Hypnosis has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years.
It has been used to entertain, to entrance and more recently to heal.
It is a powerful tool for helping people overcome psychological distress, and it has been shown to be an effective pain reliever and anesthetic.
Yet, with all of this history Hypnosis still hasn't found its way into main stream medical practice.
Is this because it is ineffective? Or is it because it has been, and continues to be tied to some form of 'mysticism'? The last 10 years has seen some significant research in the neurological effects of Hypnosis, and, in that time it has become evident that the concept of trance and suggestion is far more than some mystical force, and that individuals actually undergo profound physiological and neurological changes that are unique.
The use of functional magnetic resonant imaging (fMRI) has clearly shown the altered brain functions that hypnotized subjects experience, and these changes are distinct from those in a meditative or drug-induced relaxed state.
Scientific evidence is being produced that shows that Hypnosis has a profound effect on various centres of the brain and that it is far more involving at a neurological level than understood historically.
From a scientific standpoint Hypnosis is starting to move out of the 'mythic' and into the 'scientific', and as it does so there is a greater possibility of it being accepted by the wider medical community as a real clinical process that can support patients in their recovery and treatment.
With all this research one would think that the case for Hypnosis was a sound one, unfortunately this is not the case, and even once all the evidence is in, the entire area of trance states will have an up-hill struggle to convince both clinician and public alike as to its efficacy as a treatment.
The problem arises because of the long-term association that Hypnosis has for many people.
Over the years it has been tied to charlatans and mystics who use it to further their own agendas, so much so that it is used time and again in the media as a plot device where the 'evil hypnotist' controls people to do their bidding.
It may make for great viewing, but it undermines the practical application.
Outside of the theatrical presentations, the hypnotherapist has unwittingly been guilty of undermining their own craft too.
Many a hypnotherapist will align themselves with the Reiki or Crystal healer, or offer past life regression, or spiritual healing, which is fine whilst Hypnosis is regarded more as an entertainment but has far less value, and has a severe negative impact when trying to raise the practice to a clinical level.
One doesn't visit a physician expecting to be given an overview of the four Humours, or to have your blood let, you expect and receive advice from a medical professional who bases their advice on clinical research.
The Clinical Hypnotist or Hypnotherapist needs to base their advice on the clinical research for their profession and not the ideas and beliefs of the 19th Century.
The Clinical Hypnotist needs to say goodbye to the Stage Hypnotist, the spiritualist and the faith healer and make a stand for their profession.
If they don't know-one else will.
Hypnosis is now becoming a science, and its practitioners need to begin acting accordingly otherwise this powerful and proven tool will always be considered 'quackery' when it has moved beyond its humble and esoteric beginning and is now worthy of standing beside other proven clinical specialism's.
Let's break the link, and make Hypnosis respectable, for the sake of our clients, if not ourselves.