1 Milton Erickson’s humanistic revolution
Developed by the American psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson, this form of hypnosis breaks decisively with the authoritarianism of classical hypnosis. Erickson regarded the unconscious as an immense reservoir of resources, learning and creativity, rather than a dark realm of repressed drives. The hypnotic state is a natural physiological condition of heightened presence and focused attention that everyone spontaneously experiences during the day.
2 The session: induction and metaphorical suggestions
The therapist adopts a permissive, caring stance. Through a calm, rhythmic voice, tailored metaphors and subtle reframing, they invite the person to loosen their intellectual resistance. In this state of expanded receptivity, the practitioner introduces indirect therapeutic suggestions that allow the brain to explore new paths towards resolution without abrupt confrontation.
3 Major clinical applications
Clinical hypnosis is particularly well known for supporting smoking cessation, easing specific phobias such as fear of flying, enclosed spaces or animals, regulating compulsive eating, improving sleep disorders and modulating chronic or acute pain, including hypnosedation in the operating theatre.
4 The place of this method within care
The method belongs within a relationship of mutual trust: the patient is not asleep, never loses control of their free will and remains free to end the trance at any time. Learning self-hypnosis subsequently extends the benefits achieved in sessions over the longer term.
5 A safe framework, consent and absolute contraindications
Throughout the hypnotic trance, the person retains their moral judgement and can open their eyes at any time. Medical hypnosis is contraindicated for people with acute psychotic disorders or unstable delusions, who require psychiatric care as a priority.