Metaphoric Symbolised Imagery (MSI) can be combined with most modern hypnotic, counselling or psychologically recognised therapeutic applications.

What is MSI and why should I do this workshop?

Metaphoric Symbolised Imagery (MSI) can be combined with most modern hypnotic, counselling or psychologically recognised therapeutic applications.

Metaphoric Symbolised Imagery (MSI) belongs under the umbrella of Advanced Parts Theory as a therapeutic technique grounded in Dr Peter Richard-Herbert's Behavioural State Therapy and his ongoing research. 
Behavioural State Therapy as a therapeutic approach utilises the concept of the original works of Freud, Jung and Federn’s Ego States as unconscious mechanisms. 
It is a rapid change therapy technique that can be combined with most hypnotic, counselling or psychologically recognised therapeutic applications.

Students will learn the underlying concepts of Advanced Parts Theory and how to recognise the ‘parts’ of clients and the meaning behind how clients themselves recognise and own those parts. You will gain an understanding of what can be achieved by using the Behavioural State framework and MSI. We will look deeply into the structure of the MSI “Transitions” and what they do. The concept of transparent versus non-transparent therapy is key to this. 

Founded by Dr Richard-Herbert, this technique uses the unconscious process of archetypal symbolism and applied association presented within a series of imagery transitions to resolve and develop everyday patient coping capabilities. The multidisciplinary process of MSI repairs, resolves and integrates underlying unsupported, conflicted or traumatised ego states on a deep therapeutic level promoting patient resilience and future coping.

Metaphoric Symbolised Imagery (MSI) as a therapeutic application was launched at the International Congress of Hypnosis in Bremen in 2012 by Dr Peter Richard-Herbert. 



Great interest was further shown when MSI workshops were delivered at the ISH European Congress in Sorrento Italy in 2014. At the Parts Therapy Congress in Heidelberg in 2015 an extended version of MSI was presented called the ‘Soul Train’ where demonstration with volunteer students was of special interest.


This theory was presented at the World Congress of Medical and Clinical Hypnosis in Montreal in 2018, and again at the Pacific Rim Congress hosted by ACA in Brisbane in 2019 and again at the ACA Conference in Sydney in 2023.