Client-Therapist Collaboration in the Preparation of Hypnosis Interventions: Case Illustrations

Abstract

Therapists can use hypnosis in a variety of situations to help clients utilize their own resources effectively. In both heterohypnosis and tape-assisted self-hypnosis, the respectful collaboration of therapist and client in the development of specific intervention strategies can be effective. I have described four cases to illustrate the collaborative aspect of heterohypnosis in a surgical setting and tape-assisted self-hypnosis for anxiety, tinnitus, and situational depression. In each case the clients were willing and able participants.

Long-Term Outcome of Hypnotic-Analgesia Treatment for Chronic Pain in Persons with Disabilities

“…One factor that might have an impact on the long-term efficacy of hypnotic-analgesia treatment is continued patient use of the selfhypnosis skills taught during treatment. Many clinicians who provide hypnotic treatment ask patients to practice self-hypnosis between treatment sessions (Spiegel & Spiegel, 2004), and some provide the patients with audiotapes of the hypnosis sessions to facilitate this practice (e.g., Barber, 2004;Cochrane, 1991;Jensen & Barber, 2000). In support of this clinical practice, there is some evidence that patient use of self-hypnosis after treatment may influence the long-term efficacy of treatment.…”

Psychological Preparation for Labor and Delivery Using Hypnosis

“…This will serve to minimize any misunderstanding regarding the use of touch. I then adjust the content of my phrasing or methods as appropriate (Cochrane, 1991 ). Cochrane's (1991) collaboration principle is the basis for the individualizing of the approach.…”

“…I then adjust the content of my phrasing or methods as appropriate (Cochrane, 1991 ). Cochrane's (1991) collaboration principle is the basis for the individualizing of the approach. For example, one patient (case one) reported that the use of the word "pressure" would be a suitable replacement for the word "pain."…”