The Integration of Hypnosis

This book analyzes the similarities of hypnosis and mainstream therapeutic approaches, the way hypnosis has been integrated with these approaches, and the additional benefit this integration yields. Considering hypnosis’ potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions, and results of surveys among professionals and the public indicating positive attitudes, hypnosis may be greatly underutilized. This could relate to the ambiguous nature that is part of this phenomenon, and that hypnosis appears very different from more mainstream therapeutic approaches. In this theoretical review, the author conducts an extensive review and interpretation of existing qualitative and quantitative literature to analyze the similarities of hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, humanistic-existential therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. Many similarities are identified between hypnosis and these approaches in terms of the underlying assumptions, specific techniques, mechanisms of change, and therapeutic outcomes.