Aversion Therapy

Aversion Therapy

 

The purpose of aversion therapy is to stop or prevent an undesired habit or behavior. It can be applied to actions such as nail biting, smoking, over-eating, alcohol consumption, pornography use, gambling.

A basic rule in psychotherapy is that every behavior serves a benefit to us, whether the results of that behavior appears to be beneficial or not. As we develop, we take on beliefs and patterns of behavior or habits that help us to cope. Understanding that every behavior meets a need, whether it is outdated or not, helps us to also understand that changing behavior is not a matter of will power or rational thought since it is being driven by the emotional, creative part of our mind. This is where aversion therapy may help. Since the subconscious, emotional thought process usually trumps over the conscious, rational thought process, change is created therein. By changing the way a person feels about a certain habit, behavior can be redirected.

A common use of aversion therapy in hypnotherapy is to help a client break an obsession. The trance state is created through hypnosis to open the imagination and, using the client’s pre-suggested imagery, anchor images and feelings to the sweets that would repel her away from them. Because this is instilled while in trance, the subconscious accepts these ideas and serves them up at future times whenever the client’s thoughts go to the sweets, whether they are just imagined or actually present.

Through this process, behavior is changed. Be careful: It is important to point out that aversion therapy is a negative experience. In some cases aversion therapy can be very helpful to support clients for example from particular substances. However and, in my opinion, requires full agreement and willing participation from the client. I make sure it is always balanced with a realistic program of creating positive and healthy imagery and goals.

 

Aversion therapy gives the client suggestions that focus on negative aspects of a habit. Examples:

• Feeling sick when smoking
• Associating a bad taste when nail biting