Hypnosis is a special psychological state with certain physiological attributes, resembling sleep only superficially and marked by a functioning of the individual at a level of awareness other than the ordinary conscious state. First introduced in Season 3 by Dr. Roberts in Me, Myself and Murdoch.
The development of concepts, beliefs and practices related to hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been documented since prehistoric to modern times.
During Season 6 in the accompanying web series Nightmare on Queen Street, Dr. Julia Ogden tries to hypnotize Rebecca Foster to see if the girl could remember details about the night when James Danby was murdered ("The Vanishing Policeman").
Appearances and Mentions
Me, Myself and Murdoch
- When he encounters a suspect (Charlotte) with dual personality, Murdoch enlists Dr. Roberts' help to reach the woman's "other" personalities, who he believes either witnessed or committed the crime. When this proves difficult, Dr. Roberts suggests the use of Hypnosis to arose the memory, although he warns that such a practice is "uncharted territory." Unfortunately, even in this more open state, Charlotte appears unable to answer Murdoch's questions.
- The second session of hypnosis proves more successful when Charlotte (or her "Girly" personality) recognizes Dr. Ogden, who happens to be observing the interrogation, as her "mommy." Using this illusion to their advantage, they ask Dr. Ogden to assist.
- After deducing that Charlotte's multiple personalities are a result of childhood trauma likely starting around the age of 3, they hypnotize Charlotte another time out of hopes of uncovering the related trauma.
