Freud’s initial psychotherapeutic practice involved the use of Hypnosis. No doubt this influenced his thoughts on the development of his theories regarding unconscious and conscious processing. Much has changed in our understanding of the control mechanisms involved with control of our attention since the start of the 20th Century. Cognitive models of how suggestion, imagination and metaphor may produce their effects in the entertainment and clinical realms of practice have been developed. A range of scales have been developed to better understand the sensitivity of people to suggestion which may have some clinical correlates. However, clinical hypnosis has been used successfully to alter perceptions, attitudes and behaviours related to specific outcomes. This is a communication skill which supports the “client” with approaches to cope, develop resilience, re-frame events and change perspectives in addition to general changes in wellbeing. These interventions do not require a high level of susceptibility on the part of the client. Use of stories, metaphors and analogies re-sets on our normal cognitive function in a more useful way. In this regard, hypnosis is a self-directed approach that is catalysed by the skill of the practitioner to develop a strong sense of rapport and empathy to support different ways of thinking to improve health and wellbeing. This understanding of hypnosis fits very well with the definition provided by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), where hypnotherapy is described as an approach that uses a person’s imagination to elicit change in thoughts, perceptions, sensations and behaviours. At Reciprocal Minds we believe that the power of imagination and the use of symbols or metaphors can be an effective way to adapt to change and an important skill for personal health and wellness. These are powerful communication tools that you can use yourself, be explored in conversation and used in meditative states. Sources Andrews, W.P., Parsons, A.A., Rawle, H. and Gibbs, J. (2015), Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 20(3),199-210. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-08-2014-0030 Carlyle, A.V., Ching, P.C. & Cyna, A.M. (2008). Anaesth Intensive Care 36, 180-184 Cock, H. & Edwards, M.J. (2018). Clinical Medicine 18(5), 414-417 Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council https://www.cnhc.org.uk Cyna, A.M. (2019). Int J. Clinical and Exp Hypnosis 67(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1612669 Dienes, Z. & Perner, J. (2007) Executive control without conscious awareness: the cold control theory of hypnosis. In, G.A. Jamieson (ed). Hypnosis and Conscious States: The cognitive neuroscience perspective. Oxford University Press, Oxford UK Dutt-Gupta, J., Bown, T. & Cyna, A.M. (2007). Br. J. Anaesthesia 99(6), 871-875. Lush, P., Naish, P. & Dienes, Z. (2016). Neuroscience of Consciousness 1, 1-10. https://doi.com/doi: 10.1093/nc/niw007 Terhune, D.B., Cleermans, A., Raz, A. & Lynn, S.J. (2017), Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews 81, 59-74.
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Being “well” means that you are contributing actively to all parts of your life, meeting the demands and being able to flourish (See Blog Q320/1). For those in leadership roles in organisations the ability to be “well” has an impact not only on their own performance but also those around them. From Supervisors, Managers to Executive Leaders the ability to manage the demands in the role is often part of the individuals’ development. It may be an expectation that they will develop approaches to cope and utilise the additional resources that often become available with increased seniority in Organisations. However, it is a fine line to balance. Over 20 years of research has shown that the balance between resources and demands determines whether individuals are able to thrive in the work place or burnout. This ability to thrive in the workplace is described as “engagement” and is characterised by individuals bringing vigour (e.g. energy), dedication (e.g. sense of significance) and absorption (e.g. engrossed) in their roles. This is a type of wellbeing. It is a positive state linked to higher performance whereas the opposite, burnout, is correlated with low energy, reduced positive states and poorer performance. Reducing demands is certainly an effective way to prevent burnout. Creating workplace-based resources that provide the individual with a sense of control and input support engagement. These can take the form of defined “ways of working” that support people physically, psychologically and socially. Organisational practices that provide support and development for employees certainly protect against burnout and create a healthy and adaptive organisation. Leaders play a direct role in workplace resources. Leaders who empower and are aware of their own wellbeing and interested in the wellbeing of others provide support, challenge and offer development to their teams. Taking a cultural perspective is also vital to the wellness and performance of the organisation. Reviewing the business practices, assumptions, values and the stories/metaphors that define how things are done internally and externally provide a framework for assessment and creating interventions. All these elements are important for personal, executive and corporate wellness. On a personal level, developing individual resources to adapt to the stress and challenges provides not only a sense of achievement but valuable transferable skills. For Executives, understanding their role as a leader in the organisational system and how they impact directly the health and wellbeing of their employees is a key first step. Mental Health trainings often provide increased awareness of the impact of stress and mental health conditions. At Reciprocal Minds, we also highlight the importance of supporting executives develop an understanding of how they promote mental health and well-being (known as salutogenesis). We also help them develop the skills and confidence to bring these aspects into their development as Leader’s to transform their business impact. On a Corporate level, wellness is all about the culture. Introducing good practice, for example work-place meditation and yoga programmes is helpful. Developing training programmes to improve health literacy of managers and leaders also makes a difference but developing a Corporate Wellness culture is the fundamental goal that drives performance. Developing useful narratives, assumptions and creating meaning at all levels of the organisation creates the culture and expectation of how things are done. At Reciprocal Minds, we can support personal, executive and corporate wellness with our focus on counselling, coaching, wellness and business psychology. Sources Antonovsky A. Health promoting factors at work: the sense of coherence. In: Kalimo R, El-Batawi M, Cooper CL, editors. Psychosocial factors at work and their relation to health: World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland; 1987. p. 153-67. Bakker, A.B. & de Vries, J.D. (2020). Anxiety, stress and coping doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2020.1797695 Bakker, A.B. & Demerouti, E. (2017). J. Occupational Health Psychology 22 (3), 273-285 Schein, E.H. (1996). Sloan Management Review, 38 (1), 9-20. Schaufeli, W., Bakker, A.B. & Salanova, M. (2006). Educational & Psychological Measurement 66(4), 701-716.
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