The Interactional Basis of Hypnotic Experience: On the Relational Dimensions of Hypnosis

Abstract

The ubiquitous interactional basis of hypnosis remains neglected and poorly understood. Vignettes from clinical practice and research are presented to illustrate the significance of hypnotic relational factors and their internal representations. A descriptive theoretical framework is formulated enumerating 4 relational dimensions: (a) transference phenomena in which previous object relationships are enacted; (b) a goal-oriented working alliance comprised of “rational” and “irrational” expectations about the efficacy of hypnotic procedure and its participants; (c) a symbiotic or fusional alliance in which the hypnotist is experienced as a purely internal figure; and (d) a realistic contemporary relationship. Each dimension is considered as it subjectively operates within hypnosis, and a case example is employed to compare the psychotherapeutic operation of these diinensions in waking and hypnotic contexts. Implications of the interactional framework are discussed and further empirical and clinical directions suggested.