Well, those of us who routinely use any of a variety of uncovering techniques when working with our clients do not need convincing of the efficacy of this approach. It is so much more reliable for the client than just taking a bet on Direct Suggestion alone. However, it's always nice to know that the academic world is catching up to us.
A 2005 paper in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis reports that in a trial of five Direct Suggestion sessions over 2 months, 3 cases under investigation of psychogenic dermatitis yielded results that were “unappreciable and unsuccessful.”
The same patients subsequently were treated using ideomotor questioning, regression to onset and reframing - followed by Direct Suggestion; all of course under hypnosis. This time around the approach proved an effective treatment (no cases of relapse after 1 year of checking).
What can we note from this?
Once again, it pays to do the “uncovering work.” Don't take short cuts!
This could well have been a report of the “hypnosis doesn't work” category if the trial had stopped at the Direct Suggestion phase as many trials have. All reports of hypnosis not working have to be carefully read to see what was actually done while the client was in hypnosis. Because of course, it's not the hypnosis per se that counts, it's the work that is done while the client is in hypnosis.
Well, a fun week for me in the “getting the word out about hypnosis” department.
Last Monday's talk seemed to go over OK. One important lesson there – never pre-judge your audience. The average age was very much on the “mature” side, as their coordinator had told me to expect leading me to wonder prior to the talk how they would react to hearing about an alternative therapy. I had accepted with the idea that some would have younger relatives etc. who they might pass the word onto.
Turned out that when asked, 3 of the 25 present to my surprise had already experienced hypnosis and stood up to tell the rest of the group about it. Result – appointment requests from both those present as well as later from their younger family members to whom they had passed the word on to.
Also completed my first Hypnosis Video for my web site (ask-the-hypnotist.com). I am planning a series of short videos to explain Hypnosis to my web site visitors. The contents will not be news to anyone here but I have uploaded it as an example of what you can do with a simple camera and some free software. I still have lots to learn in terms of presenting style but from it you can see that no one here should be intimidated by the technology. I think video will be another great tool for letting your potential clients get to feel comfortable enough to pick up the phone to call you. I was also surprised that people are already actually finding it among the millions of videos on Youtube! Any constructive feedback (thank you Celeste – she saw a preview!) always helpful and welcome.
Well I'm off tonight to do what I love - talking to a group of people who want to know more about hypnosis! As I prepared for it I thought I would share a couple of things that I have found useful.
I think I got the first idea originally from listening to Richard Harte. Instead of giving out a typical tri-fold type brochure I prepare a four sided handout that fits on a 8.5 by 11 Sheet folded in two on the landscape setting (most printers also have a brochure and double sided printing option that automates the process).
Essentially it it is a very brief overview of my typical talk - uses of Hyp, model of mind, a quiz etc. and an ad for my practice on back page. Also included are spaces for them to write their own notes.
The point is that it is much more effective than a regular brochure. They want (hopefully) to remember the interesting points you made in order to tell thier friend/family member who they now realize need your help. Plus, they've personalized it with their own notes. You see people actually taking these home with them instead of leaving them about the hall and cloak room!
If you have a web site you can also prepare a password protected page were they can download a free relaxation mp3 if they go to your site. This then makes them even more likely to visit your site after the talk. Also, often they will then put this info in their newsletter or even better, on thier web site and your contact info stays up for a long time! I have just checked one that I gave the local university last Fall and my link is still up!
Anyway, hope this helps someone in their drive to keep the clients coming in! I would upload the file with what I give out but have not worked out how to do this yet! Any one know if we can do that here?
Well, Cal said it was easy to set up a page here and he was right as usual!
Looking forward to meeting more hypnotists here. You can also find me on my other web site at www.ask-the-hypnotist.com
I have a hypnotherapy practice in downtown Montreal at the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex. I studied 5 PATH in the October 2005 group and use it regularly in my practice. I also enjoy exchanging experiences and learning together with the 5 path study group that meets on line regularly (see Celeste Hackett - in this network - if you would like to join us).
Looking forward to meeting many more colleagues at the NGH convention this year - always a highlight of the hypnotic year!
