A study of the effects of stabilization in trauma care:

Clinical hypnotic process for a woman with dissociative symptoms after a road traffic accident

Abstract

The first stage of the SARI model, one of the treatment models of trauma care, uses stabilization techniques to reinforce the client sense of security and safety. In the present study, stabilization based on the five-stage ego strengthening techniques(Stanton, 1989)was used with a client. who presented with dissociative symptoms such as alternate personality following a car accident. As a result, the client. was able to 1. decrease negative feelings and sensations in the mind and body, 2. acquire a mindful attitude, 3. externalize negative thoughts and problems, 4. destroy symbolic images that cause negative thoughts, and 5. visualize a positive future in a special place where they feel safe and secure. The client was then stabilized after 21 sessions. Subsequent traumatic memories were successfully reprocessed. These results indicate that the five-stage ego strengthening techniques(Stanton, 1989)is useful as a stabilization technique.