View Full Version : Direct or Indirect?
eyeglazer
12-21-2007, 11:22 PM
I would like some input on the use of direct vs. inferential suggestion. How do each of you determine which is appropriate?
I agree with SKip. I observe the feedback, especially during the pre-talk.
However, even with people where I begin with inferential, as the session and trance state deepen, I evolve into more direct.
Poodle
12-22-2007, 09:39 AM
if you look into the back pages you will find some very nice "articles" on why Skip prefers Ericksonian (indirect). It's a really good read and about a lost art for numerous hypnotists/hypnotherapists.
Noticing the feedback is the same as going with what feels right, except that you are not bothering to bring it into consciousness.
Hypnotherapy is not about prescription but rather about how useful a trance the therapist is in.
Jack
There are some sources which literally give tests to determine which format is best for a client, ultimately, it depends upon what you think is right at any second of the entire process. No law against switching from one to the other.
Jack describes this as "how useful a trance the therapist is in." That's exactly correct. I would also describe it in a different way:
The hypnotist must "assume excellence."
That is, the hypnotist assumes that his/her unconscious mind will absolutely know exactly the right suggestions and format for presenting the suggestions to the client. The hypnotist also assumes excellence on the part of the client's unconscious by knowing that it will be able to accurately, effectively, and speedily interpret correctly and act on any suggestions given.
This means there is literally no room for fear of failure or doing things incorrectly. This belief, if based on a lack of training and experience, is foolish and in reality a sign of hubris. With training and experience, it should come easily.
Note that this is often the exact opposite of modern Western medicine. Often, doctors who just graduate have learned and even practiced the very latest and most successful forms of treatment, and can use this in their practice. Those who have been doctors for decades may be stuck in old beliefs and old techniques. Of course, for some ailments, the older methods are just as good or better than the new ones--and often a lot cheaper!
Merlin
12-23-2007, 10:19 AM
That is, the hypnotist assumes that his/her unconscious mind will absolutely know exactly the right suggestions and format for presenting the suggestions to the client. The hypnotist also assumes excellence on the part of the client's unconscious by knowing that it will be able to accurately, effectively, and speedily interpret correctly and act on any suggestions given.
I've always wondered, if the client's mind is so able,
why do they need a hypnotist?
Merlin
12-23-2007, 10:30 AM
Actually, I often do whichever seems will get the most efficient results.
That's done by calibrating on the client and the presenting issues
eyeglazer
12-23-2007, 12:33 PM
Great comments!
For some reason I am getting email notice about three other threads I am subcribed to, but not this one, So I had not realized I had so many responses.
I have been watching many youtube videos of Tom Silver (man he's good!)and notice that he commonly uses a very rapid patter, whereas I was taught using a model based upon the works of Dr. John Kappas, who used a very slow paced patter.
Is there a correlation between fast=direct or slow=indirect (or perhaps the opposite) approaches? Also, between therapeutic vs. stage(d) hypnosis as regards patter speed? Or does this fall under the "assume excellence" label?
You know, Tom Silver sure makes induction look easy (even though in many videos you don't see the full induction)!
Now I know that in almost every field the novice tends to make things harder than they are, but while watching the TS videos I couldn't help thinking "Jesus that looks easy! I can learn to do that as well as anybody!".
So, is it really that easy?
Poodle
12-23-2007, 01:14 PM
It's that easy but it does take an amazing amount of practice. Watch the videos on Erickson working. You will learn the right speed and markings.
Want to be a stage hypnotist or both? Now go back and search for a post by Skip on "Uptime". Cool stuff. Actually, you may wish to adopt a NLP Presup -- the client has all the resources they need. They just happen to be our of conscious awareness.
Merlin
12-23-2007, 02:55 PM
It's easy,
just as painting was easy to Rembrandt <sp?>
Terry
12-23-2007, 04:06 PM
Define the word "easy if you will? If I have a particullar natural bent for something, I find it "easy do". If I work hard at something, and master it, I not only find it easy, but I make it LOOK easy.
So what is "easy"? Something is easy for you because you have learned well, while it may not be so easy for me who has not. It has nothing to do with inteligence in some cases, just practise, practise, and more practise.
I've always wondered, if the client's mind is so able,
why do they need a hypnotist?
Because we assume excellence on the part of the unconscious we need to communicate with to help "reprogram" that part which has "gone rogue" and needs to come back in harmony.
So to speak...
Terry
12-23-2007, 11:14 PM
Because we assume excellence on the part of the unconscious we need to communicate with to help "reprogram" that part which has "gone rogue" and needs to come back in harmony.
So to speak... Ah, so when we keep a list of clients, we are in fact developing a rogues gallery?....:D
Connie
12-24-2007, 01:52 AM
I like all the answers here. I like to "get Ericksonian" on clients, but I also like direct suggestion, and I agree with Don--the deeper you go, the more direct. There's something very satisfying about telling someone what to do, specifically and literally, and having them obey!!--maybe it's the bossy big sister thing coming into play again.
There's something very satisfying about telling someone what to do, specifically and literally, and having them obey!!--maybe it's the bossy big sister thing coming into play again.
This is not in any way a criticism, Connie, but I have seen many hypnotherapists come and go and one of the main reasons they go is that they forget whose party it is, and who is the belle of the ball. Once this happens the ego pushes the therapist very quickly down the slope towards ineffectuality.
It is a very human temptation, like many others, and like them, to be aggressively resisted. Not easy at Christmas:)
Jack
Connie
12-24-2007, 10:42 AM
Right on, Jack. I appreciate the words! I was thinking of a specific context, which does in fact involve the "big sister" thing. I was thinking about the healing suggestions I gave to my little sister. My joke is: I've been bossing her around all my life, why stop now?? :) I should say: "all her life." :D
Poodle
12-24-2007, 11:38 AM
The mind cannot reject what it does not know was a direct command and just slipped in. The UC has the right to keep or reject suggestions so the less it knows it's a suggestion, the more it's going to keep it.
I was taught military people, etc. = direct
others = indirect
Guess what I found out. There's a lot of military people that don't like to take orders!! ;)
Happy Holidays!
Pood
Terry
12-24-2007, 02:45 PM
Since I am happy to have so many inteligent, and thoughtfull friends, it would be remiss of me on this eve of Christmas, not to wish you all, and indeed all who visit, a wonderful, Christmas, and may peace be ever with you during the coming year.
I will especially remember your sister Connie, as I attend the Christmas masses, it is a magic time, and the time to ask for something very special for someone else....:)
Connie
12-24-2007, 05:54 PM
Terry, I hope your wife doesn't mind that I love you. :)
Poodle
12-24-2007, 08:22 PM
Connie, we do love Terry and it's just something she's going to have to live with. ;)
I join in with wishing the Merriest of Christmases (if you don't want Christmas you may have Hannukah or whatever your beliefs as this is a magical time of year for all) and a Very Prosperous and Healthy New Year.
Pood