FORENSIC HYPNOSIS INTERVIEWING METHODS

Forensic hypnosis Interviewing Methods

Forensic hypnosis Interviewing Methods

Introduction

While there are a number of similarities between the application of investigative and therapeutic hypnosis, there are distinct and important differences. This article will delineate the salient factors associated with both approaches.Initial Interview

The initial interview, rapport construction and evaluation of the witness/victim or client/patient are similar but an investigative session is more demanding regarding the holding of records. In an investigative session, it is imperative that all contact between the witness/victim and the hypnotist be audio and/or video recorded. While most, if not all clinicians, hold a patient document and records of contact, there is no convincing reason, in most cases, to hold an audio and/or video record of all patient contacts.(McNally,2005)

The induction phase of the sessions could be the same in both therapeutic and investigative application. It is suggested that a standard induction, such as progressive relaxation be used in a forensic session and this is also routinely used in therapeutic sessions. Esoteric and “showy” rapid inductions are not suggested for investigative sessions. You require to recall that everything you say and manage is being noted and may be examined by a jury. You may also be needed to explain why you did what you did at any granted time throughout the session. The same thing holds factual regarding the use of deepening techniques.(Perrin, 2006) There is no reason that deepening techniques can not be used in a forensic session; although, if such techniques are engaged, they should engage counting, silence or other widespread and straight forward approaches as opposed to pressure techniques, which may be subject to misinterpretation as wittingly or unwittingly cueing the witness/victim. This admonition is also factual regarding the use of deepness scales and challenges. As a general direct, permissive techniques are favoured over authoritarian ones in a forensic session.(Victor, 1993)

The purpose of a forensic session is to refresh the subject's memory. The purpose of a therapeutic session is to assist the patient/client in resolving conflicts and achieving therapeutic goals. In an investigative session it is imperative that you use neutral non-leading questions and manage not contaminate the subject's memory. Clinicians are typically not accustomed to this approach and thus may resort to using their clinical skills throughout the session. This is, of course, the right thing to manage in a therapeutic session, but the incorrect thing to manage in a forensic session. This is the piece of the method that holds the most risk for the integrity of the hypnotic interview.

The de-hypnotizing piece of the therapeutic and investigative sessions is similar, if not identical. Simply counting the subject up from 1 to 10 is a widespread method in both approaches.(Perrin, 2006) It is also widespread to give suggestions for well being throughout this part of the session. This is permissible in both forensic and therapeutic settings. Again, acceptable techniques should always be employed.Posthypnotic Differences

Finally, the posthypnotic portions of both the forensic and therapeutic sessions are similar but there are distinct and important ...