This performance anxiety script is made up of individual paragraphs containing post-hypnotic suggestions designed to help a patient gain remission from specific aspects of the anxiety. The suggestions are based on common patient expectations and aim to accomplish three things:

• focus the patient’s attention on the exciting aspects of the performance
• give them the confidence to imagine themselves doing the activity
• create the motivation to practice their performance and rehearse their positive responses to the end result

Induction

When selecting the induction, you will choose one which relates to the relaxation modality (i.e visual, auditory or kinaesthetic) of the patient, identified in the pre-induction talk. For example, by asking them what they do to relax.

Deepener

Performance requires some element of adrenaline, so a deepener which emphasises focus rather than relaxation is appropriate. The deepener shown focuses the patient’s attention on relaxed and deep breathing, rather than the shallow breathing which is associated with their anxiety.

Therapeutic suggestions

No single script can be used for every patient with a condition. However there are some common factors amongst anxious performers, and these are discussed in the form of individual paragraphs.

At the start of each script paragraph the objective is stated. When taking the case history, you should ask questions relating to each script component. If the component is not relevant to the way in which the patient views their condition, it should be excluded. Additionally, if a patient has other issues which are not covered by the script, new paragraphs can be inserted as appropriate. This way you can use the script paragraphs as a framework, while still having the flexibility to add and delete as appropriate for your patient.