The word hypnosis means “hypnos=sleep” in ancient Greek. However, hypnosis is not a state of sleep, on the contrary, it is a state of wakefulness. In its simplest definition, hypnosis is the process of the mind going into a trance state. Trance is a state between sleep and wakefulness, and it is a mood that makes it easier to receive suggestions. Positive suggestion is a therapeutic method and when applied in trance, it leads to positive changes and improvements in the subconscious. When these sessions are repeated enough, permanent changes and improvements occur in the subconscious. In short, conscious, absolutely without drowsiness; It is a concentration achieved by will. Hypnotic trance is needed for effective treatment. However, positive suggestions that make up hypnotic treatment and psychotherapy methods applied during this time.
In terms of consciousness specific to behaviors seen in daily life in general; While hypnosis is not a sleep state, it is not a normal state of consciousness. Hypnosis is a different state of consciousness with all its own peculiarities.
Many people associate sleep and hypnosis as similar states. On the face of it this may be true, but mental movements suggest that hypnosis is more about wakefulness than sleep. Brain wave experiments also prove this. It can even be said that hypnosis and sleep are in a way opposites, since concentration of attention under hypnosis and concentration of attention are a feature of the waking state (conscious wakefulness) when the person is distracted in sleep.
Hypnosis dates back to the history of civilization and has been applied under various names throughout history. However, the emergence of hypnotherapy as an independent branch began with its official acceptance by the American Medical Association in 1958. There have been great strides since then.
