Gucciardi tells us that people come to hypnosis for help with many addictions such as wanting to quit smoking, wanting to lose weight, drinking, or gambling to name a few. She says, “The truth is that the symptom is the tip of the iceberg . . .The symptom becomes the path to healing in depth hypnosis.” She shares examples of family dynamics. For instance, one stepfather was resistant to the “Coming to Peace” process but eventually, with deep listening and patience, the sessions led to a deep healing for the entire family. In her experience as a therapist she has discovered that many times conflicts are rooted in parts of the self that are in conflict within, and these parts drive the conflict externally. She leads her clients in constructive conversations with those internal parts and guides them on a voyage within to explore unconscious motivations. This work involves a spaciousness; it requires one to hold back judgements and jumping to conclusions too quickly. It takes practice and patience to develop the skill to do this “Coming to Peace” work that applies the Buddhist principles of patience, tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion.
