Hypnosis: Attracting Your Success: Mind Control, Self Hypnosis and nlp pdfdrive com

Altered state theory of hypnosis
The altered state theory of hypnosis is not the modern understanding of what
occurs in the hypnotic “state” and derives, originally from mesmerism. 
Mesmerism’s premise was the hypnotist placed the person being hypnotized into
a state that differed radically from consciousness, allowing the subject to become
more prone to suggestion. Extensive research into the effect on the subject of
hypnosis has revealed that this hypothesis is invalid, which has led to greater
understanding, particularly with regard to hypnotherapy and its effectiveness for
many people suffering the effects of depression, PTSD
and stress.
Non-state theory of hypnosis
This is the modern understanding of hypnosis. In this understanding, the state of
mind isn’t so much altered as opened, through invitation and encouragement on
the part of the practitioner. 
This opening allows greater receptivity in the subject. By allowing for enhanced
imagination, suggestion is absorbed differently, through either verbal or non-

---

verbal direction. This permits the subject to more readily receive helpful
information, capable of encouraging a shift in perspective. This shift can be
responsible for remediation of existing problems, as we’ve seen in the case study
of the returning combat veteran, Gary, earlier in this book. Dr. Gerling, by
directing Gary to look at the traumatic events he’d experienced on the battlefield
as an observer and then to enter into the action to address his historical self,
guided him toward viewing these events with greater equanimity.
In this way, Gary was able to manage his PTSD more effectively and lead a life
less ruled by its deleterious effects.
The distinction between these two theories represents a dividing line between
earlier interpretations of hypnosis and its means of function and the modern one. 
While this earlier understanding may have been in need of greater development,
the findings of early hypnosis experts like James Braid are of foundational
importance to the modern interpretation of its processes. Like the theories of
Freud, no longer as clinically important to the practice of psychiatry as they once
were, the altered state theory still served to provide a functional framework for
further development.
At this point, it’s important that I clarify certain terms used in this book. Words
like “trance”, for example serve the purpose of reader accessibility. It’s a
commonly understood word to explain how the mind responds to hypnosis. That
is not to say, however, that anything about the mind actually changes. It is the
same mind, consisting of the same functions and matter. It is merely
opened to work of the hypnotic suggestion in a way that allows for perspective
to be guided toward change.