The “MORE TEST”: A Mechanism for Increasing the Efficiency of Suggestion

Abstract

Hypnosis is a powerful therapeutic tool that significantly increases the closeness between the various psychological and physiological processes. Suggestion is the usual means through which this closeness is established, maintained and exploited. The effectiveness of all hypnotherapy (including its uncovering and analytical applications) depends upon the effectiveness of suggestion; thus, suggestions must always be efficient in terms of precision and outcomes sought. This paper discusses aspects of hypnosis and suggestion, contrasting suggestions that seek to establish particular circumstances (e.g., calmness) with others that seek to eliminate particular circumstances (e.g., tension) in the same subject. The importance of positively worded suggestions that seek positive outcomes is emphasized, a thought experiment is offered, and a simple, exclusive procedure, the "MORE TEST", is described that allows hypnotherapists to clearly determine whether a particular suggestion is productive or counter-productive. Examples are presented to demonstrate the practical application of the "MORE TEST".