The patient is asked to focus on his mirror image. When the patient becomes inducted into a 'mirror trance', he is then asked to free associate to his image. Defences are unblocked and the unconscious mind is permitted to flow, bringing forth vital feelings and thoughts of recent and past experiences. Intermittently, the patient focuses and unfocuses his eyes upon the image, as he ventures from reality to the unconscious and back. He is a participant observer while using the mirror. In some cases, immediate interpretations can be made from the data gathered. Occasionally, primary instantaneous insight is gained by the patient.
Child Mirror Therapy was employed with five child stutterers. The seven-year-old children all took turns using the mirror in the classroom. They free associated to their mirror image rather easily as if it were play therapy. They exposed their problems to their fellow students and teacher. Many simple problems were solved rather quickly for the children.
Depression. The MIPT is most useful in decreasing depression. The mirror is an antidepressant instrument. At times it will provoke the patient to cry, and thus relieve anger. This reduces the depression in the individual.
Suicide prevention. Since the MIPT decompresses depression, this reduces considerably the chance of the patient acting in a suicidal manner.
Reducing anxiety. The mirror precipitously reduces a patient's anxiety. Mirror responses 'gush out' from the patient and anxiety disappears. I term this the 'gushing phenomenon'. Panic states are thus obviated. Phobic patients are helped by this mirror manoeuvre.
Extracted from the extraordinary volume of 724 pages, 'The Psychotherapy Handbook, the A to Z Guide to more than 250 Therapies in Use Today' (New England Library, US$ 9-95).