Hypnosis to retrieve memories

::deep breath::

Okay...

During my last T session, a new part emerged who I'd never met before. A very blunt, angry, "tough guy" sort of part. My T asked this part if they (he?she?) would be interested in doing hypnosis next session to try to uncover some of the (possibly) buried memories during a time in my life that I know was very traumatic but I have very little memory of. This part acted all cool with it, and was like, "yeah sure why not." Well... Okay not exactly but perhaps that's how I interpreted it. So next session my T is going to try to "find" that part so they can do the hypnosis together.

Here's the thing... First of all.. Shouldn't it be "me" that my therapist does hypnosis with? Is this me being "nazi host"? Also, I'm not so confident in the process. It scares the hell out of me to be honest. I've had very limited exposure to hypnosis, and the only time someone ever tried putting me in a deep trance, it didn't work whatsoever. I'm also terrified about what I might find out. I mean, if I do have memories that are hidden from me, aren't they hidden for a reason? And won't they just naturally come when I am ready for them to come?

I don't know. I'm very confused about the whole thing. I do very much trust my therapist however. And, she's extremely knowledgable and experienced in working with dissociation and dissociative clients. I know she knows what she's doing. I don't think she'd do something that she didn't think I was ready for. I really don't know what to think. I'm just thoroughly confused and conflicted about this.

Brandic

"nazi host"... that made me laugh!! That is definitely how I'd describe myself sometimes!

I've been mulling this over today, on and off, because I have been thinking about how I'd feel if I was given the opportunity to be hypnotised. I can understand the conflict inside: wanting to uncover the potential secrets so that they can be dealt with but not knowing if a) it is the right time and b.) it is the 'right' way to do it and even c) whether it should be done at all.

I am surprised to be honest, and I was surprised when I read your blog this morning that your T is suggesting this so soon. You are at the stage of coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting to know who is who with your parts, and she wants to hypnotise a particular part for trauma memories, already? It is definitely something that shouldn't be rushed into quickly... definitely something you need to be FULLY comfortable with yourself, in my opinion, regardless of "who" she is actually hypnotising.

That said, like you, I have some faith in your T in that she knows what she is doing: with her expertise on her back. But this is about you and how you (all) feel about it rather than whether she is 'expert' enough to know what she is doing in introducing hypnosis... in my opinion.

It is definitely worth a conversation rather than a "okay, let's jump into hypnosis this session"... but, that's just my opinion.

Speak to you soon,

B xox

I have done hypnotherapy. When my T worked with my on it, there was a lot of discussion on how false memories can be retrieved. We talked about how the memories that come through may not be historically accurate. We used what we got as a means of placing pieces together for the sake of healing and connecting fragmented pieces. I did have what I believe was a false memory of my dad abusing me sexually. I have no idea if it happened or not.

So, I don't really see hypnotherapy as being all that helpful given the fact it is known that it is not necessarily the truth that comes out.

Good luck.

I know a lot of Ts still use hypnosis, especially with DID. I know of some DIDers whose therapists use it to help with the creation/stabilization of inside places and as part of integration ceremonies. Lots of visualization stuff. My T has only ever done relaxation stuff with me. He said he used to use hypnosis, but doesn't anymore and especially not to call out parts, as he thinks we should just do that by working with everyone inside to make it safe enough for them to voluntarily come out, me to voluntarily relax and get out of the way (and protectors too). There are a lot of times we wish he would just push, but I think it is good he has this approach. Not saying hypnosis is necessarily wrong, bad, but beyond helping me relax/be more open to allowing others up, I don't think I'd ultimately want to do it. I already have enough questions regarding memories that come up, but my confidence about them can be higher (even knowing they aren't perfect, but encapsulated impressions of a young child's mind) because they came up naturally, repeatedly, consistently, with absolutely no outside intervention or influence. Not saying your T would be suggesting memories or anything like that. I just know that I have to be careful not to give ammo to denial parts inside.

I guess, I would ask, what is the value of doing the hypnosis rather than just letting this protector (that was my impression of him) come out when and how he feels ready and share in his own time. It seems like he is "whatever" about the whole thing, so he is not in a hurry, you have reservations about it...I don't see what the benefit of moving into that work wold be. Maybe if you can't get in touch with this part at all for months and think he holds key information that will allow you to keep moving after you get stuck, then I could see how it might start to feel valuable. At this point, he has shown himself willing to show up and talk, so the hypnosis seems unnecessary, IMHO.

Ggggggggggggg

I just spent the last thirty minutes writing a response to everyone's responses and somehow it is now gone. Just.. Gone. Argggggg.

Ok well.. I guess it was not meant to be.

Well for now I'll just say, thank you all for your responses. I'm leaning toward doing the hypnosis. I think I am ready to find out what happened (if anything traumatic did happen) and gain access to that information. I see it as a positive thing and the next step in my recovery. It may be hard but I feel ready.

Thx again everyone.

I wish you the best in your next appointment. As this is an option at my son's therapist - though T has not suggested doing this yet...I feel totally uneducated to say whether it should be used or not. I hope you feel comfortable letting us know how it went... good luck!

HopeIsHere wrote:good luck!

Thanks! I will definitely share with everyone how it goes.