Matching hypnotic interventions to pathology types: A working model for expressive psychotherapies

Abstract

This article identifies Kohut's typology of Guilty Man and Tragic Man as a clinically useful construct in outpatient psychotherapy. The author notes that an expressive approach focused on ambivalent conflict is indicated for the Guilty Man, and a restructuring expressive approach is indicated for the Tragic Man. A hypnosis technique is identified for use with each of these two approaches: the Door of Forgiveness technique (primarily for conflict-focused therapies) and the Conference Table Technique (for restructuring therapies).