Interactional Pragmatics of Directive Speech Acts in Hypnotherapy: A Qualitative Case Study of a Mental-Block Client

Suci Ayu   Kurniah; Gusnawaty Gusnawaty; Lukman Lukman; Ikhwan M. Said

doi:10.31849/ap6ek068

Authors

Suci Ayu Kurniah Universitas Indonesia Timur, Makassar, Indonesia
Gusnawaty Gusnawaty Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Lukman Lukman Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Ikhwan M. Said Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/ap6ek068

Keywords:

Directive speech acts, Hypnotherapy, Therapeutic communication, Mental block, Interactional pragmatics

Abstract

Language serves as a therapeutic instrument in hypnotherapy, yet how directive speech acts are strategically organized to facilitate emotional regulation and behavioral transformation in naturally occurring sessions remains underexplored. Existing research predominantly emphasizes clinical efficacy and psychological outcomes, while micro-pragmatic analyses of how therapists linguistically construct suggestion, authority, and client agency across session phases remain limited, particularly in non-English therapeutic contexts. To address this gap, the present qualitative case study investigates the interactional pragmatics of directive speech acts in a hypnotherapy session with a client experiencing a persistent mental block that undermined confidence, initiative, and occupational engagement. Data comprised a verbatim transcript of one complete session and a structured post-session outcome note collected within one week. Drawing on speech act theory and interactional pragmatics, clause-level utterances were analyzed by directive form, function, and interactional purpose across five session stages: rapport building, induction, imagery work, transformational suggestion, and closure. The findings reveal a phase-specific directive choreography: interrogative directives scaffolded client narration, embodied imperatives managed attention and compliance, metaphorical imagery directives externalized negative affect, and transformational suggestions reconstructed a more confident future self. Following the session, the client reported increased confidence, stronger work motivation, reduced intimidation, and greater initiative in social and entrepreneurial activities. This study contributes an original micro-pragmatic model linking directive design with observable perlocutionary outcomes, advancing therapeutic discourse studies, clinical pragmatics, and hypnosis research by demonstrating that strategically structured language can function as a measurable resource for psychological and behavioral change.

Author Biographies

Suci Ayu Kurniah, Universitas Indonesia Timur, Makassar, Indonesia

Suci Ayu Kurniah Puteri is a senior lecturer at Universitas Indonesia Timur, Makassar, Indonesia. She earned her Doctoral degree in Linguistics from Hasanuddin University. Her primary research interests lie in Pragmatics and Applied Linguistics, specifically investigating the impact of hypnotherapists' speech acts on clients' behaviors and psychological states, as well as English vocabulary acquisition strategies for young adult learners. Through her academic contributions, she actively promotes scientific inquiry, research collaboration, and the application of knowledge to address contemporary challenges.
Gusnawaty Gusnawaty, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia

Gusnawaty is a professor and senior researcher at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. She is actively involved in academic research and higher education, contributing to the advancement of knowledge through rigorous scientific investigation and scholarly collaboration. Her research engagement reflects a commitment to developing innovative perspectives, strengthening academic capacity, and producing meaningful contributions to her area of expertise. Through her academic leadership and research activities, she continues to inspire future generations of scholars.
Lukman Lukman, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia

Lukman is a professor at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. His academic career demonstrates a sustained commitment to research excellence, intellectual development, and the advancement of higher education. He contributes to scholarly discussions through research, teaching, and academic collaboration, fostering critical thinking and innovation within the academic community. His dedication to scientific development reflects his important role in strengthening research capacity and knowledge production at national and international levels.
Ikhwan M. Said, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia

Ikhwan M. Said is a senior researcher at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. His academic work reflects a strong dedication to research innovation, knowledge advancement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through his contributions to higher education and scientific research, he continues to enrich academic discourse and support the development of evidence-based knowledge. His commitment to scholarly excellence and academic mentorship contributes significantly to the advancement of research and education.

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