Utilizing Hypnotic Language in Adventure Therapy

Abstract

This article introduces the seventh generation of facilitation in adventure-based experiential education. Hypnotic language forms the basis of this next generation and provides a powerful tool for the transfer of learning in adventure therapy. This next generation allows the therapeutic adventure practitioner to use the experiential language of the client to enhance the isomorphic connections of the adventure activity and to draw upon and develop the unconscious resources of the client to support the goals of the client. This article provides a basic outline of hypnotic language and examples of its use in adventure therapy.

The Effectiveness of Metaphoric Facilitation Styles in Corporate Adventure Training (CAT) Programs

“…Future research should concentrate on replicating this study with other populations and in examining the use of mixed approaches on con structs other than teamwork, especially combining these concepts with the productive benefits of solution-focused facilitation theory and prac tices (Gass & Gillis, 1995;Priest & Gass, 1997J. Future studies also need to consider the effectiveness of other metaphoric approaches on client change (e.g., Itin, 1995;Luckner & Nadler, 1997;Schoel & Maizell, 2002).…”

Personal Insight: Reframing the Unconscious through Metaphor-Based Adventure Therapy

“…Psychodynamically, insight is a goal a therapist tries to reach by uncovering or pointing out unconscious thoughts and behaviors (Corsini & Wedding, 1995;Ewen, 1993). Various adventure therapists have also discussed the importance of getting to an unconscious level of therapeutic work by using metaphors in an activity (Bacon, 1987;Gass, 1993Gass, , 1995Itin, 1995). Relatedly, the clientkherapist examples previously mentioned point to specific metaphors in clients' lives (trust and fear equaling loss and exposure) which need to be brought into conscious awareness before they can realize their own reality (Cox & Theilgaard, 1987;Freud, 1915Freud, , 1923Freud, , 1962Siegelman, 1990;Vannoy Adams, 1997).…”

“…The psychodynamic and adventure-based frameworks are very important as presenting models of thinking and working with clients. The key aspect is how self-metaphors can be used in relation to adventure-based metaphors, thereby making the isomorphic connection or transference between a client and activity that much moxg real and meaningful (Bacon, 1983;Gass, 1993;Itin, 1995). It seems logical in this context (working model) to integrate the two viewpoints or frameworks because substantial new potential may result for the adventure therapy field.…”

Facilitating Experiential Learning as a Process of Metaphor Development

“…The metaphoric model proposed by Bacon was further developed in a series of articles in this journal and other texts (Gass, 1991;Gass, Goldman & Priest, 1992;Itin, 1995;AEElist, 1995;Flor, 1996). A common characteristic of this writing is its emphasis on metaphors as facilitators' introductions to outdoor activities, rather than par ticipants' guiding princi ples during their actions.…”