Hypnosis
Definition
Hypnosis is a natural state of aroused, attentive focal concentration coupled with a relative suspension of
peripheral awareness. This intensity of focus allows the hypnotized person to make maximal use of
innate abilities to control perception, memory, and somatic function. Since the ability to experience
hypnosis is a normal and widely distributed trait, and since entry into hypnotic states occurs
spontaneously, hypnotic phenomena occur frequently. The alteration of consciousness that hypnotized
individuals experience has a variety of therapeutic applications.