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What is hypnosis? Brief history. “Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. When our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Clinical hypnotists do essentially three things with hypnosis. They encourage the use of imagination. Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The mind seems capable of using imagery, even if it is symbolic, to assist us in bringing about the things we are imagining. Another basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the patient. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the patient want seems to have a more powerful impact on the mind. Finally, hypnosis may be used for unconscious exploration, to better understand underlying motivations or identity whether past events or experiences are associated with causing a problem. Hypnosis avoids the critical sensor of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our interests.” http://www.asch.net/genpubinfo.htm , 30/03/03 “Hypnosis has been used for a long as records have been kept. Modern clinical hypnosis is dated from about 1773 and the use of hypnosis