(This blog was
previously posted on March 3, 2016)
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| Photo by Rick Hustead |
During a typical hypnotherapy session, one
of the most powerful tools to reinforce hypnotic suggestions is the Law of
Association: an association between a suggestion (identification of a
specific stimulus) and a specific, desired response. One example of this law
is, when the hypnotherapist’s hand moves to dim the lights in the office and
the client immediately, automatically moves to the recliner in preparation of
being hypnotized. This association is possible because long before you come in
for your first hypnotherapy session, the Law of Association has facilitated the
development of your suggestibility.
In a therapeutic context, when I work
with a client to overcome a fear
or phobia, I create hypnotic
scripts that enable the person to associate
the relaxation response (deep breathing, focused mind, increased confidence)
with a non-reaction to the original stimulus. Repeated exposure to that
stimulus in conjunction with the associated relaxation response eventually
extinguishes the fear or phobia.
When the Law of Dominance is
employed during hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist employs a stance of authority
by assuming that the client will respond or behave in a specific way (e.g., go
into hypnosis). An example of this law is when I say “deep sleep” firmly, not
forcefully, and snap my fingers or touch the client’s forehead to deepen the hypnotic
state. Through the Law of Association, the individual has already shown that he
or she has already associated the link between my dimming the office lights and
moving to the recliner. When I say “deep sleep,” these words instruct (directly
or inferentially) the client to close his or her eyes as the person drifts into
the relaxed hypnotic state that facilitates the desired behavior change (e.g.,
extinguishing a fear or phobia).
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist
based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more
information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
© 2018
(This blog was
previously posted on March 3, 2016)
