Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, Scope and Potential

The main goal of this book is to help people understand and see the full power, scope and value of hypnosis so that it can be put to more widespread use in helping man achieve optimum fulfilment, happiness and health. "Power of Hypnosis" is an extensive review of the literature is presented that shows the success rate of hypnotherapy to be 93 per cent after an average of 6 sessions compared to 72 per cent after an average of 22 sessions for behaviour therapy and 38 per cent after an average of 600 sessions for psychoanalysis. Theory of Hypnosis: A very comprehensive theory of hypnosis is presented based on solid principles of conditioning and inhibition, one that encompasses and supersedes all current theories, pointing out similarities and differences. It covers all three aspects of hypnosis: induction process, hypnotic and post-hypnotic phenomena. It has wide scope: the theory not only presents a rational explanation for hypnosis aimed at removing the mystery, misunderstanding and disbelief for hypnosis but also a number of important related concepts including free will, the placebo, faith and even God. It is pointed out that all these concepts are tied in with the concept of belief, with hypnosis defined as a state of heightened belief and belief defined as concentration on a thought to the exclusion of anything contradicting that thought. The main value of hypnosis is shown to be its ability to facilitate change or re-programming.