HYPNOSIS FOR INDIVIDUALS TOO SUSCEPTIBLE TO SUGGESTIONS

Lack of assertiveness may be related to over susceptibility to suggestions. According to Janet, the essential characteristics of an effective suggestion are belief in both the suggested event and in the power of the suggestion. This article describes a hypnotic procedure, based upon cue-conditioning, that is intended to help clients learn to believe in their ability to counter undesired influences from other people. Although the term "sub assertiveness " has not been popular for very long, Janet pointed out as early as 1893 (Janet, 1893, 1909) that it can cover a multitude of problems. It referred to docile, obedient individuals who are inclined to think others are more intelligent or more experienced than they do, as well as to "weak " personalities who wish to avoid complicated conflicts and prefer to obey right away on points considered unimportant. No matter whether the problem is credulity or conflict avoidance, in both cases the individual accepts the view of others. As Janet pointed out, the lack of self confidence of still other individuals may be due to the fact that they are too susceptible to suggestions. That is, another person's opinion or advice has an effect on them similar to that of a hypnotic suggestion. In other words, the opinion or advic