Hypnosis--a neglected tool for client empowerment

Clinical hypnosis is a valuable treatment modality that deserves to be more widely known and used by social workers. The author presents an overview of this growing clinical specialty, distinguishing between directive, Ericksonian, and permissive hypnosis. The latter, which is the most common style in use today, is based on a clear contract in which a hypnotherapist helps a client develop and use his or her own hypnotic abilities toward therapeutic goals. Characteristics of a hypnotic trance and the differing capacities of individuals in trance are presented. The article describes how permissive hypnosis is used in practice and identifies the types of clients for whom it is suitable. The author stresses the consistency of modern clinical hypnosis with social work aims and values.