Aspecting: A different form of Hypnotherapy
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners.
by Stephanie Jaeger
One of the most profound methods of change I have learned and utilized in my practice is called Aspecting. It is an especially effective way to access feelings, old ideas and mistaken beliefs surrounding an event, without having to actually relive the event if it is too painful or repressed. Just as in traditional hypnosis, Aspecting is based on quick repetitive questioning that essentially bypasses the critical mind and allows the subconscious to respond. It is about communicating with parts of a person’s personality that are causing conflict or emotional upset, and transforming those parts into positive and encouraging behaviors.
I believe that as children we experience the world and make decisions about ourselves based on those experiences. The ones that have the deepest impact are the ones with the most emotion or feelings attached. Unfortunately, negative and bad memories have a more profound impact on children as they are amazing observers and horrible interpreters. Unfortunately the decisions made as a child that made perfect sense to defend, can cause untold frustration and pain in adulthood.
All of us have different parts or aspects to our personalities; it is healthy and normal to compartmentalize the different ways we reveal ourselves depending on the situation. But for those who have been abused or traumatize as children, the aspects can be more pronounced or committed to certain behaviors; some can even be destructive.
Aspecting is a 4 step process, with sub steps within the basic process.
1. Heart mapping. (Anchoring a strong memory of love or joy in the person’s heart space, having them remember the event, feel the feeling, see a color associated with that feeling, and then anchoring it by placing the hand over the heart.)
2. Identifying the behavior, emotion or phobia that is causing the interference or problems in their lives.
3. Utilizing the technique of rapid-fire questioning; identifying the aspect or aspects associated with that behavior.
4. Getting into cooperation with this aspect and discover a new job or behavior that will no longer cause conflict in the client’s life.
“Bernice,” is “addicted” to driving recklessly late at night, taunting police to catch her and stop her. This has caused her emotional, psychological and financial pain. She hates that she is putting herself and others at risk. She cannot understand why she is unable to stop herself and the cost in tickets and court cases is becoming exorbitant.
In the process of Aspecting, I met with Bernice and discussed at length the emotions that are brought up as a result of her “addiction” to driving, and what the feelings are just prior to her leaving the house and driving recklessly. We discovered when going step by step through her day that on the latest episode, she was feeling overwhelmed and anxious throughout the day. On her drive home, she saw several police officers out doing a traffic blitz. When she got home, Bernice turned on her police scanner and listened to all the activity. At that point she says she could not resist the temptation to drive and went out. Bernice indicated that she tried very hard NOT to drive recklessly, but she was pulled over for slight infractions and was given a warning. I told her to try and feel in her body where the compulsion to drive was focused. As soon as she became contemplative and started feeling the feeling, I can begin the Aspecting process.
I first start by performing the process of Heart Mapping, helping her to anchor a feeling and a color associated to a specific event or memory in their lives. (Sometimes when working with survivors of abuse or trauma this can be a challenge.) Bernice had some difficulty but was finally able to come up with a feeling surrounding an event that she felt very proud and happy about. The color it evoked was yellow, and I had her anchor with her right hand. I then told her she could open her eyes and we would continue.
I then prompted her to answer my questions as quickly as possible, trying not to judge or edit whatever response first comes to mind. I began by asking, “Where in your body does this feeling or compulsion live?” I acknowledged the answer and repeated it back to her clearly and quickly with follow-up questions about the physical characteristics (shape, size, color), again repeating each response in the next question. So, after a series of questions, I was able to say, “Great, so this part of you associated with driving around at night that is centered in your chest is oval, long and black, what texture does it have?”
In this particular case, the questioning led to the description of a male figure, with whom I asked to speak directly, using the conversation to establish when this part of my client was created, the why, and specific circumstances. Sometimes the aspect is willing to share, other times, they are not, or hesitant. It takes practice and being willing to speak to this “part” of your client in a sincere and compassionate way to get positive results. I then asked the male entity “George” if I could speak with him for a minute, he agreed. I then asked Bernice to anchor and focus on her Heart Space, letting the light get strong.
Me: “George, there is a yellow light somewhere near you, above, in front or behind you, can you see it?
George: “Yes.”
Me: “Do you know what that light is?”
George: “NO, maybe, I don’t know.”
Me: “That is Bernice’s heart space, the part of her that loves and feels joy.”
George: “Umm…okay”
Me: “George, would you be willing to move all of your black, smooth oval shape into that light for the remainder of our conversation?”
Sometimes they don’t want to, possibly afraid of hurting the person, or afraid of me trying to get rid of them. I try and work with them, telling them they can come out any time. Usually they will eventually move into the heart space.
Me: “How does that feel in there George?”
George: “Tight, strange…warm.”
Me: “Great, thank you George.”
I then finish working with them to identify such things as their purpose and why they need to continue. I always acknowledge and appreciate whatever answer they give me.
In mostly all of the hundreds of cases I have worked with there are a few constants. The aspects are created during conflict, abuse or trauma. They are there to protect the primary person, and they usually have a “highest goal or purpose” for the person, such as to stay safe, be happy, or not get hurt again.
In Bernice’s case, George came about when police were called into the home when Bernice was an abused and neglected child. The police did not take action against the parents, remove her or take care of her, despite several occurrences. “George” was created to protect and defend her and he developed a real resentment for the police. He liked to taunt them by driving fast and recklessly, getting away with something; he also really loved the adrenalin rush. He ultimately shared that what he wanted most of all, was to have someone to stop Bernice and help her. I worked with him to try and come up with a new job or behavior that would not be dangerous and potentially damage her.
Me: “George, were you aware that the way you are trying to get someone to help Bernice is actually causing her a great amount of pain and distress. That it could ultimately kill or injure her?”
George: “No, I didn’t realize that.”
It took a few sessions to help this client, as the compulsion to drive had become an addiction for George. But the need to take care of her and not hurt her was greater. Finding new ways to support Bernice while having to let go of the rush of driving was a challenge for George, but he finally came around. In most cases, the aspect is more than willing to come up with a different job that still protects the principle, but feels more supportive and motivating. I also let the client know that it could take a few times of inviting the aspect back into the heart space before the behavior stops completely. Often, the awareness of the where, why and how and getting into cooperation makes a lasting behavioral change.
The process of Aspecting is more involved than described here. I have used this incredible process for years with clients and also teach others how to use it. It is effective, quick and the need to remember traumatic events is not necessary as you are staying in the feelings and behaviors that are present in their current lives. It is a form of hypnosis, without the need to induce a deep trance which might be uncomfortable to some, especially those with abuse issues.
Copyright Stephanie Jaeger
Stephanie Jaeger is a Certified Hypnotherapist and an expert in identifying and modifying negative behavioral patterns. Sought the world over by companies, individuals and government agencies alike, her revolutionary programs have taught thousands how to replace negative thoughts and actions with positive patterns that produce desirable results. She works with individuals and couples on communication and skills to overcoming issue that keep them from achieving their goals and dreams, specializing in abuse and trauma. She also teaches workshop to those interested in learning the process of Aspecting.
Over the course of her career, Stephanie has been called upon to transform some of the most intimidating and difficult environments in the United States, Russia and Great Britain into functional, productive arenas.
