SR Case Study 6

Woman on the train

I was going to London by train to attend a seminar, early in the morning. As I joined the train and sat at the end of the section, at the other end, a woman, who had obviously been on the train for some time was behaving in a loud and abusive manner to the other occupants of the carriage. When she saw me, she at once became personal and highly abusive about men, especially those in the carriage.
There had obviously been a complaint to the guard as he appeared, and after a very aggressive encounter he said unless the abuse and loud behaviour stopped he would have her removed by the police at the next station.
At this stage the woman used her mobile phone. From what could be heard,
she phoned a hospital or a clinic in London and asked to be re admitted that day. At this time an argument ensured. Whoever was on the other end wanted to know full details of her problem. She stated the schizophrenia was particularly bad and she was having a very bad day. She said under apparent pressure for details: I am in a train full of people so I can’t tell you. She hung up in a very agitated state.
At this stage, I felt that I should endeavour to calm the situation. I thought
that if I used a technique that I regularly use, when working with people with strong ‘emotional’ problems, (such as depression fear, anger etc or when working with parts therapy) I might be able to help the woman.
I ask for the permission of the clients subconscious, to speak directly to the
problem, emotion, or strong energy in or around the person. I then start talking directly to the problem or emotion.
This method has the effect of preventing the need for direct questions to the
client, so that the ‘threat’ is removed. It also means that one tends to get far more insightful, honest and clearer information which the therapist and the client can work with, without the client needing to be defensive in any way. This is useful when the client is in a light or deep altered state for any reason, self induced, or therapist induced, or indeed is detached from the situation that they are in at the time.
I walked down the carriage, to the Lady and asked her if I could speak to her
Schizophrenia. She looked at me and said: Yes.
(Speaking to the Schizophrenia) I then said ‘Schizophrenia’ do you want this
lady to be put off the train at the next station?
I received a loud, clear and rather aggressive No, from the woman’s mouth.
I then said: ‘Schizophrenia’ do you think it would be a good idea if she went to
sleep until we are coming into the London station?
I received a strong Yes.
I turned to the woman and said firmly: Sleep now. (clicking my fingers in front
of her eyes.) Her head dropped to her chest and she went to sleep, immediately.
I walked back to my seat down a silent carriage.
She awoke just as we were coming into Victoria Station getting off the train without saying a word.