Strategy in Therapy

Strategy in Therapy

The first S in S to the Third Power Hypnotism is “Strategy”. For every single client you must develop a strategy for working with them and this cannot be developed until you have information from the client. You will already be producing strategies, but how conscious you are of this process will vary. Remember the old adage “if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything will start to look like a nail”? If every issue that your client presents results in the same strategy, it may be that you do not have a big enough toolbox.

I have heard of therapists who use one technique for any issue. This could be anything, from direct suggestion to analysis. For example, the therapist who says that they always use regression to cause for smoking and it usually takes eight sessions, or the one who uses Hartland’s ego strengthening as their only intervention for depression.

The bigger your tool box, the more complex will be your strategy development process. And this is a good thing! Not only do you have more options, but you have the opportunity to build rapport and start the process of synergy right from the word go.

In order to develop a strategy, you must ask your client questions to determine not only the details of the issue but also what they wish to achieve. Obvious? Maybe, but not always, and it is important to recognise that clients do not always want the result that is obvious. For example a client may want to make progress on an issue rather than remove it totally. Often they will not realise this, perhaps not being aware that there is a middle ground.

If you ask questions and demonstrate appropriate listening skills (and create the right environment (see “Synergy”), the client will always tell you what the issue is and how to resolve it. They already know everything they, and you need to know, but they may well not know that they know it.

Asking the right question can also activate the change process immediately. Part of your role as a therapist is being a detective. You are searching for the clients understanding of their situation and information on what they are wanting to achieve and how they can do it.

If you go into trance with the client, this gets you onto their wavelength. It gives you an extra dimension, allowing you to trust your intuition. Intuition is wonderful, but remember to always check it out and do not presume that your intuition is correct.