Hello Gareth,

It is good to have you on the group and I'm glad to see that you are using your blog.

Can you tell me, what does GSR have to do with hypnosis?

Enjoy the network,
Cal

Hi Calvin and thanks for asking,

The GSR meter is more commonly referred to in hypnotherapy or hypnoanalysis as a "Biofeedback" meter. It works in the same manner as a polygraph or lie detector. A client's response to stress is believed to be shown by increased conductivity of their skin.

Some people assume that this is a side effect of the flight or fight response and it's not surprising considering that people will often report clammy hands in highly stressful situations. A GSR meter detects this increased conductivity with greater sensitivity.

Personally, I don't use a GSR meter myself as the client provides plenty of "hints" during the session but I am interested in seeing how accurately it reports the clients state. A number of television programmes in the UK which have looked at phobia cures have tracked heart rate etc. in order to show the client the change in their unconscious response after treatment when given the same stimuli.

The use of a software based record of the response give the opportunity to combine the realtime skin response of the client with video and audio of the session. This then gives a unique opportunity to see exactly how effective different elements of the therapy are proving. (If a client shows a marked decrease in skin conductivity after using guided imagery or direct suggestion then it would indicate that follow up sessions should continue to refine this approach in order to effect change rapidly and with the greatest chance of success).

My main reason for presenting the GSR meter here along with other therapy related items is that a large number of therapists are interested in or use "Biofeedback" monitors and this will allow people the opportunity to get one for no cost. All the cataloging of the build process is to give some evidence of how it can be used and also to supply the know-how for others to create and utilise it.

Hope that helps.
www.garethholmes.org