Hypnosis as a Function of Adaptive Regression and of Transference: An Integrated Theoretical Model

Abstract

The Gill and Brenman theory of viewing hypnosis as adaptive regression is reviewed. The antecedent work of Schilder & Kauders is also reviewed as a basis for understanding the Gill & Brenman position. The “missing link” in the Gill & Brenman theory of how adaptive regression can be applied to psychotic patients' use of hypnosis is explored and an expanded theory of hypnosis as adaptive regression is presented. The capacity of psychotic patients to use hypnosis as adaptive regression is explained by the following construct: the therapist provides an anchoring ego that joins forces with the patient's monitoring ego to allow for the creation of a regressed subsystem within the ego. This expanded theory of hypnosis as adaptive regression suggests that hypnotic capacity is a function of relationship factors (i.e., transference). Ultimately, an integrated theory of hypnosis as a function of adaptive regression and of transference is proposed.