Are All Post-Hypnotic Suggestions Reversible?

Post-hypnotic suggestions are an intriguing aspect of hypnosis, often used in therapy to influence behavior in the future. But how reliably can these suggestions be reversed? Let's explore the factors that influence their reversibility and some interesting cases from the field.

Factors Influencing the Reversibility of Post-Hypnotic Suggestions

Post-hypnotic suggestions are generally considered reversible, and there are several key factors that determine their effectiveness and reversibility.

Sujests Control

Individuals retain control over their actions and thoughts once they emerge from a hypnotic state. They can choose to accept or reject the suggestion, which means that even if a suggestion is given, it is not a permanent or unbreakable mandate.

Awareness and Resistance

If a person is aware of the suggestion and feels uncomfortable with it, they can often resist or negate it. This is particularly true if the suggestion goes against their beliefs or values.

If a suggestion is not aligned with the individual's goals or values, they may naturally reject or forget it once the hypnotic state is over. This is evident in a study where a stage hypnotist gave a mother the suggestion that her daughter would become invisible whenever she snapped her fingers.

Therapeutic Context

In therapeutic settings, hypnotherapists ensure that suggestions are aligned with the client’s goals and values, which can facilitate the acceptance of the suggestion. If a suggestion is not beneficial or desired, it can be addressed and reversed in future sessions. This is particularly important in a therapeutic environment where the client's autonomy and well-being are paramount.

Natural Dissipation

Over time, the effects of post-hypnotic suggestions may naturally fade, especially if they are not reinforced. This is evident in cases where the suggestion is not congruent with the individual's life. For example, a playful hypnotist gave his partner the suggestion that they had a cat, and the partner put out food but became increasingly concerned about never having seen the cat. According to the hypnotist, this lasted about three weeks before the effect naturally dissipated.

Real-World Examples

Several real-world examples illustrate the reversibility of post-hypnotic suggestions:

Stage Hypnotist's Invisible Daughter

In one interesting case, a stage hypnotist gave a mother the post-hypnotic suggestion that her daughter would become invisible when she snapped her fingers. He forgot to remove this suggestion, and after going home, the mother reported that her daughter would vanish at will for about a week before the effect deteriorated. This highlights how quickly an incongruous suggestion can lose its power.

Hypnotic Cat

Another case involved a playful hypnotist who gave his partner the suggestion that they had a cat. For about three weeks, the partner put out food, but became increasingly concerned about never having seen the cat. Eventually, the effect faded as the suggestion clashed with the partner's reality.

Conclusion

While post-hypnotic suggestions can be powerful tools for influencing behavior, they are not permanent and can be reversed or diminished through conscious effort or subsequent therapeutic intervention. The key is to ensure that the suggestions are congruent with the individual's life and values, and that the individual retains control over their actions and thoughts. By understanding the factors that influence the reversibility of post-hypnotic suggestions, therapists and individuals can better harness the benefits of hypnosis while minimizing any potential negative effects.