Hypnosis involves two stages: (1) progressive, deep relaxation to a point at which an individual is in a peaceful, trancelike state, still self-aware but profoundly relaxed; and (2) suggestion, which persuades the person to adopt certain future attitudes, thoughts, or behavior. Hypnosis, like relaxation training, can be learned. Most people treated by means of hypnosis steadily improve in their ability to be hypnotized so that they can more effectively allow themselves to be influenced by means of carefully planned suggestions. Many psychologists and psychiatrists make use of hypnosis in the context of therapy; some practitioners treat patients exclusively by means of hypnosis. The certification of therapists trained in hypnosis is still unsettled in many states, where anyone can hang out a shingle. Since many licensed psychologists and psychiatrists and some certified social workers _do_ receive professional training in hypnosis, these are the professions to which it is most reliable to go for hypnotherapy. MEDITATION Meditation is still a "fringe" therapy. Techniques of meditation tend seldom to be taught to clients in psychotherapy, although there is a growing body of evidence that meditation is able to bring about great resistance to stress, an increased sense of inner calm, and even actual changes in brain-wave patterns associated with deep relaxation. These effects of meditation are now being studied, with encouraging results. The practice of meditation is, in the author's view, at present best learned on one's own, although some commercial organizations provide instruction. A later chapter discusses approaches to meditation and suggests some of the ways meditation can be of value. {52} HOLISTIC THERAPIES: BIOENERGETICS, YOGA, AND EXERCISE Holism views man as a unity of body and mind. The established approaches to therapy and counseling, represented by social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and to a certain extent by some religious professionals, all focus attention on our mental-psychological dimension. Similarly, biofeedback, hypnosis, and meditation emphasize the central role of _mental_ control. Holistic approaches, on the other hand, attempt to bring about positive change by means of emphasis on physical factors that are believed to have a close connection to mental processes. Although holism sees human beings as integral organisms, holistic approaches are inclined to have this physical focus.