Inner Strength and other Techniques for Ego Strengthening

Abstract

For most therapists who employ hypnoanalytic techniques, ego strengthening stands as the bedrock upon which other techniques are structured. Much ego strengthening takes place indirectly, and its effects are often perceived as improved therapeutic alliance, heightened insight, increased clarity of thinking, and/or improved self-esteem on the part of the patient. Since Hartland introduced ego-strengthening techniques, most therapists have placed emphasis on formal ego-strengthening procedures, both sentences and visualizations. More recently age-progression procedures have been used for ego strengthening. In this paper we introduce the concept of "Inner Strength" as a helpful ego state, and we review three ways of helping the patient get in touch with inner resources in a way that strengthens the ego. We discuss relevant cases and present the appropriate scripts provided for implementing these techniques.

Utilization Sobriety: Brief, Individualized Substance Abuse Treatment Employing Ideomotor Questioning

“…Lou's experience deepened as I spoke metaphorically of "driving across state lines" and offered ego-strengthening suggestions (Stanton, 1979(Stanton, , 1989McNeal & Frederick, 1993;Hartland, 1965). As I posed the possibility of his unconscious helping him in various ways to remain free of the urge to use heroin, his "yes" finger lifted in affirmation.…”

The Hypnotic Belay in Alpine Mountaineering: The Use of Self-Hypnosis for the Resolution of Sports Injuries and for Performance Enhancement

“…I also incorporated my "Inner Strength" symbol (McNeal & Frederick, 1993), a blue flame, into my self-hypnosis regime for sensory-imagery conditioning. I had first accessed this symbol during a group induction at an American Society of Clinical Hypnosis Workshop in Philadelphia.…”

Mind/Body Psychological Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

“…The clinical steps of the protocol involved: (i) the induction of overall physical relaxation with progress in muscle relaxation, (ii) ego strengthening using metaphors such as, the willow tree and (iii) gut-specific relaxation suggestion induced by placing one's warm hands on the gut. Ego strengthening is a psychologic exercise which fosters inner strength through sentence completion and visualization tasks ( 32 ). Suggestions are made to reduce fear of pain and discomfort and of pre-occupation with sensation in the gut.…”