Working with Hypnotic Resistance:

Hypnotic resistance is when a client consciously or unconsciously resists going into trance or accepting hypnotic suggestions. It doesn’t always mean hostility — it’s often a protective mechanism.

Here are ways practitioners typically work with hypnotic resistance:

1. Reframe Resistance as Cooperation

Instead of fighting resistance, treat it as the client’s way of protecting themselves.
Example: “That part of you that resists is doing its best to keep you safe. Let’s thank it and invite it to help in the process.”

2. Use Indirect & Permissive Language

Direct commands (“You will relax now”) may trigger pushback.
Indirect suggestions work better: “You may notice how your body begins to find its own comfortable rhythm.”
Milton Erickson often used permissive language, metaphors, and double binds to bypass resistance.

3. Build Rapport and Trust

Many times, resistance comes from fear, distrust, or a lack of clarity about hypnosis.
Spend time explaining what hypnosis is (and isn’t). Clarify misconceptions like loss of control.
Establishing safety reduces resistance.

4. Utilize the Resistance

Rather than fighting it, you can “go with it.”
Example: If the client says, “I can’t be hypnotized,” respond: “That’s right, and you don’t need to be hypnotized — you just need to notice what your mind is already doing.”

5. Use Paradoxical Suggestions

Paradoxical interventions turn resistance into cooperation.
Example: “I don’t want you to relax too quickly… because sometimes people relax too fast and miss out on the experience.”
The unconscious mind often responds by doing the opposite.

6. Ego-strengthening & Gradual Approach

Resistance can signal fear of losing control.
Start with light relaxation, guided imagery, or simple focus tasks before deeper trance.
Strengthen the client’s sense of autonomy: “You’ll always remain in charge.”

7. Identify Underlying Causes

Sometimes resistance comes from:
Trauma (needing safety before letting go)
Fear of change
Fear of manipulation or control
Hidden secondary gains (the problem provides some unconscious benefit)
Exploring these in therapy helps reduce resistance.

In short: Resistance is information, not obstruction. It shows where the client needs reassurance, permission, or a different approach.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Hysteria:

Hysteria:

“Hysteria” is an old psychological and medical term, no longer used today, but historically very influential.

Origins

Ancient Greece: The word comes from the Greek hystera (meaning “womb”). Hippocrates and later physicians thought symptoms of hysteria came from a “wandering uterus” inside women’s bodies.
Middle Ages / Renaissance: It was linked to witchcraft, demonic possession, or spiritual weakness.
19th century medicine: Doctors described hysteria as a disorder — mostly in women — causing fainting, paralysis, seizures, emotional outbursts, or strange bodily symptoms without clear physical cause.

In Psychology & Psychiatry

Jean-Martin Charcot (1800s, Paris): Studied hysterical seizures, showing they were psychological, not neurological.
Sigmund Freud & Josef Breuer: Treated hysteria with hypnosis and developed the “talking cure,” which laid the foundation for psychoanalysis. Freud proposed that hysteria came from repressed traumatic memories.
20th century: The concept evolved into what we now call somatic symptom disorders, conversion disorder, or sometimes dissociative disorders.

Today

The term “hysteria” is no longer a clinical diagnosis (it was officially dropped in DSM-III, 1980).
Modern psychology recognizes that the symptoms once called “hysterical” often come from trauma, stress, or unconscious processes.

In psychology, the idea of hysteria has gone through a major transformation.

1. Classical View (1800s — early 1900s)

Jean-Martin Charcot (Paris neurologist) studied patients with dramatic paralysis, fainting, seizures, and loss of speech without medical cause. He treated them with hypnosis, showing symptoms could be influenced psychologically.
Sigmund Freud & Josef Breuer: Saw hysteria as rooted in unconscious conflict and repressed trauma. Their case studies (like Anna O.) became the foundation of psychoanalysis. They described hysteria as the “conversion” of emotional distress into bodily symptoms.

2. Mid-20th Century

Hysteria became an umbrella label for puzzling symptoms with no physical explanation.
It carried heavy gender bias (diagnosed mostly in women, often dismissed as “emotional” or “irrational”).
Critics in psychology and psychiatry pushed for more precise, less stigmatizing diagnoses.

3. Modern Psychology (since DSM-III, 1980)

The term hysteria was dropped, replaced with more specific categories:

Conversion Disorder → psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness, seizures without medical basis).
Somatic Symptom Disorder → excessive distress about physical symptoms.
Dissociative Disorders → when trauma or stress causes disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness.

4. Psychological Understanding Today

What used to be called “hysteria” is now seen as the mind-body connection under stress and trauma.
Symptoms are not “faked” but are real expressions of psychological distress.
Modern therapy focuses on trauma-informed care, stress regulation, and integration rather than labeling someone as “hysterical.”

Shervan K Shahhian

Most famous Hypnosis techniques of Milton H. Erickson’s:

Most famous Hypnosis techniques:

Milton H. Erickson’s most famous hypnosis techniques were very different from the old stage-style hypnosis — they were subtle, conversational, and often disguised inside everyday interactions.

Here are his hallmark methods:

1. Indirect Suggestions

Instead of commanding, Erickson made suggestions in a casual, permissive way.

Example: Instead of saying “Close your eyes,” he might say, “You may notice that your eyes are getting heavier… and you might feel comfortable letting them close whenever you wish.”
Why it works: It bypasses resistance because the client feels they have choice.

2. Embedded Commands

Placing a subtle directive inside a larger sentence or story.

Example: While telling a story, he might say, “…and as you sit there, you might begin to feel more relaxed…”
Why it works: The unconscious picks up on the command hidden inside natural speech.

3. Metaphors and Storytelling

Erickson told elaborate stories or anecdotes that paralleled the client’s problem and hinted at solutions.

Example: To help someone gain confidence, he might tell a story about a stubborn plant that learned to grow toward the light despite obstacles.
Why it works: Stories bypass conscious resistance and deliver change ideas indirectly.

4. Utilization

He used whatever the client brought to the session — their mood, environment, body language — as part of the trance process.

Example: If a client was fidgeting, he might say, “You can let those little movements remind you that change is already happening inside…”
Why it works: Instead of fighting distractions, he incorporated them, making every experience part of the hypnosis.

5. Confusion Technique

Using paradox, vague language, or unexpected shifts to overwhelm conscious thought, allowing the unconscious to take over.

Example: “You can think about not thinking, and notice how that thought changes while you’re not thinking it…”
Why it works: The conscious mind gets tied in knots, opening the door for suggestions.

6. Pacing and Leading

First match the client’s current experience (pacing), then gradually guide them to a new state (leading).

Example: “You’re sitting here, hearing my voice, feeling the chair… and you might also begin to notice a sense of calm spreading…”
Why it works: Builds rapport and creates a smooth bridge from the familiar to the desired change.

7. Double Binds

Offering two choices, both leading to the desired outcome.

Example: “Would you prefer to go into trance with your eyes open for a moment, or closed right away?”
Why it works: Gives the illusion of choice while moving toward the therapeutic goal.

Erickson often blended several of these techniques seamlessly — for example, telling a metaphorical story (metaphor) in a relaxed conversation (indirect suggestion), pacing the client’s mood, and embedding commands along the way.

Shervan K Shahhian

Covert Hypnosis, what is it:

Covert Hypnosis:

Covert hypnosis (also known as conversational hypnosis or undetectable hypnosis) is a form of indirect, subtle communication designed to influence someone’s subconscious mind without their conscious awareness. It’s used to guide thoughts, feelings, or behavior in a specific direction — often in therapy, sales, persuasion, or negotiation contexts.

Key Concepts of Covert Hypnosis:

Trance without formal induction:
The subject enters a light trance state naturally — through everyday conversation — without being told they are being hypnotized.

Pacing and leading:
The hypnotist paces the subject’s experience (by describing what’s happening or what they believe), then leads them to new thoughts or feelings.

Example:
“You’re sitting here reading this, and you may begin to wonder how easily your mind can absorb new ideas…”

Embedded commands:
Commands are hidden within longer sentences to bypass conscious resistance.

Example:
“Some people find it easy to relax deeply when they just listen to their breathing…”

Metaphor and storytelling:
Stories or metaphors are used to bypass the critical mind and deliver suggestions indirectly.

Milton Model language (developed by Milton Erickson):
Uses vague, permissive, and artfully ambiguous language to allow the subject to fill in the blanks with their own experience.

Example:
“You can begin to feel differently, in your own way, at your own pace.”

Utilization:
Whatever the subject gives you — resistance, mood, confusion — is used as part of the hypnotic process.

Ethical Use

Covert hypnosis can be controversial. It’s ethically acceptable when used:

With informed consent (e.g., in therapy or coaching)
To help people overcome inner blocks or change unwanted behaviors

It becomes unethical when used manipulatively — especially for personal gain, deceit, or control.

Shervan K Shahhian

Conversational Hypnosis, what is it:

Conversational Hypnosis:

Conversational Hypnosis — also called covert hypnosis or indirect hypnosis — is a communication technique used to influence someone’s subconscious mind through ordinary conversation, without them necessarily being aware that hypnosis is occurring.

Core Concept:

Conversational hypnosis uses language patterns, suggestion, and rapport-building to gently bypass the critical, analytical part of the mind and access the unconscious — where deeper change can happen (e.g., altering beliefs, attitudes, behaviors).

Key Techniques in Conversational Hypnosis:

Rapport Building
Establishing trust, empathy, and psychological alignment with the listener. Without rapport, the subconscious is less receptive.

Pacing and Leading
Start by stating observable truths (pacing), which builds agreement, then subtly guide the person toward a suggestion or desired thought (leading).

Example: “You’re sitting here reading this, maybe curious about how your mind works… and as you continue, you might begin to notice…”

Hypnotic Language Patterns (Ericksonian)
Inspired by Milton Erickson, these include:

Embedded commands: “You might begin to feel more confident.”
Double binds: “Would you prefer to relax now or in a few minutes?”
Tag questions: “That makes sense, doesn’t it?”
Implied causality: “As you sit here, you’ll naturally start to feel more at ease.”

Metaphors and Stories
Personal or symbolic stories bypass resistance and embed suggestions indirectly.

E.g., “I once knew someone who used to doubt themselves, but something shifted when they realized…”

Open Loops and Curiosity
Creating unresolved ideas or stories keeps the subconscious engaged and primed to accept suggestions.

“There’s something I want to tell you that could really change how you think about confidence…”

Applications of Conversational Hypnosis:

Therapy and coaching (e.g., building motivation, reducing anxiety)
Sales and negotiation (ethical influence)
Public speaking (engaging an audience deeply)
Personal development and habit change

Ethical Considerations:

Conversational hypnosis can be powerful and should be used with integrity. Misuse for manipulation or coercion can be harmful. When applied ethically, it’s a tool for positive influence, healing, and growth.

Here’s a simple example of a conversation using conversational hypnosis techniques, particularly drawn from Milton Erickson’s indirect approach. Imagine this is a therapist or coach helping someone feel more confident:

Scene: A client feels nervous about public speaking.

Coach:
“You know, a lot of people feel a little uncertain before they speak. And it’s perfectly natural, isn’t it? After all, when you care about something, it means you want to do it well… and just the fact that you care means something’s already working inside.”

(Rapport + pacing experience)

Client:
“Yeah, I guess so. I just get tense before I speak.”

Coach:
“And that tension… that’s just energy, really. A kind of energy that, once it shifts, can actually become focus. Have you noticed how sometimes when you’re doing something important, you almost forget the nervousness… and something else takes over?”

(Reframe + implied causality + open loop)

Client:
“Sometimes, yeah… when I’m in the zone.”

Coach:
“Exactly. And as you think about times you’ve been ‘in the zone,’ you might find it interesting… that the mind can remember that state and even return to it more easily than expected. Some people are surprised how quickly they can shift, once they allow that process to begin.”

(Embedded suggestion + indirect priming of internal resources)

Client:
“Huh, I never thought about it that way.”

Coach:
“Most people don’t, until they realize… that calm and confidence are already part of who they are. Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment to come back.”

What’s Happening Under the Surface:

No direct command like “Relax!” or “Be confident!”
Subtle suggestions are embedded within casual conversation.
The client’s subconscious is gently guided to associate past success with present potential.
The coach uses open language, reframing, and metaphors of natural learning and transformation.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Obedience Theory:

Understanding Obedience Theory:

Obedience Theory refers to psychological theories that explain why individuals comply with authority figures, even when doing so may go against their personal morals or ethical standards.

Key Concepts in Obedience Theory:

Definition of Obedience:
Obedience is a form of social influence where an individual acts in response to a direct order from an authority figure.

1. Milgram’s Obedience Study (1963)

The cornerstone of obedience theory:

Experiment Summary:
Participants were instructed to administer increasingly severe electric shocks to a “learner” (actually an actor) by an authority figure in a lab coat.
Findings:
Over 60% of participants administered the highest voltage, despite believing it caused serious harm.
Conclusion:
People tend to obey authority figures, even against their moral judgment, especially when:
The authority appears legitimate
The task is framed as serving a higher purpose
Responsibility is perceived as being transferred to the authority

2. Factors Influencing Obedience:

Authority Legitimacy:
People obey more when the authority appears credible (e.g., uniformed, institutional).
Proximity of Authority:
Obedience increases when the authority figure is physically close.
Proximity of Victim:
Obedience decreases when the victim is closer or more personally known.
Group Influence:
Presence of dissenting peers reduces obedience.

3. Theoretical Foundations:

Agentic State Theory:
People enter an agentic state where they see themselves as agents executing another person’s wishes, thus reducing personal responsibility.
Social Role Theory:
In the Stanford Prison Experiment, individuals adopted authoritarian or submissive roles based on assigned positions, showing obedience to perceived roles.

4. Applications and Relevance:

Military obedience
Medical hierarchies
Corporate compliance
Historical atrocities (e.g., Holocaust)

5. Criticisms and Ethical Concerns:

Ethics of experiments:
Milgram’s and Zimbardo’s studies raised questions about psychological harm and informed consent.
Ecological Validity:
Critics argue that lab-based obedience may not fully represent real-life situations.

Here’s a clear comparison between obedience, conformity, and compliance — three key concepts in social influence:

1. Obedience

What it is: Following a direct order or command from an authority figure.
Who influences: An authority figure (someone perceived as having legitimate power).
Example: A soldier following orders from a commanding officer.
Key feature: Power imbalance; the authority has explicit power over the individual.
Motivation: Fear of punishment, respect for authority, perceived duty.

2. Conformity

What it is: Changing your behavior or beliefs to match those of a group, often due to social pressure.
Who influences: Peers or a social group, not necessarily an authority figure.
Example: Dressing like your friends or agreeing with group opinions during discussions.
Key feature: Informal social influence; no explicit orders, but a desire to fit in or be accepted.
Motivation: Desire to be liked (normative influence) or to be correct (informational influence).

3. Compliance

What it is: Changing behavior in response to a direct request, but not necessarily from an authority figure.
Who influences: Any individual or group making a request.
Example: Agreeing to sign a petition when asked by a stranger.
Key feature: Voluntary agreement to a request without authority pressure.
Motivation: Desire to be helpful, avoid conflict, or gain reward.

Summary Table

Influence Type Source of Influence Nature of Influence Example Motivation Obedience Authority figure Direct command Soldier following orders Fear of punishment, duty Conformity Peer group Social pressure Adopting group behavior Desire for acceptance/correctness Compliance Requester (anyone)Direct request Signing a petition Desire to help, avoid conflict.

Shervan K Shahhian

Social Influence Theories, a explanation:

Social Influence Theories, a explanation:

Social Influence Theories explain how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by the presence or actions of others.

Here are the major theories and models:

1. Conformity Theory

Core Idea: People tend to conform to group norms to fit in or avoid rejection.
Famous Study: Asch’s line judgment experiment — participants gave wrong answers to match the group.
Types:
Normative conformity: to be liked or accepted.
Informational conformity: to be correct or well-informed.

2. Obedience Theory

Core Idea: Individuals comply with authority figures, even against their moral judgments.
Famous Study: Milgram’s shock experiment — participants administered “shocks” to others under authority pressure.

3. Social Learning Theory

Core Idea: People learn behaviors by observing and imitating others, especially role models.
Key Components: Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
Famous Study: Bobo doll experiment — children imitated aggressive behavior modeled by adults.

4. Social Identity Theory

Core Idea: People define themselves by group membership (e.g., nationality, religion).
Effects:
In-group favoritism.
Out-group discrimination.
Group-based behavior and cohesion.

5. Minority Influence Theory

Core Idea: A consistent, confident minority can influence the majority over time.
Conditions for Influence:
Consistency.
Confidence.
Not rigid or dogmatic.

6. Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Core Idea: Inconsistency between beliefs and behavior causes discomfort, motivating change.
Example: If someone believes smoking is bad but smokes, they may change the belief or behavior to reduce dissonance.

7. Elaboration Likelihood Model

Core Idea: There are two routes to persuasion:
Central Route: deep, thoughtful consideration of arguments.
Peripheral Route: superficial cues (e.g., attractiveness, repetition).

8. Normative and Informational Social Influence

Normative Influence: Conforming to be liked or accepted (peer pressure).
Informational Influence: Conforming to gain accurate information (following experts or majority in ambiguous situations).

9. Social Facilitation and Inhibition

Social Facilitation: Performance improves on easy tasks when others are present.
Social Inhibition: Performance worsens on difficult tasks due to social pressure.

10. Theory of Planned Behavior

Core Idea: Behavior is guided by:
Attitudes toward the behavior.
Subjective norms (what others expect).
Perceived behavioral control.

Shervan K Shahhian

Status Quo Bias:

Status Quo Bias:

Status Quo Bias is a cognitive bias that leads people to prefer things to stay the same rather than change, even when a change could lead to better outcomes. This tendency is rooted in a desire for stability, comfort, and fear of potential losses or regret.

Key Characteristics:

Preference for the current state: Individuals tend to see the current situation as baseline and assume it is best.

Loss aversion: The potential losses from change are often perceived as greater than the potential gains.

Omission bias: People prefer inaction (keeping things as they are) over action that could lead to an uncertain result.

Resistance to new options: Even when presented with better alternatives, people might stick with familiar ones (e.g., keeping the same job, brand, or service).

Examples:

A patient refusing to switch medications even if the new one has better success rates.

An employee reluctant to adopt a new workflow or software.

Voters opposing policy changes just because the current system is familiar.

Psychological Roots:

Fear of regret

Comfort in familiarity

Perceived stability and control

Overcoming Status Quo Bias:

Increase awareness of better alternatives through clear, risk-framed comparisons.

Encourage small, gradual changes to reduce resistance.

Use decision aids to weigh pros and cons objectively.

Here are real-world examples of Status Quo Bias in behavioral science:

Investment Behavior

Behavioral Pattern: Many investors hold on to underperforming stocks or fail to rebalance their portfolios due to the emotional comfort of the familiar.

Why? Changing an investment strategy introduces uncertainty and potential regret, so they stick with the status quo — even when evidence suggests a better option.

Healthcare Choices

Patient Behavior: Patients often stick with a long-term doctor or treatment plan, even when new options might be more effective or less costly.

Why? The effort of researching, switching, or fear of making a mistake prevents change. Behavioral scientists note this as a cognitive shortcut to reduce decision complexity.

Public Policy Resistance

Example: Resistance to new environmental regulations, educational reforms, or transportation systems often isn’t based on rational cost-benefit analyses — but on a psychological bias to maintain what’s already in place.

Why? People often overvalue the known risks of the current system and fear the unknown risks of a new one, even when evidence shows the new one is better.

Behavioral Science Insight:

Status quo bias reveals how bounded rationality, emotional inertia, and cognitive ease drive human behavior more than logic or evidence. Behavioral scientists leverage this knowledge to design better defaults, nudge behavior, and structure choices in ways that improve outcomes.

Shervan K Shahhian

OCD Triggers:

OCD Triggers:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) triggers are thoughts, situations, or experiences that provoke obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors. These triggers vary from person to person but often fall into common categories.

Here are some of the most frequently reported OCD triggers:

Common OCD Triggers by Theme:

1. Contamination

Touching doorknobs, public toilets, money, or other “unclean” objects

Being around sick people

Dirt, germs, or bodily fluids (saliva, sweat, blood)

2. Harm or Responsibility

Fear of accidentally harming someone (e.g., leaving the stove on, hitting someone with a car)

Intrusive thoughts of causing harm (e.g., stabbing a loved one)

Responsibility-related guilt or fear of being blamed

3. Symmetry and Order

Items not being perfectly aligned

Uneven numbers or “wrong” arrangements

Needing to perform tasks in a certain pattern or order

4. Sexual or Violent Intrusions

Disturbing sexual thoughts about children, relatives, or inappropriate partners

Intrusive images or urges of violent acts

Fear that thoughts mean you’re a bad or dangerous person

5. Religious or Moral Scrupulosity

Fear of offending God or violating religious rules

Obsessive praying or confessing

Intrusive blasphemous thoughts

6. Relationship OCD

Doubts about loving one’s partner

Intrusive thoughts about infidelity (on your part or theirs)

Constant need for reassurance about the relationship

7. Health-Related OCD (Hypochondria overlap)

Obsessions about having a serious illness

Bodily checking or Googling symptoms excessively

8. Superstitions and Magical Thinking

Fear something bad will happen unless a ritual is done

Assigning meaning to numbers, colors, or patterns

Triggering Situations or Events

Stressful life changes (e.g., moving, job change, illness)

Watching or reading the news

Visiting certain places (e.g., hospitals, religious sites)

Conversations that touch on taboo subjects

Fatigue, hunger, or hormonal changes (can lower resistance to obsessions)

Notes:

Triggers don’t cause OCD, but they activate existing symptoms.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a core CBT method, helps reduce sensitivity to triggers.

Avoidance of triggers often strengthens OCD in the long run.

Shervan K Shahhian

Positive Psychology, a great explanation:

Positive Psychology, a great explanation:

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. Instead of focusing on dysfunction, illness, and what’s wrong with people (as traditional psychology often does), Positive Psychology focuses on strengths, well-being, and the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.

Core Concepts of Positive Psychology

Focus on Strengths
It emphasizes identifying and cultivating personal strengths (like courage, gratitude, resilience, creativity) rather than just fixing weaknesses.
The PERMA Model (by Martin Seligman)
A key framework in Positive Psychology describing five essential elements of well-being:
- P – Positive Emotions: Joy, love, gratitude, hope.
- E – Engagement: Deep involvement in meaningful activities (a state called flow).
- R – Relationships: Positive and supportive social connections.
- M – Meaning: A sense of purpose and belonging to something bigger than oneself.
- A – Accomplishment: Pursuing and achieving goals for the sake of mastery and fulfillment.
Gratitude and Mindfulness
Practices like journaling about what you’re grateful for or being present in the moment help increase happiness and reduce stress.
Optimism and Hope
These are seen not as naive beliefs but as cognitive styles that can be learned and practiced to improve mental resilience and motivation.
Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth
Positive Psychology explores how people can not only recover from adversity but also grow stronger because of it.

Applications of Positive Psychology

Therapy and Coaching: Therapists help clients build strengths, increase happiness, and find meaning.
Education: Promotes student well-being and engagement.
Workplaces: Improves job satisfaction, motivation, and team dynamics.
Healthcare: Boosts recovery and quality of life by fostering positive attitudes.

Key Figures

Martin Seligman – Often called the father of Positive Psychology.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Known for the concept of flow.
Barbara Fredrickson – Researched the “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions.

In Summary:

Positive Psychology asks:

“What makes life worth living?”
It’s about more than just surviving — it’s about thriving, by cultivating the best in ourselves and others.

Shervan K Shahhian