Last time we discussed how to build trust and rapport and saw how important the trust relationship between the client and the therapist is for success. Building on this I am going to look at social influences on this relationship in more detail. This will cover the demeanour, beliefs and behaviour of the therapist and also those of the client. This involves not only their individual beliefs but the social context which has formed them.
So how do social factors influence hypnotherapy?
At its simplest, social influence is a process where an experienced and trained therapist uses their skills to develop a relationship in which they can persuade, or influence, the client to adopt behaviours and change beliefs in a way which will improve the client’s life and well-being.
The skills the therapist will employ will include listening skills, techniques to increase belief that the process will work, and showing regard and respect for a client’s cultural beliefs and other beliefs which they have formed as the have grown and developed in a specific environment.
This process can be conscious but often the building of this relationship will be subconscious. It is important that the therapist has the support and the skills to identify and reflect on this process. Often good clinical supervision plays a role in this.
A two-way process
Good therapists are always open to learning and change. They should be participating in a clinical supervision process where they discuss how their work with clients is affecting them and vice versa. This is usually a positive process, where insights the client brings and behaviours they exhibit can affect the therapist and point a way to successful interaction with the client.
The therapist should be aware of the social influences on the client. A client is more likely to be successful if they come from a social environment where therapy is seen as normal and helpful. This will often be an environment where emotions and coping mechanisms and different forms of therapy are openly spoken about. Such an environment will also be a place where there is support from friends and family. If the client works in a therapy-friendly workplace they may also be able to access support from workmates.
The behaviours and habits which surround the client can be negative as well as positive. For example, if a client is anxious and works in a very high-stress work environment this may be a problem. It will be even more of a problem if they perceive such an atmosphere as normal or even desirable. The same will apply to a fat client who lives in a family of over-eaters or a person with a drink problem who is surrounded by friends who go to the pub every night. The social set-up can make the therapy harder or easier and it is important that the therapist is aware of this.
Peer pressure
This takes us on to the question of peer pressure. The above has identified ways in which it can be negative, but it can also be a positive force. This is becoming more recognised in wider society. For example, many schools now recognise the importance of a positive and healthy mental environment to protect their pupils from mental illness. There is evidence that people in a supportive and open environment have better outcomes in hypnotherapy than those without.
A very important form of peer pressure is social conformity. There is a biological aspect to this: a supportive peer environment increases a healthy brain chemistry and this further facilitates social learning. If the models to which the client is drawn to and wishes to conform with promote mental well-being this is positive; if the client is surrounded by models which are unhealthy then work will need to be done to persuade them of a more positive belief and behaviour system.
No ‘one size fits all’
The therapist is in a social situation just as the client is. How the client fits them into their social map will be important part of the therapeutic process. The therapist must be credible, trustworthy and perceived as likely to deliver change to the client.
There are many techniques a therapist can use here. It can, for example, involve the therapist talking about their qualifications and record of success, the physical environment in the therapy room, dress and appearance and listening and questioning style. It helps to align with the social environment of the client. For example, the laid-back attitude of a Californian therapist may not work in the City of London. There is no right or wrong here, just an understanding of the complexity and breadth of social influences.
A good therapist will find their hypnotic suggestions work better if they have built trust, credibility, and respectful and mutual alliance with their client. Doing this requires a good understanding of social influence and how it can work for the client.
Contact me
I hope this overview has clarified the subject, and hopefully it has whetted your appetite for more. Please contact me if there is anything you would like me to cover, or anything you would like more information about.