Title: Analytical Hypnotherapy Volume 1 
-Theoretical Approaches

AUTHOR: Jacquelyne Morison

PUBLISHER: 
Crown House Publishing Limited

ISBN: 1899836853 

Hardback: £31.50 - 320 pages

Reviewed by Peter Mabbutt FBSCH
 

Many books have been published on the theme of analytical approaches to hypnotherapy; some are good and some are bad (and some, I hazard to suggest, possibly dangerous). For both the practising and trainee hypnotherapist this becomes a minefield when trying to locate a decent source of information that will provide a balanced view of the vast subject of analysis. There are several authors and schools who take the view that analysis is the be-all-and-end-all of therapy and that if you haven’t delved deeply into a patients past and sorted out every minor trauma then therapy is not complete. This is, in my opinion, an unacceptable approach to undertaking therapy as the patient may not wish to delve into their past, and if you do, you may make an issue out of something that had already been effectively dealt with.

With this in mind it was refreshing to be sent a book to review that provides a very balanced view of analysis, a book that should appeal to both the trainee as well as the more seasoned therapist.

Analytical Hypnotherapy Volume 1 is essentially a reference book intended to be read complete, or dipped into as and when needed. The overall message of the book is to take its contents and to incorporate them into your own practice utilising your own particular style of therapy. As the author states from the outset the book should be viewed as "the servant rather than the master".

Analytical approaches to hypnotherapy allow the patient to gain insight into their presenting problem in order to promote resolution and beneficial change. From this basis the author explains its effectiveness in aiding the resolution of inner conflict, guilt complexes and in the discharge of emotion through insight, self-development and the uncovering of unconscious processes; drawing on techniques borrowed from psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches.

Part 1 of the book examines the therapeutic foundations of analytical hypnotherapy, looking at the concepts taken from various schools of psychotherapy that have been drawn together in order to create this particular branch of hypnotherapy. Each chapter focuses on one particular school of thought, looking at what it is, its philosophy and its concepts thus providing a solid foundation for what is to follow.

Part 2 examines the the rapeutic techniques and methodology employed by analytical hypnotherapists. It begins by giving an overview of memory, factors that influence memory and the various subdivisions of memory. Considering the on-going debate surrounding memory repression there is also a very important and interesting section covering this controversial dialogue with the author presenting a balanced overview, whilst giving voice to both sides of the argument thus encouraging the reader to make their own decision as to which they subscribe.

The power of suggestion over memory processes has not been ignored and valuable advice and guidance is presented. Quite often this area is overlooked in many publications, so it is refreshing to see such stringent and important guidelines laid down especially with regard to working with possible child abuse; advice that many practitioners should take heed of.

Identifying ego defence mechanisms and the uncovering of coping strategies along with dealing with resistance, transference and counter transference are all examined in the following chapters before the author moves on to discuss dreams and imagery. This is viewed from both a Freudian and Jungian aspect focusing on both symbolism and, from the Jungian school of thought, archetypal imagery. Again Jacqueline Morison’s sensible advice comes to the fore warning against extravagant interpretations that may bewilder the patient. In fact she presents a very useful script that allows patients to uncover and explore their own interpretation.

Personality and personality development are next under discussion with the author presenting views that range from the Freudian to the psychosocial. She explains how an understanding of personality and its development can play an important role in the therapist’s understanding of the patient. The eclectic nature of this book again comes to the fore, as it is impressed upon the reader not to become too rigid by subscribing to any one school of thought, rather it is suggested that a global view should be taken. 

The book concludes with a chapter examining the case for therapy. The author asks the question “what does therapy achieve?” and goes on to take the reader through the basic steps of the analytical approach and what each is aiming to accomplish before briefly discussing the post-therapy changes a patient can expect. 

Usefully, each chapter of the book contains a section on patient profiling, providing questions relating to the material therapists should be asking themselves when constructing an analytical profile of their patient. This helps the therapist to gain a fuller understanding of their patient whilst providing guidance for possible therapeutic intervention.

In conclusion, it has to be said that this is an extremely useful, comprehensive and informative volume that takes the reader through the theoretical principles underlying the analytical hypnotherapeutic approach. Its eclecticism is refreshing and should appeal to those readers new to the field as well as to more seasoned therapists (many of whom should take note of the advice contained within its covers) and as such it should become one of the standard reference books on the subject. Jacquelyne Morison has produced an excellent contribution to the field of analytical hypnotherapy and I look forward to its companion volume Analytical Hypnotherapy Volume 2 - Practical Approaches.