The Hypnotic Brain: Hypnotherapy and Social Communication [Hardcover]

Dr. Peter Brown M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 23, 1991

Hypnosis has recently experienced a surge of popularity in the scientific community and the general public and is currently being used to deal with a wide range of disorders. In this book, Dr Peter Brown draws on the latest developments in cognitive psychology, anthropology, ethnology and neuroscience to offer a new explanation for how hypnosis works and how it can be applied. Brown argues that the ability to hypnotize and be hypnotized is closely related to brain functions that are uniquely human - especially to our ability to communicate with others. He begins by looking at the way communications has evolved, especially our use of facial expression and the tonal aspects of speech to synchronize interactions. These features were particularly important for the transmission of culture in oral societies before the advent of writing. He next considers the changes the brain undergoes during hypnosis, proposing that hypnotherapy can be understood as the interaction between two fundamental brain functions: the rhythmic alteration in level of consciousness that the brain undergoes throughout the course of the day, and the capacity to use metaphor, imagery and analogy to understand ourselves and the world. Brown discusses some of the clinical uses of hypnotherapy, in particular the exploration of multiple personality disorder (which can be characterized as spontaneous self hypnosis as a means of coping with trauma) and the role of hypnosis in treating medical illness. In his final chapter he deals with how language may be used in hypnotherapy, with examples from the work of the late Milton Erickson, one of the most influential clinicians and teachers in contemporary hypnosis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (October 23, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300050011
• ISBN-13: 978-0300050011
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable breadth and technical depth on hypnotic process, May 14, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hypnotic Brain: Hypnotherapy and Social Communication (Hardcover)

This is a rare find in a book about hypnosis: thre is approachable information about nearly EVERY level or type of hypnotic function for both the lay reader AND the expert seeking details and models or theories of hypnotic process. Peter Brown matter-of-factly explodes the notion that hypnosis is some bizarre state and simultaneously give us interesting tidbits and detail about how nearly all brain function is related to what we loosely call "hypnosis."

Especially because of the flurries of news about false memory syndrome and hypnosis in the not-so-distant-past, this book is both a delightful tour through the human brain, and a useful reference. A MUST read for the generally curious about hypnosis, the hypnotherapeutic practitioner, and anyone in the helping or healing professions

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Broad and deep survey, September 6, 2007

By 

Ejames LIEBERMAN (Potomac, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hypnotic Brain: Hypnotherapy and Social Communication (Hardcover)

This is one of the best overviews of hypnosis (and related aspects of mental function), suitable for general as well as specialist audience. Where are you, Peter Brown? We need more of your ideas.