APPLICATIONS OF HYPNOSIS:APPLICATIONS OF HYPNOSIS:HABIT DISORDERSHABIT DISORDERS©©

HYPNOVATIONS: HYPNOVATIONS:

INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPINTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP©©

APRIL, 2010APRIL, 2010Maureen Finnerty Turner, RNBC, LCMHC, LCSWMaureen Finnerty Turner, RNBC, LCMHC, LCSW

mturner@motivationhypnosis.commturner@motivationhypnosis.com

HABIT - Definition HABIT - Definition

A habit is a learned behavior that a person repeats A habit is a learned behavior that a person repeats so often that he or she begins to do it without so often that he or she begins to do it without even thinking about it. Certain habits can be even thinking about it. Certain habits can be helpful, like the habit of brushing your teeth helpful, like the habit of brushing your teeth before going to bed or buckling your seatbelt before going to bed or buckling your seatbelt when you get into a car. These are habits that a when you get into a car. These are habits that a person builds on purpose, to achieve a positive person builds on purpose, to achieve a positive objective. ( Habits and Habit Disorders, 2010) objective. ( Habits and Habit Disorders, 2010)

A Habit- Serves a PurposeA Habit- Serves a Purpose

Habit Belief Imprints – are often connected to Cause-Effect Habit Belief Imprints – are often connected to Cause-Effect Unconscious beliefs i.e. that the action (thumb-sucking) is Unconscious beliefs i.e. that the action (thumb-sucking) is the the CauseCause of the of the Effect (Effect (Self-soothing & Stress-release.) Self-soothing & Stress-release.)

Some Habits like Some Habits like thumb-suckingthumb-sucking disappear on its own once the disappear on its own once the behavior has out-served its purpose.behavior has out-served its purpose.

However, sometimes long after the need for that type of However, sometimes long after the need for that type of soothing is outgrown, the learned habit continues, often soothing is outgrown, the learned habit continues, often because the negative attention keeps re-enforcing the because the negative attention keeps re-enforcing the behavior. Some habits are annoying, and some can cause behavior. Some habits are annoying, and some can cause distress or become the focus of teasing. Still others may distress or become the focus of teasing. Still others may have harmful effects. For example, thumb sucking, which have harmful effects. For example, thumb sucking, which can go own for years, can cause dental problemscan go own for years, can cause dental problems

Habits and Habit Disorders and Habits and Habit Disorders and Clinical Hypnosis Clinical Hypnosis

Childhood – thumbsucking, hair twirling, Childhood – thumbsucking, hair twirling, chewing on pencils, clothes, nailbiting, chewing on pencils, clothes, nailbiting, lipbiting, skin picking, Trichotilomania, lipbiting, skin picking, Trichotilomania, eneuresis (non-medical), insomnia, over-eneuresis (non-medical), insomnia, over-eating, eating disorders, food addicitionseating, eating disorders, food addicitions

Adolescent and Adults Onset: Addiction: Adolescent and Adults Onset: Addiction: Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana, and other Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana, and other drugs, obsessive-compulsive disorders. drugs, obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Common CausesCommon Causes

Parents imprinting their own self-soothing Parents imprinting their own self-soothing behaviors (such as nailbiting) causing child to behaviors (such as nailbiting) causing child to self-soothe in inappropriate ways.self-soothe in inappropriate ways.

Unresolved grief reaction-very common with Unresolved grief reaction-very common with smokers and sweets addictions. The smell or the smokers and sweets addictions. The smell or the taste is a “transitional object” to the departed.taste is a “transitional object” to the departed.

Lack of parental oversight, Low Self-esteem, Low Lack of parental oversight, Low Self-esteem, Low self-management skills = vulnerable to addictions.self-management skills = vulnerable to addictions.

Common Causes Common Causes (Continued 2.)(Continued 2.)

Peer pressure as the initial cause of (1.) ingestion Peer pressure as the initial cause of (1.) ingestion of alcohol (13 yrs. old = average age for first drink of alcohol (13 yrs. old = average age for first drink in US) and (2) addictive chemicals in drugs, in US) and (2) addictive chemicals in drugs, cigarettes, and marijuanacigarettes, and marijuana

Learning issues, such as ADD and ADHD, that Learning issues, such as ADD and ADHD, that have impulsivity, executive functioning issues that have impulsivity, executive functioning issues that impact self-esteem and self-management issues impact self-esteem and self-management issues and need for stimulantsand need for stimulants

Learned Imprinting (Attachment) of family and care Learned Imprinting (Attachment) of family and care giver habits – for “stress release” - nailbiting, giver habits – for “stress release” - nailbiting, smoking behavior, drinking alcohol, hair twirling -smoking behavior, drinking alcohol, hair twirling -

Common Causes Common Causes (Continued 3.)(Continued 3.)

Emotional issues such as depression and Emotional issues such as depression and feeling “empty” causing an Overeating feeling “empty” causing an Overeating Habit to develop to “feel full.” Habit to develop to “feel full.”

Physical, sexual abuse, neglect, over-Physical, sexual abuse, neglect, over-indulgence causing the development of indulgence causing the development of negative and self-destructive habit negative and self-destructive habit disorders –eating disorders (over 50% of disorders –eating disorders (over 50% of obese have been sexually abused), obese have been sexually abused), cutting, obsessive-compulsive disorderscutting, obsessive-compulsive disorders

Case ExamplesCase Examples Nail Biter – The effect (pain) of the habit – can re-enforce Nail Biter – The effect (pain) of the habit – can re-enforce

the need for punishment for a negative self - imagethe need for punishment for a negative self - image

Eating, Smoking, Drinking as a transitional object to a Eating, Smoking, Drinking as a transitional object to a loved one and/or loved one and/or grief reaction (very common!)grief reaction (very common!)

Unhealthy Eating, Smoking, and Drinking Habits of ones Unhealthy Eating, Smoking, and Drinking Habits of ones parent(s)/and or siblings can function as a “Dumbing parent(s)/and or siblings can function as a “Dumbing Down” – as if, taking on the habit of the parent or sibling Down” – as if, taking on the habit of the parent or sibling can assuage guilt that one is different or “better” than - can assuage guilt that one is different or “better” than -

(Turner, 2009)(Turner, 2009)

Anatomy of a HabitAnatomy of a Habit

A habit is a re-current, often unconscious pattern A habit is a re-current, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.repetition.

The Unconscious mind is very primitive and The Unconscious mind is very primitive and establishes beliefs as a result of a Cause-Effect establishes beliefs as a result of a Cause-Effect response. The unconscious mind if very Literal – response. The unconscious mind if very Literal – this is why habits often become “ritualistic.”this is why habits often become “ritualistic.”

The Conscious Mind is often stuck in negative The Conscious Mind is often stuck in negative self-talk – which most often increases the need self-talk – which most often increases the need to self-comfort and self-protect Unconsciously.to self-comfort and self-protect Unconsciously.

The Habit CycleThe Habit Cycle (Habit Experts, 2010)(Habit Experts, 2010)

Anatomy of a Habit (Continued)Anatomy of a Habit (Continued) TriggerTrigger – can come from our environment or – can come from our environment or

inside ourselves. (Ex. My mother yelled at me . . ).inside ourselves. (Ex. My mother yelled at me . . ).

NeedNeed – Being human means having needs. A – Being human means having needs. A basic human need is to feel understood.basic human need is to feel understood.

ThoughtsThoughts – When we deny or repress our needs, – When we deny or repress our needs, we retreat into a world of thoughts, which can be we retreat into a world of thoughts, which can be filled with criticism, judgments, blame, and filled with criticism, judgments, blame, and confusion. (I will never be understood . . .)confusion. (I will never be understood . . .)

Anatomy of a Habit (continued)Anatomy of a Habit (continued)

EmotionsEmotions- The emotions that arise are often - The emotions that arise are often determined by the thoughts that preceded it. We determined by the thoughts that preceded it. We often avoid feeling emotions by numbing them or often avoid feeling emotions by numbing them or acting them out acting them out (I feel angry and sad).(I feel angry and sad).

ImpulseImpulse – When we resist or control our true – When we resist or control our true needs – and their thoughts and feelings – we needs – and their thoughts and feelings – we create pressure in our system that urgently create pressure in our system that urgently seeks relief. The relief-seeking impulse is often seeks relief. The relief-seeking impulse is often a misguided attempt to get the original need a misguided attempt to get the original need met. met. (I have to eat that whole cake. I need to feel (I have to eat that whole cake. I need to feel better NOW!)better NOW!)

Anatomy of a Habit (Continued)Anatomy of a Habit (Continued) ThoughtsThoughts – Judgmental (Conscious Mind) thoughts – Judgmental (Conscious Mind) thoughts

continue to arise about our inner experience. continue to arise about our inner experience. (I (I shouldn’t. It’s bad for me.)shouldn’t. It’s bad for me.)

ActionAction – All action happens to alleviate the pressure – All action happens to alleviate the pressure and meet the need. This is only a short term and meet the need. This is only a short term pleasure. In our haste, the action is often not the one pleasure. In our haste, the action is often not the one that meets our true need. (that meets our true need. (I EAT the whole cake!)I EAT the whole cake!)

ThoughtsThoughts – Judgments (Conscious) about our habits – Judgments (Conscious) about our habits become the new trigger and the cycle begins again. become the new trigger and the cycle begins again. (I (I can’t believe I did that again, I’m so weak. What a can’t believe I did that again, I’m so weak. What a loser!)loser!)

Prior to Hypnosis for Smoking Prior to Hypnosis for Smoking CessationCessation

As part of the history taking and evaluation: As part of the history taking and evaluation: Ascertain: who smoked in the family, when the Ascertain: who smoked in the family, when the

first cigarette was smoked or tobacco chewed and first cigarette was smoked or tobacco chewed and circumstances, history of habit circumstances, history of habit

Evaluate overall history for ADD, ADHD including Evaluate overall history for ADD, ADHD including asking: What does nicotine do for you? If the asking: What does nicotine do for you? If the answer is: “It calms me down.”answer is: “It calms me down.”

Test for ADD/ADHD – this is self-medication with Test for ADD/ADHD – this is self-medication with a stimulant. The success rate is markedly a stimulant. The success rate is markedly increased once ADD/ADHD is identified and increased once ADD/ADHD is identified and treated- then the self-medication need has been treated- then the self-medication need has been extinguished and the habit is next. extinguished and the habit is next.

Nicotine as Stimulant – Nicotine as Stimulant – Self-Medicating HabitSelf-Medicating Habit

Hallowell and Ratey recommended back in 1995 Hallowell and Ratey recommended back in 1995 in in Driven to DistractionDriven to Distraction that anyone with any kind that anyone with any kind of addiction should be evaluated for ADD/ADHD),of addiction should be evaluated for ADD/ADHD),

(Hallowell, E. and Ratey, J., 1995)(Hallowell, E. and Ratey, J., 1995) (Turner estimates that 95% of Smoke-ending (Turner estimates that 95% of Smoke-ending

clients she has seen in the last 5 years have clients she has seen in the last 5 years have tested positive for ADD/ADHD. There used to be tested positive for ADD/ADHD. There used to be many more non-ADD/ADHD requests but the many more non-ADD/ADHD requests but the negative smoking image and smoking-ending negative smoking image and smoking-ending focused education have extinguished their habit. focused education have extinguished their habit. (Turner, M., 2010) (Turner, M., 2010)

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit DisordersSuggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Ego-strengthening suggestions Ego-strengthening suggestions Utilizing Patient Motivations as part of Utilizing Patient Motivations as part of

suggestionssuggestions Trance ratification procedures for increasing Trance ratification procedures for increasing

self-efficacyself-efficacy Reframing suggestions (i.g., to respect and Reframing suggestions (i.g., to respect and

protect the body)protect the body) Suggestions to undermine rationalizations and Suggestions to undermine rationalizations and

increase impulse controlincrease impulse control Suggestions targeting irrational cognitions Suggestions targeting irrational cognitions

(beliefs) and to promote positive self-talk(beliefs) and to promote positive self-talk

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders

(Continued 2.)(Continued 2.) Mental Rehearsal and Success ImageryMental Rehearsal and Success Imagery

Pseudo-orientation in time into the futurePseudo-orientation in time into the future Symbolic imagery techniquesSymbolic imagery techniques Self-hypnosis trainingSelf-hypnosis training Suggestions aimed at relapse prevention and Suggestions aimed at relapse prevention and

coping with specific problematic situationscoping with specific problematic situations Suggestions to enhance motivationSuggestions to enhance motivation Use of Unconscious commitmentsUse of Unconscious commitments Suggestions for managing cravingsSuggestions for managing cravings Aversion suggestions Aversion suggestions

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders

(Continued 3.) (Continued 3.)

Suggestions utilizing various hypnotic phenomena Suggestions utilizing various hypnotic phenomena therapeutically (e.g., time distortion, negative therapeutically (e.g., time distortion, negative hallucination, amnesia.- i.e.forget to remember you hallucination, amnesia.- i.e.forget to remember you were a smoker).were a smoker).

Age-Regression – Using the Affect Bridge (mind Age-Regression – Using the Affect Bridge (mind and body cues triggering the habit behavior) to and body cues triggering the habit behavior) to regress to the earliest association and treating the regress to the earliest association and treating the cause(s). (Advanced Training and Supervision cause(s). (Advanced Training and Supervision Recommended.)Recommended.)

Age Progression - Visualizing self in the future with Age Progression - Visualizing self in the future with desirable behaviordesirable behavior

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders

(Continued 4.) (Continued 4.) Post-hypnotic suggestions: To increase Resolve!Post-hypnotic suggestions: To increase Resolve!

““Anchoring” colors to be trigger Anchoring” colors to be trigger ““Let red, the color red remind you that you Let red, the color red remind you that you

are are no longerno longer a smoker, you have stopped a smoker, you have stopped smoking! Anywhere you see red – red cars, smoking! Anywhere you see red – red cars, red lights, red in the American flag, etc. let red lights, red in the American flag, etc. let Red be your signal to remind you that you Red be your signal to remind you that you are no longer a smoker, that was then, this is are no longer a smoker, that was then, this is now!” now!”

““Let green, the color green remind you that Let green, the color green remind you that you want to eat healthy with lots of greens, you want to eat healthy with lots of greens, etc.,see yourself enjoy eating healthy food.” etc.,see yourself enjoy eating healthy food.”

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders

(Continued 5.) (Continued 5.)

Suggesting behaviors signaling end of Suggesting behaviors signaling end of undesirable habit – (the Unconscious is highly undesirable habit – (the Unconscious is highly motivated by reward and pleasure).motivated by reward and pleasure).

Now Non-Nailbiters putting on nail polish Now Non-Nailbiters putting on nail polish Now Non-Smokers cleaning the car and Now Non-Smokers cleaning the car and

enjoying the clean smell!enjoying the clean smell! Now Non-Over Eaters having “no interest, Now Non-Over Eaters having “no interest,

little interest” in the candy, “that was then, this little interest” in the candy, “that was then, this is now!”is now!”

Non-Bed Wetters waking up to a dry bed and Non-Bed Wetters waking up to a dry bed and feeling proud!!feeling proud!!

Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Hypnotic Treatment Techniques and Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders Suggestions for Habits & Habit Disorders (Continued 6.) (Continued 6.)

Allowing the Habit to Extinguish!Allowing the Habit to Extinguish! ““Allow any thought of smoking a cigarette to Allow any thought of smoking a cigarette to

remind you ‘not one, no more cigarettes, remind you ‘not one, no more cigarettes, none! ‘ and let any thought of smoking to be a none! ‘ and let any thought of smoking to be a prompt to take a deep breath and breathe out prompt to take a deep breath and breathe out any interest in smoking, that was then, this is any interest in smoking, that was then, this is now!”now!”

““Allow yourself to forget to remember to ……” Allow yourself to forget to remember to ……”

Obsessive-Compulsive HabitsObsessive-Compulsive Habits

Often trauma related and layered in Often trauma related and layered in related trauma related trauma

Case example: A repetitive and Case example: A repetitive and compulsive behavior that was compulsive behavior that was extinguished with Age Regression Clinical extinguished with Age Regression Clinical Hypnosis – M.Turner, RNBC, LCMHCHypnosis – M.Turner, RNBC, LCMHC

Hypnotic Language re. SuggestionsHypnotic Language re. Suggestions

Avoid using Not and contraction n’t (i.e. can’t) in Avoid using Not and contraction n’t (i.e. can’t) in all suggestions – often the Unconscious Mind all suggestions – often the Unconscious Mind belief system is too primitive to recognize this belief system is too primitive to recognize this subtlety and hears instead – “Smoke!” rather subtlety and hears instead – “Smoke!” rather than – Dothan – Don’t n’t smoke! smoke!

Using the phrase - “no longer” is a good Using the phrase - “no longer” is a good substitute to help extinguish the habit. substitute to help extinguish the habit. “Remember you are no longer a smoker!” “You “Remember you are no longer a smoker!” “You no longer want candy!”no longer want candy!”

ReferencesReferencesAnatomy of a Habit (2010) The Habit Experts. Anatomy of a Habit (2010) The Habit Experts. www.thehabitexperts.comwww.thehabitexperts.comHabits and Habit Disorders.(2010) Human Diseases and Conditions, Habits and Habit Disorders.(2010) Human Diseases and Conditions, www.hwww.h

umanillnesses.com/Behavioralumanillnesses.com/BehavioralHallowell, E. and Ratey, J.(1995). Hallowell, E. and Ratey, J.(1995). Driven to Distraction. New York: Pantheon.Driven to Distraction. New York: Pantheon.Hammond, D.C. and Elkins, G. (2005). Hammond, D.C. and Elkins, G. (2005). Standards of Training in Clinical Standards of Training in Clinical

Hypnosis. Hypnosis. Illinois: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis Press.Illinois: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis Press. Turner, M. (2004). “Turner, M. (2004). “Using Ego Therapy and Solomon Asch’s SocialUsing Ego Therapy and Solomon Asch’s Social

Decision-Making Theory to Treat Cognitive Errors (Opinions, Beliefs, and Decision-Making Theory to Treat Cognitive Errors (Opinions, Beliefs, and Judgments) in Trauma Patients”Judgments) in Trauma Patients” Presented at Crasilneck Session Presented at Crasilneck Session Presentations, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 58Presentations, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 58thth Annual Annual Workshops and Scientific Program.Workshops and Scientific Program.

Turner, M. (2009). Turner, M. (2009). The Unconscious Mind and the Conscious Mind: The Unconscious Mind and the Conscious Mind: How They How They Co-habitate, Co-operate, and Differentiate –Whose is Whose and What is Co-habitate, Co-operate, and Differentiate –Whose is Whose and What is What! (a working draft). What! (a working draft). Vermont: Motivation Hypnosis.Vermont: Motivation Hypnosis.

Turner, M. (1995-2010Turner, M. (1995-2010). Private). Private Clinical Hypnosis Practice, CaseClinical Hypnosis Practice, Case Presentations.Presentations. (Unpublished). (Unpublished).