Recognising Patients’ Subjective Interpretations
by James Middleton – Thursday, 3 June 2010, 11:31 PM
I find it of particular interest when a client describes his problems in a subjective interpretation of labels which have been given by “well meaning” doctors and therapists who he has seen before.
For example;
“I have depression, and the doctor says it could take me a year or more to get better.”
“The therapist said I must have been abused as a child and that I need to resolve this conflict by bringing it out into the open before I can get well.”
“The doctor says this arthritis can only get worse over time, it will never heal.”
“The specialist said I have a classic eating disorder, and therefore it will take years to get over it.”
“Because I tested positive for pollen allergy the doctor says I am a hay fever sufferer and I have to take antihistamines for the rest of my life.”
“The doctor said because my leg was amputated I will always have phantom limb pain.”
“Because I have had more than one episode of depression, the doctor says I have to take antidepressants for the rest of my life.”
“The cognitive behaviourist I had a session with, said I just have to change my thinking, and only my thinking, and everything will be alright again.”
“My doctor says I have M.E. and will never be able to return to full time work.”
I feel, that although subjective interpretation is important – perhaps far more important is the terrible damage that can be caused by the power of words, suggestions and ideas if they are not offered thoughtfully.
I’m not putting the blame especially on doctors, although they can be some of the worst culprits, but on all of us, myself included.
We owe it to ourselves, our clients, and all the people we communicate with, to make every effort to frame people’s experiences, life events, problems and illnesses in a positive way, with riders for change and
transformation being always possible.
Let me know your thoughts.
Creativechanges - Ericksonian hypnotherapy 
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