Weekly Discussion #1 - What is hypnosis?

This is the first of a series of weekly discussions we have planned, along with u/PercivalSchuttenbach, in order to inform and increase the quality of materials here presented, as well as to address certain issues which come up again and again and again.

There is a wide variety of definitions of hypnosis, and given that we aim at (in order) the most useful, precise, and scientifically backed definition here, I will write solely on the level of the mind, rather than neurological correlates and such.

You can see the range of definitions here: http://www.ukhypnosis.com/definitions-hypnosis-important-organisations-famous-hypnotherapists/

For the purposes of this thread, I'm going to be using the easiest, and most common (whilst still useful and precise) definition of hypnosis, which originally comes from Dave Elman, while one can also break it down into two parts (slightly modified to align with non-state models as well):

• Hypnosis is the process of bypassing the critical faculty of the conscious mind.
• Hypnotic trance is the establishing of hypnosis into a state.

The former can be achieved by a variety of means, and is most strongly correlated with a decrease in the activity of the neocortex.

The latter is generally achieved by associating hypnosis with a state, such as relaxation, tension, or an emotion.

A few important points about hypnosis:

• You choose to go into hypnosis. Nobody can force you into it. But you choose with your emotions, not your reason.
• If you have any negative feelings, or expectations about hypnosis, you won't go in.
• You remain conscious and aware during hypnosis. A small percentage of people sometimes exhibit spontaneous anterograde amnesia, most likely due to their state being profoundly altered (state-dependent memory).
• You can reject any suggestion, you can emerge from hypnosis at any time when you do it.

IS THIS ALL HYPNOSIS IS? IS THERE MORE? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS UP WITH ALL THESE SEEMINGLY CONTRADICTORY DEFINITIONS? WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THOSE RESEARCH SCALES FOR HYPNOTIZABILITY?

(Yes, I do realize this isn't much of a discussion-starter, but we'll figure out the appropriate format in due time.)