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hypnotherapy

n. the use of hypnosis in psychological treatment, either in brief psychotherapy directed toward alleviation of symptoms and modification of behavior patterns or in long-term reconstructive psychotherapy aimed at personality adaptation or change. Hypnotherapy may use one or a combination of techniques, typically involving the administration by a properly trained professional of therapeutic suggestions to patients or clients who have been previously exposed to hypnotic induction. Although discussions of its clinical applications engender controversy, there is scientific evidence that hypnotherapy can be applied with some success to a wide range of health problems (e.g., hypertension, asthma, insomnia, bruxism), chronic and acute pain management, habit modification (e.g., overeating, smoking), mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., some phobias), and personality disorders. There is also some positive evidence demonstrating its effectiveness as an adjunctive therapy. Also called clinical hypnosis. See also automatic writing; direct suggestion; dream suggestion; Ericksonian psychotherapy; hypnoanalysis; hypnotic regression.

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Psychology term of the day

December 7th 2024

sharpening

sharpening

n. a phenomenon in which some details of a memory become more sharply defined and accentuated—and possibly exaggerated—over time in comparison to the original experience.