Relational hypnosis

Domain VI · Brief, integrative, trauma, hypnosis & coaching · Udi Bonshtein, Douglas Flemons · 2012 · Israel

What it is

Relational hypnosis is less a fixed protocol than a way of understanding and doing clinical hypnosis. Hypnosis is treated as something that happens between clinician and client, and within the client's relationship to their own experience. It is not treated as a procedure done to a passive subject.…

Format

• No phase manual is published for any version, and Bonshtein's session structure is unconfirmed. What the sources give:
• Course length (Flemons case): a client with blood/needle phobia and fainting had eight sessions, and the first two did most of the work. Progress was tracked through the client's emails between sessions and the therapist's case notes.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• symptom diaries. Any red-flag symptoms go back to the medical team.
• depth is not the goal. Trauma clients may need lighter states and their eyes open.
• lingering disorientation or headache. Repeat the re-alerting and ground the client.
• changes in pain ratings and in function. Any new or changing symptom needs medical review.
• for signs of overwhelm or dissociation (glazed eyes, no response, shaking, losing contact), see §5.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.