Client’s presenting issue
During our intake I learned that “Connie” has noticed recently that she almost never feels happy unless she’s drinking. A vivid, active dreamer since childhood, is now has terrible nightmares. She knows that she is holding onto stress. She remembers that she used to be active and happy-go-lucky but feels now that she has lost some capacity for being happy. After 5 years of meditation she found herself unable to continue while studying abroad.
Why is it important to resolve this issue?
This is a pretty big barrier to achieving her personal goals. It’s an important part of a complete, whole Self.
Any childhood associations?
Connie grew up in an alcoholic home so the seeds were planted in childhood. She would sometimes sneak downstairs to check to see if her mom was alive. When her parents split up her mom quit being a mom and her dad needed her to be a parent. She went from a rigid, strict environment to one with no boundaries.
Coping mechanisms already in place.
She has a supportive work environment that feels like a family and is in a good relationship.
What makes it worse?
Most of her college friends have moved and she has no idea what do do in her personal life. 
How will life look when this is resolved?
She will reclaim her sense of peace, sense of belonging, and wholeness.
Goal: Re-connect with Self and leave the session with a sense of direction.
Approach
That’s a big goal for her first session so I suggested that we could work in that direction.
I personalized (and recorded) a script about stress reduction, peace of mind and self-esteem for Connie. It took a bit longer than many clients but she responded well to hypnosis and returned in one week.
Session two
Connie reported listening to her recording 6-7 times in the intervening week. She is “sleeping very well and doesn’t have as many obnoxious dreams.” Most of her changes revolve around improved sleep. She’s not thrashing around, feels more focused and is drinking less. She’s also feeling more sociable and is radiant.
Goal: To achieve wholeness which, to Connie, equals feeling connected and satisfied.
Approach
Rather than delve into her troubled childhood, I personalized a metaphor for releasing past emotional garbage then guided her to reconnect with her Self. She said that she now “feel like I know what to do.”
I love it when just two simple sessions can help a client heal enough to take their life in a new direction.
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