Abreaction

A physical movement or emotional outburst that occurs as a reaction to a suggestion or the surfacing of a repressed memory while in a state of hypnosis. Abreactions may be spontaneous or deliberately elicited by the hypnotherapist. When managed skillfully, an abreaction can facilitate the release of deeply stored emotional material and create significant therapeutic breakthroughs. Hypnotherapists are trained to recognize and work with abreactions safely.