Has anyone had a client who has become "addicted" to hypnotherapy?

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Permalink Reply by Ian Collins on April 26, 2010 at 5:19am

I did not have such a client because I refused the possibility to work with this person.
I know a few people addicted to hypnosis, nlp and fortune-telling. Visiting every hypnotist in town.
First of all I would not even start to work with such client until I am sure that this person is visiting only ONE therapist not several simultaneously. Logically- no chance for good work if a few hours later another hypnotherapist uses different approach. And too dangerous for the client.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Rhodes on April 26, 2010 at 5:33am

It's not healthy for a client to be too dependant on you. It may be a good idea to teach them self hypnosis and then they can hypnotise themselves as much as they want.

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Permalink Reply by John Maclean on April 26, 2010 at 5:53am

I agree Jon and have always worked that way. I think this is more akin to disorders such as addiction to surgery etc. I get the impression that it is "attention seeking" more than anything. There is also an element of hypochondria here in that the client constantly perceives themself to be in need of help. Just another fun day in the clinic!

Jon Rhodes said:

It's not healthy for a client to be too dependant on you. It may be a good idea to teach them self hypnosis and then they can hypnotise themselves as much as they want.

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Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on April 26, 2010 at 5:54am

Hi John,

Great question! On one hand, it's flattering to believe that we can help a person navigate the challenges of their life. Having a regular flow of income from such a client is nice, too. I have had experience with someone such as you describe and it is fraught with difficulty; the longer it goes, the more entrenched the dependency gets.

I dealt with my "addictee" by emphasizing the fact that she was in control of her own life, that she now had the tools to apply to any situation. I showed her that she was now a grown up person with her own, innate resources and experience upon which to draw.

I taught and reinforced self-hypnosis techniques, helped her make her own relaxation recording and set her up with her own pendulum ideomotor rig. I then presented her a "Certificate of Graduation in Self-Hypnosis" and released her.

Hope this helps! Best wishes,

Kelley

PS ~ Of course part of it is you personally! Clients return because we, through hypnosis, touch a core part of them and help facilitate change. Without that connection, not much would happen...

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Hanover on April 26, 2010 at 6:23am

Hi John,

Speaking as a client, I wouldn't say that I'm "addicted" to hypnotherapy, but I am totally enamored of self-improvement in general. I don't think I'll ever be "done" with self-improvement, or self-actualization, or whatever you want to call it, until about a day and a half after I'm dead. But probably not then, either, if I play my cards right.

Perhaps you are one of those lucky folks who grew up healthy and self-actualized, never really experienced much in the way of trauma, and don't know what it feels like to experience emotional (and possibly even spiritual) pain and turmoil on a daily basis. If so, then it may be really hard for you to understand how good it feels to feel good. ;)

It's natural for her to want to keep doing the things that work and make her feel good. And your client may have developed anchors to her "feel good" state around the sound of your voice, the smell of your office, any number of things.

Unless you're actually co-dependent and enabling her to stay stuck in an unhealthy state, it doesn't sound like an unhealthy working relationship to me. But if you're just not into working with her anymore, perhaps together you could create a plan to help her move into the next phase of her evolution. You could introduce the topic by mentioning that you specialize in short-term therapeutic engagements because they keep you on your toes/challenge you professionally.

Maybe her subconscious mind would know how to healthfully transition her into the next phase of her growth if you asked it.

And don't kid yourself, you're a handsome man. It could be that she just digs you. ;)

Kathleen
Not a hypnotherapist, but a pretty good client.

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Permalink Reply by John Maclean on April 26, 2010 at 6:48am

Why thank you Kathleen! Flattery will get you everywhere! I feel this client has dependency issues in that hypnotherapy seems to have replaced the attention she is not getting elsewhere. I hear what you say Kathleen but I am very familiar with personal trauma having had life threatening cancer. However, as you also say, I am a pretty self-actualizing and positive person. I know I have helped this client with several issues and using Parts we have resolved some deep emotional conflicts. I think I need to now help the cleint realise that they can throw away the "crutch" and stan on their own two feet. Thanks for the help all!



Kathleen Hanover said:

Hi John,

Speaking as a client, I wouldn't say that I'm "addicted" to hypnotherapy, but I am totally enamored of self-improvement in general. I don't think I'll ever be "done" with self-improvement, or self-actualization, or whatever you want to call it, until about a day and a half after I'm dead. But probably not then, either, if I play my cards right.

Perhaps you are one of those lucky folks who grew up healthy and self-actualized, never really experienced much in the way of trauma, and don't know what it feels like to experience emotional (and possibly even spiritual) pain and turmoil on a daily basis. If so, then it may be really hard for you to understand how good it feels to feel good. ;)

It's natural for her to want to keep doing the things that work and make her feel good. And your client may have developed anchors to her "feel good" state around the sound of your voice, the smell of your office, any number of things.

Unless you're actually co-dependent and enabling her to stay stuck in an unhealthy state, it doesn't sound like an unhealthy working relationship to me. But if you're just not into working with her anymore, perhaps together you could create a plan to help her move into the next phase of her evolution. You could introduce the topic by mentioning that you specialize in short-term therapeutic engagements because they keep you on your toes/challenge you professionally.

Maybe her subconscious mind would know how to healthfully transition her into the next phase of her growth if you asked it.

And don't kid yourself, you're a handsome man. It could be that she just digs you. ;)

Kathleen
Not a hypnotherapist, but a pretty good client.

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Permalink Reply by Roy Hunter on April 26, 2010 at 8:40am

Hi Kathleen,

I like your response!

All of my clients are offered one session to learn self-hypnosis. Also, anyone seeing me gets a free hypnosis CD for reinforcement at home.

Years ago a woman saw me for weight management. She was very analytical and had very strong leadership skills, and never felt hypnotized in three sessions...so she failed to return again. I was concerned that she failed to obtain any benefit. However, one year later I walked into a restaurant, and the same woman jumps out of her booth and hugs me. I didn't recognize her because she was over 30 pound lighter. She introduced me to her husband, who said: "So YOU are the man whose voice my wife takes to bed every night!"

My response was, "I don't know how to respond to that." He told me that his wife listened religiously to my hypnosis tape every night before going to sleep, and added that I was looking at the evidence.

She booked more sessions with me for a different concern...and obtained very deep states of hypnosis the second time around.

Roy

Kathleen Hanover said:

Hi John,
Speaking as a client, I wouldn't say that I'm "addicted" to hypnotherapy, but I am totally enamored of self-improvement in general. I don't think I'll ever be "done" with self-improvement, or self-actualization, or whatever you want to call it, until about a day and a half after I'm dead. But probably not then, either, if I play my cards right.
Perhaps you are one of those lucky folks who grew up healthy and self-actualized, never really experienced much in the way of trauma, and don't know what it feels like to experience emotional (and possibly even spiritual) pain and turmoil on a daily basis. If so, then it may be really hard for you to understand how good it feels to feel good. ;)

It's natural for her to want to keep doing the things that work and make her feel good. And your client may have developed anchors to her "feel good" state around the sound of your voice, the smell of your office, any number of things.

Unless you're actually co-dependent and enabling her to stay stuck in an unhealthy state, it doesn't sound like an unhealthy working relationship to me. But if you're just not into working with her anymore, perhaps together you could create a plan to help her move into the next phase of her evolution. You could introduce the topic by mentioning that you specialize in short-term therapeutic engagements because they keep you on your toes/challenge you professionally.

Maybe her subconscious mind would know how to healthfully transition her into the next phase of her growth if you asked it.

And don't kid yourself, you're a handsome man. It could be that she just digs you. ;)

Kathleen
Not a hypnotherapist, but a pretty good client.

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Permalink Reply by John Maclean on April 26, 2010 at 8:48am

Thanks for the reply Roy. I also provide every client with a reinforcement cd and teach self hypnosis. My method is all about empowering the client and this has worked very well for years. I'm afraid in this case the client just doesn't want to be empowered!

Roy Hunter said:

Hi Kathleen,

I like your response!

All of my clients are offered one session to learn self-hypnosis. Also, anyone seeing me gets a free hypnosis CD for reinforcement at home.

Years ago a woman saw me for weight management. She was very analytical and had very strong leadership skills, and never felt hypnotized in three sessions...so she failed to return again. I was concerned that she failed to obtain any benefit. However, one year later I walked into a restaurant, and the same woman jumps out of her booth and hugs me. I didn't recognize her because she was over 30 pound lighter. She introduced me to her husband, who said: "So YOU are the man whose voice my wife takes to bed every night!"

My response was, "I don't know how to respond to that." He told me that his wife listened religiously to my hypnosis tape every night before going to sleep, and added that I was looking at the evidence.

She booked more sessions with me for a different concern...and obtained very deep states of hypnosis the second time around.

Roy

Kathleen Hanover said:

Hi John,
Speaking as a client, I wouldn't say that I'm "addicted" to hypnotherapy, but I am totally enamored of self-improvement in general. I don't think I'll ever be "done" with self-improvement, or self-actualization, or whatever you want to call it, until about a day and a half after I'm dead. But probably not then, either, if I play my cards right.
Perhaps you are one of those lucky folks who grew up healthy and self-actualized, never really experienced much in the way of trauma, and don't know what it feels like to experience emotional (and possibly even spiritual) pain and turmoil on a daily basis. If so, then it may be really hard for you to understand how good it feels to feel good. ;)

It's natural for her to want to keep doing the things that work and make her feel good. And your client may have developed anchors to her "feel good" state around the sound of your voice, the smell of your office, any number of things.

Unless you're actually co-dependent and enabling her to stay stuck in an unhealthy state, it doesn't sound like an unhealthy working relationship to me. But if you're just not into working with her anymore, perhaps together you could create a plan to help her move into the next phase of her evolution. You could introduce the topic by mentioning that you specialize in short-term therapeutic engagements because they keep you on your toes/challenge you professionally.

Maybe her subconscious mind would know how to healthfully transition her into the next phase of her growth if you asked it.

And don't kid yourself, you're a handsome man. It could be that she just digs you. ;)

Kathleen
Not a hypnotherapist, but a pretty good client.

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Hanover on April 26, 2010 at 9:13am

Hi Roy,

Thanks. :) I'm just making this up as I go along.

I love that story about your client's husband! I mentioned to my hypnotherapist the other day that I hear his voice more than any other human voice in my life, because I spend at least 40 minutes a day with his MP3s playing in my ears. (I work from home, with only two furry roommates for company, and thankfully they both lack the power of speech.)

Creating anchors in a client is an occupational hazard for anyone in a helping profession, I would suspect. It's your integrity and sense of ethics as a hypnotherapist that will determine what, if anything, you do with those anchors.

Roy Hunter said:

Hi Kathleen,

I like your response!

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Permalink Reply by janadra on April 26, 2010 at 9:50am

Hi John,

Tomorrow, I am going to see "my" hypnotherapist, and I will be taking a list of items for which I would like his opinions. The first time I went to see him was in 2007. I hope he doesn't "fire" me any time in the near future.

Do I know I am in control of my own life? Absolutely. Are there some things that I think I can do better with if I have guidance from him ? Absolutely. Do I feel relaxed, more resolute, etc. after a hypnosis session. Absolutely. Do I practice self-hypnosis? Absolutely. Do I feel relaxed, more resolute, etc after self-hypnosis? Absolutely.

I have spent most of my adult life helping economically and/or educationally disadvantaged people realize their potential. And now, with the help of my hypnotherapist, I am doing the same for myself. And every time I see him, I learn something new. That's cool at my age - well, at any age!

And now the big "howevers" - None of our situations are alike. Your client might have become dependent on you. And if it is your perception that has happened, it might be time to help her see how to move on.

All of this, of course, IMO.

jana

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Permalink Reply by AJ on April 26, 2010 at 1:20pm

As long as a client is attaining new ground in each session, i.e. progress toward her particular goals, sessions continue, IMO. If you can continually add value to your client's life, keep going. If not, discontinue sessions and refer out if needed.

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Permalink Reply by John Maclean on April 26, 2010 at 1:33pm

Thanks Doc. Good advice!

Doc Regal said:

As long as a client is attaining new ground in each session, i.e. progress toward her particular goals, sessions continue, IMO. If you can continually add value to your client's life, keep going. If not, discontinue sessions and refer out if needed.

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