Creative Problem-Solving and Psychotherapy
Shirley Sanders
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 1978 DOI: 10.1080/00207147808414459 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Hypnosis |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Describes a creative problem-solving approach to short-term individual psychotherapy used with hypnosis, illustrated by two clinical examples. The author proposes that guiding clients to visualize problems, imagine alternatives, dream of solutions, and try them in real life, and redirecting attention from being out of control toward the possibility of control, fosters active coping. |
Abstract
The techniques described comprise a creative problem-solving approach to short-term individual psychotherapy which appears effective in conjunction with hypnosis. The techniques include describing and visualizing the client's problem, imagining alternative reactions, dreaming about new solutions, and trying the solutions in real life. The method is illustrated by 2 clinical examples. The discussion focuses on a comparison of the techniques used with individuals versus with small groups, the fostering of regression in the service of the ego, and the redirection of attention from the physically out of control to the recognition of the possibility of obtaining control. This shift of attention fosters active coping on the part of the client.