Creating Stories and Metaphors for Lasting Change: Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom Through Hypnosis, Narrative Therapy, and Story Telling

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Dr. Doris Brett (Following the ASH Conference)

You should know who Dr. Doris Brett is. If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, or even Europe you may already know her work. She is a celebrated writer who has won numerous awards for her poems, novels, and children’s books. Dr. Doris Brett is also a captivating speaker and renowned clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. I reconnected with her at  the ASH (Australian Society of Hypnosis) conference in Cairns, Australia. I asked her for an interview and then stalked her and threatened to not leave Australia until she agreed … and, lucky for you all, she finally acquiesced.

In this episode, Dr. Brett touches on several classic stories ripe with metaphors. As an example, do you know the famous story about a lost girl who starts off her misadventures in life by inadvertently killing someone? Then her circuitous journey leads her to three feckless male archetypal figures, who are also lost. They band together and set off to find what they’re missing inside. They eventually walk down a windy road and kill again, which sets them free. Their journey results in each of them becoming more enlightened, self-assured, self-directed, and happier. They even start singing together and find a skip in their step.

Dr. Brett knows that you will easily recognize this familiar tale despite the cryptic setup. She opines that the way we setup a story or narrative framework is important. Have you figured it out? The above framework is the basis for the Wizard of Oz where two witches die. One witch dies at the beginning when Dorothy’s house lands on her. At the end, we all remember how the wicked witch melts (second death). Each character in Oz is a source of inspiration. Dorothy realizes she has always had the power to go back home, to find peace and strength within, and that she is not alone. Whereas the Scarecrow realizes he is smart, the Tin Man discovers his heart, and the Lion finds his courage. It’s a meta-story about not doubting ourselves and recognizing our full potential. It also illustrates the wisdom of questioning authority figures, false prophets, and autocratic leaders who rule by fear.

The Wizard is a symbol of false authority or illusions of power until the curtain is pulled back. The Emerald city is a metaphor for a false utopia. The tornado represents upheaval, change, and a new phase of life. The story as a whole can be a psychological guide on resiliency, the importance of community, and finding your life path after a tragic event. 

Arduous events can test one’s soul and grit. Dr. Brett believes that hardships can lead to Post-Traumatic Growth. In brief, Dr. Brett illustrates how a familiar story like the Wizard of Oz can be rich with symbolism. Dr. Brett artfully uses this classic story and film, along with Greek mythology, ferry tales, and poems to help clients gain insights into their own life story - - that can lead to meaningful change.

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