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Do we see:
- Las Vegas shows with people walking like chickens and quacking like ducks?
- T.V. shows with audience participants acting supposedly against their will?
- Movies with Dracula, Mesmer or even Svengali?
We can assume that if we don’t see hypnosis this way, the majority of people and patients do. For this reason it is important to clarify what hypnosis is and what it can and cannot do.
In 1876, the word hypnosis or “inducement of sleep,” was coined by the British surgeon James Braid (as an alternative to hypnotism) from Gk. hypnos “sleep” (somnolence) + -osis “condition.” An artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction. Hypnosis therefore, is a deep state of calmness and relaxation. The body is very comfortable and the mind is more alert than in your normal state of awareness. Many people still relate the word Hypnosis with an image of being unconscious or out of control. Nothing could be further from the truth. You can hear and respond to everything during the therapeutic process and are an active participant in the therapy.
Suggestibility and Hypnotizability
Suggestibility is defined as the way in which we take in information. Hypnotizability is the extent to which we can be hypnotized.
Up until the early 1950’s it was thought that only 25% of everyone was hypnotizable. With the work of Orne, Erickson, and Kappas, a theory of suggestibility was revised wherein it was understood that everyone had a different way of being hypnotized according to how they took in information. Once suggestibility was understood, the practitioner could then design his or her suggestions to match the individual and therefore facilitate the acceptance of the specific suggestion.
The Following are the 3 different types of Suggestibility:
- Literal = taking information in directly. Example: Your eyes are very heavy.
- Inferential = Taking information in inferentially. Example: Your eyes feel as if they have lead weights holding them shut.
- Somnambulistic = Sleepwalkers. These people are suggestible to both Literal and Inferential suggestions.
Aside from the Theory of Mind Paradigm, other explanations for how hypnosis works are:
- Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation
- Brain-wave Patterns
- Complex Interaction of both Brain Hemispheres
- Placebo Effect (Expectancy Theory)
- Dissociated Control Theory (Bowers 1992)
- Social-cognitive Theory (Kirsch & Lynn 1997)
- Neodissociation Theory (Hilgard 1986)
- Neurophysiological Theory (Gruzellier 1998)
- Integrative Cognitive Theory (Oakley & Brown 2004)
- Cold Control Theory (Dienes & Perner 2007)
- Dissociated Experience Theory (Kihlstrom (1985)
- Ego-psychological Theory (Fromm 1992)
Hypnotherapy Videos
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I’ve seen a few therapists before dr. Goodman, and I’d have to say we truly “click”. He’s tremendously helped me with my anxiety – He not only listens, but provides useful tools and exercises. I’m so grateful for him!
Bo
Venice, CA
Dr. Goodman treated me successfully for chronic health anxiety from Sep 2020 to Jan 2025. We met face-to-face weekly through 2020, then bi-weekly.
I look back with satisfaction and some amusement at the long list of physical symptoms that I urgently handed to Dr. Goodman at one of our first meetings. Today, in hindsight, it seems obvious that most of these were imaginary symptoms or at worst symptoms whose severity I exaggerated in my mind.
How did Dr. Goodman cure me? We talked. He taught me breathing for relaxation early on. We talked more and he found common ground with me on many fundamental problems in life.
My natural inclination towards health anxiety was exacerbated by benzodiazepine prescriptions that various MDs fed me starting 2005, initially from my primary care physician for a not-sleeping-well complaint. However, starting in 2008, a series of MDs specializing in psychiatry kept me in a state of agitated addiction to various benzodiazepines, what they euphemistically called “dependence”. This was done despite well-known, even famous, public info on the harmful effects of benzodiazepine addiction by prescription. Think: the book and movie, “I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can” and the Rolling Stones song, “Mother’s Little Helper”.
My breakthrough came in March 2021 when I decided to quit taking the benzos and quit seeing the latest psychiatrist who was ostensibly trying to taper me off benzos, but in fact was prescribing doses on a roller coaster trajectory in line with my current reported level of heath anxiety.
How did I reach a psychological state where I could objectively assess my prospects without benzos vis-a-vis a continuation of my life ever fearful for my health and addicted/ dependent on benzos? Credit Dr. Goodman.
Subsequent meetings with Dr. Goodman after March 2021 helped me consolidate my newly transformed prior obsessions with physical symptoms. Additionally, our meetings afforded me the opportunity to discuss a variety of life issues with a man of great knowledge, judgment and compassion – Dr. Don Goodman.
Doug
Los Angeles
When I came to Dr. Goodman, I was extremely anxious, suffered from low self-esteem and often experienced discomfort, or seemingly unresolvable conflict, when communicating with friends and family members. My life has improved tremendously as a direct result of therapy Dr. Goodman. I feel more confident and happy about myself and in my relationships. My communication skills have improved because my anxiety has decreased. I appreciate Dr. Goodman’s genuine concern and thoughtful advice he has provided me during therapy sessions. I consider my therapy with Dr. Goodman to be invaluable and worth every dollar I spent on therapy.
Margy
Agoura Hills, CA
Dr. Goodman is a great listener, very bright so understands what you’re explaining, compassionate, very patient and gives excellent advice.
Margi
Westlake Village, CA
Dr Goodman has given me back my breath! I now have tools to use for every situation. My PTSD Anxiety and depression are nearly all under control thanks to Dr Goodman! My trust in Dr Goodman is profound.My fears were real and debilitating, Dr Goodman retaught me breathing awareness acceptance and mindfulness. I am forever grateful to continue to have him in my team!
Lisa
Malibu, CA
The Buddhists say that in a journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step. I am so glad that Dr Goodman was recommended to me. What a breath of fresh air.
Rick
Thousand Oaks, CA
I went to Dr. Goodman as I had recurring pain that was very difficult to manage. My wisdom grew thanks to the psychological modalities and techniques I learned from him and I was able to manage any pain so it was no longer an issue. The empowerment this gave me changed my life, giving me the freedom to accomplish goals I would not have been able to otherwise. I highly recommend Dr. Goodman, I wish there were more psychologists with his wisdom.
Matt
Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful fulfilling year of council
Put me back on track with successful results
Thank you Don
tony
La quinta
His depth of knowledge in this area is truly impressive, but I find his expertise and insight into all aspects of psychology, life, culture, the arts, and any number of other topics as equally impressive and beneficial.
Rich
Los Angeles