Positive Reinforcement In Hypnosis
Positive Reinforcement In Hypnosis
Positive Reinforcement In Hypnosis
There is a bit of an 'in-joke' among the students of a recent hypnotherapy training diploma. When I demonstrate lots of the techniques and strategies, they picked up on the fact that I acknowledge my client (or person I am working with) and the progress they are making by often offering up at the tail end of a sentence, the words "that's right... Good."
So as a result, they have all been using those words a great deal too; in hypnosis sessions, joking in the pub, on Facebook comments, emails to me and anywhere else they can be squeezed into!
Of course, there is an air of Milton Erickson about the notion of saying such things, but it is all part of positively reinforcing what is going on for the person who is hypnotised.
I recommend that hypnotists and hypnotherapists reinforce and reassure the client throughout hypnotherapy sessions; when they are hypnotised and when not. "That's it, you're doing really well" and "good, that's right" help to let the client know that they are doing things as they are supposed to. When they receive no positive reinforcement, they may well start wondering if they are doing things correctly, even doubting what they are doing, especially if they have not been educated well enough or had enough expectancy created for them by the hypnotherapist prior to the hypnosis beginning.
It is not just about when they are in hypnosis, as I said, throughout the hypnotherapy session in general, it is wise to indicate when the client has done something well and appreciate their commitment (although not so if they need to be corrected or receive more understanding on an aspect of the session). "John, you have done really well in today's session" and "congratulations, you really achieved plenty here today."
Even when I bring a client up and out of hypnosis, I ask them to thank themselves and respect the fact that they have invested this time (and money) in them self, which is a lovely thing for anyone to do, isn't it?
If you want to take the Erickson approach even further, you could even choose to compliment the client, as noted in The February Man: Evolving Consciousness and Identity in Hypnotherapy, Erickson & Rossi (1989) told a patient on two different occasions: "Also, after you awaken, I want you to have a very thorough appreciation of how very capably you have worked tonight." "I want you to know that I thank you for your generosity, your kindness, in permitting me to do things in my way. I appreciate it tremendously. It was very kind of you..."
There are a few social psychology research snippets to be found that suggest relevant and authentic compliments or praise generally develop and often amplify rapport with the client and how much they like the therapist, which in turn in the field of hypnotherapy enhances responsiveness to suggestions. It is a win/win.
I recommend that it is relevant, appropriate and pertinent and not just done for sickly sweet effect of course. When done so, it continues to have a great impact on the hypnotic process, doesn't it? That's it... Good...
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