Interpersonal aspects of hypnosis: Twisted pears and other forbidden fruit.

Abstract

Prototypically, hypnosis involves a social interaction between 2 people, one assuming the role of the hypnotist and the other taking on the role of the hypnotic subject. To this interaction, both parties bring their pre-existing interpersonal styles, as well as any strategies and attitudes they may associate with the 2 different roles. In addition, as the interaction unfolds, the parties' behaviors may exert influences in both directions, and may become entrained-that is, synchronized, coordinated, and mutually supportive or antagonistic-in important ways. In this article, our goals are to review theory, clinical and other observations, and research on these interpersonal aspects of hypnosis, to address their possible importance for and relation to various other key phenomena that occur in hypnosis, and to suggest some frameworks for future conceptualization and research.

The case for clinical hypnosis: Theory and research-based do’s and don’ts for clinical practice.

“…This process occurs in a reciprocal transaction that unfolds in a relational matrix in which the therapist is closely attuned to the client who, in turn, influences the hypnotist in a dynamic, fluid, cocreation of the experience (see Cardeña, 2014). In this relational dance, the therapist sometimes leads, and the therapist sometimes follows the client’s lead, altering the pace, intonation, and nature of suggestions such that it can be impossible to discern who is leading and who is following (Woody & Sadler, 2020).…”