Utilizing Hypnosis for Ego Strengthening and Alleviating Depression

1. Utilizing Hypnosis forEgo Strengthening and Alleviating Depression Hypnovations, Intermediate Workshop Vermont, April 2010 Molly DeLaney, PsyD delaneydoc@aol.com

2. Learning objectives: • Participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of hypnosis as an a-theoretical treatment intervention • Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how hypnosis is effective in treating depressive symptoms • Participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how hypnosis can increase ego strength

3. Strength based approach • Hypnosis is a particularly useful treatment approach for ego strengthening as it elicits ‘talents’ the patient may not have recognized previously • Hypnotic suggestions can be geared to address both the patient’s motivation to change and fears of change

4. Hypnotic PhenomenaClients possess an array of coping mechanisms which utilize hypnotic phenomena.

5. Hypnotic Phenomena are common, everyday human behaviors • They are labeled hypnotic because they: * spontaneously appear during trance states * and are largely ‘unconscious’ that is, outside of conscious awareness

6. Everyday examples of hypnotic phenomena are: • Amnesia (forgetfulness) • Age regression (e.g., acting silly) • Time distortion (e.g., time feels very short or very long) • Dissociation (e.g., not paying attention to the pain of a hang nail)

7. Hypnotic Phenomena Catalepsy Dissociation Negative Hallucination Time Expansion Treatment Strategies Movement imagery Connecting parts, Metaphors about integration Seeing things with “new eyes” Metaphors about here and now, positive future Hypnotic Phenomena and Treating Depression

8. Hypnotic Phenomena Time Condensation Age Progression   Hypersensitivity Fluidity/Flexibility Treatment Strategies Imagery about time progressing, seeing the “big picture” Metaphors about the “here and now” Detachment Trance ratification Hypnotic Phenomena and Treating Anxiety

9. Hypnotic Phenomena: • Which hypnotic phenomena does the client naturally use? • Which of these is inherent in their habits? • What sensory style(s) does the client utilize and how can you use these for symptom reduction?

10. Hypnotic interventions:metaphors in action • Has the symptom come to represent their identity? E.g., “I’m greedy.” • Healing occurs as unconscious processes are altered increasing the range of possibilities, e.g., “both/and.”