A process where individuals, after emerging from a hypnotic state, respond to suggestions given to them during hypnosis. These directives are designed to influence thoughts, feelings, or behaviors once the hypnotic trance has ended. For instance, a person might be told they will feel more confident speaking in public, and that feeling will manifest later when they are in a real-world public speaking situation.
This technique offers potential benefits in therapeutic settings by allowing clinicians to positively impact long-term behavior change. Historically, its application has spanned from pain management and habit cessation to the treatment of anxiety and phobias. It represents a method of leveraging the power of suggestion to achieve desired outcomes beyond the immediate hypnotic session.