BCH Foundations of Hypnosis & Induction Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In hypnosis theory, 'hypermnesia' refers to:
- Increased amnesia under deep trance
- Enhanced recall of memories facilitated by hypnotic suggestion (Correct answer)
- The inability to remember the induction
- False memory implantation during trance
Correct answer: Enhanced recall of memories facilitated by hypnotic suggestion
Hypermnesia is an apparent enhancement of memory recall during hypnosis, though research notes this can also increase the risk of confabulation.
Question 2: What is the significance of 'suggestibility tests' such as the Chevreul pendulum or lemon test before induction?
- They measure IQ and predict depth potential
- They help build response expectancy and identify responsive subjects (Correct answer)
- They are required by the NGH before formal sessions
- They replace the need for a formal induction
Correct answer: They help build response expectancy and identify responsive subjects
Suggestibility tests prime the subject's imagination, build confidence, and help the hypnotist gauge how responsive the individual is likely to be.
Question 3: Which statement best describes Milton Erickson's approach to resistance in hypnosis?
- Resistance should be confronted and overcome directly
- Resistance is a sign of a poor hypnotic subject and the session should end
- Resistance should be utilized and incorporated as part of the induction (Correct answer)
- Resistance can only be resolved with aversion techniques
Correct answer: Resistance should be utilized and incorporated as part of the induction
Erickson taught that resistance should be utilized rather than fought—the hypnotist accepts and works with whatever the client presents, including reluctance.
Question 4: The 'Betty Erickson' self-hypnosis technique primarily uses which sensory modalities?
- Only auditory and kinesthetic
- Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic in a 3-2-1 countdown pattern (Correct answer)
- Primarily olfactory and gustatory
- Exclusively visual imagery
Correct answer: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic in a 3-2-1 countdown pattern
Betty Erickson's technique cycles through noticing 3 things seen, heard, and felt, then 2, then 1, progressively narrowing attention to induce self-hypnosis.
Question 5: Which brainwave pattern is most commonly associated with the hypnotic trance state?
- Beta waves (13–30 Hz)
- Delta waves (0.5–4 Hz)
- Alpha and theta waves (4–12 Hz) (Correct answer)
- Gamma waves (30+ Hz)
Correct answer: Alpha and theta waves (4–12 Hz)
Hypnosis is most commonly associated with alpha and theta brainwave activity, reflecting a relaxed yet focused state of awareness.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'post-hypnotic suggestion' in a BCH session?
- To deepen the trance after the main work is done
- To create automatic responses or behaviors that occur after the session ends (Correct answer)
- To ensure the client remembers the entire session
- To test whether the subject was truly hypnotized
Correct answer: To create automatic responses or behaviors that occur after the session ends
Post-hypnotic suggestions are delivered during trance to trigger specific thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in the client's waking life after the session.
Question 7: Which of the following best distinguishes a 'direct suggestion' from an 'indirect suggestion' in hypnotherapy?
- Direct suggestions are given only in waking state; indirect only in trance
- Direct suggestions explicitly tell the subject what to experience; indirect embed suggestions within stories or metaphors (Correct answer)
- Direct suggestions use commands; indirect use only questions
- Direct suggestions work only for somnambulists; indirect for light-trance subjects
Correct answer: Direct suggestions explicitly tell the subject what to experience; indirect embed suggestions within stories or metaphors
Direct suggestions are authoritative commands ("Your arm is getting heavy") while indirect suggestions embed guidance in metaphors or permissive language to bypass resistance.
BCH Foundations of Hypnosis & Induction Techniques 4
In hypnosis theory, 'hypermnesia' refers to: