Persona theory, ego-state theory, and hypnotherapy: Implications for treating suicidal clients

Suicide is discussed with a focus on the trait of ambivalence that suicidal people experience. This trait is explained in terms of persona theory, which states that people are comprised of multiple parts. Persona theory is discussed and explained in the context of different theoretical orientations. Hypnotherapy is described, as are the four stages that I feel comprise an effective hypnotherapeutic treatment based on persona theory. Ego-state therapy and Dusty Miller's model of therapy, both of which are based on the metaphor of persona theory, are discussed next. Finally, an original hypnotherapeutic treatment for suicidal clients based on persona theory is proposed. The four stages of this treatment are discussed fully.