Hypnosis   *   Psychotherapy

Hypnotherapy With American
Indians: A Structured Approach

The author has used hypnosis as a
treatment modality with American
Indians for several years.  A variety of
problems have been addressed,
including depression, anxiety (general
and phobic anger, poor self concept,
lack of self confidence, and weight
reduction.
The structured approach used can
be called "The five C's Program," and
is as follows: (1) Cooperation Hypnosis
is discussed with the patient, explaining
what it is and what it generally can and
cannot do.  Both therapist and patient
design a program and agree to
cooperate in carrying out its
assignments and requirements, which
may include following an agreed-upon
diet, keeping appointments, and so
forth.
(2) Concentration-- Attention is
given to helping patients to learn to
focus upon objectives and goals, and not
to be distracted by their own thoughts
or by external sources.  Many patients
have problems in this area.
(3) Control-- Emphasis is upon
helping the patient develop control in
four areas:
(A) Mind. Developing positive
attitudes, thinking, problem solving.
(B) Body. Understanding and
learning to regulate some of the
autonomic nervous system functions as
well as learning to control pain.
(C) Motions. Efforts are made to
help the patients to understand and
control feelings such as anxiety, anger,
in appropriate guilt, or depression.
(D) Behavior. Patterns of behavior
are analyzed and the patient is helped
in changing and or

controlling inappropriate behaviors.  
Problems with interpersonal
relationships receive attention.
(4) Confidence-- Helping patients
to increase their self confidence is an
important focal point of the
hypnotherapy.
(5) Concepts-- Includes developing a
positive and healthy self concept as well
as developing positive concepts of
others (as in Tex's I'm OK,  You're
OK). Although the approach is
structured, one can be flexible in
shifting the emphasis of treatment
depending upon the need of the patient.
The following example illustrates
this point: A 18 year-young female high
school student was referred to me for
help with anger control. The young lady
was an excellent hypnotic subject and
progressed quite well.  During one
session, she reported failing a class and
asked for help.  She was instructed to
bring in her textbook, with the patient
in trance, I outlined two chapters,
helping her to concentrate and
memorize the material.  She then went
home and read each chapter.  Within a
month, her grades improved
dramatically; she graduated from high
school a few months later.
The format described here was
also used successfully with other
students at every level and patients
representing a wide range of mental,
emotional and behavioral disorders.
For more information or a consultation e-mail at: [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 of the author and not necessarily the "final word" on a given subject. Because health decisions always depend on the particular circumstances of each situation and the ability of the person involved, the author and publisher cannot be held liable for any loss as a result of the application, directly or indirectly, of any information contain in the books, website, e-mail or given through telephone consultation. This website publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering medical, psychological, legal, or other professional services. If other expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought. All rights reserved Worldwide. Designed and printed in the USA. No part of this website pages or books may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic to mechanical, including, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher. J.A.O... TNT.