Clinical Suggestion

Question 1

What is direct suggestion?

Answer 1

All direct suggestions involve the use of imagery

• Problem focused
• Fantasy-focused

Question 2

What is problem focused suggestion?

Answer 2

Addresses the problem directly

Question 3

What is fantasy focused suggestion?

Answer 3

Addresses the problem directly through a guided fantasy. Increasing the level of fantasies
Only restricted by the imagination of both therapist and client. Tailored to the abilities of the client.

Question 4

What is dialogue based suggestion?

Answer 4

Make the client talk about a specific situation.
Directly or through the use of regression, dreams. May implicate the manipulation of memories
Involves restructuring the narrative of the client to alter cognitions, emotions and/or behaviours

Question 5

What technique does dialogue based suggestion use?

Answer 5

Restructuration: provide alternatives to the proposed narrative. Opens the door to a change in perception.

Question 6

What is indirect suggestion?

Answer 6

All indirect suggestions involve the use of imagery and fantasy. Works well with children
Do not address the problem directly.
Story-telling (metaphors)

Question 7

How should one use clinical suggestion?

Answer 7

Suggestions must be adapted to the person’s abilities to respond
Avoid failure by evaluating first in the pre-session interview what types of abilities the person has.
Build the scenario progressively over time
Mix different types to insure a better response.