Therapeutic Application of Principles of Positive Psychology in Hypnotherapy

Since time immemorial, man has been searching for happiness and the approach to it has been diametrically opposite in the Eastern and western world. Modern psychology for a long time has been focusing on illness, disorders and dark side of our being and Positive psychology had emerged as a reaction to it. In this document, the primary author, who is also a practicing hypnotherapist, sets the context by drawing on the difference between the approaches of traditional psychology, Indian psychology and positive psychology. Also discussed are the principles of hypnotherapy, therapeutic benefits of hypnotherapy, the neuro-psychobiology of the phenomenon of hypnosis along with word of caution for therapists converging to the therapeutic application of the principles of positive psychology in hypnosis. There is a brief note on the emerging concept of flow hypnosis. The author concludes by highlighting on the key research areas in both positive psychology and hypnotherapy.  Hypnotherapy, although recognized in India for quite some time needs to be incorporated in the syllabus of medical practitioners and psychologists so that mankind can benefit from this wonderful science.