The ‘authoritarian’ approach emphasises the power of the hypnotist.

Authoritarian Hypnosis

The authoritarian style is that adopted by Stage Hypnotists and promoted by media stereotypes of hypnosis.

First introduced by the ‘Mesmerists’ it was subsequently taken up by medical professionals in the nineteenth century. The hypnotist, by sheer magnetism, seemingly overcomes the resistance of the subject and renders them open to suggestion. This gave rise to the fictionalised view of a ‘Svengali’ type – a charismatic, sometimes shady character who exerts a malign power, over a weak-willed subject.

The result of this stereotyping is that the general public assume that a hypnotherapist is able to exert irresistible control over the subject. These misconceptions and fears have to be overcome before effective therapy can begin.

On-stage the authoritarian style works well, as conditions are ripe for such an approach. People exhibit bizarre behaviour largely because they are highly suggestible individuals who have been carefully selected from the audience.

The media stereotype of passive subjects under control creates a self-fulfilling prophecy and volunteers readily play their part. This is amplified by the influence of the group; an audience of several hundred demanding entertainment tends to increase conformity!

In a clinical setting, the old authoritarian approach has little value, since it requires the subject to assume a helpless role which undermines the objectives of sound psychotherapy. These include autonomy and self-efficacy.

Nevertheless, there are still a few hypnotherapists who capitalise on this notion of a commanding person endowed with special powers.

Some advertising makes use of miraculous words and claims of sensational cures and incredible rates of success. Such hypnotherapists declare that they are exceptionally skilled, placing emphasis upon the flair and finesse of the hypnotist – and not on the resources of the individual themselves. Clearly, they do not offer a sound therapeutic approach to the care of the client as a whole person.