Hypnosis and mastery: Clinical contributions and directions for research

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of mastery in relation to hypnotherapy by pulling together clinical observations and suggesting directions for research. It is suggested that a sense of mastery may enhance the effectiveness of hypnosis, either by facilitating induction, or by strengthening hypnotherapeutic suggestions, or by maintaining hypnotherapeutic gains. Moreover, the question is raised as to whether hypnotherapy, as compared with other psychotherapeutic approaches, better facilitates the development of a sense of mastery.