Dealing with False Memories

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Andrew Benjamin on April 23, 2009 at 9:52am

(But how do you get your head that far down?)

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Andrew Benjamin on April 23, 2009 at 9:54am

I never worked for Tyrell, but I admire that same Sebastian. That's partially where my name comes from. That, and one of my favorite composers - J. Sebastian Bach.

As for my potential client, I agree this could be trouble and will take appropriate measures to insure my safety. But mostly I'm looking to understand the mechanics of "false memory" in case what he believes is true and this is something that was planted (by whatever means) into his mind. Would a general regression work, or should I be more specific in my questions?

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Andrew Benjamin on April 23, 2009 at 10:03am

I get the feeling that his motivation is personal, as in he feels that a memory he has is not something that should be there. Like the post below about talking to ones sister and thinking you're talking about two different families.

Even if I do not follow through with this client, my own curiosity on the subject has been piqued, so I wish to learn more. Is there any time/instance where creating a false memory would be beneficial to a client? I know regression is a part of it, but are there any other specific steps a hypnotist should take when doing something like this?

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Permalink Reply by Joe K Fobes on April 23, 2009 at 10:08am

That was his submodality that identified reality...... Is it also yours?

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Andrew Benjamin on April 23, 2009 at 10:09am

Next time I speak with him, I'll ask.

"This happens most of the time (in my experience) when somebody is in awe of somebody else and wants to please them" - could something like this be used to benefit a D/s relationship? I get some client couples where the submissive spouse is not submissive enough for the dominant spouse. The desire to please is there, but not enough, from one or the others' perspective.

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Permalink Reply by Roy Hunter on April 23, 2009 at 12:25pm

Before I ever facilitate a hypnotic regression, I have a short pre-talk regarding false memories. My talk goes along these lines...

"Have you read or heard anything about false memories?

"Although our subconscious records everything we experience with our five senses, our memories can be distorted by emotions. For example, two children can witness a fight in the schoolyard and give different versions to a teacher five minutes later...or two siblings can give different versions when a parent stops them from fighting. In other words, what we remember might be fact, fantasy, or a combination of both.

"My job is NOT to sort out the fact from the fantasy; but rather, it is to help your subconscious discover the PERCEPTIONS that have cause your problem. You mind is responding to those perceptions regardless of how much is fact or fantasy. However, it is important that BOTH you and I set aside any preconceived opinions regarding what we might think is the cause, and allow your own subconscious to go where it needs to go...any questions?"

I've given this type of pre-talk for over 15 years now before using regression. Over 90% of clients HAVE heard of false memories (at least in my area); and I want them to know that a false memory can be created by EITHER the client OR the hypnotist have a pre-conceived opinion. Once the client is in hypnosis, it is important to ask OPEN ENDED questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how) rather than yes/no questions.

You might wish to either view my Regression presentation from the Hypnosummit or purchase THE ART OF HYPNOTHERAPY from my website, as it has a very long chapter on regression therapy.

Roy Hunter, M.S., FAPHP
www.royhunter.com

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