Should Ego State Therapy be used with every client? How is the therapy introduced to the client? What are the components of a typical ego state session? These are important questions that therapists need to consider in preparing to use Ego State Therapy. While the answers will vary, depending on the therapist and the client, the following section describes the processes that I adopt when using the therapy.
I use the therapy or theory with almost every client. Still, when a client comes in, I do not automatically think, “How can I apply Ego State Therapy here?” I listen to the client to discover what brought this person to therapy. As I hear the client describe the problem, I often hear it in relation to competing ego states, or in relation to some situational neurosis that may be connected to an earlier trauma. One of the advantages of Ego State Therapy is that I do not have to guess, or make an interpretation, about the cause of the problem. The cause will become evident when the affect bridge connects the problem with the cause.
Often clients will believe they know the cause and I will listen to their ideas, but I do not focus on their analysis of the situation since it has been my experience that they are often wrong. I do not share this view with my clients. I do not ask them “why” if they do not give a reason for their unwanted symptoms. “Why”s place the client in an intellectual state and problems that bring clients to therapy are almost always feeling based. Even when a person comes to counselling because of a difficulty in making a decision, it is the feeling of frustration that is troublesome. If a person cannot decide which color is he or she likes most, and if there is no anxiety with the indecision it is not seen as a major problem. If the person is tortured with the indecision, then a problem exists. It is important to hear what the problem is, not why the client thinks it exists.
I want to respond to the questions, “How is Ego State Therapy introduced to the client?” and “What are the components of a typical ego state session?” by presenting three typical ego state sessions. Each session corresponds with one of the main functions of the therapy.
There are three general goals that may be achieved using Ego State Therapy. As stated at the beginning of the book, they are
This section will illustrate common steps for each of these goals. These illustrations will be of little value to a reader who has not carefully read the previous chapters, as they are presented as an ordered summary of the more detailed techniques and theory. It should be noted that I do not advocate following a list of steps when working with clients. Each client is different. The best therapy is provided when the therapist learns techniques and hones skills, then enters the client’s world and follows the path that fits that client at that time. The point of focus for the therapist should be with the client, not thinking about steps, or how the process is going. The combination of paying attention to the client, having a desire to help achieve a resolution, and having a tenacity to continue through dead ends generates the creativity needed for the best results. The following three subsections, therefore, are presented as an illustration of Ego State Therapy for each of the three general goals, not as a cookbook proscription to be followed, as the focus should always be with the client, not on the process being adopted. Some points are repeated in each section so the reader will not have to page back and forth while reading a session.
Trauma resolution in Ego State Therapy corresponds to the goal of many psychodynamic therapies. A situational neurosis (the client is responding inappropriately to some situation in life) exists as a prerequisite for this technique, and the therapeutic intervention facilitates the discovery of the original trauma that fuels the neurosis, and facilitates the resolution of that original trauma, thus eliminating the neurosis. The following are normal components of this intervention:
Each of the steps for trauma resolution will now be explained.
1. Interview the client to discover the exact symptoms of the neurosis.
What is it that brought the client into therapy? Find out the goal of the client. What does the client want changed? If the client is presenting with a situational neurosis, trauma resolution is indicated. Clients who are having difficulty handling their emotions, clients who have difficulty handling particular aspects of their life, clients who do not understand why they respond in the way they do, will likely benefit from trauma resolution Ego State Therapy.
Gather detailed information concerning a time when the client experienced the negative symptom. Take notes on the setting. Who else was present? What was the emotional and physical experience of the client? Find out what types of situation bring out these unwanted symptoms. The unwanted symptoms are the unprocessed aspects of an ego state that is coming to the executive during these times.
It is very important that relevant and detailed information is gathered. You will be able to use the information you gather to bring the state needing resolution to the executive, to locate the origin of the trauma, and after process resolution, to check that the trauma has been resolved.
It is not important to gather information concerning why the client believes the symptoms exist. If the client has a need to express reasoning it can build rapport to listen, but these reasons are often inaccurate, and the origin of the problem will be discovered within the process of Ego State Therapy.
2. Introduce ego state theory.
It is not necessary to spend much time introducing ego state theory. If it is the first time the client has heard of Ego State Therapy it is helpful to describe the therapy. Useful information to relate in your own words in relation to the understanding of the client may include the following:
We all have different states. They are very normal and enhance our experience of living by our being able to draw on states that have different strengths. Ego State Therapy allows therapy to progress quickly since the individual state that can benefit most is brought out and empowered. This process works best with the additional focus that hypnosis facilitates.
3. Introduce hypnosis.
It is not necessary to spend much time talking about hypnosis. If the client has not been clinically hypnotized before it is good to share some information so unreal expectations do not interfere. Useful information to relate in your own words may include the following:
Hypnosis is a normal state that we have each spontaneously experienced. Often, during hypnosis, people are completely aware of what is being said, and they may experience it as an increased ability to focus. It really does not matter the specific manner that you experience the feeling. You will be able to talk with me and express your thoughts and feelings.
4. Ask if there are any questions about ego state theory, therapy, and hypnosis.
Make sure the client feels able to ask any questions about either Ego State Therapy or hypnosis. Respond fully to any questions, and ask if there are any further questions until all have been calmly addressed.
5. Use a hypnotic induction.
Use any hypnotic induction you prefer. It is not necessary that a deep state be achieved before beginning therapy. The next step will deepen the level of hypnosis. Hypnosis will allow the client to have better access to underlying ego states. Without hypnosis, clients will have access only to surface ego states (see section 2). Trauma resolution Ego State Therapy requires access to underlying ego states.
6. Near the end of the induction have the client focus on the symptomatic feelings of the neurosis.
This is where you first use the information gathered in step 1 above. Using the imagery the client has provided, place the client in the setting, with the emotional and physical sensations the client has related. Use the client’s own words to bring out the feelings of the unwanted symptom. Here, you are bringing out the ego state that needs resolution.
7. Enhance the negative feelings until significant affect is demonstrated.
It is important for the client to show significant affect for the affect bridge or somatic bridge (using physical sensations rather than emotional feelings) to be effective. If the client is already demonstrating significant affect you can go strait to the next step. If the client is not demonstrating significant affect, deepen the affect.
This increase in affect can normally be accomplished by asking the client to report on a scale of 1 to 100 the intensity of the negative feeling (describe the feeling in detail to the client, just as it was described to you). Then ask the client if this feeling (name it again) can be increased to a higher number. Continue to have the client increase the intensity of the feeling until noticeable affect is demonstrated. In this process, do not say, “the feeling”. Always describe the symptoms of the feeling, and do this with affect in your own voice. For example, rather than saying, “I wonder if you can increase that feeling?” it is better to say, “I wonder if you can increase that sense of being out of control?”
8. Restating the feelings, ask the client the age that is being experienced.
Say something such as, “Feeling like you do right now, with (restate negative feelings), about how old do you feel, as you feel this way?”
9. Ask the client, while experiencing those feelings, to return to that age when those feelings were first experienced.
Say something like, “Go right now to when you were about (answer of last question), having the feelings you are having right now of (restate negative feelings).” This takes the client to the original trauma that has never been processed, that holds unresolved feelings that continue to surface for resolution. The following two questions help the client become more fully present in that trauma so processing can proceed. They should be asked in a rather rapid succession.
10. Ask the client if he or she is inside or outside.
The client will normally have an awareness of being inside or outside. This helps the client zero in on the disturbance with giving any suggestions. Then go to the next question.
11. Ask the client if he or she is alone or with someone else.
This question further facilitates the client to focus in on the original disturbance. After asking this question it is common that the client may be quite emotional. It is imperative that the client be allowed to be in this emotion so it may be resolved. It is the hypnotherapist’s role to allow this emotion to be expressed, regardless of the level of affect. If you feel you are not able to be with a client who is experiencing severe affect, do not begin this line of questioning. It is better not to revisit a trauma, if the trauma is not going to be processed to a positive conclusion.
12. Ask the client to describe exactly what is happening.
The client is now able to describe, in detail, what happened that started the situational neurosis. It is imperative that the client continues to stay in the ego state at the time that it was traumatized. This is a good time to ask this state what you can call it. You will want to be able to recall it at a later time.
13. Facilitate the client to rise above fear and express true feelings to the antagonist.
The state has held onto fear since the original occurrence. It is this fear that reasserts itself when the negative experience is manifested. By expressing true feelings to the aggressor the fear is overcome.
Sometimes a state is too frightened to be able to speak to the introject. When this is the case I offer to speak to the introject first. What I say depends on how the client has described the situation to me. Before speaking directly to the introject, the therapist should ask the client if this is alright, “Do you want me to tell him first?”
When speaking directly to the introject, speak loudly and with affect. Show the client that you are not afraid. Speak punitively, “You had no right to do what you did!!”, then say to the client, “OK, now you can tell him. Tell him what you feel.”
It is important that the client is able to personally say what is felt. This is integral in releasing fear.
14. Ask the client what else is needed in order to feel complete resolution.
You can ask, “What do you need now?” or “What would make you feel better?” This will enable you to leave the state in an empowered and relaxed condition, as a state that will no longer carry distressed feelings that distress the client in particular situations.
15. Gain help for the traumatized state from other states that can help.
If a state says it needs a hug, you can ask to speak with a state that would like to help this state by giving it a hug. If it is lonely, you can ask to speak to a state that would like to stay with the needy state to keep it from being lonely. It is important to find states that ‘want’ to take on the helping role, rather than states that just agree to do it. When a state takes on a role it likes, it will continue with that role.
16. Check to make sure that all needs of the state have been met.
This is accomplished by making sure that the state has expressed itself with everything it wants to say, and by making sure that it is not holding any negative or needy feelings. Resolution for that state is complete when the state is comfortable and expresses satisfaction with how it feels.
17. Express gratitude, by name, to all states that have spoken.
I like to say ‘thank you’ to each state I have spoken with, and show verbal appreciation by thanking each state for the tasks it has finished, or agreed to do. This also serves to clarify to the states the exact roles they will be having within the family of states.
18. Ask the client to imagine being where the neurosis would have normally been experienced.
Use the client’s example from question 1 above, of where and when the unwanted feelings would normally be experienced. Do not suggest feelings that the client might have. Rather, verbally place the client in the situation that would have previously brought out negative feelings.
19. Check affect, to make sure the unwanted symptoms are not present.
After building the scene of the place that previously would have resulted in unwanted feelings, ask the client to report current feelings.
20. If the unwanted symptoms are present go to 7 above and proceed.
Occasionally the ego state that gains resolution is not the ego state that becomes executive during the checking procedure. If this is the case, good work has still been accomplished, but more work is necessary. If there is time, you can go back to step 7 above, or if the session is near completion you may have to process these still unresolved feelings during the next session.
21. Make sure no state is left with needs that cannot wait until the next session.
A good question to ask before ending an ego state session is, “Is there any part that has a something that needs attention right now?” Sometimes after working with states a part will be exposed in a way that demands immediate attention. If that part does not get its needs met at that time the client may feel a significant amount of distress in the short-term. It is therefore good to make sure that all parts are reasonably ready for the session to end. It must be the therapist’s professional judgment that determines when to stop a session if several parts are needy.
22. If the unwanted symptoms are not present, bring the client out of hypnosis.
Normally, the client will report no negative feelings when placed again in the situation that would have previously caused neurotic symptoms. If this is the case, this part of therapy is finished. It is good to debrief with the client again after there has been a chance to check the effectiveness of the procedure outside of therapy.
23. Facilitate expression concerning the client’s experience of the session.
Debrief with clients. Ask them what they thought of their sessions. Ask if they have any questions. Take time to explain the theory, and how it works. Clients appreciate being informed.
24. End the session.
It is only possible to feel generally settled and relaxed when there is good internal communication between ego states. There is likely poor internal communication or cooperation when the client does not like part of self, when the client feels split over major decisions, or when the client shows inconsistency in function.
A client saying, “I get so made at myself”, is an example of a one ego state that does not like another ego state. “Sometimes I know I want to stay in school, and sometimes I know I don’t want to stay in school”, is an example of a client who feels split. Two ego states have not been able to agree. “Before I went into take the test I knew every answer, but when I sat down it was all gone”, is an example of inconsistency in function. The most appropriate ego state is not taking the test.
Ego State Therapy can assist with these types of problems by facilitating an improvement in internal communication of states. First the steps for a session to improve internal communication will be listed then each will be briefly discussed:
Each of the steps for improved internal communication will now be explained.
1. Interview the client to discover how the client is experiencing inner conflict.
Find out what brought the client to therapy. If the cause is related to the inner conflict of ego states find out specifically how the symptoms are being experienced. Hear from both sides of the conflict. By doing this you are hearing from at least two ego states. Take specific notes on what each state has to say, in its own language. You will be able to use this information during the hypnosis session.
(Points 2–4 here are the same as in the trauma section.)
2. Introduce ego state theory.
It is not necessary to spend much time introducing ego state theory. If it is the first time the client has heard of Ego State Therapy it is helpful to describe the therapy. Useful information to relate in your own words in relation to the understanding of the client may include the following:
We all have different states. They are very normal and enhance our experience of living by our being able to draw on states that have different strengths. Ego State Therapy allows therapy to progress quickly since the individual state that can benefit most is brought out and empowered. This process works best with the additional focus that hypnosis facilitates.
3. Introduce hypnosis.
It is not necessary to spend much time talking about hypnosis either. If the client has not been clinically hypnotized before it is good to share some information so unreal expectations do not interfere. Useful information to relate in your own words in relation to the understanding of the client may include the following.
Hypnosis is a normal state that we have all spontaneously experienced. Often, during hypnosis, people are completely aware of what is being said, and they may experience it as an increased ability to focus. It really does not matter the specific manner that you experience the feeling. You will be able to talk with me and express your thoughts and feelings.
4. Ask if there are any questions about ego state theory, therapy, and hypnosis.
Make sure the client feels able to ask any questions about either Ego State Therapy or hypnosis. Respond fully to any questions, and ask if there are any further questions until all have been calmly addressed.
5. Use a hypnotic induction.
Use any hypnotic induction you prefer. It is not necessary that a deep state be achieved before beginning therapy. The next step will deepen the level of hypnosis. Hypnosis will allow the client to have better access to underlying ego states. Without hypnosis clients will have access only to surface ego states (see section 2). Working with surface states can resolve many areas of conflict within the client, but much conflict involves underlying states. Using hypnosis greatly increases the power and effectiveness of Ego State Therapy.
6. Talk with one of the states that are involved with the internal conflict.
Here you use some of the information you collected in step 1 above. Say to the hypnotized client that you want to speak with that part that believes or feels … (then use the language of the state that expressed itself in the first step). For example you might say, “I want to talk with the part of you that gets really tired of all the study you have to do in school, the part that just wants to have your own time again.”
If the inner conflict relates to states that don’t like each other you can say something like, “I want to take with the state that is embarrassed by that part of you that sometimes expresses anger loudly.”
This drawing out a state into conversation (bringing the state to the executive) is necessary for conflict resolution. Remember to talk with each state respectfully, and to talk about each state respectfully in order to maintain a good working relationship with all states (see section 2.2.2). Exhibit interest to hear what the state has to say. If another state jumps in with a “but on the other side” politely say that right now you want to continue to hear only from the one state. You can tell the other state that you will want to talk with it later.
7. Talk with each of the other states involved with the conflict.
Next ask for the other state that you have gathered information from, for example, the angry state. Make sure you hold the state you want to speak with in the executive. If this seems very difficult, in other words if a different state really wants to talk, go ahead and hear what it has to say, than ask it politely if you can talk with ‘the angry state’ again.
After you have heard what the two states have to say, ask if any other states have an opinion on the topic. “Is there any other part that would like to say something about the…?” Make sure you hear from all interested states, because these other states can sabotage an agreement if they are unhappy with it.
8. Determine if other states should also be involved by investigating internal resources.
Sometimes you will need the help of states that have not shown an interest in the outcome. For example, if you are negotiating between a state that is upset and embarrassed by an overtly, loud, angry state, and the state that shows loud anger, it may be helpful to enlist the help of a state that can be assertive. An assertive state may be enlisted to release pent-up anxiety so the state that expresses anger does not have to. A three-way negotiation may resolve the problem to the satisfaction of all states.
9. Negotiate with all states, facilitating function changes (in degree) and trading.
The assertive state may be asked if it would be willing to take on a larger role, and continue to release anxiety assertively. The state that can become angry may be ask if it would be willing to allow the assertive state to take on this larger role, so it could step in and express real anger only when it is really appropriate. The state that was upset with the anger state may be ask if it is willing to respect and appreciate the state that can express anger, if it takes this more confined role. A wise state may be called upon to determine when anxiety is best released by the assertive state, and when it is best released by the state that can express anger.
All states should be encouraged to confirm agreements with each other internally, and the process is not finished until all states are happy with the outcome. Creativity is often beneficial in negotiating these internal conflicts.
10. Make sure all states ‘prefer’ the new arrangement.
If one of the states is not happy with the agreement changes will probably not be lasting. When all states are happy with the agreement it rarely does not last. One factor that helps facilitate internal agreements is that states enjoy being liked by other states. It is common in the initial stages of a negotiation among states for a state to say, “I don’t care what they think of me”, when referring to other states that have not liked that state. When agreements are made and states can see they are accepted and appreciated by other states they soften and often express feeling positive about being accepted. A good negotiating technique is to say to a state that has not been liked in the past, “Wouldn’t it be good if the other states could appreciate how important you are, and how much need there is for what you can do?”
The process of negotiation is finished when all states are happy with the outcome. The therapist should show respect for all states throughout the negotiation, and encourage states to appreciate the functions of each. An important question to ask before ending the session is, “Are there any states that have anything that needs to be said?” This question allows a state that may have unmet needs to express those needs.
11. Express gratitude, by name, to all states that have spoken.
I like to say ‘thank you’ to each state I have spoken with, and show verbal appreciation by thanking each state for the tasks it has finished, or agreed to do. This also serves to clarify to the states the exact roles they will be having within the family of states.
12. Bring the client out of hypnosis.
Before ending the hypnosis session I like to ask one more time if any other state has anything it needs to say. Sometimes this question is not possible if another client is waiting, because it can result in a longer session, but when possible it acts as an additional check that the process is finished and the positive outcome will last.
13. Facilitate expression concerning the client’s experience of the session.
Debrief with clients. Ask them what they thought of their sessions. Ask if they have any questions. Take time to explain the theory, and how it works. Clients appreciate being informed.
14. End the session.
Understanding who we are and why we are the way we are is enhanced with ego state mapping. Clients can learn their parts and benefit from being able to call to the executive ego states with strengths that match the requirements of the moment. Ego state mapping is an integral part of couples counselling (see section 4.3). The following is an example of a session to increase this self-awareness and knowledge of strengths.
Each of the steps to promote self-awareness and knowledge of strengths will now be explained.
1. Interview the client to discover the detail of ego state mapping preferred.
Part of this session will entail educating the client concerning the options (see section 3.3.5). Depending on the detail preferred by the client the number of mapping sessions will range from one to several.
2. Ask the client to specify any particular areas where improved function is desired.
It is the role of the therapist to bring resources to needs. Therefore, it is important to understand precisely what areas the client wants to focus upon. For example, if the client wants to focus on ego states that have more to do with performance at work, states that might impact upon that performance could be mapped. If the client wants to focus on personal relationships ego states that may impact in that area could be the primary focus.
(Points 3, 4, 5, and 7 here are the same as points 2–5 in the trauma section.)
3. Introduce ego state theory.
It is not necessary to spend much time introducing ego state theory. If it is the first time the client has heard of Ego State Therapy it is helpful to describe the therapy. Useful information to relate in your own words in relation to the understanding of the client may include the following:
We all have different states. They are very normal and enhance our experience of living by our being able to draw on states that have different strengths. Ego State Therapy allows therapy to progress quickly since the individual state that can benefit most is brought out and empowered. This process works best with the additional focus that hypnosis facilitates.
4. Introduce hypnosis.
It is not necessary to spend much time talking about hypnosis either. If the client has not been clinically hypnotized before it is good to share some information so unreal expectations do not interfere. Useful information to relate in your own words in relation to the understanding of the client may include the following:
Hypnosis is a normal state that we have all spontaneously experienced. Often, during hypnosis, people are completely aware of what is being said, and they may experience it as an increased ability to focus. It really does not matter the specific manner that you experience the feeling. You will be able to talk with me and express your thoughts and feelings.
5. Ask if there are any questions about ego state theory, therapy, and hypnosis.
Make sure the client feels able to ask any questions about either Ego State Therapy or hypnosis. Respond fully to any questions, and ask if there are any further questions until all have been calmly addressed.
6. Gather information about two different mood states.
Discuss with the client at least two different states, for example for a particular person, gather information about a state that feels out of control with children, and about a state that feels in control with a close friend. These states should be specific to the client. Information should be gathered relating to these states, such as where the client experienced them, with whom, the feelings experienced, the sensory perceptions; information that will enable you to “assist the client into the experience of the state while under hypnosis”.
7. Use a hypnotic induction.
Use any hypnotic induction you prefer. It is not necessary that a deep state be achieved before beginning therapy. The next step will deepen the level of hypnosis. Hypnosis will allow the client to have better access to underlying ego states. Without hypnosis clients will have access only to surface ego states (see section 2). Working with surface states can resolve many areas of conflict within the client, but much conflict involves underlying states. Using hypnosis greatly increases the power and effectiveness of Ego State Therapy.
8. Use the information gathered about the mood states to bring one state to the executive.
Here you bring to the executive one of the states the client described prior to hypnosis. Do this by mentioning scenes the client has spoken about using the client’s own words, like “You’re setting on the brown couch with your feet curled up under you, the light is dim with the red candle bringing light in from the left. Your friend Joan is smiling and sitting in the beige chair across from you. You’re feeling very relaxed and able to speak easily.”
9. Talk with the first state, then bring to the executive the other state, using the information gathered prior to hypnosis.
As you place the client into the scene where the ego state you want to speak with is normally executive, begin to speak directly to this state: “With your friend sitting across from you there, with the light coming from the red candle on the coffee table, how are you feeling?” Ask this state what you can call it: “Feeling relaxed as you are, there talking with you friend, what can I call this part of you?” Say “thank you” to the first state (in this example it named itself ‘Relaxed’, see section 2.2.2) for talking with you and tell it you will want to speak to it again. “Thank you ‘Relaxed”, I will want to talk with you again, but right now I want to speak with that part of you that is talking with your children, and they are not listening.” Bring the second state to the executive, as described in step 8 above. Talk with the second state and get a name for it, as you did for the first state.
10. Switch back and forth between the two states.
Continue to speak with these two states, calling them by name and switching back and forth between them. When you want to talk with a state you have already spoken with, call it by name. “‘Relaxed”, I want to speak with you now. Just say ‘I’m here’ when you are ready to speak.” As the conversation progresses you will be able to bring states back to the executive easily, “Relaxed, did you hear that?” or “Relaxed, what do you think of that?”
11. Talk with other states, gathering information from each.
Once the client is easily switching between the first two states other states are normally easy to access. There are several ways to access other states. You can ask a state you are speaking with, “What other states do you know?” (See section 2.2.2), then call those states out. You can ask to speak with a state that has a specific function, “I would like to talk with a part of you that is nurturing, a state that likes to help others, children or adults.” You may notice the client automatically switching. When this happens show acknowledgement, “This isn’t relaxed I’m talking with now, is it? What part am I talking with now?” You can ask to talk with a state that has some knowledge about a certain topic, “I would like to talk with the state that is really good at sitting quietly and writing.”
12. Call for other states that the client has expressed a functional desire to use.
If the client has previously expressed a desire to be more assertive, it is important to ask to speak with a state that can be assertive. It is sometimes the case that no state is quick to come forward, when asked. You may have to continue to encourage a needed state to come to the executive, “There may be a part of you that has been assertive in the past, possibly with a child, or with a really pushy person. I would like to talk with that state that has been able to be expressive. Just say, ‘I’m here’ when you are ready to talk.”
When a state has been called to the executive and has spoken in the executive, the client will become familiar with that state, and will be able to bring it out later with it is needed.
13. Keep excellent notes.
Make sure you get a name for each state. It is a good idea to circle state names so they can be quickly and easily seen on the page. Write down the traits and functions of each state. Write down how the states work together. For a particular client, a ‘fear’ state may work with an ‘anger’ state, and call it to the executive when the need exists. These notes will be needed to create an ego state map for the client later.
14. Express gratitude, by name, to all states that have spoken.
After speaking with several states, including those states that pertain specifically with the needs expressed by the client, refer to your notes and thank, by name, each state you have spoken with. “I want to thank ‘Relaxed’ and ‘Troubled’ and … All the states can now go where they need to go.” By showing respect to all states they will be anxious to talk with you again if the need arises, and they may be more cooperative when called upon by the client. Ego State Therapy should be a good experience for the client, the therapist, and for each state within the client. While some techniques of Ego State Therapy involve processing painful trauma, if techniques are applied with skill and sensitivity each state should be able to experience the outcome as positive.
15. Bring the client out of hypnosis.
Before ending the hypnosis session I like to ask if any state has anything it needs to say. Sometimes this question is not possible if another client is waiting, because it can result in a longer session, but when possible it acts as an additional check that the process is finished and will the outcome is positive.
16. Discuss the states with the client and discuss with the client ways they may be used to advantage.
Using the notes you have taken, debrief with the client concerning the nature of the states, and how the states may be called to the executive for use in the future. Discuss each state in a positive way. Remind the client about how the states work together, using the client’s specific states in the discussion.
17. Facilitate expression concerning the client’s experience of the session.
Debrief with clients. Ask them what they thought of their sessions. Ask if they have any questions. Take time to explain the theory, and how it works. Clients appreciate being informed.
18. End the session.
19. Create a clear ego state map for the client and for your records.
When the purpose of Ego State Therapy is to facilitate growth by mapping the ego states it is useful to create a clear ego state map for the client. Circle the names of the ego states. This map will usually be able to be placed on a single page. Ego states that work together may be placed close together on the page. Ego states that communicate with each other may be connected by a line. Aspects of each state may be written under the name. Depending on the needs of the client it may be helpful to have a session to present the ego state map, discuss it, and discuss how it may be used to the benefit of the client.
During an ego state mapping session states that hold trauma or states that have state-to-state communication difficulties may become evident. When this occurs I make sure that the client is interested in dealing with these issues in counselling before proceeding toward a resolution. If the client has come only for mapping, deeper therapeutic work should not be started without direction from the client.