L’hypnose ou la médiation par l’image

Abstract

ObjectivesThe article aims at questioning mental functions through hypnosis. The authors question in particular the mediating dimension of the emerging image in the psychotherapeutic framework, which is considered as the interface of the meeting between the patient and the clinician. They suggest reflecting the therapeutic work from the place of the image as permitting the thought process. MethodThe authors work from the introduction of the hypnotic tool in their analytical psychotherapeutic practice, from sensory and perceptive dimensions. The psychotherapy joins in an individualization of the procedures according to Erikson's technique. The authors study the regressive processes and imaginary productions with the presentation of the case study of a patient presenting somatic pains and followed-up in a Medical Psychological Centre. ResultsHypnosis allows the creation of images articulated with an emotion. The image is co-created in the therapeutic relationship, through the patient's emergent mental tracks and the metaphoric suggestions of the clinician. The imaging phase also releases the affective burden, as well as working on the perception of body and the painful sensations associated with precise parts of the emotional history (image-key). The patient's pains disappears to give way to a symbolisation phase. DiscussionThe state of modified consciousness during hypnosis at the same time allows a regressive process facilitating access to the problematic sensory and perceptive tracks, and also arouses a representational process stimulating the imaginary productions. Mediation through images permits treatment of traumatic, archaic or repressed mental inscriptions and supports the process of rituals and symbolization. ConclusionsThe authors talk of “work of image” when describing the work of representation, as well as the potential of transformation and symbolization of the image under hypnosis. Furthermore, this image has an intersubjective dimension in a co-construction and hence becomes a mediating object. As such, it can reveal the transfer relationship. The image stemming from the hypnotic trance is thus situated at the crossroads of intrapsychic and intersubjective dimensions and therefore expands the subject's spoken word.