Evolution of hypnotherapy: methodical aspects

Abstract

We carried out the methodical analysis of the “classic”, Ericksonian hypnosis and universal hypnotherapy. The basic domestic stamps of hypnotherapy interpretation were described: 1) hypnotherapy – the method of psychotherapy; 2) hypnotherapy in general; 3) the superiority of Ericksonian hypnosis over the “classic”; 4) hypnotherapy as a leaving practice. Reviewed methods are analyzed in the framework of the communicative process, highlighted: 1) matching by the participants of their initial ideas about hypnosis; 2) verbal and non-verbal levels of hypnotic communication; 3) the ratio of the activities of the participants in hypnotic communication; 4) therapist's style of using feedback; 5) hypnotherapeutic targeting; 6) communicative styles of hypnotherapy; 7) the hypnotherapy limitations generated by its communicative style. The communicative style of the “classic” hypnosis is authoritarian, it uses the idea of direct guidance of the hypnotizable patient to the therapeutic outcome. The style of Ericksonian hypnosis is based on the verbal, non-directive-manipulative patient management with adjustment and maintenance, connection of the resources of the wise unconscious, using metaphors as a tool for access to resources. The communicative style of universal hypnotherapy rebuilds the patient's cultural representations about hypnosis, uses positive cognitive-behavioral models, takes into account the biological mechanisms of hypnotherapy, uses non-verbal communication during hypnotization, hypnotherapy, dehypnotization, and potentiates the patient's activity in recovery. The communicative style of the “classic” hypnosis generates the phenomena of “non-hypnability” and “hypnomania”. The communicative style of Ericksonian hypnosis potentiates the “resistance” to hypnosis. The communicative style of universal hypnotherapy in rare cases led to cessation of therapy by the patient.