Attribution of meaning: an ecosystemic perspective on hypnotherapy

Although the concept of attribution of meaning has been used previously in theorizing about hypnosis, it was in the development of an ecosystemic conceptualization of hypnosis that it came to the fore as of major practical importance. The way clients and families think about themselves, about their problems, and about hypnosis has particular implications for hypnotherapy. In this paper a theoretical rationale for the development of the concept of attribution of meaning is provided. It is also shown, by means of case examples, how emphasis on the attributions made by clients can influence the manner in which particular hypnotherapeutic strategies are employed.