What is Hypnosis ?
This term describes a wide variety of procedures for inducing states of awareness which are different from narrowly focussed, task-oriented ways of operating which we use in everyday activity.
Ericksonian Hypnosis : -
Ericksonian work respects the very individual ways that each of us uses our awareness and imagination to access therapeutically
useful states.
There are quite natural variations in the quality of our awareness which provide differing levels of access to unconscious process.
We all use these ourselves in the course of processing our everyday experience - mostly without knowing it. These states may be amplified or deepened if required. Frequently they can be used, in the way that they occur, by a properly trained practitioner, to allow constructive suggestion to be made at opportune moments.
It requires careful observation and the exercise of considerable imagination to be able to engage flexibly, from moment to moment, with the interests of a diverse range of clients. Also it demands the well-timed and structured deployment of ideas and constructive suggestion within a free conversational format.
Competently conducted by the experienced and skilled practitioners,
it is a creative, relaxed and naturalistic procedure which is often experienced like an effortlessly clear and pleasantly focused conversation.
'Formal' states may flow easily and spontaneously from this but these occur only when the client is at ease with the process and are used only when the condition requires.
Sometimes, in my work, where the demands of the condition are
very complex, I may need to design and deliver a carefully structured script for work with a specific individual . This may be where the client has particular difficulties or vulnerabilities or where specially meticulous care is required for other reasons.
This may be recorded and given to the client where regular further reinforcement or consolidation is needed, where the client is not easily able to make regular appointments, or where a range of interdependent changes are sought over time.
Such designed scripts may also be used in conjunction with therapy
to maintain and support a client at a distance.
A surprising amount of effective work can be accomplished very easily and in a short time using these methods.
Techniques of Hypnosis : -
FORMAL HYPNOSIS : -
This entails the use of eye-closure and much reduced or virtually complete loss of external awareness. Command Hypnosis and Standard Induction Approaches ( see below ) generally employ only formal hypnosis. People who do not achieve a satisfactorily deep
state are often described by these practitioners as ' not very good subjects '.
INFORMAL HYPNOSIS : -
This is much used in competent Ericksonian work but may also used much less frequently, and generally in much simpler applications, by some other practitioners.
Using carefully structured language, hypnotic suggestion is included in the ordinary stream of conversational exchange with clients as
need and opportunity present . In this way spontaneous processes can be accessed and powerful change work can be accomplished in a
flowing and totally naturalistic way.
Deeper states may develop quite spontaneously as the client becomes engrossed in the work. Generally one experiences a comfortable and reflective dialogue - often with engaging and thought provoking content.
General Variations in Approach : -
FREEFORM OR NATURALISTIC TECHNIQUE : -
This is Ericksonian work as described above. If required, Ericksonians can easily resort to the ethical use of elements of the other far less technically challenging methods described below.
COMMAND TECHNIQUES : -
Seen in popular TV entertainment, this relies on the selection of very suggestible people all of whom will respond to a stereotyped and programmed - somewhat domineering script or procedures. This is rigid and inflexible and is considered by Ericksonians, in most applications, to be disrespectful of the person and of extremely doubtful therapeutic value.
STANDARD INDUCTION TECHNIQUES : whilst being less domineering and more sympathetic to the recipient, largely uses prepared scripts or inductions to treat a particular problem with little or no variation to take account of individual differences or circumstances. Some practitioners of this mode even use the same set of routine inductions for all conditions and types of person.
Copyright keith bibby © august 2007 >> Return
