Metaphor in Hypnosis: An Introduction ASCH Regional Workshop Alexandria, Virginia 27-30 June 2013

Donald F. Lynch, Jr. MD, FACS, ABMH Professor and Past Chairman, Department of Urology Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Virginia w4zyt.don@gmail.com I have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report. I will not discuss off-label or investigational use of any medications.

Metaphor in Hypnosis Goals and Objectives Introduce the concept of metaphor as it applies in a psychological sense and as it is utilized in hypnosis practice. Demonstrate the use of metaphor in the practice of hypnosis, and discuss how it might be used therapeutically in clinical practice.

Metaphor: Metaphor in Hypnosis A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. [e.g.: Gene mapping or gene maps is a cartographic metaphor.] A thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else. “Your arm has become a block of granite.”

Simile: Metaphor in Hypnosis A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. [E.g.: Your arm is becoming as heavy as a block of granite.]

Metaphor: Metaphor in Hypnosis “…On this great accompt, Let your imaginative forces work.” - Henry V, prologue

Metaphor versus Simile – Which is more powerful? Metaphor in Hypnosis Metaphor versus Simile – Which is more powerful? In both literary and psychological (hypnotic) uses, Metaphor trumps Simile. In actual clinical practice, we have come to use the term “metaphor” to cover both.

Metaphor in Hypnosis Hypnosis: A state of altered consciousness, resembling sleep, during which the individual hypnotized is highly responsive to the suggestions and directions of the hypnotist. - Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary

Metaphor in Hypnosis Hypnosis: A technique in which changes in perception, sensation, or behavior are suggested. - Old APA Division 30 Definition

Metaphor in Hypnosis - New APA Division 30 Definition Hypnosis typically involves an introduction to the procedure during which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences will be presented. The hypnotic induction is an extended initial suggestion for using one's imagination, and may contain further elaborations of the introduction. A hypnotic procedure is used to encourage and evaluate responses to suggestions. When using hypnosis, one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behavior. Persons can also learn self-hypnosis, which is the act of administering hypnotic procedures on one's own. If the subject responds to hypnotic suggestions, it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been induced. Many believe that hypnotic responses and experiences are characteristic of a hypnotic state. While some think that it is not necessary to use the word "hypnosis" as part of the hypnotic induction, others view it as essential.[12] - New APA Division 30 Definition

- Streamlined definition Metaphor in Hypnosis Hypnosis: Applied imagination directed toward some constructive (or therapeutic) end. - Streamlined definition

1. Metaphor is often Visual. Metaphor in Hypnosis 1.      Metaphor is often Visual. ecent research involving PET scanning has demonstrated that the brain tends to activate portions of the brain concerned with visual perception to interpret input of all types – written, described, other senses.

Metaphor in Hypnosis In Literature, the goal of metaphor is to engage the imagination to make the story more realistic, more concrete, more immediate, more effective. In psychotherapy, the goal of metaphor is to engage the imagination to augment rapport and facilitate the effectiveness of therapy. In hypnosis, the goal of metaphor is to engage the imagination and direct it toward some constructive end. Hypnosis: Applied imagination directed toward some constructive (or therapeutic) end. - Streamlined definition

References Metaphor in Hypnosis 1. Hammond, C.A.: Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors. 2. Crasilneck, HB and Hall, JA: Clinical Hypnosis: Principles and Applications. 3. Spiegel, H and Spiegel, D: Trance and Treatment

Department of Urology Eastern Virginia School of Medicine Norfolk, Virginia