Analytical Hypnotherapy Theory
There are various methods within the Analytical family of hypnotic techniques. They all involve age regression, achieved by a variety of tools. These include:
Time line Free association Affect bridge, They also have in common the fact that they are regressing in order to find the root cause of a current situation. Some theories state that the root cause will always be a memory or emotion that is repressed. However, there is dissension within the profession as to what repression really means, or even if it is a real process at all. Heap and Aravind (2002) include an excellent discussion on the concept of repressed memories, so we shall not recreate their ideas here, but point you in this direction if you are interested to read further.
Hypno-Analysis is a combination of the principles of hypnotism and traditional forms of psychoanalysis from the schools of Freud, Jung, Adler, and Kein.
By going back through the client’s history, usually to the age of seven or earlier (imprinting phase of development) the hypnotist and client can look effectively at the genuine cause of their issue. Before the age of 7 children generally cannot see the world other than in a “black and white” or “good or bad” way. The client at this age does not have the ability to see the psychological maturity to see situations other than in this way, whilst as we grow older we learn that situations often fit into a shade of grey neither completely good nor bad. When the client is at this age they made certain decisions which at an unconscious level effect the life of the client in the present. This decision is carried out through the client’s life. Often the issue does not have an obvious direct link with the root cause, but through analysis of thoughts ideas and beliefs the hypnotist and client can come to certain understandings in order to assist the client in moving forward.
Using regression to help the client to rationalise the root cause of the client using the client’s “adult mind” allows the client to leave the past in the past and move forward with a new sense of calm and peace. This rationalisation can take the form of simple understanding or through emotional catharsis.
Analytical processes vary in the degree to which abreaction is encouraged or even required for resolution to be found. Some schools of thought insist that reliving traumatic events is necessary to progress while others say that “watching” events from a dissociated viewpoint is sufficient to bring about the necessary awareness.
Often the key that is being sought in Analytical work is the socalled “Aha! moment”. Often it is considered that once this has been found, the client will have understanding of the reason for their issue, and thus it will be resolved. Others believe that this memory or realisation or new awareness needs to be worked on in order to produce resolution.
In our opinion, using age regression can be a very useful technique to employ for clients with certain issues, such as phobia, anxiety, certain medical issues, and for those who have a belief that there are lessons to be learnt. We do not however, believe that this is the way to go for every client and with every issue. For example, when a client presents wanting to stop smoking, we have found it to be rare that there is a need to regress to find why they started to smoke. It is usually exceptionally obvious to the client.
