Hypnosis     *     Psychotherapy

Using Hypnotherapy In Treating Culture Shock

Culture Shock and Depression associated
with it is common syndrome seen in people
immigrating to the Unite States.  This article
will present two distinct issues: (1) The use of
Hypnosis in treating depression associated with
the culture shock syndrome in immigrants
clients and (2) the use of translator when the
hypnotherapist does not speak the natural
language of the client.
Several issues must be addressed before
initiating treatment.  First, a physical  
examination is necessary to identify any
physical disability the client may have which
may be contributing to the symptomatology.  
Second, an understanding of the client's cultural
concepts and attitudes is essential.  This
knowledge of the basic beliefs, particularly in
the area of responsibilities and relationships of
family members toward each other, provides an
understanding of the nature of culture shock.
Selecting a translator is not an easy task.
The individual selected must be amenable to
translating, not interpreting the information.  
In order to establish this procedure, I selected a
translator who had an interest in helping his
countryman, who was agreeable to experiencing
hypnosis, and who had experience in the
medical / mental health field.
Introducing my style of progressive
relaxation to the translator, it was necessary to
teach him the method and observe his response
to induction and the trance state.  Language,
meaning and desired result all present a unique
problem when exact translation is not possible.  
For example, the word relaxation is not found in
the Hmong Language.  In cases,it is necessary
to work with the translator to find a word
equivalent.  When these issues have been
resolved, treatment can begin.  The translator,
having experienced the trance state and
understanding the principles of relaxation, is
then able to present the style of the therapist,
in the native language.  I observed the response
of the translator as well as the client.  Each time
I worked with the translator, his trance state
would deepen and reinforce the deepening of
the trance state of the client.  The deepening, I
believe, reflects the culture bond.
The technique which I use frequently is
one of progressive relaxation together with
visualization of a particular body part. I make a
statement, the translator repeats the phrase,
and I am able to observe the response. Since
the translator is familiar with the objective, it is
usually accomplished without incidents.  I begin
with the feet and progress to the head.

The visual pictures I use most frequently to
deepen the trance, when the physical body is
relaxed, deal with the outdoors.  
Usually, this is associated with a positive
memory of their native land.  This allows the
individual to return to a time and an area of
pleasure or need, to compensate, reinforce, or
establish a continuity of culture attitudes.
In one case, a man suffering from
anorexia continued to present symptomatology
until we were able to established the fact that
he could pay homage and respect towards his
family by living.  His cultural attitude dictated
that food must be shared and homage must be
paid to the family by this sharing.  He was
living in the land of plenty, and the status of his
parents in the homeland was unknown.
  Associating homage and respect with his
responsibility to teach his children the culture
of their homeland gave him the needed
permission to eat.
Only by living could he teach his culture
to his children, as his family had taught him.  
This is an example of past experience
enhancing the present, and thus building a
bridge between the cultures.
The Client is taught how to relax and how to
reinforce the sense of being in charge of one's
life.  This perpetuates his continuing to utilize
those ideals which are meaningful.  A sound
tape is often helpful, especially if the
visualization includes the outdoors and a
running stream.  I play at will, and the
repetition speeds recovery.
In summary working with a translator can
be challenge to the hypnotherapist.  
Familiarization not only with presenting
problems but also the primary culture gives the
hypnotherapist a deeper understanding of the
resulting behavior of the client. The rapport of
the translator with the client reinforces the
rapport of the client with the hypnotherapist.  
The translator and the hypnotherapist must
function as one unit.  The hypnotherapist can
utilize any technique or approach found to be
valuable or effective.  Basic language trans-
lation addressed before any session assures
smooth continuity.  Visual observation allows
the hypnotherapist to use the usual guidelines
to assess the State of trance.  Familiarization
with the culture provides the hypnotherapist
with a wide latitude in constructing the word-
pictures that will initiate the healing process.
For more information e-mail: [email protected] . By: TNT.

Copyright (c) 1986-2009.  Joseph A. Ojeda, Ph.D.  The author and publisher wish to make it known that the information expressed herein is the opinion
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