In that conventional ongoing therapy the ideomotor signaling continued in sessions, but it was not sought. In those conversations her fingers would often jump and signal. When that happened she and the therapist noted the energy but did not make it a focus Since her therapist was also present for the hypnosis work, he could read the different response intensities in her fingers, as they “with a mind of their own” were active during that therapy as well.
Further, as we two therapists processed the hypnosis work in peer consultation it was clear that the original therapist benefited from having seen every step in the hypnosis interventions. The patient also reported that her fingers were busy during private ruminations, as when driving her car for example. From the start, however, she was taught how to manage her signals and experiences so that they did not suggest or evoke the out-of-control states associated with trauma.
Thus throughout this hypnosis work she was able to exercise modulation skills important in her improving integration and understanding of emotional life outside the office. She found this surprising and encouraging, at times reporting that not only was she feeling more “balanced” socially and on the job but also others were giving her feedback indicative of such. It appeared that the sexual abuse suggested by her body’s “memory” and “choreography” was powerfully encrypted in her physico-emotional experience.
She reported that it was clear to her what all this suggested, often stating: “I am not sure what happened, or at least I can’t see what happened. But I know something happened. And, I am feeling stronger. ” This strength was apparent also to her therapist; she was increasingly verbal and forthright in those sessions. There was another benefit. In all of this sequence there was intense observable physical resistance as the attacker relentlessly forced compliance.
It was like watching a fight with only one of the combatants visible. So often in trauma work the victim doubts in retrospect her/his will or effort to resist or escape. In this case she believed she had compelling evidence that her struggle was severe and maximal. More importantly, this is how she felt. That she experienced putting up such a fight as part of the physical story apparently was saliently relieving to her. Eventually the patient felt she had completed what she needed to know and experience.
This, as noted, was matched by her reports of increased strength and assertiveness in both relationships and professional and social life in general. She was better able to monitor her emotional and physical responses and demeanor. She felt more comfortable. Finally, there also were others’ remarks on changes in her, “looking better,” and “happier. ” Hypnosis ended after the twenty-fifth session, and her other therapy shifted gradually to fewer appointments, terminating after three months post hypnosis.
Two years later the patient called for an appointment for hypnosis work on what turned out to be an emerging re-experience/memory of a date rape. In session she immediately used previous skills (absorption, ideomotor signaling, deepening regulation, and safe place) with the same level of proficiency. This experience was processed in two sessions, focusing on ego strengthening and ratifying previous gains. She also reported the two ensuing years after the initial hypnosis had been good and devoid of significant or unmanageable symptoms and discomforts.