The Hypnotic State and the Psychology of Time

A subject in a hypnotic state is believed frequently to lack not only conscious awareness of external stimuli but of inner affective and ideational experience. The idea of selective obliteration of sensory awareness is not a point of confusion because the observer who is not trained psychologically does not generally think in such terms. The phenomenon of post-hypnotic amnesia is, however, an important point. As is well known, the denial of awareness of hypnotic experience based on loss of memory for such experience leads the untrained observer to the mistaken conclusion that there had been no awareness of experience during the hypnotic state itself (6, 7).

These facts recur for discussion in hypnotherapeutic settings whenever it becomes necessary to evaluate misconceptions about hypnosis and when discussions about the nature of hypnotic behavior are integrated into therapeutic sessions. Clarification of the role and effect of post-hypnotic amnesia, in relation to the ideas just outlined, is adequately absorbed by many subjects. Others are perplexed. After apparent acceptance they may express doubt and confusion again. Such reactions to the concept of the hypnotic state need not necessarily impair ability to benefit concurrently from hypnotherapy.

It has become increasingly evident, however, that the issue of post-hypnotic amnesia as significantly responsible for confusion and misconception is insufficient to explain the reactions of some subjects. With continued attentiveness to their random comments, stated opinions, and various associations, the issue at hand appears to be a subtle concern related to the more general and probably universal fascination with time-space concepts. Specifically integrated with this concern is the deep wish to control time. In its purest form the desire of the type of hypnotic subject under discussion is to enter into a special state during which, in some formal pattern, he benefits therapeutically yet experiences no sense of consciousne