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For most therapists who employ hypnoanalytic techniques, ego strengthening stands as the bedrock upon which other techniques are structured. Much ego strengthening takes place indirectly, and its effects are often perceived as improved therapeutic alliance, heightened insight, increased clarity of thinking, and/or improved self-esteem on the part of the patient. Since Hartland introduced ego-strengthening techniques, most therapists have placed emphasis on formal ego-strengthening procedures, both sentences and visualizations. More recently age-progression procedures have been used for ego strengthening. In this paper we introduce the concept of "Inner Strength" as a helpful ego state, and we review three ways of helping the patient get in touch with inner resources in a way that strengthens the ego. We discuss relevant cases and present the appropriate scripts provided for implementing these techniques.

The individual diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder presents with grandiosity, extreme self-involvement, and lack of interest in and empathy for others. This paper reviews current theories concerning the development and treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and introduces the use of Ego State Therapy for its treatment. The ego state model of treatment will be described and demonstrated with case material. Initially ego states that reveal the grandiosity will be accessed. As therapy progresses, ego states that hold the underlying feelings of emptiness, rage, and depression are able to emerge. With further treatment, transformation and maturation of the ego states occur, reflecting the changes in internal structure and dynamics as well as improvement in external interpersonal relationships. Issues concerning Ego State Therapy as utilized with personality disorders will be discussed and contrasted with more traditional methods of treatment.

The ego-strengthening literature concentrates on the use of hypnotic techniques with the entire or total personality. Ego-state therapy conceptualizes the ego as a system of subpersonalities or ego states that have shifting energies. At any particular time the ego state with the most energy is dominant or executive. Any technique that can be used with an individual patient can also be used with an identified ego state. The "inner-strength" hypnotic technique has been used for ego strengthening and mobilization of inner resources. In this paper the "inner-strength" technique is used with ego states that have been identified as responsible for specific symptoms. We will discuss indications for the appropriate use of this technique in ego-state therapy and the mechanisms of its role in the resolution of symptoms in the cases presented.