I keep referring to the concept of “language games” in my sessions, so here’s a bit more information about it. It’s central to how I do my work.

Disclaimer: I’m not a philosopher. Everything I write here is based on my limited understanding of this super complex idea.

Ludwig Wittgenstein proposed the concept of language games to explain how words get their meaning. According to Wittgenstein, words do not have fixed universal meanings. Instead, their meanings are shaped by how they are used within social language games that depend on context, history, and custom.

Wittgenstein argued that words can only be understood in the context of their use. For no particular reason (wink), let’s look at the word “sound”. In music, “sound” may refer to tones, melodies, and acoustics. Used as an adjective, “sound” could describe something that is based on reason, logic or good judgment – for instance, “sound advice” or a “sound investment”.

“Solutions” is another example of a word that has shifting meanings in different language games. In science, a “solution” refers to a liquid mixture where a solute is dissolved in a solvent. (I had to Google this; I’m not this smart ). In business, a “solution” refers to an answer to a company’s problem or issue.

In a Solution Focused Hypnotherapy setting, “solutions” have an even broader use. The way I see it, “solutions” could be new possibilities: new ways of being, thinking, feeling, and behaving. They influence each other anyway. A “solution” could be discovering something from the past we would like to use/do again or naming our unique skills, resources and qualities which might have been hidden so they can help us to build a life more in harmony with our best hopes.

The meaning of a word depends on the language game it’s used in. When choosing a name for my hypnotherapy business, this concept deeply resonated with me.

As a musician, I believe in the power of sound to heal and transform. I wanted a name that reflected my belief that every one of us has inner resources to tune into to find “solutions”.

So, I chose the name Sound Solutions Hypnotherapy.

Just as each musical note carries its unique tone, I see each client as having their own inner “sound” waiting to emerge. My role is to help bring out those internal answers using customised hypnotherapy techniques.

Since I see the client as the expert on their own life, the answers they come up with are always “sound” as well – reasonable, thoughtful and well-founded.

The name Sound Solutions Hypnotherapy reflects my view that we all have our own inner “music”, wisdom and potential waiting to be expressed. By understanding each client’s language game, we can co-construct a new way of being.

I hope you find this useful. I’ll nerd out about language games often in the future, so stay tuned!