AN ANALYSIS OF SPEECH ACTS BY HYPNOTHERAPISTS IN TREATING CLIENT WITH PHOBIA
This study aims to examine the types and functions of speech acts utilized by hypnotherapists during communication with clients who suffer from phobias. The data was obtained from a hypnotherapist's speech events during a therapy session with a 30-year-old client afflicted with caterpillar phobia. The method used in this research was observation and note-taking, wherein the hypnotherapist's conversation during the therapy session was analyzed. The results of this study reveal that directive speech acts utilized by the hypnotherapist play a crucial role in the hypnotherapy process, from induction, deepening, to termination, to help the client eliminate their phobia through instructions. Furthermore, the hypnotherapist also employs assertive speech acts to convince the client that every time they encounter a caterpillar, they will feel safe and secure. In addition, expressive speech acts such as praising the client when they successfully concentrate on the therapy are used by the hypnotherapist. It should be noted that the use of speech acts in hypnotherapy should be carefully performed and adjusted to the client's mental condition to be effective, and should only be conducted by professionals.