
The American Psychological Association's Definition of Hypnosis
Hypnosis typically involves an introduction to the procedure during
which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences
will be presented. The hypnotic induction is an extended initial
suggestion for using one's imagination, and may contain further
elaborations of the introduction.
A hypnotic procedure is used to
encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis,
one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to
respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience,
alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behavior.
Persons can also learn self-hypnosis, which is the act of administering
hypnotic procedures on one's own. If the subject responds to hypnotic
suggestions, it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been induced.
Many believe that hypnotic responses and experiences are characteristic
of a hypnotic state. The hypnotic state automatically occurs anytime you become deeply relaxed or highly focused. Hypnosis can occur while driving a car (that spaced out feeling), reading a book or watching a movie. A professional hypnotherapist can prompt and regulate the hypnotic state and help facilitate desired changes through the use of properly worded hypnosis suggestions.