The process of human growth and development occurs through a series of identity cycles. The transition from one identity level to the next is precipitated by extraordinary experiences, positive or negative in nature, that destabilize the ordinary state of consciousness. The result is a naturalistic trance or special learning state. If properly utilized, these trances lead to new, more evolved states of human being; but if not welcomed and received, violence and other forms of destructive pathology result. This address will examine this process in detail, and discuss implications for development at individual, group, and cultural levels.
Hypnosis is commonly thought of as a tool to enhance the therapy. It also can be used as a "lens." The phenomenology of hypnosis can help us to understand an essential aspect of the trance state, the symptom state, the solution state and the therapist's state, thereby providing new options for treatment.