Hypnosis Glossary:

Numbers # to H

# (5-PATH® to 7th Path Self-Hypnosis®)

• 5-PATH®

  System of doing hypnosis consisting of five different phases: (1) Phase I, Preparation, Testing and Convincing Techniques, (2) Phase II, Age Regression and Age Progression Techniques, (3) Phase III, Parts Work for Forgiveness of Others, (4) Phase IV, Parts Work used for Forgiveness of Self, and (5) Phase V, Parts Mediation Work for Secondary Gain issues. A process developed by Calvin D. Banyan using these powerful techniques and influenced by the work of Dave Elman, Gerald F. Kein, Charles Tebbetts, and others.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• 7th Path Self-Hypnosis®

  A holistic approach to self-hypnosis that combines influences from both hypnosis and meditation. Practitioners are taught to go into hypnosis after they have been hypnotized by a 7th Path® Teacher, who will instruct them on the process, which is intended to remove limiting beliefs and unwanted habits, while at the same time making positive suggestions to themselves called Recognitions. This system was developed by Calvin D. Banyan who was inspired to develop this system based on his understanding of hypnosis, self-hypnosis, meditation, psychology, spirituality and emotions.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

A (abreaction to awakening)

• abreaction

  Emotional discharge, usually due to remembering past pain.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• abuse

  Emotional discharge, usually due to remembering past pain.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• affirmations

  Positive statements designed to change subconscious programming.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• age regression

  Guiding a hypnotized person backwards in time by his/her age. WARNING: Only those trained in regression work should do this!
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• alpha (brain wave)

  A state of the mind where brainwave activity slows down to a range of from 7-14 cycles per second, during which we experience hypnosis, and which we pass through on the way to and from sleep daily.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• altered consciousness

  Synonymous with alpha; terminology used to refer to the state of mind we experience during hypnosis, meditation, or any form of trance.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• anchoring

  Establishing a trigger which, when activated, will trigger certain responses; this happens randomly in life, but can be suggested during hypnosis (see also triggers).
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• associated regression

  The experience of reliving the memory of an event in the first person, i.e., seeing directly out of your own eyes.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• aversion suggestion

  Suggestions given that emphasize negative aspects of a habit, such as finding smoke to smell horrible and/or make someone sick.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• awakening

  • The act of bringing a person up out of trance and into full conscious awareness.
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • The act of waking up from sleep which is different from emerging from hypnosis. Hypnosis is not sleep and so one does not "awaken from hypnosis"
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

B (belief to beta)

• believe or belief

  • To believe, or to have a belief is: 1) To not know, and 2) To think and behave as if you did. All beliefs have a varying degree of uncertainty. If we were certain, we would not "believe" we would know.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

  • A thought or idea that an individual allows to be held as truth.
    Definition by Celeste Hackett (date added: 03/10/06)

• beta (brain wave)

  That state of mind we are in during most of our waking hours, the thinking mode.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

C (certification to covert testing)

• certification

  The status and piece of paper awarded upon completion of training which certifies satisfactory performance.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• client

  One who undergoes hypnosis with a professional hypnotist and pays a fee for such services.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• client bill of rights

  A document presented to each client by professional hypnotists that sets forth the hypnotists' education, scope of service, fees, and contact information. It also assures the clients their rights to service without abuse of any kind, as well as a clause with contact information of a higher authority should the client seek redress against any perceived mistreatment.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• client confidentiality

  The policy of professional hypnotists that respects the rights of clients to privacy with respect to their name, contact information, and other details, and where necessary, in conformance with HIPAA laws.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• compounding suggestion

  This technique is used to increase the reliability of a suggestion, especially a post-hypnotic suggestion. The technique consists of providing the client with the suggestion so that she can experience the phenomena or suggested behavior during or after the session. Most commonly the suggestion is given during the session and the client responds to it immediately, and then the suggestion is given again, and the client responds to it immediately once again. The process of having the client respond to the suggest repeatedly, usually a minimum of three times, reinforces the suggestion given, and makes it more reliable.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• convincers

  Usually a covert test used to demonstrate to a client that she is hypnotized. Convincers are tests that the hypnotist expects the client to pass because she has already been tested covertly for a deeper state of hypnosis, or has exhibited hypnotic phenomena associated with a deeper level of hypnosis.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• covert testing

  Any technique used to determine the level of hypnosis (suggestibility) attained in an individual in which she would not be aware that she is being tested, and as such not be aware of the results of the test. Covert tests are used so that failure of the test does not reduce the confidence level in the client because reducing the level of confidence reduces suggestibility.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

D (deepener to drop)

• deepener

  Any visual, auditory, or kinesthetic device used to increase a person's level of trance; may include colors, numbers, letters, or silences.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• deepening

  • In hypnosis, this refers to attaining a more profound trance state.
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • A process that makes someone who is in hypnosis more suggestible. We don't really go deeper, we become more suggestible when we are deepened in the state of hypnosis.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• delta (brain wave)

  That state of mind we enter during deep sleep, total unconsciousness.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• Diathesis-Stress Model

  Also called the Diatheses-Stress Hypnothesis, is a model that that contends that some physical or mental illnesses are caused by and interaction between a genetic predisposition toward a particular illness or disorder and a some stressful event or series of events which then results in the beginning and eventual development of the condition.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 05/04/06)

• direct suggestion

  • Suggestions given as commands ("take a deep breath").
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • When a hypnotic suggestion is given directly as opposed to being given in a covert way.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• dissociated regression

  The experience of reliving the memory of an event in the third person, i.e., as an observer.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• drop, drop into, or dropping

  A common verb used by hypnotists to denote going into hypnotic trance.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

E (ego states to eye-fixation)

• ego states

  See Parts Work.

• emerging

  The process of returning to full alertness at the end of a hypnosis session.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• empathy

  A state of compassion based on one's own familiarity with similar or identical circumstances.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• entrainment

  The causing of simultaneous synchronous activity; e.g., using Delta level music to help induct a client into hypnotic trance.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• Esdaile State

  See Hypnotic Coma State.

• expectancy

  Having expectations of a certain outcome.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• expectation

  • Another word for expectancy.
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • This is what a person believes will happen. I believe expectation is very important in helping a client make positive changes in their lives. I tell clients to have great expectations and you will get great results. This is so important in many areas of our lives because..........if you think you can or you think you can not, you are right either way. Winners expect to win. In stage hypnosis, there is the 'magic of the stage' in front of the audience and many of them 'expect' to be hypnotized when they come up on stage to participate. Expectation is powerful.
    Definition by Tommy Vee (date added: 05/15/06)

• eye-fixation

  Induction involving staring at an object.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

F (false memories to Fractionation)

• false memories

  Fantasies that are experienced during a mishandled regression which are believed to be repressed memories rather than fantasies.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• FMS

  Abbreviation for False Memory Syndrome (having false memories).
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• forgiveness

  A pardoning of wrongs done unto or by a client.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• Fractionation

  This is primarily where a client is taken in and out of trance several times within a session. This can for some clients produce a very profound state of trance.
  Definition by Shaun Brookhouse (date added: 05/02/06)

G (Gestalt Hypnosis to guided imagery)

• Gestalt Hypnosis

  Involves role-playing (often used for release).
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• guided imagery

  The process of using a combination of suggested visualizations and tasks to accomplish insight or other transformational experience while in trance.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

H (hetero hypnosis to hypnotist)

• hetero hypnosis

  Any time when one person aids another person in entering into the state of hypnosis. Generally one person is in the role of hypnotist and the other is in the role of subject, client or patient.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/09/06)

• Hypnoanalgesia

  • The hypnotic lowering of the perception of pain
    Definition by Ron Eslinger (date added: 05/02/06)

  • Use of hypnosis to remove of the sensation of pain only; the subject/client/patient can still feel pressure, etc.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 05/02/06)

• Hypnoanesthesia

  • (1) The hypnotic removal of pain, (2) When hypnosis changes the brains perception of the electrical pain signal by altering the brains limbic system response to pain causing neurotransmitters. (3) The earliest recorded description of hypnoanesthesia comes form Genesis 2:21-22 "And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept..."
    Definition by Ron Eslinger (date added: 05/02/06)

  • The use of hypnosis to remove the perception of all physical sensations such as pain, pressure, hot and cold. Similar to anesthesia but accomplished with hypnotic suggestion. Different from hypnoanalgesia which is the removal of the sensation of pain only, and the subject/client/patient can still feel pressure, etc.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 05/02/06)

• HypnoBirthing®

  A system of using hypnosis and self-hypnosis developed by Marie Mongan to provide a birthing mother with a natural and comfortable birthing experience without the use of drugs.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• HypnoCise

  A word coined by the C. Roy Hunter to describe the combination of imagery, meditation, self-hypnosis and properly constructed affirmations.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• Hypnogogic State

  The hypnagogic state is the state entered into just before falling asleep at night.
  Definition by Shaun Brookhouse (date added: 05/02/06)

• Hypnoidal

  The hypnoidal state refers to a state with some qualities of sleep and similar to light hypnosis. This is usually induced by non-formalistic techniques. (eg. Through fixation of attention, highway hypnosis). The hypnoidal state leads to some form of dissociation. It is characterised by some detachment as well as by physical and mental relaxation.
  Definition by Shaun Brookhouse (date added: 05/02/06)

• hypnosis

  • A trance state which is guided by someone or something other than the person experiencing the trance (there are numerous definitions by different experts).
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • A heightened state of suggestibility, such that the suggestions given are accepted as being true and effect the beliefs, habits, perceptions and behaviors of an individual in varying degrees according to the depth of hypnosis established. Deeper levels of hypnosis enable the hypnotized individual to experience greater hypnotic phenomenon such as light states being able to create catalepsy by suggestion, and deeper states allowing the individual to experience amnesia, anesthesia, and hallucinations.Generally there are several types of hypnosis, (1) naturally occurring hypnosis, (2) hetero hypnosis, (3) self-hypnosis, and (4) waking suggestion which is similar to placebo.
    Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/28/06; updated 05/02/06)

• hypnotist

  A trained professional who uses hypnosis to help people with self-improvement and/or for hypnotic purposes who, contrary to some opinions, is NOT required to have a doctorate degree.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• hypnosis

  The use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or for hypnotic purposes.
  Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

• Hypnotic Coma State

  A hypnotic state first used by Dr. Esdaile to induce anesthesia in his patients before the use of chemical anesthesia. Other than automatic anesthesia and catatonia, this state of consciousness servers no other purpose, except that it is a relaxed and comfortable state to be in. However, the name is a misnomer, because this is not a true state of hypnosis, because the essential feature of any level of hypnosis is that it would be a heightened state of suggestibility. Once one is in this state they are no longer responsive, nor are they suggestible, hence this is not a true state of hypnosis, although it is widely regarded to be so. This is also called the Esdaile State.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• hypnotic suggestion

  Any statement, action or stimuli given by oneself, or someone else intended to either induce hypnosis or take advantage of the heightened state of suggestibility that is hypnosis, such as telling a hypnotized individual that she will have more confidence, lose weight or stop smoking.
  Definition by Cal Banyan (date added: 03/07/06)

• hypnotic techniques

  The processes used to uncover and transform a hypnotized person's issues. Examples: Direct Suggestion, Regression To Cause, Forgiveness Pyramid, Parts, Timeline, etc.
  Definition by Michelle Beaudry (date added: 05/30/06)

• hypnotist

  • Anyone who guides another person into hypnosis.
    Definition by C. Roy Hunter (date added: 03/09/06)

  • Is a person who induces hypnosis on another individual. In reality, the hypnotist is simply a guide or director. One who guides the individual through the process.
    Definition by Tommy Vee (date added: 05/15/06)