Let me introduce a revolutionary concept that is transforming the field of psychology and clinical hypnosis – the “person-centered approach”. Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), we advocate this approach as a transformative practice, committed to emotional health and human development.
Transformative, after all, what other word could define the power of a method that places the individual, with all their nuances, singularities, and potentialities, at the center of the therapeutic process? The person-centered approach is much more than a buzzword; it is a way of seeing and doing psychology and clinical hypnosis that values the humanity of each being, seeing far beyond symptoms and diagnoses.
It may seem basic, but its implementation represents a true revolution. This change in perspective was largely led by psychologist Carl Rogers, who recognized the need for a more individualized, empathetic, and congruent approach focused on understanding the person as a whole rather than just treating isolated psychological disorders.
Ready to explore all the nuances of this patient-centered approach? Let’s witness together the transformative impact this has on psychology and clinical hypnosis. Stay with us, as the content of this article intends to help you achieve excellence in both clinical hypnosis and other areas of health.
Introduction and Origin of the Person-Centered Approach
The creation of the person-centered approach is attributed to American humanistic psychologist Carl R. Rogers. Emerging in the 1940s, Rogers transformed the landscape of psychology with his innovative perspective that challenged the prevailing view of the time. Until then, psychology focused heavily on mental illness, diagnosis, and the treatment of psychopathological disorders.
Rogers, however, proposed a radical change. He pointed out the need to see each individual as unique, with inherent growth potential and self-directed tendencies. Thus, the person-centered approach emerged, a therapeutic model that places the individual, not the therapist, as the expert of their own internal world.
Unlike traditional psychotherapeutic approaches, which use predetermined diagnoses and treatments, the person-centered approach recognizes the individuality and autonomy of the individual. Rogers argued that each person possesses within themselves the capacities and resources to understand and resolve their problems.
This transformative approach in psychology challenges the traditional view. It shifts the emphasis from therapist-guided treatments, focusing on the illness, to an approach that respects the individual’s ability to explore and understand their own life experiences and, through this exploration, find their own path to emotional health.
In the field of clinical hypnosis, applying the person-centered approach has the potential to provide an even more enriching, personalized, and effective therapeutic experience.
Fundamental Principles of the Person-Centered Approach
The “person-centered approach” brings a set of fundamental principles that transform the way a health professional relates to the patient. These principles support recognizing the patient as a unique individual capable of self-direction and growth in a welcoming and understanding environment.
The first principle is authenticity: the professional must be genuine in their interactions, without creating an artificial divide between professional and patient. Being authentic helps build a relationship of trust necessary for a successful therapeutic process.
Secondly, we have empathetic understanding. This is a vital mechanism for perceiving the world as the patient sees it, feeling their emotional experience without losing objectivity.
The third principle of the person-centered approach is unconditional positive regard. This means, in simple terms, accepting and respecting the patient as they are, regardless of any feelings, attitudes, or behaviors presented.
These principles support the patient’s personal growth, autonomy, and adaptability. They are foundations that can be integrated into clinical practice, including hypnosis, to promote health and emotional well-being. After all, treating the patient as a person, not just a set of symptoms, allows for a more humane and effective approach to therapy.
Empathy and Congruence in the Person-Centered Approach
At the heart of the person-centered approach lies empathy and congruence. For a person-centered therapist, it is essential to be emotionally attuned to their patients.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the patient’s feelings, is an essential tool. It allows the therapist to see the world through the patient’s eyes, building a relationship of trust and respect. It’s not just about understanding what the patient expresses verbally but also being aware of unexpressed emotions.
On the other hand, congruence refers to the consistency between what the therapist feels and how they express it. This means the therapist must be authentic. Genuine, open, and honest communication is essential for the person-centered approach.
This does not mean the therapist should share all their feelings with the patient. However, if there is a noticeable discrepancy between what is expressed and what is felt, it can create discomfort and confusion for the patient. A balance must be maintained.
Empathy and congruence combined allow the patient to feel comfortable exploring their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. This facilitating climate is fundamental in the clinical hypnosis process, allowing the patient to relax and open up to change and healing.
Unconditional Positive Regard: Its Importance and Application
Unconditional positive regard is one of the pillars of the person-centered approach. A professional who adopts this therapeutic stance believes in each patient’s potential and refrains from making value judgments about their behaviors, feelings, and thoughts.
In this scenario, the therapist stands by the patient, working together to uncover, accept, and integrate aspects of the personality that, for some reason, have been denied or not consciously perceived. At no point is the therapist’s acceptance conditioned on a change.
Understanding the other in a deep and impartial way is a fundamental aspect of this practice, allowing the patient to feel free to express what they are feeling or thinking without fear of judgment.
Contextualizing for clinical hypnosis, this unconditional positive regard creates a welcoming environment, promoting trust and security for the patient. Furthermore, this practice is crucial for developing a solid therapeutic alliance, fundamental for motivating the patient in their process of change and discovering their internal resources.
It is worth noting that unconditional acceptance does not mean agreeing with or endorsing harmful behaviors, but rather accepting the person as they are, considering their life experiences, feelings, and choices.
How to Implement a Person-Centered Approach in Clinical Hypnosis
Implementing the person-centered approach in clinical hypnosis requires empathy, understanding, and, above all, patience. First and foremost, it is important to remember that each individual is unique and has their own experiences and stories. Therefore, it is essential to understand and respect this uniqueness.
Active listening tools
One of the main tools to use is active listening. Actively listening to someone means paying full attention to their words and feelings, not just waiting for your turn to speak. This contributes to building a safe and welcoming environment, fundamental in clinical hypnosis.
Valuing the patient’s autonomy
Another necessary point is valuing the patient’s autonomy. In the person-centered approach, the client has the freedom to explore their own feelings and emotions. Thus, it is necessary to encourage them to express themselves freely, without imposing thoughts or judgments.
Connection between therapist and client
Lastly, the therapeutic relationship must be built with authenticity. This means the hypnotherapist must also be prepared to show themselves as human, capable of feeling and connecting with the patient. This genuine connection is the foundation for establishing a relationship of trust and empathy, allowing the client to feel comfortable truly opening up during hypnosis sessions.
Benefits of the Person-Centered Approach in the Clinical Context
By adopting the person-centered approach in the clinical context, a series of benefits can be observed for both the professional and the person being treated. After all, allowing the individual to be the protagonist of their healing process is one of the main principles of this approach.
But what are these benefits? For the professional, one of the main advantages is the possibility of developing a more genuine and empathetic therapeutic relationship. This can result in greater trust from the person being treated, which, consequently, contributes to the success of the healing process.
For the person in treatment, the greatest benefit is undoubtedly empowerment. Being placed at the center of the therapeutic process, they tend to feel more valued, understood, and secure to open up and actively participate in their treatment. Additionally, they gain more autonomy to deal with their own problems.
Another positive point is flexibility. The person-centered approach allows the professional to adapt their approach to each individual, respecting their singularities. Thus, the possibilities of assistance for relieving psychological suffering become broader.
Finally, this approach has been recognized by scientific studies for its high potential effectiveness in the clinical context, making it an excellent tool in the practice of clinical hypnosis.
For Whom the Person-Centered Approach is Indicated
The “person-centered approach” can be indicated for a wide range of people and is especially suitable for those experiencing psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Additionally, it can be useful for people dealing with chronic pain, as it conditions the patient to better cope with discomfort.
However, this approach is not exclusive to the treatment of diseases or medical conditions. It is also extremely beneficial for people seeking emotional well-being, self-confidence, and improvement in their interpersonal relationships. The goal is personal development, leading to the positive transformation of an individual’s life.
People working in people-oriented professions, such as therapists, counselors, and teachers, can also benefit from adopting this approach in their work. By cultivating an attitude of unconditional acceptance and empathetic understanding, professionals in many fields can establish genuine and productive connections with their teams, students, or patients.
Finally, the person-centered approach is also effective for individuals who grew up in emotionally insecure environments and wish to reconnect with their feelings and internal needs.
Therefore, this approach is recommended for virtually anyone willing to establish a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.
The Person-Centered Approach and Ethics in the Use of Hypnosis
In the field of clinical hypnosis, the person-centered approach and ethics are intrinsically linked. This is because the practice presupposes respect, empathy, and individualized attention to the patient. Within the principles of this approach is the appreciation of the individual as an autonomous being with the capacity for self-knowledge, elements that contribute to building a more humanized and ethical therapeutic process.
Clinical hypnosis is more than just inducing someone into an altered state of consciousness. First and foremost, it is necessary to ensure the patient’s well-being and safety. In this regard, ethics must be prioritized, respecting the technical capacities and field of practice of the health professional. Additionally, it is advisable to use hypnosis only in cases where there is scientific evidence proving its benefits.
All these aspects are linked to the person-centered approach, which provides a framework of understanding and genuine care in the therapist-patient relationship. More than a method, clinical hypnosis conducted under this perspective becomes an ethical commitment, always guided by respect for the patient – their emotions, experiences, and perceptions.
Therefore, with the person-centered approach and strict adherence to ethical principles, clinical hypnosis has the potential to be a valuable tool in promoting emotional health, strengthening the therapeutic relationship, and consequently accelerating the healing process.
Conclusion
At the end of this journey of knowledge, we realize that the person-centered approach brings various innovations and benefits for both health professionals and patients. It emphasizes the individuality and autonomy of each person, valuing their unique perspectives.
For those working in the field of clinical hypnosis, adhering to the principles of this approach contributes to a more ethical and humanized application of hypnosis. Thus, the patient’s transformation not only contemplates symptom relief but also their personal growth and overall improvement in quality of life.
The person-centered approach, therefore, is revolutionary, enhancing the impact of psychology and clinical hypnosis by placing the patient at the center of the healing process. Its practices constitute a radical and necessary change for the field of health.
Interested in learning how to apply scientific hypnosis ethically, responsibly, and centered on the individual needs of each person? The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis offers evidence-based training and postgraduate courses in hypnosis, perfect for those looking to specialize in this revolutionary practice. Visit the website and learn more: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the person-centered approach be applied to all clinical conditions?
The person-centered approach can be applied to a wide range of clinical conditions. However, its success depends on the individuality of each person. It is a non-directive technique that can promote growth and personal change, helping the individual cope with conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological disorders.
2. How to differentiate a person-centered approach from other therapy approaches?
The main difference is that the person-centered approach places the individual, with their singularities and potentialities, at the center of the therapeutic process. In contrast, many other approaches focus on diagnosing and treating specific disorders, with less emphasis on the individual’s personal experience.
3. How long does a person-centered therapeutic process last?
There is no specific timeframe. Depending on the individual and the problem being addressed, the therapeutic process can vary. Some may need just a few sessions, while others may need longer treatment. The idea is for the process to be continuous and adaptable to the individual’s needs.
4. How does the person-centered approach apply to clinical hypnosis?
The person-centered approach develops a genuine therapeutic relationship between the professional and the patient. In clinical hypnosis, this contributes to the patient opening up and relaxing during sessions, as they feel understood and valued. Thus, the patient becomes more receptive to therapeutic suggestions and interventions, which can increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
5. Are there any risks or contraindications in the person-centered approach?
Generally, this approach is safe; however, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals experiencing severe crises or who have difficulty engaging in the therapeutic process may need other forms of assistance or more structured interventions. It is always important to seek advice from a qualified professional before starting any type of therapy.
