International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis - E-Lib FK UWKS

288 INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS
dental health history is being reviewed, and as questions are discussed concerning
the teeth, the doctor moves closer and closer to the patient. At some point the
patient is asked by what name friends call her and permission to use that name is
requested. Before the physical oral exam is conducted, or before any operative
procedures are performed, the following verbiage is used to heighten the patient's
sense of control.
Jane, I would like to place my hand on your shoulder to show you something very
interesting. May I put some pressure on your shoulder? [Permission is usually
indicated by a nod, and the part of the body farthest from the face is squeezed gently
yet ®rmly.] You can feel that, can't you? Feeling is okay. In much the same way, you
can feel everything we do for you. Feeling is okay. If for any reason you ever want us
to pause, or if you have any questions about anything, just let the left hand rise [ for
the right-handed dentist the left hand is gently raised about 6 inches from the lap by
gently lifting the wrist.] We will always tell you everything you would like to know.
We have a hand mirror for you to watch if you are curious [offer 4-inch mirror to be
held in right hand.] Most people prefer to just let the eyes close. What would you
like?
It should be noted that in this patient-empowering interaction, the words pain, hurt
and discomfort are never introduced. When patients say `Doc, I don't want to feel
anything', the implication is the desire to avoid pain sensations. Since the terms
`feel' and `hurt' are interchangeable, a changed attitude is presented which is
acceptable to the entranced patient. The patient is ready for more positive advice,
and as the dental chair is reclined, the following suggestions are offered:
As the back of the chair slowly reclines, notice how comfortable it is. The chair gives
you perfect support. This is the perfect opportunity to just let yourself go into a
wonderful, relaxing dream-like state. There are no phone calls, no demands on you,
just the perfect opportunity to let yourself relax; perhaps take a nap, while your mouth
or teeth or gums) is being taken care of. Would it be all right for you to let yourself
relax while we take care of you? [Place index ®nger on forehead and move it slowly to
the bridge of the nose.] Let the eyes close. Take a deep breath, and let the jaw go
loose, limp and relaxed. Just let the force of gravity open the mouth naturally. Be
pleasantly surprised how comfortable it feels and enjoyable it is to be in your special
laughing place. That wonderful place where you feel warm, safe and secure. That
place that you've been to before or look forward to visiting. Perhaps high on the
mountaintop or at the seashore. Experience it with all the senses. Touch, smell, hear,
see, and feel as though you are there at this very moment. Enjoy this special time.
Instead of telling the patient to try to open the mouth wide, the gentle suggestion is
offered to let gravity do the task while letting all the muscles of facial expression
be ¯accid while the dental procedure is underway.
At the conclusion of the procedure the patient is thanked for the cooperation
given and complimented for the ability to be so calm and relaxed. The suggestion
is offered that at the next visit, feeling the hand on the shoulder can serve as the