Hi, I’m Matthew from Matthew Bates Hypnotherapy.

As a general rule, we don’t use hypnosis with clients that suffer with psychosis. We have no way of knowing how they respond to the suggestions or the metaphors that we use in the trancework. But that doesn’t stop us using our natural language skills as a therapy to help them.

But to do that, we really have to listen first. Recently, a client I’m going to call ‘B’ gave me permission to share a poem they’d written. So I’d like to share that with you now. It serves as a reminder for anyone working in the mental health field, but also for the friends and loved ones of those who suffer from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. The reminder is this:

While we may be experts in our fields of work, our clients are the experts about themselves. And it’s us that should not just hear what they tell us, but really listen.

Just listen when they pour their heart into your ears.
Just listen when they find the strength to tell you what’s important to them.
What is hurting their soul.
What is making them feel small.

Just listen.
Just listen to the things they ask.
The suggestions they make.
Just listen.

Open the door for their voice to find a home.
For them to feel heard.
For their identity to feel respected.
Just listen and allow them to speak without interrupting.

Allow them to tell you what’s wrong, without telling them what’s right.
Allow them to be raw without closing yourself off.
Allow them to show you where they’re bleeding without telling them how they should feel.
Just listen.

Thank you for listening. I’m Matthew from Matthew Bates Hypnotherapy. Please share this, you never know who it will help.