Like a Jedi
My hypnotic sensei, Marcia Proctor, likes to compare hypnotists to Obi-wan Kenobi. Not because we’re wise, patient, and speak with a cool accent, but because to our clients we’re often the last resort. Or, as the movie put it, “Help me, Obi-wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”
One of the questions I like to ask in pre-talk is what other methods the client has already tried to address whatever issue they’ve come with. I get all kinds of answers, depending on the situation; the one answer I never get is, “I haven’t tried before.” We’re never the first choice.
And of course that puts the pressure on, doesn’t it? Being the last hope means that if we don’t succeed nothing will — at least, that’s often the client’s perception. But like a good Jedi we set aside the fear of failure and trust our instincts. We listen, we choose metaphors that will resonate with this particular client for this particular situation, and we weave it all into a stream of soothing, helpful patter that, if we believe in ourselves enough, will have the desired effect.
Another thing we have in common with the Jedi masters is that we are often placed in the role of mentor to our clients. We don’t just give them suggestions to become a nonsmoker, we also become their coach in the process. And since I make a point of teaching self-hypnosis to all of my clients, I also become a sort of hypno-sensei to them as they experiment with self suggestion. Like Obi-wan, I’m teaching my padawan clients to use the force in their own way, and a lot of that is getting them to believe that they can.
I wonder whether Sir Alec Guinness ever went to a hypnotist.
<MR>
(Side note: for those who’ve posted comments in Ellie’s absence, they’re not lost — I simply lack the authority to release them from moderation.)
March 20th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Brilliant as always Michael! You are rolling along nicely. I released the comments form moderation that seemed relevant to the topic they were with. There are a few the try to slide in that seem unrelated (so for those who are seeking advertising, email and we’ll see what we can do. Some are definitely worthy of discourse).
You’re doing the blog proud - off for another cup of coffee.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Great post and I love the reference to Star Wars. We are all Jedi’s deep down somewhere.