Toward a Relational Theory of Hypnosis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Mind-Body Medicine

Background:

• Persistent disagreements exist regarding the definition and mechanisms of hypnosis.
• Key debates include whether hypnosis is an altered state or if hypnotizability is a stable trait.
• The conceptualization of clinical hypnosis as hypnotherapy is also contested.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reexamine common assumptions about hypnosis.
• To reconsider unresolved questions in the field of hypnosis.
• To articulate a relational characterization of mind and self applicable to hypnosis.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Gregory Bateson and Daniel Siegel.
• Applying a relational perspective to mind and self.
• Analyzing existing theories and assumptions in hypnosis research.

Main Results:

• A relational framework provides a novel vantage point for understanding hypnosis.
• This perspective challenges traditional dichotomies in hypnosis theory.
• It offers a unified approach to conceptualizing hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

Conclusions:

• A relational model of mind and self can help resolve fundamental disagreements in hypnosis.
• This approach encourages a more integrated understanding of hypnotic phenomena.
• It reframes the debate on altered states and hypnotizability.