Metaphor in Hypnosis: An Introduction

Donald F. Lynch, Jr, MD, FACS, ABMH

Professor and Past Chairman, Department of Urology

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Norfolk, Virginia

  1. Goals and Objectives:
  1. Introduce the concept of metaphor as it applies in a psychological sense and as it is used in clinical practice.
  2. Demonstrate the use of metaphor in the practice of hypnosis, and discuss how it might be used therapeutically in clinical practice.
  1. Metaphor: 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 of or symbolic of something else.

“Your arm has become a block of granite.”

  1. Simile: 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. Usually makes use of “like” or “as.”

“Your arm is becoming as heavy as a block of granite.”

  1. Metaphor:

“…On your imaginary forces work…..”

-Henry V, prologue.

  1. 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 mean both.

  1. Metaphor is often Visual. Recent 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.
  1. Definitions:
  2. Hypnosis (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary):

A state of altered consciousness, resembling sleep, during which the individual hypnotized is highly responsive to the suggestions and directions of the hypnotist..

  1. Hypnosis (Old APA Division 30) Definition:

A technique in which changes in perception, sensation, or behavior are suggested.

  1. Hypnosis (New APA Division 30) Definition:

See slide, or read “War and Peace” – it’s quicker…..

  1. Hypnosis (Streamlined Definition):
  2. Applied imagination directed toward some constructive (or therapeutic) end.
  1. Summary:

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 or therapeutic end.

Hypnosis typically. While some think that it is not necessary to use the word "hypnosis" as part of the hypnotic induction, others view it as essential

REFERENCES:

Hammond, CA: Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors. New York (1990), WW Norton.

Crasilneck HB and Hall JA: Clinical Hypnosis: Principles and Applications. Orlando, FL (1985), Grune and Stratton.

Spiegel H and Spiegel D: Trance and Treatment. New York (1978) Basic Books.

Donald F. Lynch, Jr. MD, FACS, ABMH

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Virginia Beach, VA 23452

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