The phenomenon of hypnosis provides a rich paradigm for those seeking to understand the processes that underlie consciousness. Understanding hypnosis tells us about a basic human capacity for altered experiences that is often overlooked in contemporary western societies. Throughout the 200 year history of psychology, hypnosis has been a major topic of investigation by some of the leading experimenters and theorists of each generation. Today hypnosis is emerging again as a lively area of research within cognitive (systems level) neuroscience informing basic questions about the structure and biological basis of conscious states. This book describes the latest advances in understanding hypnosis and similar trance states by researchers within the neuroscience of consciousness. It contains many new and exciting contributions from up and coming researchers and provides a lively debate on methodological and theoretical issues central to the development of emerging research paradigms in the neuroscience of conscious states. The book introduces and describes many of the recent new tools that have become available to researchers in this field. Academics, researchers, and clinicians wanting to develop their knowledge of the latest findings, theories and methods in the scientific study of hypnosis and related states of consciousness will find this an up to date guide to this rapidly advancing field.

Hypnosis provides a rich paradigm for those seeking to understand the processes that underlie consciousness. This book describes the latest advances in understanding hypnosis and similar trance states by researchers within the neuroscience of consciousness.

Research over the past decade has helped to demystify hypnosis and meditation, bringing these practices into the scientific and clinical mainstream. Yet, while hypnosis and meditation overlap on many levels, few scientific accounts have explored their complementary rapprochement. Despite cultural and historical differences, hypnosis and meditation share common phenomenology, cognitive processes, and potential therapeutic merits. This book provides a synthesis of knowledge concerning the bridging of hypnosis and meditation. The authors adopt a trans-disciplinary approach considering cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives to elucidate contemporary questions in cognitive, neurobiological, and clinical science. The book explores the relationship between hypnosis and meditation in five progressive sections: Part 1 investigates historical, cultural, and philosophical issues to contextualize the scientific study of contemplative practices. Part 2 presents a range of views concerning the similarities and differences between hypnosis and meditation. Part 3 explores the psychological and cognitive mechanisms at work. Part 4 integrates recent brain imaging findings to unravel the neural underpinnings. Finally, part 5 examines how juxtaposing hypnosis and meditation can enhance clinical applications. Hypnosis and Meditation is a valuable resource to both specialists as well as interested lay readers, and paves the road to a more unified science of how attention influences states of brain, body, and consciousness.

This complete book-and-CD course provides background information about self-hypnosis, teaches principles, helps develop mental tools, and offers step-by-step instructions for trance with creative alternatives for results. The CD leads listener into hypnosis and teaches relaxation.

A unique, state-of-the art, interdisciplinary resource on clinical hypnosis in psychology and medicine This is the only up-to-date, comprehensive interdisciplinary resource on clinical hypnosis research and applications in psychology and medicine. Authoredby hypnosis experts worldwide, it encompasses state-of-the-art scholarship and techniques for hypnotic treatments along with hypnosis transcripts and caseexamples for all major psychological disorders and medical conditions. In easily understandable language, this desk reference addresses theories,neurophysiology of hypnosis, hypnotherapy screening, measurement of hypnotizability, professional issues, and ethics. Individual chapters present hypnoticinductions to treat 70 disorders including anxiety, depression, pain, sleep problems, phobias, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal hotflashes, Parkinson's disease, palliative care, tinnitus, addictions, and a multitude other common complaints. The guide also examines the history and foundations of hypnosis, myths and misconceptions, patient screening, dealing with resistance, and precautions tothe use of hypnosis. It examines a variety of hypnotherapy systems ranging from hypnotic relaxation therapy to hypnoanalysis. With each application thetext includes relevant research, specific induction techniques, and an illustrative case example. Additionally the resource covers professional issues,certification, hypnosis in the hospital, and placebo effects. Key Features: Presents state-of-the art hypnosis research and applications for a wide range of psychological and medical disorders Encompasses information on 70 disorders with relevant research, intervention techniques, and case examples Authored by an international cadre of experts Provides an interdisciplinary perspective of both the mental health and medical communities Addresses certification, ethics, and other professional issues

The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis is the long overdue successor to Fromm and Nash's Contemporary Hypnosis Research (Guilford Press), which has been regarded as the field's authoritative scholarly reference for over 35 years. This new book is a comprehensive summary of where field has been, where it stands today, and its future directions. The volume's lucid and engaging chapters on the scientific background to the field, fully live up to this uncompromising scholarly legacy. In addition, the scope of the book includes 17 clinical chapters which comprehensively describe how hypnosis is best used with patients across a spectrum of disorders and applied settings. Authored by the world's leading practitioners these contributions are sophisticated, inspiring, and richly illustrated with case examples and session transcripts. For postgraduate students, researchers and clinicians, or anyone wanting to understand hypnosis as a form of treatment, this is the starting point. Unequalled in its breadth and quality, The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis is the definitive reference text in the field.