The Promise of Hypnosis as a Tool in Holistic Psychotherapy
By Gail-Elaine Tinker, M.S., Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Hypnotherapist
For most Psychotherapists who use hypnosis and Hypnotherapists, the very first task is telling patients what hypnosis is and what it is not. There are many myths to dispel. On TV and film, hypnosis is portrayed as a Machiavellian feat, with abilities to make people do unbelievable things while in a ‘trance’ that they might never do in life. Then there are stage hypnotists who entertain by inviting people on stage where they end up ‘clucking like a chicken.’ Perspective clients fear an enormous loss of control, implantation of foreign ideas, and giving away important secrets.
So, in spite of this damaged reputation, clinicians need to explain the growing body of scientific research which support hypnosis as a beneficial tool in treating a wide range of painful and bothersome conditions that some people are resistant to other means of treatment. Hypnosis shows great promise in the treatment of chronic pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and many phobias, and it is being studied in the role of many habit reductions. While Hypnosis is not a psychological treatment itself, it is an invaluable tool. It does not interfere with medication or other therapeutic models. This means that hypnosis can be critical in the treatment of debilitating diagnoses with or without medication and other therapeutic interventions.
How does Hypnosis help in such serious Psychological conditions? Hypnosis can create a highly relaxed state of inner concentration and focused attention for recipients, and can be tailored to different treatment methods. Many who practice CBT or DBT can use Hypnosis to forward the process. It is very important to empower each recipient by teaching self-hypnosis for home follow-up to reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, or alleviate some symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Hypnosis has been used for centuries for pain control, including during the Civil War, before effective anesthesia was developed, Army surgeons hypnotized injured soldiers before amputations. In the APA Journal Article, January 2011, Vol 42, No. 1, Hypnosis Today, Brendan L. Smith discusses recent studies on the effectiveness of Hypnosis to reduce pain. He cites extensive research on Hypnosis as a pre-surgical pain reduction program that not only reduced distress, pain, nausea, fatigue, and discomfort, but also saved calculable time, money, and medication per patient; which is highly impressive. This same article cites another research study combining CBT cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis to reduce fatigue for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, a very arduous process. Yet another study mentions benefits of hypnosis for burn victims undergoing painful wound debridement who received reduced pain needs due to hypnosis.
Hypnosis’ downside is its entertainment reputation and its decade in history when false memories where inadvertently implanted by improperly trained practitioners. So not many therapists use hypnosis for memory retrieval, and certainly these memories are not admissible in a court of law. Also not everyone responds to a hypnosis treatment equally, and yet the effectiveness of the treatment may still be measured. When combined with other therapeutic interventions, the effectiveness increases, even if the client denies ‘hypnosis.’ Many receiving therapeutic hypnosis describe it as “extreme relaxation” which they can carry home with them in terms of self-hypnosis. It isn’t a cure but a ‘baby step’ for many with deep-seated anxiety, insomnia, and pain syndromes. Follow-through is important, because the relaxation helps for a while, but a ‘real solution’ should be prepared to enact positive change.
Very few Clinical Psychology programs teach hypnosis. The prevalence of ‘weekend’ hypnosis courses make it difficult to ascertain who has had more extensive training and who has just ‘read a book.’ Look for certification by a national association, a professional demeanor, business card, and website; this tell you that they are a true professional. It is OK to ask for ‘references,’ names and numbers of people to vouch for the practitioner’s abilities. In turn, you are expected to pay the person and do the necessary work to get well and strong. Hypnotherapy is an excellent tool in Psychotherapy. I hope it works for you.
Gail-Elaine Tinker, M.S., RM, CH, NCC, LPC is a licensed Psychotherapist and certified Hypnotherapist in Private Practice in Lehigh Valley, PA. She does Life Coaching, Advocacy, Public Speaking, and Writing. Tinker Psychotherapy Services is a general practice but has specialties in Trauma, Grief, Addiction, Women in Transition, and Chronic Pain. She uses Hypnosis, Reiki, Art Therapy, Mindfulness, Groups and Talk Therapy to help people reach their goals. If you would like to meet with Gail-Elaine email gailelainetinker@yahoo.com.
