HypnoTAT

I do believe I've stumbled upon a fantastic combination:  hypnosis and TAT (The Tapas Acupressure Technique).  I'm calling it HypnoTAT.

My second client of the day yesterday was in for his first visit.  As often is the case, I was a "last resort."

Let's call this young man in his early 30's Frank.  Frank had had a medical scare three years ago.  Since then, he's gotten a clean bill of health from every medical professional imaginable:  cardiologist, neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, ENT specialist, even a neurological chiropractor.  Still Frank didn't feel "right."  His head felt foggy and he noticed that his emotions were flat.  He has a good job, beloved fiancée, great family support but felt unable to truly enjoy any of his many blessings.  The psychiatrist he recently saw recommended medication for depression.

As I often do, I dowsed on which technique to use in this first session and was surprised to get a yes for what I call a "Journey."  This is not usual for someone I have just met; but, if I've learned anything over the past 21+ years, it's to do as I am guided.  Frank was a little apprehensive but obviously desperate for a healing change, so off we went.

Using some touch hypnosis and my voice, I helped him relax deeply and guided him to a healing place.  Once there, it became clear that Frank's sense of safety had been severely impacted by the medical scare he'd had about his health.  He was stuck in that fear and unable to move beyond it.

How could I not think of Steps 1 and 2 of Tapas Fleming's brilliant TAT process?  1.  Everything that led up this happened.  2.  All that happened, it's over and it's safe for me to relax now.  I don't have to resonate, identify or connect with that anymore.

After Steps 1 and 2, I continued a few more.  I stopped when it felt right to do so and asked him to formulate a choice of how he would like to feel and be (Step 8).  I finished with the Integration Step.  Before I brought him back to full awareness, I asked him how he was feeling.  "Excited," was the immediate response.

All this was done while Frank was lying back in the recliner in my office, deeply relaxed, and so he didn't go into the pose that is usually an integral part of TAT.  Yet, he received every benefit possible.

When Frank came back from his healing place to full consciousness, he looked completely different.  His skin had lost the pallor I noticed when he first arrived and there was a brightness to his eyes that hadn't been there before.  His smile was wide and genuine.

As he prepared to leave, I asked him to check-in with me in a couple of weeks.  My sense is that if he's not completely fine now, he's certainly very close to it.  I'll  let you know when I hear from him.

For years I have been using EFT (The Emotional Freedom Technique) with clients in trance, a technique pioneered by my cherished mentor Marilyn Gordon, the director of The Center for Hypnotherapy Certification in Oakland.  Now I will continue the fun of exploring the possibilities of HypnoTAT as well!