The Art of Conversational Hypnosis

Jun 21, 2020 Book Review…, News

Book Review…

Book: New Ways of Seeing
Author: Mark Tyrrell
Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD

Based on the defining work of Milton Erickson, author Mark Tyrrell offers effective behavioural tools to clinicians and laypersons. Erickson held that indirect suggestions produce far greater therapeutic changes than the direct, authoritative methods used in traditional hypnosis
New Ways of Seeing is laden with anecdotes and case studies that provide insights into how the mind really works, emphasising that suggestions resonate on the subconscious mind even in waking consciousness.
Throughout, Tyrrell validates the importance of reframing (also called conversational hypnosis) as a mechanism to change debilitating beliefs. Beliefs, he notes, are emotionally charged thought patterns that, overtime, become hardened and difficult to change. Reframing or, presenting information in a new light, and with equal emotive quality, will produce desired results. Tyrrell delves into the dynamics of the conscious and subconscious parts of Self. He demonstrates the effectiveness of symbols, metaphors and storytelling in the learning process.

Mark Tyrrell

Reframing, argues Tyrrell, is the most effective medium for change.
He explains that hypnosis, as we know it, is usually seen as the act of surrendering the will to the mesmeric inductions of a hypnotist, and that we incorrectly believe that the subject, at the mercy of suggestions, is put to sleep. Stage hypnosis has only added to the mystique of this practice. As such, many are wary of hypnosis as a viable healing modality. But this pedestrian view is riddled with myths. In fact, hypnosis increases theta waves activity. In other words, the subject is neither asleep nor unconscious, but is focussed and highly attentive.
Reframing, on the other hand, is a subtle and indirect way of changing behaviours. Timing and approach are crucial. For instance, “innocent questions or observations while apparently making small talk, can render the information far more likely to be taken on board,” writes Tyrrell. “This [approach] will quickly reframe [the experience] and offer hope to people who, by the time they come to see you, may well be convinced they are ‘completely mad’, past help, and totally different from everyone else.”
The client-practitioner rapport cannot be overemphasised, according to Tyrrell, stating that the ‘utilization principle’ that appeals to a client’s unique personality and interests is a proven method of connecting with on a transformative level.
Tyrrell details the shortcomings of direct and more assertive approaches to counselling. He explains, “It’s tempting to try to ‘correct’ what you see as a self-defeating frame of reference as soon as you spot it, but, as with many things, timing and approach are crucial. You also need to have developed good rapport with the person first. However, even with good rapport, there are still things to avoid. For instance, trying to change someone’s mind through reasoned argument is unlikely to work because even well-intentioned direct contradiction of a person’s beliefs or experience will always break rapport to some degree. If someone stubs his toe and is in pain, then telling him that he feels comfortable will conflict with his experience so sharply that he’ll feel completely misunderstood by you, [and] glibly confronting them head-on, breaks rapport by conveying the message: ‘What you think is wrong. You should see things my way.’ This makes you appear dictatorial or confrontational.”
In addition to establishing rapport, Tyrrell states that a calm mind is far more conducive to change, and that kinetic emotions, such as anger and fear, “narrow our attention,” and distort our views.
“Life decisions and strategies,” he writes, “are much better if they come from such times of calm reflection.”
Tyrrell continues, “Sometimes, it is useful to use metaphors to separate the identity of the person from the problem that is overpowering, for example, an addiction or a trait.”
He recounts the case of a man who needed to address serious anger issues. The author detailed how he “separated the anger from [the client’s] core identity in the language and metaphors used, saying. ‘You can be ready for that anger next time, and put it in its place by letting it know who’s boss!’”
Tyrrell argues that if we see a condition or emotional disorder as fundamentally separate from who we are as a person, then it becomes easier to free ourselves from it. In other words, we reframe our view of the situation.
In another example of reframing thought patterns, Tyrrell recalls a colleague who helped others rethink their fear of assertiveness. “One therapist I know tends to talk about assertiveness with his clients in terms of ‘giving honest feedback’ and ‘fair relationship management’. This reframe is especially useful for people who value honesty.”
New Way of Seeing is an important study on how we think, rationalize, and reason. Mastery of conversational hypnosis or reframing, will take practice but it is worth our every endeavour. Our ability to think imaginatively and vividly will improve our communication skills as we help others paralysed by negative thoughts. Tyrrell teaches that we can loosen the reins of destructive beliefs, and while he does not reinvent the Ericksonian Wheel, he lends cogency and relatability to the pioneer’s work.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
New Ways of Seeing by Mark Tyrrell
Contact the author: http://www.unk.com/blog
© Uncommon Knowledge 2020
ISBN: 978-1902892269
Available at Amazon
Ratings: Highly recommended