Jaipur. A workshop on hypnotherapy was organized at the Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan on Monday. Prof. Prerna Puri, Head of the Department, informed that the session focused on introducing students to hypnotherapy and its growing relevance in modern psychological practice.
The workshop was conducted by Prof. Rakesh Kumar Jain, Head of the Department of Psychology at Gurukula Kangri, Haridwar. Prof. Sandhya Mohanti, Prof. S. C. Prasad, Prof. Manju Mehta and Prof. Tejinder Kaur were also present along with Ph.D. and postgraduate students of the department.
During the session, hypnotherapy was discussed as an effective therapeutic approach that works through focused attention and suggestion to bring about behavioral and cognitive change. The speaker elaborated on its theoretical foundation using concepts such as Pavlovian conditioning, operant conditioning, and avoidance behavior, particularly in the context of anxiety and phobias.
Various techniques including flooding, rapid exposure, systematic desensitization, and graduated exposure were explained with practical examples, especially related to common phobic responses. It was highlighted that anxiety often arises more from anticipated consequences than the actual stimulus, and that effective therapy involves changing cognitive appraisal.
The session also briefly referred to the contributions of Ivan Pavlov, Gestalt principles such as closure, and the importance of consistent practice and follow-up in therapy. The workshop offered valuable insights into integrating hypnotherapy with established psychological frameworks.
Towards the end, Prof. Prerna Puri extended her thanks and warm regards to all dignitaries and participants.