most people think they know what hypnosis is, even most practitioners. Merriam Webster Dictionary says this: “Hypnosis (from the Greek hypnos, “sleep”) is often thought to be “a trance-like state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.”

Notice the part that says “is often thought to be.” The simple truth is that there is no one universally accepted definition for hypnosis. Terms like altered state of consciousness, heightened suggestibility, dissociation, trance, auto-suggestion, even role playing have been used and fiercely defended. Perhaps the broadest definition and the one I find most helpful comes from The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis’s web site, which says ” Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. Continue reading →