February Men... and it is almost February!

I just finished reading the version of "The February Man" in Haley's "Uncommon Therapy." WOW!

The majority of my work is with children, adolescents, and adults that have experienced numerous forms of abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) and neglect (physical and emotional). Most present with the statement, "I just want to be happy" or "I'm so unhappy."

Whenever therapeutically indicated and possible, I've attempted to elicit specifics about this unhappiness, facilitate setting concrete and attainable goals, co-create solutions, involve supportive others in the process (when available) via family work, assign various tasks, and use hypnosis and play/storytelling/metaphors to boost esteem/sense of efficacy and facilitate the attainment of resources.

Hoorah for me, right? I say all this to make clear what it is that I am doing now in contrast to my concerns.

Given what I've described, when would you say it is indicated or contraindicated to "insert memories?"

Put more simply, why not introduce this very kindly stranger to every client that has suffered abuse and/or neglect, or is unhappy with their past if that past has any bearing on their current or future resources (dating, courtship, parenting... love and work)?

Put less simply, how do you honor a client's memories, reality, and sense of self while also augmenting their history and experience with "The February Man?"

Finally, this intervention, moreso than most that I am aware of, appears to require acute sensitivity and skill. Would you say Erickson was the only one who could pull that off? If not, what do the rest of us need to know/do/experience/be in order to help our clients this way?

Thanks for all your responses so far. Thanks for your consideration and patience on this one.

Jim Stephens, MA, LPC

Replies:

Re:February Men... any thoughts? Anyone?, by Jim Stephens, 02/14/04

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