ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 opens with a case example illustrating unconscious process work. Whereas traditional process work is operationally defined by its uncovering techniques (bringing either emotional or autobiographical information to conscious awareness), unconscious process work moves in the opposite direction. It may initially involve some conscious goals or primes, but the real work is ceded to unconscious processes. After reviewing essential Freudian principles underlying traditional process work, the disadvantages of conscious process work are examined, such as emotional flooding and exposure-shame. Next, the concept of positive depth psychology is contrasted with Freudian depth psychology—the key difference being that the former emphasizes unconscious capabilities more so than the later. Moving beyond the science/practice divide, we see how the material in this book unites practice and research. This leads to a discussion of discoveries that are changing our understanding of how the mind operates. With science catching up to the known practical benefits of hypnosis and depth psychology, its precise language and principles help bridge the divide between hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. Finally, a problem-solving framework is used to identify the practical outcomes achieved by unconscious process work.
