Using Bible Passages As Trance Metaphors

Using Bible Passages As Trance Metaphors

Buddy Wagner, PhD

Published by Buddy Wagner at Smashwords.com

Copyright 2015 Buddy Wagner

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Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1 - Addictions to Anxiety and Fear

Chapter 2 - Barriers to Courage

Chapter 3 - Deflecting Negative Comments to Doubt

Chapter 4 - Eating Disorders to Future Pacing

Chapter 5 - Goals to Inspiration

Chapter 6 - Letting Go to Overwhelming Problems

Chapter 7 - Pain to Pride

Chapter 8 - Reaching a Goal to Stress

Chapter 9 - Taking a Small Step to Worth and Value

Postscript

References

About the Author

Preface

As I teach graduate students how to use therapeutic hypnosis, they seem to have the most difficulty creating metaphors. A metaphor is a story with dramatic devices that captures attention and provides an altered framework through which the client can entertain novel experience (Lankton & Lankton, 1986, p. 154). Metaphors are an excellent way of making indirect suggestions which are more effective usually than direct suggestions. Metaphors are considered one of the most powerful yet gentle means for communicating relevant information to clients using the vehicle of the story to bring important points to life (Yapko, 2012, pp. 275-76). Metaphors can be used as part of the induction process as well as a piece of the treatment plan. Yapko (2012, p. 332) points out that when using metaphor for induction purposes, it is wise to build the metaphors around interests, values, or hobbies that are a part of the client’s life.

Berman & Brown (2000, p. 4) state that metaphors are useful because they instill the learning of content or process on a very subtle, often subconscious level. When the subconscious is activated or accessed, the material enters the mind with no resistance. As a result, metaphors can effect dramatic change in an individual. Another plus for metaphors is that because it is indirect advice, it avoids being one-up and authoritative in giving the prescription (Lankton & Lankton, 1983, p. 72). A final plus for metaphors is that they are not a heavy-handed approach. They are a respectful way of suggesting possibilities without demanding much from the clients (Yapko, 2012, p. 425).

I teach in a private, religious (Christian) university. I teach students from varied religious backgrounds, but most of my students come from a Christian perspective. They are familiar with the stories in the Bible, some to a lesser degree, others to a greater degree. I am writing this book to give ideas about how to use passages from the Bible as metaphors to help clients overcome various issues. I have taken the liberty to change parts of some passages to fit the purpose of this book. I have also removed many of the references to Jesus or God and implied that the client has the internal resources to bring about healing. I have made these changes so that this book is applicable to those who are not Christians. The topics are arranged alphabetically with the topic in bold print. The scripture reference is acknowledged in parentheses.

One of the important strategies in using metaphors is to allow the client to interpret it and apply it in the way that she needs, rather than the therapist explaining what the metaphor means to her. Prior to each metaphor, I have made a brief comment on how the metaphor might be used, but have not attempted to explain the metaphor. Some of the metaphors are vague; others, less so. The therapist may be tempted to interpret the ones that are vague. Don’t give in to the temptation!

This book might also be helpful to folks who are struggling with various issues that are addressed. By reading the metaphors, the reader may be helped to overcome the struggle. I hope and pray that this will be true.

This book is intended to be more of a reference book than a book one reads and then discards. I would hope that therapists keep this book and refer to it as they work with various clients. It has been a joy to write, may it be a joy for you to use.

Chapter 1

Addictions to Anxiety and Fear

An addiction becomes a god. The more one worships it, the more powerful and destructive it becomes. Breaking an addiction is scary and might even seem dangerous but once one breaks it, life is so much better. Addictions - (Daniel 3:8-27) Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow down and worship the golden image created by King Nebuchadnezzar. Because of their refusal, the King had them cast into a fiery furnace. They were not harmed by the fire. Their hair was not singed, their clothes were not burned and they did not even smell of smoke.

This is a group of metaphors that give powerful pictures of addiction and the overcoming of an addiction. Addiction - (Hosea 13:7-14:9) An addiction is like a panther; it prowls like a leopard; it is like a she-bear robbed of her cubs, tearing the robber’s ribs apart. It is like a lioness that devours on the spot. It destroys. Recovery is like a tree that puts out fresh roots; it is fair as the olive and fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. It is like corn growing in abundance.

Happiness is a by-product of responsible living. To be happy one must let go of those things that possess him. As long as he holds on to them, he is not free and therefore, not happy. Addiction - (Matthew 19:16-22) A man came to Jesus seeking happiness. Jesus told him to keep the Ten Commandments. The man replied that he had done this. Jesus told him to sell all he had and give it away. The man went away sad because he was very rich.

An addict must know what the triggers are, that cause him to desire his drug of choice and he must vigilantly stay away from those triggers. This metaphor