EXAMPLE ANSWER: Q30

Q30. Discuss the disadvantages of group hypnotherapy.

Learning outcomes: 1.13

Student answer As with any positive, there are also negatives to any situation. In the case of group hypnotherapy there needs to be a consensus of the group wanting to participate. It is very difficult to use group hypnotherapy if there is a mixture of population – some people for example having being coerced to come along. In the same way if there are a variety of expected outcomes from the group- for example all wanting confidence is able to be managed on a personal level but some wanting to increase e.g. confidence) and some decrease (e.g. anger) makes any group intervention difficult to manage. Imagine a control panel intervention where it is necessary to say dial up and dial down to cover all needs. Other disadvantages include the need for a group pace to be set and maintained. Not everyone will be at the same place at the same time and this can cause frustrations for and from participants which can influence the hypnotic state in a negative manner. It may be necessary for the hypnotherapist to move around the room so that they are able to observe everybody and ensure that there are not adverse reactions occurring which can make hearing more difficult and may require technological support such as a microphone. If an adverse reaction does occur – and especially if in more than one person, group hypnotherapy means that there is less opportunity to tend to the individual(s) and also maintain the rest of the group. A supportive assistant can assist with this but adverse reactions can still disturb the rest of the group experience. (LO 1.13 An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of group hypnotherapy)

Tutor feedback (DO NOT delete/edit feedback. Write amendments, additional information & thoughts underneath this table) Correct. You have a really good understanding of all the factors involved in setting up your own group. I do hope this is something you will consider in the future and be able to offer the valuable support and sharing of ideas that would be so welcomed by those in the profession. You make some very important points, particularly on the question of confidentiality which is missed by some. Great answer, thank you.

(Further student work goes here if requested through feedback)

Further Student Example Answer:  The group must either all want to be hypnotised or at least allow others in the group to be, disruption such as chattering or getting up to leave during the session would make it quite difficult for both the hypnotist and the willing participants.

With a group of people the hypnotist must monitor each and every individual to ensure they are following instructions and the hypnotist must pace the induction process to match everyone in the group, this usually means to the slowest responder there as the faster ones will wait for them to catch up but the slower ones will get lost and come out of state if not coached correctly.

The hypnotist should be utilising the correct form of induction for a group situation, one in which they can easily see the current level of each subject, a typical induction for groups being the magnetic hands.

The group must all be expecting the same style of suggestions i.e. not a mix of smokers and slimmer’s wanting to change at the same time.

Time is also a factor as the large number of the population who can be easily hypnotised will not stay in hypnosis for too long without direct intervention by the hypnotist which with a large group may be challenging, something only a confident hypnotist should attempt.

The hypnotist must also ensure they can be clearly heard by the entire group which may require the use of a P.A. systems etc.

Q30. Correct. Some well thought out and insightful observations of the difficulties in hypnotising groups of people simultaneously.