title: Ego-enhancement: a five-step approach.
abstract: The present article describes an ego-enhancement procedure which combines hypnotic induction, trance deepening, positive suggestion, and imagery in a five-step "package." This procedure may be used in a generalized form with no reference to the patient's presenting symptoms or it may be tailored to address specific problems. The elements comprising the "package" are: (1) physical relaxation, (2) mental calming, (3) disposal of mental "rubbish," (4) removal of a barrier representing everything that is negative in the life of the subject, and (5) enjoyment of a special place where the subject feels content. Opportunities to tailor the approach to handle specific problems occur within each of these five steps, particularly when patients are in their "special place." Three case studies are provided to indicate how such tailoring is done.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000628:therapy; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D013404:Suggestion