2025.04.04

The evolution and choice of hypnosis

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Over the course of its long history, hypnosis has developed in many forms as a powerful tool for influencing people's consciousness and behavior. Of particular note are the two main approaches: classical hypnosis and modern hypnosis. They also aim for a hypnotic state, but differ significantly in their methods, philosophies, and scopes of application. In this article, we will delve into these differences in detail, starting with historical background, techniques, and application examples, and reveal the characteristics of each.

Article Contents

Classical Hypnosis and Modern Hypnosis: Differences between the Two Approaches and Their Characteristics
- The Origin and Development of Classical Hypnosis: Exploring Authority and Directness

Classical Hypnosis and Modern Hypnosis: Differences between the Two Approaches and Their Characteristics

The Origin and Development of Classical Hypnosis: Exploring Authority and Directness

Classical hypnosis has its roots in the "animal magnetism theory" proposed by Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century. Mesmer believed that invisible energy (what he called "animal magnetism") had an impact on people's health and physical and mental state. By manipulating this energy, he attempted to restore the patient's physical and mental harmony. This method of Mesmer's was known as "mesmerism" and attracted a great deal of attention at the time, but its scientific basis was lacking.

However, it was this attempt by Mesmer that later had a great influence on the development of hypnosis. In the 19th century, a physician named James Blade studied mesmerism and found that its effects were not mystical like animal magnetism, but were caused by the psychological state of the subject. Blade named this condition "hypnosis" and attempted to understand the phenomenon of hypnosis, which had been considered mystical until then, from a more scientific perspective. Blade's research led to the introduction of hypnosis into the scientific field and laid the foundations for classical hypnosis.

The peculiarity of classical hypnosis lies in its clear structure and direct approach. The hypnotist takes the initiative and guides the subject into a trance state through clear instructions and commands. This technique is defined by specific characteristics, such as:
In classical hypnosis, the hypnotist gives direct and clear suggestions to the subject. Words such as "You are deeply relaxed," "Your body feels heavy," and "You feel sleepy" are used to guide the subject's consciousness to a specific state. This suggestion is very specific and direct, leaving no room for the subject to get lost.
In classical hypnosis, the hypnotist takes an authoritative position. They give instructions in a confident manner, and the subject is expected to follow the instructions. This authoritative relationship is thought to increase the subject's sense of obedience and trust in the hypnotist, which is a factor that enhances the effectiveness of hypnosis. This structure also has the aspect that the charisma and presence of the practitioner greatly affects the success of hypnosis.
Formulated Procedures - Classical hypnosis is carried out on the basis of certain procedures. There are clear steps: hypnotic induction, introduction of suggestions, deepening of the hypnotic state, and awakening. While this formulated procedure increases the reproducibility of hypnosis, it also has the aspect of being inflexible.
Achieving a deep trance state in a short period of timeThe main goal of classical hypnosis is to create a strong state of concentration or a deep trance state in a relatively short period of time. In this state, the subject blocks stimuli from the outside world and concentrates his consciousness only on the words of the hypnotist. This deep trance state increases sensitivity to certain suggestions and makes the effects of hypnosis more powerful. However, it has been pointed out that the effects are often temporary, and sustainability remains a challenge.

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Historically, classical hypnosis has had extensive application in the field of show and entertainment due to its direct and dramatic effects. In some cases, it has also been used as a treatment for pain relief or temporary improvement of certain symptoms. However, due to its authoritative nature and limited temporary effects, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and a more flexible and effective approach to hypnosis has been required.

The Birth and Evolution of Modern Hypnosis: Emphasis on Flexibility and Dialogue

Modern hypnosis has developed greatly thanks to the work of Milton Erickson, one of the leading hypnotherapists of the 20th century. Erickson criticized the authoritarian approach of classical hypnosis and advocated a new approach that was more flexible and respected the subject's subjectivity. He believed that "hypnosis is an extension of human natural behavior" and saw the hypnotic state as an extension of the state of consciousness in daily life. This perspective of Erikson radically changed the concept of hypnosis and laid the foundation for modern hypnosis.

Modern hypnosis is characterized by its emphasis on the subject's own subjectivity and dialogue with the unconscious. In contrast to classical hypnosis, the hypnotist does not take an authoritative position, but rather supports the subject as a "collaborator". This approach is defined by the following characteristics:
In indirect suggestion and storytelling/modern hypnosis, suggestion is conveyed indirectly, not directly. Introduce suggestion in the form of metaphors, stories, and metaphors to work on the subject's unconscious. Erickson guided patients into a state of hypnosis through movements that they perform naturally in their daily lives, such as "Imagine yourself standing in a place and looking at the landscape." This indirect approach reduces the subject's sense of resistance and allows them to enter a hypnotic state more naturally.
Emphasis on agency and cooperation: In modern hypnosis, the hypnotist acts as a "guide" for the subject. The hypnotist draws on the subject's inner resources and supports them to achieve change on their own. The treatment process proceeds in a dialogue between the hypnotist and the subject, and the subject becomes the subject of the treatment. This collaborative relationship is thought to increase subjects' self-efficacy and promote more effective change.
Flexible and creative techniques - In modern hypnosis, there is no formulaic procedure like classical hypnosis. The hypnotist flexibly adjusts the technique to suit the personality and situation of each subject. This involves not only verbal communication, but also non-verbal elements (tone of voice, pauses, gestures, etc.), which act as a tool to promote hypnosis throughout the communication.
Application to Psychotherapy: Modern hypnosis has a wide range of applications in psychotherapy due to its flexibility and effectiveness. Its applications range from treating anxiety, depression, and addiction to stress management, personal growth, and habit modification. Modern hypnosis techniques are also used as self-hypnosis and are popular as tools for patients to manage their own conditions on a daily basis.

Selection and use of classical and modern hypnosis techniques

Classical and modern hypnosis have different strengths and weaknesses and are effective depending on the context in which they are applied.

Classical hypnosis is a good choice when you need to make drastic changes in a short period of time from its direct approach. In situations where immediate results are required, such as shows, entertainment, or temporary pain relief, classical hypnosis can be a viable option. However, its effects are often temporary, and there are limits when seeking long-term transformation.
Modern hypnosis is more suitable for deeper psychological transformations and treatments. Modern hypnosis, which emphasizes the subject's agency and interaction with the unconscious, is a more effective approach when seeking long-term treatment and personal growth. In the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, etc., the flexibility and therapeutic effects of modern hypnosis may provide more effective results.

Conclusion ・Integration of the Two Approaches and New Possibilities

Classical hypnosis and modern hypnosis are the two main approaches to hypnosis, each with different roots and philosophies. Classical hypnosis has excelled at creating strong changes in a short period of time due to its authoritative and direct approach, and has been used for entertainment and temporary treatment. Modern hypnosis, on the other hand, adopts a more flexible and human-centered approach, promoting long-term transformation by encouraging a dialogue between the subject's agency and the unconscious.

These two approaches can be seen as complementary to each other. The simple structure and direct approach of classical hypnosis are immediate, in certain situations, while the flexible, human-centered approach of modern hypnosis encourages sustained growth. Future hypnosis research and practice will require the integration of these two approaches and the full exploitation of their respective advantages to further expand the possibilities of hypnosis.

In addition, the range of applications of hypnosis is not limited to psychotherapy, but also extends to a wide range of fields such as education, sports, and business. In these areas, hypnosis has the potential to be used as an effective tool to unlock an individual's potential and support them in achieving their goals.

Hypnosis has evolved in various ways over the course of its long history. The transition from classical to modern hypnosis is an important step in expanding the possibilities of hypnosis and gaining a deeper understanding of people's consciousness and behavior. It is hoped that the study and practice of hypnosis will continue to evolve in the future, opening up new avenues to enrich our lives.

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