clinical applications in hypnosis

I have found it useful to remember that we are never dealing with a depressive illness, an anxiety disorder, PTSD, pain management, relationship issues, but instead .... we are having a focused absorbed conversation with someone or some people where we can help them discover what may be missing for them that's creating their depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc., and then, explore with each unique individual how they might reconnect with that experience, unlearn the unwanted experience, or learn a preferred one.

Erickson said that in his opinion, to think that there could be one theory which would adequately explain all conditions for all people or both genders, of all ages and ethnic backgrounds ... is ridiculous.

Margaret Meade wrote in Erickson's obituary that he invented a new theory for each new person. My observation is that he observed the theory that each individual client was living in, joined them in that theory, and then began to mess with it - softening rigidities, reframing experiences, increasing options, offering opportunities for learning.

In my teaching, I like to say that if anyone wants to learn how to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc., that they will need to consult a text book which might be fascinating, but is unlikely to help with any individual situation. I enjoy stating that I have no idea how to treat these conditions, and prefer to follow Erickson's invitation to treat each individual uniquely and explore respectfully with each unique individual just what is going to be useful for the.

For me, almost any diagnosis is an impediment. There are always exceptions, of course. I remember one client who has feeling awful in many areas of his life, and told me that the doctor who referred him to me for help had given him the diagnosis of depression. The client told me that it was a huge relief, because he thought there was something wrong with him, but now he know what the problem was he could look to see how he might get over it. This is unusual, but I wanted to include it for completeness.

Here is an exercise to play with.

Next time a client says they are suffering from [...] ask for a description of their experience, explore with them what might be missing for them, and ... well you know the other steps by now.

Please leave a comment about what new possibilities appeared after such a conversation.

Here are a series of examples, and I invite you to browse through them, and pick one or two that are of particular interest to you, and download all of them to revisit any time in the future. I have noticed that sometimes when I explore a topic that has no particular interest to me, I discover some new insights that can be surprisingly useful.