An Intersubjective View of Empathy and Hypnotic Trance: Response to Wickramasekera II.
The American journal of clinical hypnosis January 1, 2016 Janna A Henning
Empathy in hypnotic trance involves a shared, bidirectional state of consciousness between therapist and client, not merely one person's response to another. The intersubjective view of trance includes mutual exchange of verbal, nonverbal, conscious, and unconscious material, and may involve shared role-taking, especially when both parties are highly hypnotizable. The author reviews research on mutual hypnosis or co-trance, describes barriers to scholarly discussion of intersubjectivity in therapy, and draws on quantum physics, transpersonal psychology, contemplative Christianity, and shamanistic practices to clarify these processes. Perspectives from the author's clinical work as a trauma therapist are offered, along with suggestions for future research.