The Hypnotic Ego Strengthening Technique, created by British psychiatrist John Hartland, is in many ways a paradigm shift in hypnotherapy. Building upon the pioneering work of those who came before, Hartland focused hypnosis differently. He formalized the ‘Hypnotic Ego-Strengthening’ Procedure in the 1960’s and started in motion a new direction for hypnosis.
From the beginning of Hypnosis (including the Pre-Hypnosis Mesmerism) it was used to heal and ‘fix’ problems… Used by surgeons as pain-control performing amputations and other major procedures in India (James Elsdale) before the easier to administer chemical anesthetics took over.
The early French pioneers of hypnosis were exploring applications for treating melancholy, hysteria, delirium and more… And by the beginning of the 20th century hypnotic suggestion became prominent in dentistry, with many dentists considering it as the ‘primary mode of patient management and control’ using it for calming nervous patients and pain-control (until the new product Novocaine replaced it’s use).
From it’s early beginnings hypnosis was used for: symptom removal, pain control, fixing problems… In fact, it was mostly focused on the problem state.
Émile Coué started shifting the focus… Milton Erickson pioneered a more conversational and solution focused approach… And Émile Coué continuously refined his method over two decades of clinical practice… Reaching it’s final form ‘The Self Mastery Method’ focusing on the power of Autosuggestion, centering on the individual’s own resources around 1920.
John Hartland (vice-president of the British Society for Medical and Dental Hypnosis & editor of the British Journal of Clinical Hypnosis), friend of Milton and inspired by Émile’s ‘Self-Mastery Method’, built upon these ideas and formalized his own work, a generative Hypnotic Procedure.
The Creation of the Hypnotic Ego Strengthening (HES) Technique
Hartland shifted the focus from addressing what was wrong… to powerfully reinforcing what was right and inherently strong within an individual.
A true paradigm shift in the way hypnosis was viewed, because it empowered individuals at a deeply foundational level. Before this hypnosis was about medical interventions (and stage hypnosis/mesmeric shows) rather than ‘reducing anxiety’, HES cultivated ‘inner calm’ and ‘resilience’. Instead of merely suppressing bad habits, this Ego Strengthening technique cultivated self-discipline and positive new behaviors.
Moving away from a purely symptom focused approach to one that is resource focused. Strengthening the psychological resilience of the person… It looks to the future and positive emotions rather than the past and problem state.
Now hypnosis was being used for Self-Confidence, Self-Worth, Self Actualization, Self-Esteem, Self-Image, Self-Creativity… it’s all about the self right. Your ‘self’ becoming a more wholesome, amazing and better version of you. Making better decisions, being more compassion…
Living Your Best Life.
This new Forward Focused approach pioneered by Dr John Hartland is something that influenced so many schools of thought within the hypnosis world.
Benefits of the Hypnotic Ego Strengthening Technique
This process is a sophisticated mental training… Just as dedicated physical exercise strengthens your muscles and builds a resilient body, this targeted mental conditioning rigorously strengthens the positive aspects of your ego.
With Benefits Such As:
Lighting Your Inner Fire & Getting Your Mojo On!
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