Personalised Induction Will Always Be More Effective Essay Example

accessibility.

The senses, such as sight, hearing, feeling, smell, and taste, are important in understanding our surroundings. However, some senses may be easier to imagine than others. When working with clients towards a desired goal, it is helpful to determine their preferred modality through conversation. This helps in effectively communicating with them and creating an internal situation for therapeutic work. Examples of language cues for different modalities are provided below.

When speaking to clients or personalizing a screed, it is beneficial to consider different modalities. For the kinaesthetic (feeling) modality, words such as touch, smooth, gentle, move, warm, and cool can be used. For the visual (sight) modality, words like look, imagine, watch, and bright are appropriate. Lastly, for the auditory (hearing) modality, words such as say, remark, discuss, and harmony should be used when communicating with clients.

One way to personalize screeds for our clients is by using modalities. However, it is highly emphasized that to achieve a deep hypnotic state in a person, it is important to employ all the senses in the description (pg. 9, Module 2). This technique, known as a compounded paragraph, usually provides the most authentic experience. Permissive and Authoritarian Hypnotic inductions differ in style and manner. The two generally recognized types of hypnotic induction are permissive and authoritarian.

The permissive style can be described as nurturing because it uses caring words and allows the client to make choices. For instance, phrases like "You may like to close your eyes" and "You might want to make yourself comfortable" give the client a sense of control. This style is suitable for clients who enjoy imaginative extremes and do not want

to be directed. Such clients are caring, eager to please, and do not question altered ideas and realities. In contrast, authoritarian approaches are more direct, logical, and do not offer any choice.

In this approach, the therapist has full control and uses direct, concise language without excessive metaphors. Examples of phrases could include: "Close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing..." "Imagine yourself..." "Focus on your breathing..." While imagery can be included, it is not overly fantastical and the emphasis is on giving clear directions. The Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique does not offer choices. Although this style may appear stern at times, many people find it effective and essential for hypnosis aimed at habit change, such as quitting smoking.

Both styles of therapy have a role and therapists may have a preference. However, it is essential to prioritize the client's needs, which is where their personality becomes important. Direct suggestions aim to guide or instruct the client to respond in a specific way. They are usually clear and brief and are commonly used in inductions that do not heavily rely on imagination. On the other hand, indirect suggestions incorporate imagery as an essential element.

The client's response to direct suggestions is based on the words rather than the images provided. Direct suggestions can be a single word or multiple sentences that immediately trigger a response. Examples of direct suggestions include: "Imagine a serene and unique place. Picture this special place and even experience its sensations." Another example is: "You are alone with no interruptions. This place is the most tranquil in the world for you." Indirect suggestions can be categorized into two major

types. The first type focuses on achieving a desired emotional state, such as happiness.

The process of identifying a provoking experience that elicits the desired emotional state is achieved through interviewing the client. Once this experience is identified, the client is then encouraged, using the PMR method, to relive the experience along with the associated positive emotion. The utilization of metaphors and analogies within the realm of hypnosis is often attributed to Milton Erickson, who was highly influential in employing this technique. Erickson's approach involved giving suggestions that transcend the subject's conscious awareness.

Erickson is renowned for his unconventional psychotherapy approach, which involves using therapeutic metaphor, storytelling, and hypnosis (known as Waking Hypnosis). He had a talent for incorporating various aspects of a client's life - such as their beliefs, favorite words, cultural background, personal history, or even neurotic habits - to foster change. Erickson viewed the unconscious mind as separate from the conscious mind and believed it had its own awareness, interests, responses, and capacity to learn. He considered the unconscious mind to be creative, capable of generating solutions, and often having positive influences.

The suggestion given indirectly is tailored to the individual and should employ suitable analogies and metaphors that relate closely to the problem and the person. For instance, if a therapist is treating an elderly carpenter who is experiencing pain in his arm, an induction should incorporate a metaphor that resonates with his occupation. The metaphor should closely align with the man's experiences in order to be more effective. For example, a metaphor using a giant redwood or ironwood tree may be utilized to emphasize the qualities of strength and wholeness

associated with that type of wood. (Source: Hypnosis for change pg. 41)

The induction involves driving down a long road with gusting wind. While rounding a curve, a giant redwood tree on a hill comes into view. One of its branches is being battered by the wind (Hypnosis for change pg. 41). Unlike classical hypnosis, which is authoritative and direct and often faces resistance from the subject, Erickson's approach is permissive, accommodating, and indirect. For instance, instead of stating "You are going into a trance" like a classical hypnotist, an Ericksonian hypnotist would likely say "you can comfortably learn how to go into a trance".

By using covert or conversational hypnosis, Erickson allows the subject to accept suggestions comfortably and at their own pace. This approach ensures that clients feel they have control over their transformation and actively participate in it. Erickson believed that trying to consciously instruct the unconscious mind would be met with resistance, so he relied on openings, metaphors, symbols, and contradictions to engage the unconscious. Hypnotic suggestions were intentionally left 'artfully vague' to allow the subject's unconscious mind to fill in the gaps. Even if the subject didn't consciously understand what was happening, this approach aimed to produce the desired change. Therefore, Ericksonian hypnosis is referred to as covert or conversational hypnosis.

Taking the time to understand the client and their preferred modality before starting treatment can have positive results. Personalizing the screed allows us to connect with the client on a personal and subconscious level, benefiting both the therapist and the client in providing more effective treatment. However, there are reasons why personalized inductions may not be suitable for all

situations. They cannot be used in group sessions such as mocking or weight-loss, cannot be recorded or distributed to others, and require more time. It is important to consider that preferences and modalities can change over time, and what may be effective initially may not be appropriate later on.

In addition to the aforementioned information, it is crucial to highlight the concept of 'compounding' and the findings that demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving a profound hypnotic state. Rather than solely relying on visual cues, incorporating auditory and kinaesthetic elements can help avoid some of the situations mentioned above. Furthermore, implementing this practice consistently is highly recommended. While personalized inductions are utilized due to the individuality and importance of providing a tailored approach, it is essential to acknowledge that individuals are uniquely dynamic. Thus, a preliminary consultation cannot possibly encompass all the necessary information about someone.

A customized induction may assume too much, as if the individual has been categorized and their modalities understood. Taking into account the therapist's personal preferences and the unique bond they will have with each client, it appears that every induction will ultimately be personalized. The key aspect is whether it is done effectively or not.