Snow White and the Curse of the Wicked Witch: The Poisoned Apple, the Deep Sleep and the Awakening Kiss

Abstract

Patients in therapy complain about their inability to change dysfunctional and repetitive patterns in their lives. In this article an explanation, of why we re-enact dysfunctional patterns and attract dysfunctional relationships, is proposed and integrated into a theory, namely, the Creation and Manifestation of Reality theory, explaining the impact of perceived traumatic experiences, mostly in childhood. The fairy tale of Snow White is used to illustrate the theory: The poisoned apple represents the impact of the perceived traumatic event, the subconscious conclusions and decisions formed, culminating over time into a hypnotic blueprint or subconscious life script. The deep sleep represents how dysfunctional behaviour patterns are re-enacted, through the creation and attraction of painful experiences in this subconscious or hypnotic “magic spell”. Snow White is finally rescued by the kiss of the prince, symbolising the breaking of the curse, the subconscious pattern is de-hypnotised and the patient can make new conscious decisions about their core self beliefs. Three case studies are used to illustrate the application of the theory in hypnotherapy practice. Continuously searching for better ways to help patients is at core the role of the psychologist in practice.