Hypnosis refers to a collaborative interpersonal interaction in which a participant responds to suggestions made by a hypnotist. The suggestions, which involve and evoke the imagination, can produce changes in behavior, memory, perception, and thoughts. Although some believe that hypnosis represents a sleep state or trance, it is actually a highly focused, absorbed state of attention that can lead to vivid imagery, fantasies, and willingness to suspend one’s sense of initiative.

Research shows that hypnosis can help treat a wide variety of maladaptive behaviors, as well as some forms of mental illness or psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is classified in the Diagnostic Statistics Manual, 5^th edition (DSM-5, 2013) as a trauma and stress-related disorder. It is usually associated with exposure to traumatic events such as child abuse, war and combat, sexual assault, car and plane accidents/crashes, terrorism, and natural disasters. The DSM-5 categorized symptoms of PTSD into four clusters: intrusive symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, bad dreams); avoidance symptoms (e.g., avoiding settings, people, or objects that are reminders of trauma); negative alterations in cognitions and mood (e.g., feelings of emotional numbness); and alterations in arousal and reactivity (e.g., being easily startled, feeling “on edge”).

Abramowitz and Bonne (2013) found that hypnotherapy (a form of therapy that incorporates hypnotic techniques), including relaxation and exposure therapies, can be especially effective in treating PTSD. For example, hypnotherapy facilitates the process of working through traumatic memories, enhances coping strategies, and helps the traumatized individual develop a sense of control over his or her life.

Conduct an online search to locate an article about the use of hypnosis to treat a problem behavior (e.g., smoking, overeating) or a psychological disorder. Make sure the article was published within the last five to seven years. Please do not select PTSD for this activity, as it has already been described above.

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