An Unusual Trance

Abstract

Benefit appears to flow from becoming aware of one’s trance, even when this seems to be a limited skill. The following report of a case of writer’s cramp suggests that even in these circumstances the trance can be valuable in providing a coping mechanism. The case is worth noting because the unusual self-rating, in hypnosis, of his own response, far exceeded any objective measurement of the response by an observer. In retrospect, the case history demonstrates that a great deal of therapeutic momentum was derived from the patient’s feeling that his arm levitation was considerably more impressive than, in fact, it was.