Anatomy of a script

[sjm1027]

I would like to know if anyone has some good rules in writing scripts. I have been searching for script writing and trying to figure out what makes a good script. Anyone know of a good web page or book that may help me?

Thanks

[Connie]

Here's a good book, not about scripts, but about storytelling:

Therapeutic Metaphors, by David Gordon.

[Merlin]

As hypnotists gain in skill, they typically move away from scripts and more towards the specific client's needs.
scripts are just to help newbees keep on topic.

[sjm1027]

As hypnotists gain in skill, they typically move away from scripts and more towards the specific client's needs.
scripts are just to help newbees keep on topic.

I agree Merlin, that is exactly what I am, a newbie and also why I am looking for advice. I do admire people like you that can move away from scripts and go directly to the needs of the client right away. Unfortunately I need scripts right now and then add the clients needs in the areas where it fits. I am sure you all remember you were there once.

Thanks for your reply and thanks for all the great information you add to this forum

Steve

[Don]

Several years ago, I heard a famous talk radio host tell his audience, "You don't have to think. I'll do the thinking for you."

I'm not going to give this man's name because I don't want to turn this into a political debate. But I think his comments relate to the idea of scripts: thinking for yourself vs. letting someone do the thinking for you.

As Merlin stated, hypnotists typically move away from the use of scripts. That's absolutely true. However, I'm not against the use of scripts, I am against the way some hypnotists use scripts. Let me explain what I mean.

Most newbes who use scripts think and act in such a way that the induction of hypnotic trance is the most important thing that they do. The suggestion/therapeutic part they literally leave to someone else who has written a script. Then, they would simply read the script (often rather poorly) to a client and be filled with self-congratulations on their "hypnotherapy."

We regularly get people like that here. Their most common question: "What's the best way to hypnotize someone?" (Sometimes, rather than "best" they ask about the "fastest" induction).

Steve, you seem to be beyond that (yeah!) for which I applaud you. However, now you are focused on scripts. I understand that. It's a step up, and that's great!

The person many people believe to be the greatest modern hypnotist, Milton Erickson, would take days or weeks writing up a script that was designed specifically for an individual patient. He would practice it for hours, figuring out specific words to use and where to emphasize words or phrases. He was literally inventing a new style of therapy.

Luckily, because of people such as Bandler and Grinder, we don't have to recreate what Erickson was inventing, we can just add to his techniques.

The key thing here is not having a large stock of scripts. Rather, it is understanding the psyche and the way the mind of each particular client works and then designing a script specifically for him or her. Many experts, as a result of years of practice, don't need to write this down and can literally invent what to say and how to say it--a script--on the fly. Part of that involves the use of certain key phrases and repeating the use of them (a technique that goes back at least to Homer who repeated phrases in his famous mythic writing). For example, Erickson was known for repeating "Yes," and "That's right." The leader of one workshop I attended joked about another workshop leader leader that "he had made a fortune repeating 'deeper and deeper'."

So, what do you need and what is a good way to actually use scripts (right now some people are cringing in horror, but please...read on!).

1) Begin not with the script, but with the client. Talk to him or her and find out what is actually needed. This should be the key to your scriptmaking.

2) Design a script that deals specifically with this client. You might look at other scripts. For example, go to amazon.com and do a search for "hypnotic scripts" (without the quote marks). I found three pages of books on the subject.

3) Go over the script you have designed repeatedly. Say it out loud. Listen to your voice. Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse. Then rehearse some more.

4) Remember, however, that the precise words are not as important as the precise concepts. Memorize the idea, not the specific order of words.

5) When working with the client, present the ideas you created. Of course, you will also want to use hypnotic language patterns and various important phrases.

6) By not being stuck with a piece of paper and script, you can observe the client as you lead the therapy. The biggest error you'll make (and I've made it and, I imagine, so has every hypnotherapist--it's part of gaining experience) is not paying close attention to the client. Observe to see if the suggestions are having any effect. If you don't know what to look for you'll need more in-person training.

7) As a result of your observations, you may have to change your suggestions on the fly. That's why it is important not to be attached to a script. Actors are attached to scripts because other actors in a play or movie already have their scripts written. Your client doesn't have a script written, and if his or her actions in response to what you say aren't expected, you have to change what you're going to say.

8) Expect success!

9) Assume excellence--excellence in that your trained unconscious will come up with exactly what the client needs to hear; excellence in that your client's unconscious mind will understand the meaning of everything you say.

Uh, something is wrong here. Do you see what is assumed? It assumes that in your first meeting with a client you'll do nothing but talk to him or her and that your first hypnotherapy session will come at a later meeting! Most hypnotherapists don't have the opportunity to do that. For most, the client comes in, the hypnotherapist and client talk, and then the first formal hypnotherapy session is given. There's no time to write a script for a specific client!

And that's where the use of scripts is valuable. It's not in the words, it's in the concepts. Reading other people's scripts to learn their concepts means you're learning how the mind works. And that's the true value of scripts--gaining concepts, not mindless repetition of scripts.

So by all means get some of the books listed at amazon (however, I urge everyone to buy from independent local dealers and support your local community and economy) and study the concepts. But don't read the scripts to clients!!!!! Use the concepts to come up with your own words. Assume excellence. Assume success. Speak from your heart (clients will know if you don't).

Good luck!

[Poodle]

Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors edited by Hammond. Available at Amazon or equiv. Some of them are actually not very good at all and others were wonderful. It's 602 pages of small print scripts.

ABH has some scripts listed - most of which are doomed to failure if you follow them word by word. Later on I graduated from reading Gordon's Therapeutic Metaphors and writing 100's of scripts of my own so when my client comes in I have fantastic tools from which to tell metaphors "on the fly".

Maybe instead of writing more fiction Don will write a script book. I'd buy it as I love the way his mind works. ;) Wendi Friesen has a script book and it's pretty darn expensive. :eek:

Be well,
Pood

[Merlin]

see, once hypnotised, you can ask him/her what should be said to allow change.
you can also download scripts to get ideas from.
Therapeutic Metaphors, by David Gordon. is a good resource too.

scripts are not magical incantations. everyone is different.

[Terry]

Studying scripts in order to understand the functioning of the mind is valid, though studying people makes more sense to me. The day you use a script on a client however is the day you become a third rate mechanic instead of a therapist.
A doctor studies for years in order to be good enough to deal with the public in practise. He or she deals only with the body. A top therapist deals with mind body and spirit, so how long do they need in order to practise on the public? What script will replace real knowledge of the mind of the client, and how to probe that mind to find a method to fit just them?

[Jack]

What you will find is that as you use your scripts you become so
subconsciously familiar with them that you change them without
realising it until they become yours. Then you dispense with them.
The transition is almost seamless and may take a few months or
several years. You can choose which you prefer.

This happens only to good hypnotherapists.

Jack

[sjm1027]

Hi Jack,

I agree, I see myself already doing that. Some of the supplied NGH scripts are out dated and at first I found myself sticking to them... then reading them to myself as if there was a client there... and I changes things around because they didn't flow off my tongue comfortably. So my next hurdle is to talk with a client and extract the information I need, and add it behind a progressive relaxation script to make it all work. I am sure I am over thinking things. It would be nice to read an article on the thought process of a hypnotist... taking a pretalk, building dialogue for a session. I believe this would be very helpful for someone like me... in the early stages.

Thanks

What you will find is that as you use your scripts you become so
subconsciously familiar with them that you change them without
realising it until they become yours. Then you dispense with them.
The transition is almost seamless and may take a few months or
several years. You can choose which you prefer.

This happens only to good hypnotherapists.

Jack

[Don]

If you really want to work with people, learn inductions other than progressive relaxation!!!!!

[Poodle]

get to be like Don and tear the articles and scripts in The Journal into 100,000 pieces -- and correctly done so too.

For a good starting thoroughly read Merlin's FAQ. Relaxation has nothing to do with hypnosis but can be a lovely by-product of it. We do not practice Relax-o-therapy.

[Poodle]

"We" are only 1/2 way through the course. The best is yet to come!!

I really think we are going to have one very fine new CH among us soon.

Pood :)

[Jack]

So my next hurdle is to talk with a client and extract the information I need, and add it behind a progressive relaxation script to make it all work.

I am one of those who does not agree that hypnosis is not relaxation.

It is.

But, it is not physical relaxation although as Pood says that is sometimes a pleasant by-product.
Rather it is relaxation of the conscious to allow access to the subconscious. That 'relaxation' can
be induced in many ways, one of which is the long and tedious progressive induction, but there are
many other ways, as Don has mentioned.

It is quite legitimate to use a progressive induction in the early days until you feel more confident.
Then you might try to master the Elman induction or a variation, which will make your life much easier.

Jack

[sjm1027]

I agree jack, I am doing that now. I have a copy of two of Dave Elman's scripts named The Original Induction and the Dave Elman Induction. I am looking them both over and am also thinking of the advice Don mentioned about don't begin with the script but begin with the client... I know some of this comes with experience but I should know within myself what is correct to do.
I still have 50 hours to complete my certification... right now I am going to work with my family and practice. and that leads me to another question, How do some of you feel about working with your husbands, wives, children (over 21) and remember to think back... when you were green.

Thanks for all your help everyone, being able to come here and ask questions is helping me understand much better. :D

Thanks,
Steve

[Don]

Good question, Steve, and I believe there are several answers.

1) Do you want to be a spouse and parent or a therapist? Certainly there is overlap, but often, if a relative needs a hypnotherapist, your best option is refer them.

2) Do they view you as a spouse or parent, or as a therapist? How they view you will have a powerful effect on your relationships.

3) By all means, teach and share methods of self-hypnosis and suggestion! Why shouldn't they have the ability to do changework themselves?

4) In an emergency during which hypnostherapy/NLP can assist, and you have the training, practical experience, and know-how to help, IMO you have an obligation to aid a family member.

5) One of the important determinants of whether hypnotherapy will be successful is your client's view of you. If they see you as a bumbling amateur you are less likely to be successful than if they see you as a knowledgeable professional, even if you give the exact same induction and suggestions. If someone knows you for many years as husband or wife or daddy or mommy, their preconceptions work against rapid success. These difficulties can be overcome, but take time.

[sjm1027]

Good point Don, My wife keeps asking the same ol question... when will you hypnotize me... ? I keep stalling because it just does not feel natural to me. Maybe a self hypnosis less or 2 will keep her at bay :rolleyes:

Thanks

[Poodle]

Medical Doctors are not allowed to work or prescribe for family members. This should give you a clue.

Now back to the PM a second. The 100 hours of training is only the beginning to a lifetime journey of wanting more, reading more and studying more. Look at Terry after 40 successful years has started a free clinic for people with cancer. Previous to that he worked with a stroke victim to return movement to limbs. Our lovely Merlin has her doctorate and super intelligent Don is working on his or is close to finishing it. Seems as if Connie, Skip and I are destined to teach and Jack is somewhat retired and chasing those illusive fish. I think Houston is tired of teaching (hotel hassels) so is staying closer to home. He's pretty much learned and done it all. Taffy is retired (I think) but does keep an eye on the posts. Most all of us are totally trained in NLP, TLT and other modalities too.

My wish for you is that you never cease to find great books to read and 100's of people wanting your help.

Enjoy our world!!
Pood

[sjm1027]

Ahhh I am sure of that. I am digging through the Internet to find things to read daily. I was up all evening reading the books I have ... I know what you mean... It's a bug and I caught it!

Let me through out another question to you all...

Can you remember the book that influenced you as a beginner with Hypnosis the most?

Thanks

[Connie]

For me it wasn't a book, it was a person. Our Skip.

Poodle, for me the focus (right now) is working with people. Teaching is my hubby's forte.

[Poodle]

Of course I can. I was about 10-11 years old when the book, The Search For Bridey Murphy, came out. When I was 18 I learned hypnosis from my best friend's husband who used it in his practice as a psychiatrist. I was convinced I was unhypnotizeable. I'm sure my husband wished he were!!After retiring from the other world, I went for trainings and have not looked back yet. I probably love NLP more than hypnosis although I am doing a resident's course in basic hypnotherapy and master hypnotherapy in November. There may be 6 people in this State that know what NLP is so it's going to be a hard sell here.

Sorry Connie. I forgot how much you adore your private clients. Connie is one of our most wonderful success stories around this place and I do believe every single one of us here is very, very, very proud of her. She took off like a bolt of lightning and is still excelling in every area. I wish the same for you! :)

If you find that book, perhaps you will dislike it as much as I do now. The language is horrible, only certain people can be easily hypnotized and I'm sure he "led" her through the PLR.

B&G's original TRANCE-formations may be my favorite book now. It's out of print and can get a little expensive. I also loved Magic In Action and Time For A Change. I always seems to find new things in them.

Pood

Merlin has a reading list posted on her FAQ if you would care to look.

[Jack]

Jack is somewhat retired and chasing those illusive fish. Pood

Not quite, Pood. I have stopped taking private 'clinical' clients, but have approximately 11 people to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics, and three people involved in motor racing. We finished 4th in the Beijing medal tables - which is pretty good for such a small country - and I can proudly claim that some of it was down to mind management coaching by several hypnoNLP'ers. We also finished second in the Beijing Paralympics and some of that success was due to the same techniques (most of it was due to the incedible athletes involved. I learned a lot about attitude from them).

Also, I am once again involved in research with my local university, but only because the game fishing season has finished over here. And shortly, I begin a Masters in a totally unrelated subject.

SGM, as for using relatives in the early days, go for it, it might not be as successful as you might wish, but it will help you get comfortable with the process. Favourite book for beginners is 'The Art of Hypnosis' by Roy Hunter and 'The Art of Hypnotherapy' by the same chap.

Jack

[Merlin]

It's also linked to Skip's list.

[Poodle]

"Anatomy of a Script" in a book but you are not ready to go there yet. Maybe after you finish your 100 hours if still needed. I noticed there are around 6 NGH CI's in your state. I'm wondering what let you to choose the one you are going to.

Back to your cage Pood!
Confusion reigns again :confused:

[sjm1027]

She instructed the woman that hypnotized me for weight loss... and she also instructed approx. 75% of the 6 in my area. by the way, 24 hours left to go... Sunday evening I will be done
:)


"Anatomy of a Script" in a book but you are not ready to go there yet. Maybe after you finish your 100 hours if still needed. I noticed there are around 6 NGH CI's in your state. I'm wondering what let you to choose the one you are going to.

Back to your cage Pood!
Confusion reigns again :confused:

[Poodle]

and will be evening in a while. Why not tell us all about it. Just remember: Tonite is the BEGINNING of a lifelong journey. I pray that you never stop learning and I wish you great success.

CONGRATULATIONS!! (a wee bit early),

Pood :) :)

[sjm1027]

I can't believe you remembered but... I am done...

Thanks for remembering and the last 50 hours really put it all together for me...
Thanks for remembering!

Steve CCH
:)

[Poodle]

We have a newly minted, well trained, new Certified Hypnotist on our Forum. Congratulations Steve on a job well done from all of us! Now get busy and get to work. There are people that need us.

Hip Hip Hurray!!!!

Pood - sooo very happy for you :D :D

[sjm1027]

I am on it Pood, Getting things in order.

Thanks for the kind words
Steve