Applying process-oriented hypnosis to treat perfectionism-related depression

ABSTRACT

This paper brings together concepts, tools, and case examples that provide guidance for ways to use process-oriented clinical hypnosis to shift perfectionistic tendencies to help resolve depression and enhance well-being. Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for clinical and subclinical suffering of many types including depression. Over time, perfectionism is becoming more widespread. Perfectionism-related depression can be effectively treated when clinician attention is directed toward core skills and themes. Case examples illustrate how to help clients moderate overly extreme thinking, create and use realistic standards, and develop and apply a balanced self-evaluation. A variety of clinician styles and approaches, especially when tailored to individual client characteristics, preferences, and needs, are compatible with process-oriented hypnotic interventions for perfectionism and depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression
• perfectionism
• process-oriented hypnosis

Acknowledgments

Tim Criswell, Ph.D., provided feedback, support, and encouragement that both improved the quality of the paper and made the writing of it possible.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).