Use the Overcome Smear Test Anxiety Script to Get Anxious Clients Through this Uncomfortable Medical Procedure

Pap smear tests are screening tools used to detect precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix or colon. Because of the possible repercussions and the sensitivity of the procedure, it can elicit a broad range of anxieties.

The Overcome Smear Test Anxiety Hypnosis Script from The Script Collection was put together to help clients approach regular pap smears calmly and confidently, knowing that they're making a smart decision.

A brief pre-talk reassures the client that their anxieties around pap smears are well-founded and normal. It sympathizes with the reasons they may feel daunted by these tests, including anticipation of pain or embarrassment, past sexual trauma, and the dread that can accompany waiting for results. However, it reminds the client that, despite these legitimate worries, their courage in attending this session indicates they understand that "the test is the sensible, adult thing to do" and has saved countless lives.

The client is reassured that hypnosis has successfully helped people "tune out" discomfort and stay calm during many kinds of medical procedures, and that it will help them do the same during their smear test.

An extended induction begins with the client closing their eyes and relaxing as they concentrate on taking deep breaths - in for a three count and out for a five count. They are gently led to relax more and more deeply as they continue breathing slowly.

As the deep breaths continue, the client is guided to feel a "wave of comfort" naturally flowing from the top of the head right down to the toes, soothing and calming every part of the body.

Trancework begins with imagery of a lake surrounded by trees, sunlight reflecting off the water's surface. The client holds this image in mind for a bit before being guided to notice how ripples in the water mean that "the lake can't reflect reality clearly," yet when everything calms down again, the lake "becomes like a mirror" that reflects reality perfectly.

Now, the client is guided to drift beyond themselves, as if on wings, to "a place of stillness and peace" where they can observe themselves from afar as they sink further into a deep trance state. They are encouraged to give themselves permission to let their inner mind take them to a new level of relaxation.

The client now drifts into an enjoyable memory or imagined place, where embedded commands relax them even further. In this state, the client is led to understand how affirming a core value can strengthen their motivation to act in accordance with that value. Embedded commands direct them to internalize the core value of "being responsible and looking after myself."

The client is reminded that any time they want to relax completely, they can do so by repeating the slow, counted breathing they practiced earlier and letting the wave of comfort flow through them. They are led to picture a future version of themselves who "feels calmly in command" as they relax in this way.

The picture becomes more specific now as the client watches their future self before, during, and after a smear test, feeling deeply relaxed and confident throughout as they say to themselves, "My health is important to me." It is suggested that they can even drift outside themselves to observe the situation from a detached position.

The client is encouraged to "fast-forward through a video" of the experience until, before they know it, the smear test is completed. Embedded commands encourage the client to practice this process in order to integrate it at the unconscious level. The client is guided through another quick rehearsal to reaffirm and embed this process.

Time is shifted forward and the client pictures themselves years into the future. They notice that they have become so skilled at deeply relaxing that it has become a part of who they are. They feel the "calm self-command" that comes with this skill.

Finally, from this future vantage point, the client reflects back on a smear test that was much calmer, easier, and quicker than expected. They are asked to notice, too, how the calm feelings surrounding the experience also imbued the times before and after the test.

Add the Overcome Smear Test Anxiety Hypnosis Script to your script library today.

Overcome Smear Test Anxiety is also available as an MP3 download.