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Forensic Hypnosis For those who specialise in this therapy look for the letter 'Q' in the speciality column |
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Please note that this article relates to USA law The following information has been kindly supplied by Dr. Jerome Beacham Forensic Hypnotist / Certified Forensic Hypnosis Instructor Licensed Detective and Retired Detroit, MI USA Police Sergeant |
Dr. Jerome Beacham interviewed by Conrad Adams of Baton Rouge, LA • USA
Q. Dr. Beacham - What is Forensic Hypnosis? A. Forensic Hypnosis means to investigate with Hypnosis as the main tool. Hypnosis may be defined as – a state of increased receptivity to suggestion characterized by an altered state of consciousness. The degree varies from very light to very deep and usually include relaxation and increased awareness.
Q. What is the courts view of hypnotically refreshed recall? A. In states where Forensic Hypnosis is acceptable it may fall under the same admissibility requirements as polygraph. Forensic Hypnosis may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction therefore you must check the legal status for the use of Forensic Hypnosis in your state. Forensic-investigative hypnosis is a highly specialized application, which requires specific training, skills, and precautions to protect the integrity of its use and /or to make a determination and evaluation as to whether it should be used in a particular criminal or civil case.
Q. What is the difference between Therapeutic and Investigative Hypnosis? A. Therapeutic Hypnosis considers “hypnosis” as “a state-relationship” within which he/she wishes to increase healing potential, will do everything possible to maximize the relationship with the patient. Furthermore, he/she/ will change induction techniques, suggestions, interpretations, and all interventions to facilitate symptom improvement. The last thing he/she wants to do is apply a standardized technique equally to all patients. The therapist will build this relationship with them as strongly as possible over many sessions in which resistances and transference reactions are dealt with and resolved. Investigative Hypnosis - The purpose of using Investigative Hypnosis is to refresh memory. In the forensic application hypnosis is applied to recover the memory of the subject and is to be conducted with witnesses and preferably recorded by both audio and visual means with a witness present during the interview. With therapeutic hypnosis, the session(s) may be conducted in private and is concerned with only the subject and therapist.
Q. What are the types of Forensic Witnesses? A. There are three types: Fact Witness – You conducted the investigative hypnosis interview and will testify to that fact. You will testify that yes I was called by (hiring party) to conduct an investigative interview, here are the procedures that I used, and here are the results. Opposing attorneys can call in another expert to testify that you conducted the interview correctly. Expert Witness – Someone else conducted the hypnosis interview. And you would testify on the HYPNOSIS portion ONLY, as an EXPERT. Consulting Expert – Someone who is called in by either side to testify that the investigative hypnosis session was conducted properly. As a consultant you must make sure that your DOCUMENTED techniques and procedures can withstand any scrutiny by the court and opposing attorneys and experts.
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