Inspiration...

Sometimes when we are searching for a way to help our clients, we get help from out of the blue. Like today.

This morning I was taking my shower, and rummaging through my thoughts on what kind of script or technique I would use to get started with my new weight-loss client. I knew I had several scripts tucked away on the computer, and also in some binders, but as my mind catalogued each, nothing seemed to fit.

Suddenly, I was inspired to create a scene where we were going to the House of Mirrors at the mid-way of the Fall Fair. So, as I finished my shower and put on my makeup, the patter I would use fell into place - and I was sure I didn't need it typed out. Sometimes it's good to have a typed script, and I probably use them about half the time, but other times I have much better results all around with ideas that "just come" to me.

So I used the idea of having her enter the House of Mirrors via a ramp (at the count of three), move through the door, and look at the first mirror, which was her in present form. Then I moved her forward by month across the next six months, with a gradual decrease in her weight, gave her direct suggestions around eating and exercise, and just how great she was going to look over that period of time. To exit the House of Mirrors, she had to turn her back away from the mirrors, and move back the way she came into the building. I then continued for about another five minutes with direct suggestions and reminders of the experience in that building.

Several interesting things happened when I emerged her. First, she told me that she hated looking in the mirror at herself because of her weight, so this was a really good exercise in getting her to look at herself, and to get her motivated to take off the pounds. But because she didn't like looking in the mirror alone, she decided to take me with her, to help me get rid of some of my weight, and to make it more fun to do it together. Which was very interesting, because I tend to go with my clients into whatever place I send them anyways when I'm hypnotising them, and I seem to straddle both the inner and outer worlds when I do these kinds of scenarios

Her description was of the two of us (we're about the same age - she is about forty pounds heavier than me, though) struggling to get up the ramp into the place, and then each of us peaking around the mirrors. But as we were coming out of the place, we were laughing and fairly skipping down the ramp like kids. She emerged from hypnosis with a big smile on her face. She was really pleased with her session today, and fairly bounced out of here, which was a big change from the tired, discouraged woman who walked through my door earlier.

It should be interesting to see how all of this plays out. I'm going to make this one of my major weight-loss tools, for myself and for my clients. Inspiration needs to be treated with respect, so that it continues to flow.

Sheila M. Street, CH, C.NLP