Social hypnosis goes on all
time. We are constantly bombarded with information and messages targeted for our subconscious minds. Advertisers know that once a message reaches our subconscious it grows as an accepted belief. They also know that process of becoming relaxed and focused in front of a television screen softens our critical conscious mind and opens our fertile subconscious to receive their uncensored messages. Our conscious mind normally evaluates everything we hear and see everyday of our lives. Advertisers capitalize on this unguarded moment to convince us that we want to buy what they have to sell. The two ways that messages can reach our subconscious is by just hoping that conscious mind will let it in, or to relax analytical conscious mind allowing message to go straight through.
Hypnosis either performed by a hypnotherapist, or through efforts of a Wall Street advertising firm, is based on this simple technique. It can be as subtle as a 30 second television ad showing Marlboro Man riding off into sunset or as involved as a formal session designed to modify behavior. It can be divisive or benevolent.
The Hospice Connection
In ten years of nursing I’ve never seen a more attentive motivated group than hospice family. Once you earn their trust, help them to become more relaxed and focused, you can enhance their ability to cope and manage daily changes and inevitable hospice surprises by what you say and how you say it.
Most people go into nursing because they want to make a difference. In hospice nursing opportunity to make a big difference pops up everyday. Most hospice families are ready and eager to hang on every word hospice nurse has to say. They want straight answers, guidance and empowerment. Seize moment. This is what all nurses are looking for, to teach important things to people in need and get positive results.
Early on I realized that this group was starving for a compassionate ear. After shock of their diagnosis and then chemotherapy or radiation, surgery, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and then ultimate hospice referral, this group always tends to have a few things on their mind.
Don’t Just Do Something Sit There
Not only is this helpful to collect information, but it’s also a cathartic process for them to experience. It puts them in position to hear your helpful words. Finally they get someone who just listens. What a pleasant surprise. Your job is easy, just ask open ended questions, get comfortable and let them run with it. When you think it is time speak, don’t. Listen a little longer. Give them all time they want.
