Hypnosis and Metaphor in Christian Context: History,Abuse,and Use

Abstract

This article investigates two aspects of hypnosis: in the first section we examine the meanings that have been attributed to hypnosis over the centuries; in the second, we examine a highly practical clinical tool, the multiple embedded hypnotic metaphor. The first section not only details secular attributions to hypnosis but also addresses Christian concerns regarding the same. One is thus presented with a panoramic historical perspective as a vantage point for examining a highly specific hypnotic tool. This tool, the multiple embedded metaphor, is potentially quite useful in the service of integrative work. The reader is given step by step instruction in how to understand the structure and content of this tool. In addition, a detailed, annotated case example illustrates how one may use the multiple embedded metaphor in one's everyday clinical practice.

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