Visualisation and Imagination

Engaging Cx in the visualisation of a special place or an activity they enjoy can help produce deep relaxation, calmness and serenity. Such visualisations are more powerful if the Cx is encouraged to use all their sense modalities. If the Cx enjoyed horse riding she would be encouraged to 'fill-in' such details as the smell of the stables, the sounds made by the horse, especially breathing, the touch of the skin as well as all the sights of the yard.

In this type of visualisation the therapist cannot provide all the details of the content of such a visualisation because these arise from the Cx's memories and imagination. The therapists instructions can only give an outline and structure to the visualisation. If the instructions on content are made as general as possible we will avoid contradicting the Clients ongoing experience or pushing her in what is perceived to be the wrong direction and breaking rapport.

If we suggest the Cx canters along the road whilst the client knows full well that her horse is nervous of cars the flow of pleasant feelings and sensations will be broken, even if only momentarily. This is a further example of how our suggestions are tested and rejected if inappropriate. It would be quite safe to suggest that the Cx is enjoying the sensation of the fresh air in her face, for example, but if we specify the sensation of the warm air in her face, when she actually take the horse for a run on a daily basis, whatever the weather we are creating unnecessary contradictions.

It's also important to get the pace right, if we go too slowly the Client may become bored and distracted. Visualisations require quite some practice and skill to do well!

When the Cx is enjoying a comfortable relaxed state through visualisation we can create an anchor to this state so that it can subsequently be triggered. The simplest way is to ask the Cx to touch and press finger and thumb together whilst being aware of all the sensations, feelings, sights and sounds that are present.

Next time the Cx wishes to bring back this state, pehaps later on at home when learning self hypnosis, or when she experiences an unacceptable level or anxiety or stress, she can simply activat the anchored state with the same signal. Each time such an anchor is used the effect is compounded, and it becomes a very useful part of the Cx Hypnotic Toolkit.

This anchoring technique is using the "Law of Dominant Effect", which is based on the idea that a strong emotion will replace a weaker one. In this case strong emotions are associated with the anchor.